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Mt. Ratna Chuli Expedition 7-128m
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Mt. Ratna Chuli Expedition 7-128m

Mt. Ratna Chuli Expedition 7-128m

Country

Nepal

Duration

31 days

Max Altitude

7128

Group Size

2-15 Person

Difficulty

very_hard

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Description

Mt. Ratna Chuli Expedition (7,128m) is an adventurous journey into the remote and stunning Nar-Phu Valley, located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This 32-day expedition offers a blend of cultural immersion, high-altitude trekking, and a challenging Himalayan climb.

The journey begins with an arrival in Kathmandu, followed by official preparations, briefings, and last-minute shopping. The expedition then proceeds with a scenic drive to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region, before continuing further into the restricted Nar-Phu Valley via Koto.

The trek gradually ascends through remote settlements like Mehta, Kyang, and Phu-Gaun, where trekkers acclimatize and experience the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the region. After a crucial rest and acclimatization day at Phu-Gaun, the team advances towards the Ratna Chuli Base Camp (4,842m).

From Day 10 to Day 24, climbers engage in an extended climbing period to summit Mt. Ratna Chuli. The ascent involves setting up multiple high-altitude camps, technical climbing on mixed terrain, and navigating snow-covered slopes. After a successful summit attempt, the team returns to base camp for cleanup before retracing the trek back through Phu-Gaun, Mehta, and Koto.

The expedition concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu, where participants celebrate their achievement with a farewell dinner and cultural program before final departure.

Trip Notes

Best Season for Climbing:

  • Autumn (October-November): Clear skies, excellent visibility, and stable weather make it the ideal season for a successful summit.

  • Spring (April-May): Favorable weather conditions, moderate temperatures, and less snowfall, providing a great window for climbing.

Experience Required:

  • Prior high-altitude trekking and mountaineering experience is essential.

  • Familiarity with ice climbing, crevasse navigation, and rope techniques is required.

  • Climbers should be comfortable using ice axes, crampons, fixed ropes, and ascenders.

  • Previous experience above 6,000m is highly recommended for a safe and successful ascent.

Accommodation:

  • Lodges & Tea Houses: Available in lower-altitude villages such as Koto, Mehta, Kyang, and Phu-Gaun.

  • Tented Camps: Used at base camp and high-altitude camps during the climbing period. Fully equipped camps with sleeping tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, and toilet tents.

Permits Required:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP)

  • Nar-Phu Restricted Area Permit

  • Mt. Ratna Chuli Climbing Permit (issued by the Department of Tourism, Nepal)

Safety & Acclimatization:

  • The itinerary includes a gradual ascent and multiple rest days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

  • Experienced climbing Sherpas will assist in technical sections and summit attempts.

  • Oxygen cylinders, medical kits, and a satellite phone will be available for emergencies.

  • A Government Liaison Officer will be present to oversee safety and coordination.

Physical Fitness:

  • This is a strenuous and technical climb requiring excellent physical conditioning.

  • Training should include long hikes, endurance workouts, strength training, and technical climbing practice.

  • Cardiovascular fitness, muscle endurance, and altitude adaptation exercises are highly recommended.

Cultural Highlights:

  • Experience the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the Nar-Phu Valley.

  • Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries and interact with locals in traditional villages.

  • Witness breathtaking landscapes of the Annapurna and Manaslu regions, with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and other Himalayan peaks.

 

Itineraries

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital, you’ll be met by a team representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, you'll be introduced to the expedition team and receive an initial briefing about the journey ahead. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and review logistics. In the evening, enjoy your first night in the bustling heart of the Himalayas. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Today is dedicated to expedition preparations. You'll complete necessary documentation, including permit processing for the Nar-Phu region and the climbing permit for Mt. Ratna Chuli. There will also be time for gear checks, last-minute shopping, and optional sightseeing around the city’s ancient temples. This day ensures you're fully ready for the remote mountain adventure ahead. Overnight at the hotel.

 

After breakfast, begin a scenic drive that takes approximately six hours, heading westward along the Prithvi Highway. The road winds through terraced hillsides and follows the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers. Arrive in Besisahar, a busy trailhead town where you'll spend your first night in the lowlands of the Annapurna region. Overnight in a lodge.

 

Today’s journey continues by local jeep along a rugged mountain track, taking about five to six hours. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River, passing through pine forests, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffside roads. You'll arrive in Koto, a small village that serves as the gateway to the remote Nar-Phu Valley. Overnight in a lodge.

 

The trek begins with an early start, entering the restricted Nar-Phu Valley region. You'll walk for about seven hours through dense pine forests, crossing suspension bridges and climbing steep gorges. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more barren and wild. Meta, your destination for the night, is a windswept plateau with panoramic views. Overnight in a lodge.

 

The trail continues through high alpine terrain, traversing narrow paths above deep canyons and past ancient chortens. After trekking for five hours, you’ll arrive in Kyang, a small settlement surrounded by dramatic rock formations and views of Annapurna II and Himlung Himal. The sense of isolation and Himalayan scale becomes truly evident here. Overnight in a lodge.

