CLIMBING BADEN POWELL SCOUT PEAK

Baden Powell Scout Peak, a mushroom shaped mountain situated in the Langtang region offers a perfect alternative to Imja Tse or Island Peak in the Khumbu region. It is surrounded by majestic peaks such as Langtang II, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and Shishapangma in Tibet. Locally known as Urkema Peak, it was renamed Baden Powell Scout Peak (5,890m) in 2006. The peak was named after the father of the Scouts movement by the Nepal Government to mark the centenary celebration of the International Scouts Movement. The trail to Baden Powell Scout Peak is located off-the-beaten-track, away from the usual trekking crowd. The villages, dotting the trail, are pristine and untouched by modernity. It is hoped that the economic condition of the villagers would improve once this trail gains popularity among trekkers. To mark the launch of the Baden Powell Scout Trek and Baden Powell Scout Peak, scouts from different countries like Australia, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal gathered in Nepal in August 2007 and were the first to trek along the Baden Powell Scout Trail and ascend the Baden Powell Scout Peak. Arrival in Kathmandu It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Representatives and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to the Nepal Scouts National Headquarters in Lainchour, where you will be warmly greeted by members of Nepal Scouts. It is suggested that expedition team arrives Kathmandu at least 2 nights 3 days before the start of the expedition and similarly 1 or 2 days spare time in Kathmandu before the final departure from Kathmandu.

Day 1 (5th September 2009) Kathmandu to Kakani [2050M] 1.5 hrs drive
In the morning we take a one and half hours drive to Kakani. Nepal Scouts International Training Centre and camp is located there. It spreads over 43.75 Hectors. This land was donated in 1998 to Nepal Scouts by the Government of Nepal. Over here scouts and non scouts from Nepal and other countries are given training and camping facilities. In addition the venue is used for various events and programs.

Day 2 (6th September 2009) Kakani to Syabrubesi [1400m] 8 hrs drive
After having breakfast, we take a 2 hour bus ride to Trishuli. We approach pristine villages on the banks of the river Trishuli. There is a small bazaar on the banks of the river, known as Trishuli Bazar (540m). From Trishuli after driving for another 8kms we reach Rasuwa District’s main gate. Members from the Shree Neelkanth Scout Troop will be there welcome us. Another 15 kms drive later Shree Neelkanth Namuna Scout Troop will welcome us with more floral garlands and cheer. We drive uphill to reach Dhunche (2120 m) and get the view of the mesmerizing panorama of the Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Langtang region. We drive downhill, through a winding road and reach Syabru Besi(1460m), where we stay overnight at a local lodge.

Day 3 (7th September 2009) Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel [2420m]
We traverse the ridge on Syabru Besi’s main road and soon reach Ghopcha Khola. Terraced fields and dense forest with a variety of plant species like oaks, maple, alder and bamboo can be seen on the trail. We may get to see yellow-throated martin, wild boar, langur monkey, red panda and Himalayan black bear en route. Further on, the trail crosses a stream and a bridge. We pass by several small tea shops. As we continue ascending steeply along the trail, we come across a steel suspension bridge at 2000 meters. The route further crosses to the north bank of the Langtang Khola amid the spectacular vistas of cascading waterfalls and opens into scrub oak forest. On reaching 2748 meters, we arrive at Lama Hotel where we conclude the trek for the day.

Day 4 (8th September 2009) Trek to Langtang village [3430m] (5hrs)
From Lama hotel, we continue the ascent above the Langtang Khola. As the trail progresses, it becomes steeper. We have the most exotic sights of Langtang Lirung lying at 7246 m. The trail leads to a log bridge and on climbing further we come across lush meadows of Ghora Tabela at 3000m. We will see several lodges and a police check post in the area. Further on, the route opens up into a wide valley of yak pastures and scattered Tamang villages with water-driven mills and prayer wheels. We arrive at Langtang village after crossing a stream and reaching up a height of 3500 meters. Langtang village is the headquarters for Langtang National Park and features flat-roofed Tibetan style houses, hotels and cultivated lands yielding buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips, barley and other crop

Day 5 (9th September 2009) Trek to Kyangjin [3900m] (3 hrs)
The trail skirts gradually through rich yak pastures and interesting traditional villages of Mundu & Singdun. We cross a wooden cantilever bridge and reach a wide valley after climbing a moraine. Finally, on ascending the mountain passes, we arrive at Kyagjin Gompa. There is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory in the area.

