Parchamo Peak Climbing-20 Days

Spring

March: The month of March is ideal for trekking and admiring the spectacular mountain peaks. The Rolwaling region trekking trail will be crowded with hikers beginning in March. In the Rolwaling region, the spring season begins in March, the month of the Rhododendron. Trekking in March will provide you with the most memorable experiences in a pleasant and mild climate. At lower altitudes, the weather is not particularly hot, and at higher altitudes, it is not particularly cold. The views of the mountains are spectacular, and the trail is excellent. Nature can be experienced at its most beautiful.

April: April is the beginning of spring in Nepal, and the weather is ideal for trekking to the Rolwaling region. The views are bright and clear at this time of year, and everyone enjoys spring. The surroundings are vibrant and colorful, with rhododendrons in bloom. It is the best time of year to see various bird and butterfly species. During your April trip to the Rolwaling region, the weather is completely in your favor. The moderate heat of the sun, combined with the lack of wind, makes it ideal for trekking. Furthermore, the amount of rain and snow is insignificant.

May: May, the final month of the spring season in Nepal, is much hotter. Rolwaling region trek in May has the highest temperature of the year. Temperature and weather will vary depending on the altitude throughout the trek. During the day, the weather in the lower sections will be extremely hot. The nights, on the other hand, are tolerable.

Summer 

June: June is the coldest time of the summer and has the least amount of rainfall.  The month of June is the offseason and therefore less popular for trekking. In the region, June marks the start of the wet monsoon season. The weather is slightly humid, and you can enjoy nature while it is wet and cool. If you enjoy the rain, rainbows, and less crowded trails, this is the month for you. During this month, the air begins to become humid due to continuous rain.

July: Trekking in Nepal in July isn’t always joyful because the heavy rains can block your view of the beautiful mountains you’ll pass through. In July, you will notice that the temperature is not as chilly in the Rolwaling region. As the rain washes away the dust and pollution, the environment opens up and becomes very fresh, and you will be able to enjoy nature despite the chilly weather.

August: In the Rolwaling region, August is the off-season for trekking. In August, the monsoon season produces strong rains, especially in lower places. Due to weather-related concerns, most hikers avoid this month. The summer monsoon season comes to an end in August. It rains regularly, and you may feel a little chilly as a result. You should also be cautious because the trails are slippery and the possibility of landslides and avalanches is considerable.

Autumn

September: The monsoon season finishes in September, marking the start of the fall season. The optimum time to trek to the Rolwaling region is in September. The weather and temperature for the Rolwaling region Trek are ideal. The temperature is pleasant during the day, but it is extremely chilly at night.

October: October is the month that falls between September and November. As a result, it keeps both monsoon rain and winter’s biting cold at distance. The weather is warm and pleasant in October, with clear skies and fresh air. The nights, on the other hand, are a little chilly, with a brisk breeze coming from the campsite. Throughout October, the weather is pleasant, allowing people to enjoy an unobstructed view of the snow-capped peaks. They can also visit bright valleys and interesting scenery of various colors.

November: The last declared peak season for trekking in Nepal is November. Bright, sunny days and beautiful skies characterize November. On the treks, these provide breathtaking, crystal-clear vistas of the mountains. The days are bright and sunny in November. The sky is clear, with perhaps a few stray clouds possible.

Winter

December: In the Rolwaling region, December is a rather dry month. It receives fewer than 25 millimeters of rain every year. The Rolwaling region is in the shadow of the Himalayas. As a result, December has a lower chance of rain. It is also possible to walk the Annapurna Region Trek in December. In December, hikers will get a unique perspective of the region.

January:  In Nepal, January is in the midst of winter. The higher elevation receives moderate snowfall, whereas the lower elevation is ideal for trekking. During the day, you will feel warm, but as night falls, you will feel cold. In January, these areas receive little to no rainfall. As a result, the skies remain clear and the surroundings appear even sharper. The trails will be covered in snow, so you may need crampons to cross the pass.

