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Dhaulagiri VII (Putha Hiunchuli)

The perfect start into high altitude mountaineering.

Sounds almost too good to be true. Join our expedition to a secluded, safe and fantastic seven-thousander in a little-known region of Nepal? A sure thing!

This expedition is the perfect step into high altitude mountaineering, a perfect preparation for the first eith-thausender and or for experienced skiers and snowboarders!

It’s a really rewarding mountain in a beautiful region of Nepal, the perfect alternative to the overcrowded Muztagh Ata and also an ideal preparation for the first eight-thousander expedition! The Putha Hiunchuli (also Dhaulagiri VII) is no longer an insider tip, after all, it was first climbed in 1954, yet it is still very quiet on this beautiful, technically simple seven-thousander in remote Dolpo in northwestern Nepal. Its existence as a mountain for skiing, however, is an absolute insider tip!

Alone the journey to this mountain through the fascinating, Tibetan influenced region, which has only been fully accessible since 1992, is a highlight. And its northwestern flank consists of ideally angled slopes with very few crevasses. Actually, this part of the Himalayas is rather dry. Following the snowfall brought on by the summer monsoons, perfect snow conditions are very common in autumn. Therefore, this mountain is also highly recommended for every ambitious ski tourer. Everything about the overall experience is just right.

Adventure Factor courageous
Experience / Emotion thrilling
Fitness / Struggle workout
Risk low objective hazards
Comfort simple

Highlights:

  • A fantastic alternative to Mustagh Ata
  • 1 sherpa each 2 members
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • High camp equipment
  • Small group

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

The exact schedule depends on weather and snow conditions as well as on the progress of the group on the respective mountain. In addition, keep in mind that we are in a very remote and politically sensitive area where our freedom of movement may be limited at any time due to governmental or environmental restrictions.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1-9: Arrival in Kathmandu and trekking to basecamp

Day 1: Arrival and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu (1300m)

Day 2: Afternon flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m) and overnight in a hotel.

Day 3: Short flight to Juphal (2470m), where we meet our porters and trek to Dunai (2140m), which is the main village in the Dolpo area. Overnight in a lodge.

Day 4: Trek from Dunai to Nando (2355m), always following the Barbung Khola, passing many picturesque terraced fields and small villages. The camp is set amidst corn and buckwheat fields and isolated homesteads.

Day 5: Trek from Nando to Mushi Khola (2,880m). The first half of the stage leads pleasantly through the shade, high above the river along to Laisicap (2,615m) to the upper Dolpo. In various ups and downs, a passage which was torn away by the river, must be bypassed. Today we sleep at the small alp Mushi Khola.

Day 6: Trek to Kagkot (3,265 m). The path leads through sparse pine and cypress forest and after several bridges we finally leave the  raging Bharbung Khola behind. At the end of the day we reach the last larger village of the valley, Kagkot. The surroundings there already bear typical features of the nearby Mustang.

Day 7: Rest day for the participants to explore the area or to relax. In the meantime, the loads are organized for our new local porters, who are the only one allowed to work behind this point.

Day 8: Trek via two passes (4,390 m and 4,490 m) to a very nice intermin camp at Pangzi (4500m).

Day 9: Today we reach our base camp at 4,940 m. The camp is beautifully situated on a flat meadow with a stream running through, framed by high mountains: Putha Hiunchuli (7,246 m), Churen Himal (7,286 m) and Dhaulagiri IV (7,661 m).

Day 10-23: Climbing

Day 10-23: Climbing Putha Hiunchuli
We have plenty of time to acclimatise and set up three camps at 5480m, 6150m and 6350m, to relax in between and to push for the first summit attempt. Almost all the way up can be done on skis with climbing skins. And now we know why we are here – to ski down from summit!

Day 24-31: Return to Kathmandu and journey home

Day 24-28: Trek back to Juphal (2.470 m).

Day 29: Flight to Nepalgunj (150 m) and onwards to Kathmandu (1.300 m).

Day 30: Kathmandu or spare day for flight.

Day 31: Journey home.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Organisation of the expedition
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
  • Domestic flights Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
  • All transfers (jeep / private shuttle)
  • Fullboard during whole expedition (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
  • Drinks at shared meals (no alcoholic drinks)
  • Double occupancy in hotels during journey to the mountain
  • Porter / Yak to basecamp and back (30kg personal gear / member)
  • 1 tent each member in basecamp
  • 1 tent each 2 members for approach and high camps
  • Mat for approach and basecamp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • Fixed ropes, fixing material
  • 1 Sherpa each 2 members
  • Gear, Insurance and helicopter rescue for all staff members
  • Medical emergency oxygen
  • Emergency medicine, pulseoxymeter
  • Kitchen staff
  • Comfortable, heated Dome tent in basecamp, shower tent
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Radios
  • All fees and permits
  • weather forecast
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included:

  • International Airfare to Kathmandu (ask for an offer)
  • Excess baggage fee on included flights
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Personal medicine
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • High camp mat
  • Fees for satellite communication

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization, and recommend our eight thousander expedition participants the possibility of pre-acclimatization in a high altitude tent at home (see also FAQ).

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition participants to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Nepal:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. You can get a visa on arrival directly at the airport or in advance directly at your embassy.
We recommend to get a “multiple entry” visa for 90 days.
Get further information directly on the official website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailled program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees celsius for the high camp. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent always lies in the participant‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Participants must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that participants adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each participant must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of participants: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless an optional personal Sherpa is booked. The porters are available for the group and set up the high camp and insure the route. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each participant undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

check_box  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000 meter peaks the following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel: until 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months prior departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of participants is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to Departure.