Day 6 (10th September 2009) Kyangjin to BP High Camp (6 hrs)
BP High Camp (4987m) The route from the base to high camp is an uphill climb. This little trek goes up through a rhododendron forest. We follow the rhododendron bushes and cross a river. We head in a westerly direction up to the mountain and moved towards the south. The high camp at 4,987 m, takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach from Kyangjin. The place where we set up our high camp is a good very open. It is a large rocky area but has fresh water flowing through it. The view from the high camp is fantastic. To the north, you have the magnificent view of Langtang Lirung, Langshisa Ri and Shisapangma in Tibet. To the south, the impressive south face of Naya Kanga (5844m) towers above. Since the camp area is totally flat, we can put up our tents easily. We pass the night at the high camp.

Day 7 (11th September 2009) High Camp to B.P. Scout Peak Summit (5890)
From high camp, we cross the rocky field and climb up about 50 metres until we get to a rocky slab on the right. From there we ascend the snowy 30 degree slope that leads to a glacier, which soon becomes a large glacial bowl. We zigzag our way up, keeping to the right, aiming towards the rock face to the west. From here, the slope gets a little bit steeper.Ropes are fixed.We stay on the ice and climb around the rocks until we get to the top of the ridge at about 5,890m.

Day 8 (12th September 2009) Back to Kyanjin Gompa
From high camp we trek back to Kyanjin Gompa.

Day 9 (13th September 2009) Kyanjin to Lama Hotel [2420M]
From Kyangjin, we take the route back to Lama Hotel. As we retrace our steps, we follow the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. We stop briefly for lunch and thereafter continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Day 10 (14th September 2009) Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi [1470m]
From Lama Hotel, we head back to Syabru Besi. We can wander around the undulating path leading to the village. This gives us an opportunity to get an insight of the culture and custom of the Tamang community. We can also simply relax in the sun savoring the beauty of the majestic Himalayan Mountains.

Day 11 (15th September 2009) Syabru Besi to Kakani [2050m]
From Syabru Besi we drive to Kakani, where we stay overnight at the Scouts Training Centre.

Day 12 (16th September 2009) Kakani to Kathmandu [1434m]
We conclude our trip with a driving to Kathmandu.

Day 13 (17th September 2009) Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home.

Booking procedure: Booking procedure must be done at least 2 months before the event.

Payment policy:
Payment should be made directly to Nepal Scouts Account Section. Those who are remitting through Bank telegraphic transmission Bank details is as follows; Nepal Scouts, National Headquarters Bank Name: Nepal Investment Bank Ltd. Address: Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal Account Number: 2424400 Swift: NIBLNPKP

VISA & ENTRY PROCEDURE
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points; it can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. For acquiring visa at the Airport, please carry two copies of Passport size photographs. For your case, a single entry visa which would be valid for 30 days would be good enough to cover the entire program. Please make entry visa which would be valid for 30 days would be good enough to cover the entire program. Please make sure that you carry USD 30 handy in your pocket to pay against the Visa if you plan to acquire at Kathmandu Airport. If you want to acquire Visa previously, please contact Nepal Embassy/Consulates in your respective countries.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
SLEEPING BAG Down-filled bags (4-5 seasons) are the best to bring because high altitude nights will be cold and there is nothing worse than to be cold at night. If you have a 3-4 season bag then you can get a fleece sleeping bag liner in Kathmandu.

SLEEPING BAG LINER
Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home.

INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD
Thermarest or similar. We provide a sponge foam mattress and if necessary, a closed cell pad, but if you have your own Thermarest, bring it.

DAYPACK
This should be comfortable and a good waistband that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water bottle, camera, waterproofs and odds and ends. You pack your daypack in the morning and give the rest of your baggage to the porters. You should have everything you need through the day with you, since it is likely that we don’t see the porters again before we camp for the night. A rucksack of around 4-5liters capacity should be larger enough. When we have really starts and at our camps in the higher valleys, the mornings can be quite cold and we will be wearing all of our warm clothing. As we get underway and the day warms up, duvet jackets and extra clothing are peeled off. Make sure your day sack is larger enough to carry these bulky items.

KIT BAG [ DUFFLE BAG]
This is what the porters carry and provide enough space to accommodate all your belingings during a trek. Kahtmandu shps weill have kit bags for sale at a very reasonalbe price. Please contact us for details. There will be a weight limit on trek (15kg) so its best not to pack more items than what you actually need. A small padlock will protect your gear. Have everything packed in plastic bags or one large plastic bag (dustbin liner). Anything you aren’t taking on trek can be left at the hotel in Kathamndu [clean set of clothes!]

BOOTS
For a comfortable trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining - leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better the boots you need.

SOCKS
In the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks are best. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, four pairs. I will suggest wearing two pair of socks, since it is my experience that this is the best way to avoid blisters.

CAMP SHOES
At the end of the day your feet needs some air, so bring some sandals or running shoes.