February: The Rolwaling region trek in February is an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a place where all you can see are mountains and scenery. It’s peaceful because February is the coldest month of the year. Most people dislike trekking in the winter because they believe it is extremely difficult.

• The distance between Kathmandu and Chetchet is 200 kilometers.
• It takes around 7 to 8 hours to travel by private jeep, and approximately 9 to 10 hours to travel by public bus.
• The route to Rolwaling valley is the same either way, Kathmandu – Dhulikhel – Mude – Dolkha – Bhimsen – Singati – Jagat – Chetchet.
• To drive from a private jeep, you must depart early at 7:00 a.m., as the jeep will arrive at your hotel to pick you up.
• To drive in a public bus, you must leave early to catch a bus at either 6:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. from Ratna Park. You must arrive early and reserve your seat.

Altitude sickness is a sneaky monster that may attack even the fittest trekkers. This demand doing everything in your power to prepare for altitude trekking and taking things carefully throughout your journey. With increasing altitude, the amount of available oxygen decreases, which is the primary cause of high-altitude sickness.

The Parchamo Peak climbing is a high-altitude trek that needs proper acclimatization. Your body requires time to adjust to thin air, so start at a lower altitude and work your way up. Some of the symptoms of Altitude sickness are:

Early symptoms of altitude sickness

• Increased breathing.
•  Increased urination.
•  Headache and Restless sleep.
• Periodic breathing at night as a result of altitude.
• Dehydration.

Later symptoms

• Shortness of breath.
• Extreme fatigue.
•  Respiratory failure.
•  Cerebral edema.
•  Coma.

Certain care should be made to ensure that the situation does not worsen. However, if the symptoms worsen, you may need to return to a lower height and seek medical help. There are, however, several other precautions you may take while trekking to lessen your risk of altitude sickness.

• Trekkers can change their bodies by slowly and gradually climbing, as our bodies require time to adjust to the oxygen level. At least one day of acclimatization rest is required for high altitude trekking, and you should go as high as possible before returning to a lower height for the night.
• You should do various strength training exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and going to the gym to acquire strength and stamina for your adventure.
• As the air gets increasingly thin, an increase in elevation reduces oxygen levels, and in the Rolwaling region trek, an increase in altitude also means less vegetation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco decreases the body’s water content.
• The greatest remedy is to stay hydrated at all times. On your walk, instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water.
• Diamox is the most effective altitude sickness medication; thus, you should bring a subscription with you on the trek. However, you should consult with your physician to see whether it is advantageous.

Drinking-Water

Especially for trekkers, it is very necessary to hydrate your body at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during the trek. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water daily (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water).

Rowaling valley is one of Nepal’s most remote valleys having very little human settlement. Simi Gaun and Beding are the only two places where there is a large human settlement. There are only one or two houses in Uttise, Surmuche, Kyalcha, Dognang, Thakding, and Naa for tourists to stay, eat, and rest. Other than this, there isn’t even a single settlement within the distance of 5km (around 3hrs) from one destination to another. As a result, getting drinking water on the way to Tso Rolpa will be extremely difficult. Throughout the trek, the only places to get drinking water are teahouses and lodges, but it is not safe to drink without purifying it. Sealed bottled water is available in some places.

Every day, carry enough water for the day before beginning the trek because in someplace you won’t find any water resources on the trail. In and beyond the base camp there are no water resources. So that, from the base camp to the summit you have to melt the snow for water and treat it to make it drinkable. But not to worry, if you are traveling from any agency like us, you’ll be provided hot water 2-3 liter per day. Therefore, we recommend you bring a Reusable water bottle of 2-3ltr or water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water.

During this trek, you may have to pay between 1$ to 5$ for a sealed bottle of water.

Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.

1. Boiled water

Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free tap water in the teahouse but for boiled water, it cost around 1-2$ per liter and 3$- 10$ for a large pot.

2. Purification tablets or electrolyte powder.

Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water, purify by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.

Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek.

3. UV Light water purifier/ SteriPEN.

It is a simple, effective, economic, and environment-friendly way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolet light using Steripen, without changing the flavor of the water. This is a highly recommended means of purifying water (a one-time investment).