 

Today’s route takes you deeper into the Phu Valley. After about four to five hours of trekking, you’ll arrive in Phu Gaun, an ancient Tibetan-style village perched above the valley floor. The village is rich in culture, with stone houses, prayer flags, and centuries-old monasteries. Phu offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions of the high Himalaya. Overnight in a lodge.

 

This day is set aside for rest and acclimatization to help your body adjust to the high altitude. Take a short hike to the Tashi Lakhang Monastery or up to a viewpoint for spectacular Himalayan panoramas. You’ll also have time to explore the narrow lanes of Phu and interact with the local villagers. Overnight in a lodge.

Leave Phu Gaun and ascend through rocky and glaciated terrain, trekking for six to seven hours. The route involves crossing scree slopes, moraine ridges, and icy streams as you enter a stark and remote alpine world. Base Camp is set up in a sheltered area beneath Ratna Chuli, where you’ll begin your climbing preparations. Overnight in a tent.

 

Over the next 15 days, your focus will be on acclimatization, establishing higher camps, and making a summit attempt. Depending on weather and conditions, you’ll gradually move from Base Camp to Camp I, Camp II, and a final high camp. The climb involves snow slopes, glacial traverses, and mixed climbing on ice and rock. Summit day is a long push requiring stamina, experience, and teamwork. All nights will be spent in high-altitude tented camps.

 

After a successful summit and cleanup at Base Camp, you’ll begin the return journey, descending through the moraine fields and alpine ridges. The trek back to Phu Gaun takes around six hours. The comforts of the village and a warm lodge will be a welcome reward after weeks on the mountain. Overnight in a lodge.

 

Retrace your steps back down the Phu Valley, following the same high trails through Kyang. The trek takes about five hours through the familiar dramatic terrain of chortens, cliffs, and alpine meadows. Reach Meta in the afternoon, with time to rest and reflect. Overnight in a lodge.

 

Continue your descent through pine forests and gorge country, passing through waterfalls and rock walls. This leg of the journey takes five to six hours, as you return to Koto, where your restricted-area permit ends. Enjoy the comforts of a hot meal and lower elevation. Overnight in a lodge.

 

Board a local jeep for the bumpy ride down through the Marsyangdi Valley. The return drive takes around five to six hours, retracing your path past Dharapani and Jagat. Arrive in Besisahar, where the lush lowlands feel almost tropical after weeks in the alpine. Overnight in a lodge.

 

In the morning, begin the return drive to Kathmandu via microbus. The six-hour journey takes you through familiar river valleys and terraced landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Enjoy a relaxed day in Kathmandu for rest, souvenir shopping, or optional sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath or Boudhanath. In the evening, attend a special farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and a cultural dance performance. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Your expedition officially concludes today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance for breakfast or a brief city walk. A representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of a truly remote and majestic Himalayan adventure.

 

Cost Includes

Accommodation & Permits

  • 4-night stay at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing basis)

  • Special trekking and climbing permits for Mt. Ratna Chuli

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Transportation

  • Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu

  • All necessary ground transportation for the expedition

  • Airport transfers (international & domestic)

Expedition Logistics & Personnel

  • Government Liaison Officer charges

  • Experienced Expedition Leader

  • High-altitude climbing Sherpa (1 per client)

  • Professional cook and kitchen staff

  • Porters for carrying personal loads & expedition equipment

  • Insurance (medical & rescue) for all expedition staff & porters

  • Salaries, lodging, food, and wages for staff & porters

Accommodation & Tents

  • Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek

  • Fully equipped Base Camp setup:

    • Individual tent (with mattress & pillow)

    • Dining tent, kitchen tent, storage tent, toilet tent & shower tent

  • High-altitude tents for climbing camps

Food & Supplies

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trek and expedition

  • High-altitude expedition food & energy supplements

  • Cooking gas, stoves, and necessary kitchen equipment

  • Duffel bag for carrying personal gear

Climbing & Safety Equipment

  • All necessary group climbing gear (excluding personal climbing gear)

  • Ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, and other climbing accessories

  • First Aid Kit for all team members

  • Oxygen cylinder & mask regulator for emergencies

Communication & Power Supply

  • Walkie-talkie set for base camp & high-altitude communication

  • Satellite phone (pay-per-use basis)

  • Solar panel with battery backup for charging devices

 

Cost Excludes

Accommodation & Meals

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)

  • Additional food & beverages beyond standard expedition meals (snacks, energy drinks, chocolates, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, etc.)

Personal Equipment & Gear

  • Clothing, backpacks, and personal trekking/climbing gear

  • Personal first-aid medical kit & medications

Communication & Technology

  • Expenses for satellite phone, internet, and walkie-talkies (except emergency use)

  • Special filming or drone permits (if applicable)

Insurance & Medical Costs

  • Rescue, evacuation, hospitalization, medical tests & treatments

  • Travel insurance, medical insurance & emergency rescue evacuation

Additional Transportation & Services

  • Transportation beyond the itinerary

  • Personal porter services beyond the standard weight allowance

  • Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early return or other unforeseen reasons

Climbing Guide Summit Bonus

  • Sherpa summit bonus ($800 USD minimum per guide)

  • Additional tips and bonuses for staff as per custom

Miscellaneous Expenses

  • Nepal customs duty for imported expedition equipment

  • Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival)

  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, gifts, tips, etc.)

  • International airfare to/from Nepal

 

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