Paldor Base Camp Trek – 10 Days

The mountain is at the southeastern end of the Ganesh Himal range in the Bagmati zone of Nepal. Standing at 5896 meters high, it is a popular spot for mountain tourists. From the summit, you can see the nearby Ganesh Himal and other mountains, which are 1000 meters taller. Paldor Base Camp, located at an elevation of 4980 meters, serves as the base camp for Paldor Peak in the Ganesh Himal range.

The journey begins with a scenic 5 hour drive by bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. From there, the trek passes through delightful suspension bridges where you cross rivers like the Trishuli River, Langtang Khola, and Bhotekoshi Rivers. Trekkers will pass through various local villages, including Chawatar, Gatlang, and Somdang. After Somdang, we head to Paldor Peak Base Camp.

Foods

During the trek, you’ll be provided with three-course meals. While the meals are simple, they’ll provide you with good energy for the journey. A staple meal is the traditional Nepali dish, Dal Bhat. In more remote areas, options may be limited. For breakfast, you can expect Tibetan bread, bread, tea, boiled eggs, and similar items. Lunch and dinner options are almost the same and include dishes like pasta, noodles, soups, potato dishes, and Dal Bhat. Additionally, it’s a good idea to carry some light snacks and chocolate bars with you for extra energy along the way.

Accommodation

Teahouses or guesthouses serve as the primary accommodation during this trek. As it’s a rural and less popular trekking area, the facilities they provide are pretty basic, but you’ll have access to basic amenities. In the lower regions, you may find attached bathrooms, while room sharing is common during peak seasons and in higher regions. At Paldor Base Camp, tent camps are the accommodation option, and you’ll be provided with a warm sleeping bag.

However, there may be extra charges for Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, hot water buckets, and laundry services. During peak season, it’s important to note that accommodations may be limited, as very few hotels are available in the area. It’s advisable to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re traveling during popular trekking seasons.

For this trek, you’ll need three permits: the TIMS Card, Langtang National Park Permit, and Paldor Peak Climbing Permit. These permits are essential for ensuring your safety and compliance with local regulations.

TIMS Card

The TIMS card, which stands for Trekkers Information Management System, is an essential permit for trekkers in Nepal. It costs NPR 2000 for most nationals, but SAARC nationals receive a discounted rate of NPR 1000. You can obtain your TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board office or any trekking agency in Nepal. This card helps track trekkers for their safety and provides valuable information to authorities in case of emergencies.

Langtang National Park Permit

The trail passes through the Langtang National Park, so it’s essential to obtain an entry permit for the park. The cost of the entry permit is USD 30 plus 13% VAT. This permit grants access to the protected area of the park and supports conservation efforts aimed at preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Paldor Peak Climbing Permit

To climb Paldor Peak, you need a permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association. If you’re planning to summit the peak, your touring company can make all the arrangements for you. The cost of the Paldor Peak climbing permit varies depending on the season. In spring, it’s USD 250 because it’s the peak season in Nepal. In autumn, you’ll pay USD 125, while in summer and winter, it’s only USD 70. Make sure to plan accordingly and obtain the necessary permit for your climbing adventure.

Altitude sickness is a common concern in the mountains of Nepal, especially when hiking up to altitudes around 5000m. The chances of experiencing altitude sickness are high due to several ascents and descents, which can make breathing difficult. Acclimatization is essential for our bodies to adapt to the altitude. If you plan to summit the trek, you’ll have an acclimatization day at the base camp. Otherwise, you’ll spend a rest day at the base camp exploring nearby lakes. This allows your body to adjust gradually to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring a safer trekking experience.

Symptoms may include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To prevent altitude sickness, it’s essential to acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and listen to your body. If symptoms of altitude sickness develop, descending to a lower altitude is the most effective treatment. Always consult with a medical professional before trekking at high altitudes, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.