Electricity facility.

Rolwaling valley is one of the remote areas of Nepal. There is no access to electricity. The entire valley relies on solar power electricity, which is only enough to light a bulb. There is no charging socket in your room. Even if you are willing to pay for charging, your device will not be able to charge with solar power. You can charge your device in Chetchet, which is both the beginning and endpoint of our trek. As a result, it is recommended that you bring a power bank that will last the duration of your trek.

Recently a new hydropower project has been proposed near the Rolwaling valley, and an electricity pole has been installed. So, within a few years, Rolwaling valley will have access to electricity.

Internet Facility and Service

Internet and network facility is needed to contact your family, friends, and employee, to post updates and upload photos during the trek.

Rolwaling Valley has no internet service because there is no electricity.

NTC cellular service has been providing the GSM mobile network service in Rolwaling valley. You can buy the NTC sim card from the stores in Kathmandu for 1$. By taking data packages you can access the internet, only when the mobile network catches a signal. It is not guaranteed that your mobile network will catch the signal throughout Rolwaling valley.

Document needed to buy a sim card.

For foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.

For Nepali = 1 Passport size Photo, Photocopy of Citizenship.

Some useful tips to solve the problem of no electricity.

• Extra batteries for the camera.
• Power bank with 5000-10000mAh.
• The solar charger and solar lamp (LuminAID Nepal lamp)
• As possible less usage of a device with low brightness, GPS, and airplane mode.

The bag of a trekker also reveals the trekker’s level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the trek. As this trek is in a remote valley, there are no shops once you leave the road, so need to bring enough supplies that you need in the trek.

Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the trek.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets with the itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Valid passport.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Nepalese cash.
• Travel permits.

Clothing

• A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots.
• A pair of flip flop slippers or running shoes.
• A pair of mountaineering boots for climbing.
• 2-3 sets of thermals (leggings and tops)
• Pairs of hiking long sleeve shirts or tops.
• Pairs of trekking shorts and down pants.
• Fleece jumpers or a set of tracksuits.
• Good quality windproof down jacket.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket with large hood and pants.
•  Insulated hard-shell jacket.
• Neck gaiter, leg warmer, and packet of pocket hand warmers.
• 5-6 pairs of quick-dry wool socks/liner socks, underwear, sports bra.
• Pair of inner and outer gloves.
• Knitted Hat, Sun cap, Beanie, or Bandana.
• Glacier Sunglasses/ eyeshade for trekking and Full coverage eyewear for climbing (Eye and nose).

Trekking equipment

• Waterproof trekking bag of 40-50liter and Rucksack of duffel bag (if your backpack is not enough for all your item and need a potter).
• Reusable water bottle (both hot and cold) of at least 2-3litre.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner.
• Trekking stick/ poles.
• Map of Rolwaling region.
• Ice Crampons.
• LED Headtorch or solar lamp (LuminAID Nepal lamp is best as it is solar-charged and very much portable)
• Stuff sacks, plastic bags.
• Plug adapter, Charging appliances, power bank, batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel Wallet.

Peak Climbing equipment

• Ice Axe.
• Pair of ice/mountaineering crampons.
• Harness.
• Screw gate Carabiners (2lock, 2 unlock).
• Ascender (jumar)and Descender (figure of 8).
• Plastic mountaineering boots.
• Helmet.
• Snow bar.
• Climbing Rope.
• Ice hammer.
• Ice screw.

Toiletries

• Rolls of Toilet paper, wet wipes, and tissue.
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Deodorants.
• Portable mirror.
• Shampoo and soap.

Personal First Aid Kit

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Nicole
• Sanitary pads
• Bandage.
• Anti-inflammatory spray.
• Anti-Nausea tablets.
• Anti-diarrhea pills or power.
• Altitude sickness tablets- Diamox
• Water purifying tablets or electrolyte powder.
• Mosquito and Insect Repellent.
• Salt or anti-leech oil (If traveling in the rainy season, July- Aug)
• Earplugs

You can buy or hire trekking clothes and equipment in Kathmandu. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before you arrive in Kathmandu. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.

