Nepal Trekking - Dig Tsho High Peaks and Passes

At the end of a trek in spring 2023 we had a spare day to fill so wandered west from Namche Bazaar towards Thame. On the outskirts of a tiny village we came across an information board with a map. The map showed a red dotted line, denoting a path, going in a loop to the high glacial lake of Dig Tsho, then over a high pass to descend to the village of Taranga. Within this loop was a 5000m mountain named Gisum Peak. Neither the path, nor Gisum Peak featured on any of our detailed maps of the area, and the seed of an idea was sown.

A bit of online research back in Namche Bazaar revealed that the glacial lake, Dig Tsho had been the scene of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in 1985. Over 30 houses, 14 bridges, and a hydroelectric plant were washed away downstream. The lake still remains to this day, but in a much smaller, and safer state. We searched on Google Earth for signs of a path, and could see on the satellite images a vague one leading up to the lake, but nothing going beyond, or over the pass shown by the red dotted line. Back in Kathmandu, over a beer with Tsering Sangpo Sherpa from Sherpa Khumbiyila Adventures, we discussed the possible route. Both Tsering and Nima, our good friends who own SKA, are from the Thame area, and Tsering thought that the path might be a route that used to be taken by yak herders years ago. He didn't know if the route is passible today, but confidently said that if anyone knew it would be Nima. 

Once back at home in the UK, I received a WhatsApp message from Tsering saying that another of the SKA Sherpa team Pasang, had gone 'to have a look' at our route. It was pretty cloudy during Pasang's reccy, and there was quite a bit of fresh snow around, but he did take some very tantalising photos of the lake, the pass, and the ridge leading up to Gisum Peak. Even via WhatsApp it was clear to read the excited tone of Tsering's message. The Sherpa team are confident that a trek into this area, with acclimatisation on the nearby Sumdur Peak (4800m - 5000m, depending on how far up the ridge you go!), exploring Dig Tsho and the old yak herder route over the pass, then a ridge scramble to the summit of Gisum Peak (5015m) will make a really exciting and adventurous trek.

Day 1. Arrive in Kathmandu. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Depending on your flight arrival time, there may be time to explore the city. In the evening we'll gather as a group at the hotel. You'll meet your UK guides, and also your Sherpa guides who'll be with you for the rest of your trip. There'll be time to answer questions, and we'll advise you about packing for the flight to Lukla, etc.

Day 2. Kathmandu. As some flights may not arrive until late on day one, we'll have breakfast together in the hotel, then spend the day in Kathmandu. You could enjoy the exotic splendour of Kathmandu independently, or explore Thamel and the neighbouring area with your UK guide. We normally have an early dinner together, as we'll need to get an early night's sleep, ready for a very early start the next day.

Day 3. Flight to Lukla. We'll leave Kathmandu in the early hours in a private jeep for the drive to Ramechhap which is the small airport that most flights go from to Lukla. The flight is one of the most spectacular in the world, renowned for the landing at Lukla, which sits on the side of a mountain. That afternoon we'll start our trek with a short walk down into the valley to the village of Phakding, overlooking the Dudh Kosi river, where we'll spend the night in our first of many lodges.

Day 4. Trek to Namche Bazzar. For most trekkers, this feels like a fairly big day. We leave Phakding along the riverside path, gaining height to reach the village of Monjo, then after crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge high above the river, we have a long but beautiful climb through open forest and jungle to the town of Namche Bazaar, the 'capital' of the Everest region. We'll pace ourselves carefully for the trek today, as it can be pretty tiring, but the views along the way, and our arrival in the vibrant town make it all worthwhile.

Day 5. Acclimatise in Namche Bazaar. After our exertions of yesterday, today is spent in and around Namche. We'll need to acclimatise to the altitude before moving to the higher villages, and to help you with this we'll have a short walk to a viewpoint just over 4000m high, getting our first proper views of Everest and Ama Dablam if the weather allows, before dropping back down to Namche for another night. You can spend the afternoon enjoying coffee and cake in the town as you watch the world go by, or get a little retail therapy in the many shops in the town.

Day 6. Trek to Thame. Today we climb out of Namche, and head west into the valley of the Bhote Kosi. This is beautiful country, and much quieter than the Dudh Kosi valley we have been in so far. We'll enjoy views towards the mountains on the border with Tibet, seeing Tangi Ragu Tau, and with luck distant Menlungste. We stay in Thame for the night..

Day 7. Acclimatisation on Sumdur Peak. Today we head up to Sumdur Peak above Thame to acclimatise to the altitude further. Most trekkers coming this way go to a viewpoint at about 4800m. Above this point the terrain gets more technical. Most maps show a summit at 5377m, but it's difficult to get that high, and we certainly won't be that well acclimatised at this stage. Our views northwards will be right up to the head of the Bhote Kosi towards the famous Nangpa La, the old trade route through the Himalaya from Tibet into Nepal. We return to Thame for another night of comfort in a lodge before we venture into unknown terrain.

Day 8. Trek to Langmuche. Our trek today takes us up towards Dig Tsho, and the village of Langmuche. Little now remains here since the flood of 1985, but yak herders do bring their animals up here to graze. We'll camp the night, for the first time sleeping above 4000m, ready to head further up the valley tomorrow.

