Accommodation:
Teahouses or Lodges and tented camps are accommodation types during the Putha Hiunchuli Expedition that provide basic facilities (beds, quilts, and pillows) but are comfortable to stay in. Generally, bathrooms are inside the teahouses except in the higher regions. During the peak season, room sharing must be done. Tented Camping for 1 or 2 nights. Internet and phone networks are mostly stable in the lower regions. Pay an additional cost for services (Wi-Fi, laundry, hot water, and showers).
Meals:
3-course full board meals are served during the Putha Hiunchuli Expedition, which are healthy and hygienic. Breakfast and dinner are served from the teahouses, and lunch is served at the stopovers during the peak climbing. There are limited meal options to choose from on the menu. Professional cooks prepared meals during the tented camping. Please inform your food menu preference earlier if there is any.
Drinking water
Drinking water during the Putha Hiunchuli Expedition is easily available. Climbers can buy Mineral Water, tap water, or boiled water at teahouses as their preference. Always carry a water bottle to minimize plastic pollution. Climbers can also use a water purification solution or buy mineral water, which costs USD 1-2 per bottle. Boiled water is served during the tented camping.
The transportation during the peak climbing is as scheduled in the itinerary preferred by the climbers, which is as follows:
- Private vehicle transfer to/from the airport in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu – Nepalgunj flight, Nepalgunj – Juphal flight, vehicle from Juphal – Dunai, and while returning, vehicle from Dunai – Juphal, Juphal – Nepalgunj flight, and Nepalgunj – Kathmandu flight.
The ideal seasons for the Putha Hiunchuli Expedition are Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov), as the weather and temperature are stable and offer incredible vistas. The winter and rainy seasons are riskier for peak climbing due to the unstable weather and temperature, slippery trails, and limited availability of accommodation and services. There is a high chance of flight cancellation during the monsoon and winter.
Putha Hiunchuli requires these compulsory permits:
- Expedition Royalty and permit fee of the Nepal Government to climb Putha Hiunchuli.
- Conservation area entry permit and fee.
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Foreigners – NPR 2000/person
- SAARC – NPR 1000/person
- Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families – NPR 500/person
- Garbage disposal fee: USD 500 per person
- Documents required:
- Scanned copies of passport-sized photos and passports of each participant
- Travel Insurance
- Expedition Royalty and a permit from the Nepal Government to climb Putha Hiunchuli.
- TIMS
Difficulty:
Putha Hiunchuli Expedition is a strenuous trek with a maximum elevation of 7,246 m. Peak climbing is a demanding task, but achievable with good preparation. The mountaineer with good physical condition and prior experience can easily ascend the Putha Hiunchuli. The trails are rough and contain steep ascents and descents, challenging for mountaineers. The best part of this peak climbing is that it is not very technical. Some sections require the use of equipment and gear.
Fitness:
Putha Hiunchuli Climbing demands climbers to have top-notch fitness levels. Climbers should be physically and mentally sound to join this peak climbing. With proper preparation, physical fitness, and acclimatization, it is achievable. Your familiarity with the mountainous terrain and previous trekking experience will be a plus point. Besides, maintaining good health and necessary check-ups before the trek proves to be fruitful. Some physical exercises and mental exercises to carry out before the treks are as follows:
Physical Exercise:
Cardiovascular Exercises, Leg Strength Exercises, Core Strength Exercises, Upper Body Strengthening, Foot and ankle Strengthening, Flexibility and Stability Exercises, and Hiking Specific Training.
Mental Exercise:
Meditation, Breathing Exercises, Stress Management, Solo Reflection, Focus and Concentration Improvement, Setting a goal, Practicing problem-solving skills, Staying Calm and Positive, Enjoying every activity, etc.
Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is common above an elevation of 2500 m in the mountains. As the altitude rises, oxygen level declines, and air pressure also lowers, which affects the body’s functions, causing altitude sickness. The maximum elevation gain during Putha Hiunchuli Climbing is 7,246 m. Since this is peak climbing, suffering from altitude sickness is high, but with proper precautions and preparation, it is preventable.
Common Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite loss, and sleep loss, and in extreme cases, some can experience unconsciousness and hallucinations.
Preventions for Altitude Sickness
- Take an acclimatization rest
- Inform the guide
- Climb slowly and gradually
- Keep yourself Hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and salty foods
- Know your body limit
- Take a complete rest and sleep
- Take medicine consulting a guide
It acts as a safety net and is essential for trekking and peak climbing. We recommend getting travel insurance from a reputed company.
- Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage, and personal effects.
- In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment, and aftercare for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.
Putha Hiunchuli Climbing is strenuous. Thus, it requires standard equipment and gear that climbers can hire or bring on their own.
- Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Insulating Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks, Raincoat, Balaclava, Bandana, Gaiters.
- Shoes: Camp shoes, a Pair of hiking boots, and Rubber sandals.
- Essential Documents: Passport, Travel Permits, Visa Photocopy, Passport-size photos.
- Food: Light snacks, Energy bars, and drink mix.
- Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Solar chargers, Batteries, Head Lamps, Torch, Umbrella, Sewing kit, Water Purifying solution kits, reusable bags to deposit waste, separate clean/dirty clothes.
- Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag, Camping Tent, and Cooking Equipment.
- Gear: Ropes, Crampons, Ice Ax, Ice-claw, Harness, Microspikes (optional).