Branded trekking clothes and equipment are available around the Thamel area at a reasonable price.

Accommodation

We will accommodate in star hotel during our stay in Kathmandu.

For our stay from Chetchet, we will accommodate in Lodges/ Teahouses/ Camp. There is no human settlement except in Simigaun, Dognang, Beding, and Na in Rowaling Region, which is our destination to stay overnight. Beyond Na, until we reach Thyangbo we will accommodate in Camp.

Meal

During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.

Breakfast– French toast, Cornflakes, Cereal, Pancakes, Gurung/ Tibetan Bread butter, Eggs, Oatmeal, Tsampa porridge, tea, etc.

Lunch– Dal Bhat set (Rice, Vegetable curry, Meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad), Vegetable noodle soup, chicken noodles soup, Mushroom garlic soup, Fried noodles, Mo: Mo, Fried cheese Potato, Fried rice, etc.

Dinner– Dal Bhat set (Rice, Vegetable curry, Meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad), Mo: Mo, Fried noodles, Noodles soup, Thukpa, Fried Potato, Fried rice, etc.

Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You can buy it from your pocket.

Transportation

By Bus- From Kathmandu airport to hotel at Kathmandu and vice-versa.

From Kathmandu to Chetchet and vice-versa.

By Air: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Throughout the trek, all your activities will be handled by our well-qualified and professional staff. They will do all the escorting. As this is one of the hardest and tricky treks, we are providing you with a highly experienced and licensed guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent navigation and technique of rope fixing skills. They will accompany you from Kathmandu and guide you throughout your Parchamo Peak climbing journey. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weighs more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged for 2 people.

All our lead guides, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with them throughout the trek.

Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m. We need to start our trek early to avoid the scorching sun as in midafternoon the wind gets stronger compared to morning in higher altitudes.

You’ll wander along the trail enjoying the scenery, clicking photos, creating memories, interacting with your guide, hearing each other’s stories. Lunch will be served at a local teahouse in the afternoon. Having the flavorful Nepalese Dal Bhat and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the day’s final destination as per the itinerary.

On arrival at the destination, check into your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. As every teahouse/lodge where we stay has a common dining area with a wood-burning stove in the center, there you will get to meet other travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forget all the tiredness of the day. Later in the evening, you will have your dinner together. After dinner, your guide will give a short briefing about the next day’s trek regarding when you must get up when we have to start our trek the next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk, and so on.

During this 16-day journey to Parchamo Peak, you will be walking for a maximum of 10hrs to a minimum of 3hrs in a day. The whole trek is steep. Mt. Gauri Shankar will be your constant companion throughout the trek. The entire trek is a peaceful walk-through nature. When you reach Tsho Rolpa you will be fascinated by its milky glacier lake. You will get to experience the isolated village of Beding and Naa. Tashi Lapcha pass is one of the hardest pass treks. But once you reach the pass you will be mesmerized by the snow-covered pass. On the side, the view of Mt. Tyangi Ragyi will motivate you to cross the pass.  During the acclimatization day, hike around the small peaks/viewpoints and prepare your body to deal with any difficult walk. Before climbing the peak, you will be taught how to walk/how we have to move while climbing the peak. You have to study and practice well because your life and success depend upon your skill, knowledge, and endurance.  At night enjoy the view of sparkling stars floating in the clear sky above the cold wind. The most difficult day of the trek will be the summit day. But, the success of the summit and the panorama views of the gigantic mountains such as Mt. Gaurishankar, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Kusum Kanguru, Nuptse, Lhotse, and many other peaks from the top are jaw-dropping. Summiting the peak you will pass through Ngole, Thyangbo, Thame, Namcha (the capital of Sherpa) and fly from Lukla to our final destination- Kathmandu.

Every stop in the journey might not offer you a scenic view but will offer you a peaceful environment. Your hard walk will be paid off on the successful summit of Parchamo Peak with memories that last for a lifetime.

Visa procedure.