Day 9. Trek to Dig Kharka. As we head further up towards the glacial lake at Dig Tsho we're very much just exploring. We'll camp somewhere below the lake, possibly at Dig Kharka, and we'll enjoy amazing views of the eastern wall of the mountains that form the border ridge with Tibet. There will be the possibility of sighting Himalayan tahr, while snow leopards are know to hunt in these high valleys - although of course few people ever get to see one!

Day 10. Trek to Gisum Peak camp. Today we'll climb above Dig Tsho, looking for a suitable place to camp that will give us the best opportunity to climb Gisum Peak tomorrow. This will most likely be our highest camp, and weather and snow conditions may dictate exactly where we spend the night. It'll be an exciting evening, preparing for our ascent tomorrow, and we'll be in bed early in our tents so we can rest before an early start.

Day 11. Climb Gisum Peak and trek to Taranga. We'll enjoy the ascent of Gisum Peak along a rough, bouldery ridge. This is not technical climbing, but we'll need to take care on the rocky slopes. We hope to reach the summit of Gisum Peak in the morning, leaving us time to descend all the way to Taranga village for our last night in tents.

Day 12. Trek to Thame. This is a short day, but the scenery is wonderful all around and our view straight ahead will be of the massive north face of Kongde Ri and Nup. Returning to Thame will feel a little like returning home after our adventures in the high mountains, and we'll arrive early enough for some down time in the village, and a restful night in a lodge.

Day 13. Trek to Kongde. From Thame most trekkers head straight back to Namche Bazaar and the regular Everest trek out to Lukla. But, we want to explore further, and try to keep away from the crowds on this trek. We're heading back up into the mountains today to a high lodge at Kongde. This lodge lies high above the valley on its south side, and from here we'll have the slopes of Kongde Ri and Nup very close by to our south, while views to the north will take in Kyajo Ri which we hope to climb in autumn 2024!

Day 14. Trek to Phakding. Today is a long descent back into the valley of the Dudh Kosi. We'll enjoy the nearby mountains of Kusum Kangguru, Kang Taiga, and Thamserku as our view along the way, and it'll be a welcome return to the delights of Phakding for coffee and cake and a night in the lodge.

Day 15. Trek to Lukla. Our last day on the trail as we trek back to Lukla. We'll arrive in the early afternoon, giving you time to explore the town.

Day 16. Flight to Ramechhap, and back to Kathmandu. We'll have an early morning flight back to Ramechhap, then enjoy the journey by private jeep back to our hotel in Kathmandu. We'll have a celebratory beer at one of the many bars in Thamel, and we usually go out for dinner together as a group.

Day 17. Today we'll have a cultural tour of one or more of the famous temples in Kathmandu, and we'll enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by our Sherpa team, SKA Adventures.

Day 18. You'll be transferred from the hotel back to Kathmandu airport in time for your flight home. Alternatively, we can arrange extra nights in Kathmandu if you let us know in advance!

Costs Included:

• Arrival and Departure transfer as per itinerary including domestic and International flights.
• 4 Nights Hotel Majestic/Manang with breakfast on room sharing basis (2 nights before the trek and 2 nights after).
• Sightseeing to Monkey Temple and Boudhanath.
• Domestic flight Ramechhap - Lukla – Ramechhap
• Private Bus/Jeep Kathmandu to Ramechhap and Ramechhap to Kathmandu
• 9 nights Lodge accommodation on trek on a room sharing basis.
• 4 nights camping on a tent sharing basis.
• All three-time meals while trekking.
• An experienced trekking Sherpa Guide.
• An experienced UK guide (for all trips with more than four paying guests)
• Necessary assistant Sherpa guides.
• A cook and kitchen staffs during camping trek.
• Tents and foam mattresses during camping.
• All cooking utensils and cooking stoves.
• Dining tent and kitchen tent.
• Toilet tent.
• Chairs and table.
• Necessary porters and yaks for the trekking part.
• All trekking staff wages.
• Insurance for the trekking staff.
• National Park entrance fee.
• Khumbu Trekking permit
• SKA T-Shirt and Duffel bag for use during the trek.
• Farewell Dinner with cultural show.

Costs Not Included:

• International Airfare.
• Nepal visa fee. Can be obtained at the Kathmandu Airport upon arrival. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np
• Lunch & Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
• Additional nights at the hotel in Kathmandu.
• Personal trekking equipment - a full kit list will be sent upon booking.
• Medical insurance (high altitude coverage and emergency evacuation) and Travel insurance.
• Emergency rescue evacuation if needed.
• Bottled beverages, telephone calls, internet usage, and battery charging.
• Tips for the staff.

To Book:

Email us on grahamuneymountaineering@gmail.com to book, or with any questions.

This trek is limited to 10 paying guests per departure date. We require a minimum of 4 paying guests in order to have a UK guide accompanying the trek. For more than 6 paying guests we will provide two UK guides to allow for flexibility.

The Graham Uney Mountaineering guides on this trek are: Graham Uney & Sharon Kennedy.