FLEECE TOP
Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Kathmandu you can get cheap Korean fleeces but they lack that essential style.

DOWN JACKET
This is something you don’t want to miss on those cool evenings. If you don't already have a down jacket they can easily be rented in Kathmandu.

WIND/RAIN JACKET
00 Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable.

THERMAL UNDERWEAR TOP AND BOTTOM
Good thermals are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. Expedition-weight thermals are the most versatile and can be worn as your high altitude trekking top.

FLEECE/SWEAT PANTS
Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better. Readily available in Kathmandu.

DAY WEAR SHIRT
T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more useful. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two so you can swap damp for dry.

TREKKING PANTS
You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-colored is best. You can survive with only one pair. Cotton cheapies in the local fashion can be bought in Kathmandu.

WIND PANTS
If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have gore-tex or similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.

UNDERWEAR
This is not something people tend to forget, but I put it here anyway bring 4 to 7 pairs.

WARM HAT OR BALACLAVA
Nice for those cold mornings and evenings

SUNGLASSES
Suitable for snow, it is bright up there, and you don’t want to end up snow-blind. Specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.

MITTENS/GLOVES
These don't need to be fancy (pockets are the warmest solution to cold hands), so local Kathmandu fleece gloves are fine.

WATER BOTTLE
Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. You want a total of 2 liters capacity.

TORCH
MagLiteorPetzl head torch or similar. Head torches are more convenient, and are available in Kathmandu.

TOILETRIES AND ODDS AND ENDS
Essentials for the month only. There are a surprising number of showers or buckets of hot water available. The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. We provide toilet paper. Roll-on deodorant can spare you grief with your tent partner.

TOWEL
Bring only a small one trekking, or even better a sarong. In Kathmandu and Lhasa hotels supplies towels.

SUN SCREEN AND LIP CARE WITH SUN PROTECTION
The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow.

MOISTURISER
A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.

FIRST AID KIT
We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhea, antiseptic, antihistamine cream, bandages, and tough blister tape (but not moleskin). You should bring any personal medicines that you need.

WATER PURIFICATION
One bottle of iodine tablets between two. Couglans or Potable Aqua is the best. We tend to use boiled water from the lodges but occasionally take water from the streams. The use of mineral water is discouraged from an environmental point of view.

CAMERA / FLIMS
Nepal and Tibet is particularly photogenic, so take plenty of films. Panorama and instant cameras are a very last resort. Bring a spare set of batteries. Kathmandu stocks all the standard print and slide film brands and the prices are cheap.

NOVEL
One or two with high swap ability. Kathmandu has some great second-hand bookshops. You will also find a very big variety in Himalayan titles in the bookshops here.

MONEY POUCH/BELT/INSIDE POCKET
Most people find wearing one while trekking a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. The Kathmandu hotel has safety deposit boxes.

SNOW GAITERS
Not needed but if you have them, bring them.

SNACKS AND NUTRITION
You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water only. The last two ingredients are wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate and chocolate bars are readily available in Kathmandu. Bring vitamin tablets from home.

Gear Check list

• Sleeping bag
• Daypack
• Trekking pants
• Fleece top
• Warm hat
• Light gloves
• Toilet paper
• Extra passport photos
• One liter water bottle
• Film
• Novel
• Lip care
• Torch

OPTIONAL

• Gaiters & Moisturizer

BRING FROM HOME

• Boots
• Socks
• Camp shoes
• Rain jacket
• Thermal top
• Thermal bottom
• Day wear shirt x2 or 3
• Underwear
• Sun screen
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries and odds and ends
• Small towel/sarong
• Personal medicines
• Camera
• Money pouch/belt
• 2x Passport photos
• Water purification
• Vitamin tablets
• Fleece gloves
• Trekking pants
• Sun Block Cap
• Toilet Paper
• Warm Trouser
• Sleeper
• T-Shirt (Full & Half)

GEAR FOR CLIMBING

• Snow gaiters
• Neck gaiter or balaclava
• New liner gloves (i.e. thin gloves)
• Fleece gloves/wind-stopper gloves
• Trekking pole
• Ice axe (Recommended by UIAA)
• Crampons
• Balaclava
• Jumar Light harness (Petzl or Black Diamond is Perfect)
• belay device: ATC or figure of 8 etc
• Two locking carabineers, two ordinary ones
• Two prussic, one short, one longer
• Windproof pants–
• Climbing Boots
• Windproof gloves/mittens, if you don't have wind stopper ones.
• High quality sunglasses. Side pieces are not essential; we can always use tape for a day. Money pouch/belt
• Leather boot waterproofing (snow seal etc)
• Helmet