To travel to Nepal, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in Nepal. Better, if you have a tourist visa valid for at least 1 month because anything can happen during the trip, and staying in Nepal after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty.  Apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Nepal or obtain an On-Arrival visa at immigration in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. But it’s better to contact your nearest Nepalese Embassy.

Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.

• The Tourist Visa Application Form for Nepal (Fully completed online and printed)
• Original Passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity of at least 6 months.
• Photocopies of your passport’s information page.
• At least 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself with white background.
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal.
• Valid travel and return flight tickets.
• A bank statement from the last 3 months with a minimum closing balance of NPR 2, 00,000.
• Receipt of the visa fee for Nepal.

Note- 15 days visa costs USD 30. Our trip is for 20 days, so apply for 30 days tourist visa that costs USD 50.

Entry permits and Requirements

Parchamo peak lies in the restricted area (Rowaling Region) of Nepal. So, you have to obtain some permits from the government of Nepal to trek in this region. The Entry permits that you need for the trekking and climbing Parchamo Peak are;

Note-Obtain Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, and TIMS Card from Nepal Tourism Board, Bhirkuti Mandap, Kathmandu. Rolwaling valley restricted area permit is commonly known as TIMS Card, so not to get confused in these two permits.

NMA Parchamo Peak Climbing Permit has to be obtained from Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nagpokhari, Naxal, Kathmandu.

A Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit must be obtained from the Rural Municipality desk at the Lukla checkpoint.

For the issue of the TIMS Card, you need at least 2 members, accompanied by a licensed guide.

For more information about TIMS Card here is the link.

(If you are traveling from a travel/trekking agency your agency will arrange all the Permits.)

Documents required to get these permits.

• Complete the permit form with your passport details and tour details (Trekking area, Entry and Exit date, and point, Route of Trekking, Emergency contact information for Nepal and your Home country).
• Passport size photos.
• Original passport with a valid visa
• Photocopies of passport personal information page.
• Copy of Travel Insurance policy to obtain TIMS card.

During the journey, you may encounter several unexpected incidents or losses. Trekking/climbing peaks in Nepal is an adventurous and occasionally dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. Trekkers/climbers must have travel insurance before visiting Nepal for trekking. During this 20-days journey to Parchamo peak, you may encounter a physical injury, illness, or an unexpected accident, all the medical expenses and losses have to be borne by yourself.

Choose an insurance policy that covers all of your possible risks from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:

• Cancellation of Domestic and International flights.
• Lost and stolen baggage and passport.
• Hospital and Medical expenses (physical injury, Acute Mountain sickness, Altitude sickness, sudden accident)
• Emergency rescue such as Helicopter.
• All high-altitude trek dangers up to 6,500m.

You need to choose your travel insurance wisely so that, in the case of such an incident, your travel insurance will cover the costs.

You can get your travel insurance in either your home country of Nepal.

Rolwaling valley is the virgin tourist destination of Nepal. The village in Rolwaling valley is isolated and soaked in culture. You will be able to experience the typical lifestyle of Chettri, Gurung, and Sherpa that have been living in this area for a long time. This is the valley with the least amount of human settlement.

So, you have to respect the local people, their local culture and tradition as well as nature and environment. You can help them by using local products and services. You can learn some Nepali greetings words to greet them respectfully for example, “Namaskar”, “Tashi Delek” which means good day/Goodluck/Blessings. While walking along the forest trail, you must maintain a peaceful attitude. In the forest, do not play music. It frightened the wildlife. We expect you to properly dispose of your plastic garbage (food wrappers, plastic water bottles).

Rolwaling valley is a restricted area, so you must obtain permits from the Nepalese government to trek through it. Because it is a newly discovered trekking destination, the infrastructure in this valley is not well developed. Not just for the sake of people, culture, and nature, also you have to travel responsibly for yourself. Compulsorily wear the crampons when walking in the glaciers or on snow to prevent any injuries caused by slipping on the ice.

Your small act of neglect and disrespect can cause a major problem in the future.

Your responsible travel will help Nepal achieve long-term sustainable tourism.