BADEN POWELL TREK – LANGTANG – 16 DAYS

This is a new trekking route in the Ganesh Himal area, North of Kathmandu.
In a bid to encourage young people from different corners of the world to visit Nepal for their outdoor interests, Tourism Authorities of Nepal had been looking at different potentials and in this connection, Government of Nepal recently announced the opening of this new trekking route, named after the founder of International scouts, “Lord Baden Powell”. The trekking route had been opened for foreigners since 2004, but had rarely been approached by tourists. In 2007, Explore Himalaya organized the first ever expedition along this trekking route, for the International scouts in order to commemorate Lord Baden Powell.

The trek starts from Syabru Besi, after a day long drive from Kathmandu. On the way to Gatlang, the Goljung view point will, after a short 3 hour walk, give you an amazing panorama of the Ganesh Himal including Shishapangma (8013m) and Langtang Lirung (7246m). From here, you enter a quiet and unspoiled valley which will lead you to the Jageswor Lake after a 3 days hike. The steep trail goes through a dense forest where life seems to be suspended on time. This region of Nepal is inhabited by the Tamang people and sharing a milk tea with them is an unforgettable experience. The ascent will eventually end up at almost 4200m and views from the south ridge of this mountain chain are truly breathtaking. For the next 2 days, you and your Nepali team will follow the ridge to the north direction at an average altitude of 4500 meters high. Views of majestic mountain ranges remain your companion throughout this section of the trek.

At Changan Kharka, the descent to Tatopani starts passing through small Tamang settlements and large forest while following the Sanjen Khola stream. The 2 day descent will lead you to Tatopani located at 2600 meters high. A bath in the Hot Springs is a must do and a reward after the accomplished wild camping trek. Day long walks lead you to a new valley where you will be completely immerged into the Tamang culture (in Thuman, Rasuwagadi and Briddim). You will follow the Bhote Kosi River on the left side of the valley to the North and then come back on the opposite side on your way back to Syabru Besi, from where it all began.