Exotic Gangapurna expedition

• HB Kham

Gangapurna is an immensely beautiful mountain elevated at 7,455 meters. Although the mountain may be difficult and challenging technically, yet your difficulty in climb is relieved by the captivating and refreshing sights of snow and views of massif such as Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Manaslu, Tilicho, Pisang, Chulu West and Chulu east from the summit of this peak.

The expedition to this peak is considered to be one of the best expeditions in the world. Needless to say, this expedition is ascribed for those climbers who are already experienced in climbing the peaks in the past. Novice climbers should not attempt it.

Mt. Gangapurna topographically is situated east of Kaligandaki gorge between Tilicho peak and Annapurna III, close to Manang.

The expeditions begin after you arrive at Besi Sahar from Kathmandu via road and start to trek from Bahundanga village up to the Gangapurna base camp which is elevated at a height of 4600m from sea level.

Then begins your trip to Camp I, Camp II and Camp III from where you will be able to attempt Gangapurna in almost two weeks or so. The easiest trail to scale this peak is taking the route from Manang valley’s southern side. But never make a mistake to go on this expedition without a guide. The guide is a must for your safety.

You ought to take care of new crevices and snow conditions while ascending. The other fascinating things of this expedition are Thorong La Pass, beautiful landscape, flora and fauna and lush valleys and magnificent Mt Manaslu and Lamjung Himal.

Your trip through Manang valley offers a unique and exotic Manag valley culture and the dominating valley of Damodar. Lastly, the expedition while descending takes you to Jomsom from where you can take a flight to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.

The other option for you is to continue trekking through Ghorepani poon hill till Pokhara arrives.  Mt. Gangapurna can be easily seen from the foothills of the Mt. Annapurna ranges. Gangapurna peak lies high above the Manang valley. The best season for this climb is the spring and autumn.

Review

Masato Nose after climbing Gangapurna peak blurted out, “An awe-inspiring summit of Gangapurna, views from the Manang village via Gangapurna on the way to Throng La makes a beautiful scene on the ridgeline especially in winter.”