Everest Guides International
Plan your trip

Hunku and Khumbu, Nepal / Expedition

Baruntse Expedition

Approach Baruntse through the Hinku and Hunku valleys, then return to the Khumbu across the technical Amphu Lapcha pass.

Explore the itinerary Ask about this journey
The snow-covered slopes of Baruntse
The snow-covered slopes of Baruntse.
Duration
34 daysOutline programme
Summit objective
7,129 mRoute objective
Season
Spring / AutumnAsk for current dates
Experience
High-altitude expeditionExpedition

A closer look at the journey.

Baruntse stands between the Everest and Makalu regions, surrounded by glacial valleys. This itinerary approaches from Lukla through the Hinku valley and over the Mera La into the remote Hunku basin. After the climbing period, the planned Amphu Lapcha crossing leads to Chhukung and the villages of the Khumbu on the return.

The approach and climbing phases form one extended mountain journey. Time above base camp is used for acclimatization, carrying equipment, rest and a summit attempt when conditions allow. Discuss your climbing history with us so that the route, team support and equipment plan suit the objective and your experience.

  • Hinku valley and Mera La approach
  • Remote expedition camps in the Hunku basin
  • Technical Amphu Lapcha crossing into the Khumbu

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1-2Travel and Kathmandu preparation

Arrive in Kathmandu and organize the equipment and expedition arrangements.

Day 3-5Lukla to Nashing Dingma

Fly to Lukla and trek through Poyan and Pangkongma towards the Hinku approach.

Day 6-8Enter the Hinku valley

Continue through Chalem Kharka and Chunbu Kharka to Kothe.

Day 9-10Thangnak and Khare

Ascend the Hinku valley towards the Mera La approach.

Day 11-13Mera La to Baruntse Base Camp

Cross the glacial approach and continue past Rato Odhar and the Five Lakes area.

Day 14-25Baruntse climbing period

Establish higher camps and use suitable conditions for a summit attempt and descent.

Day 26-27Amphu Lapcha crossing

Move to the pass approach and cross into the Chhukung valley when conditions permit.

Day 28-30Khumbu descent to Lukla

Return through Pangboche and Namche to Lukla.

Day 31Fly to Kathmandu

Return by air, subject to weather.

Day 32Kathmandu reserve day

Allow time for a delayed mountain flight.

Day 33-34Onward travel

Depart Kathmandu and complete the return journey.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Agree the permit arrangements and in-country transport in your quotation.
  • Agree the guiding, porter support and responsibilities on the mountain.
  • Agree accommodation, camp facilities and the meals provided at each stage.
  • Agree shared climbing equipment, communications and emergency arrangements.

Budget separately

  • International travel, entry documents and costs outside the agreed programme.
  • Personal climbing equipment and insurance appropriate to the itinerary.
  • Personal spending, tips and any separately agreed climbing staff bonuses.
  • Additional accommodation, transport or evacuation costs if plans change.

Before you set out.

Previous high-altitude climbing, strong crampon and rope skills, and experience of exposed snow ridges and technical passes are required.

Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu, trekking lodges or approach camps, and tented climbing camps.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Is the summit attempt on a fixed day?

The itinerary gives a climbing window. Your guide will adjust the attempt, rest days and descent to the conditions and the team. Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.

What experience should I discuss before booking?

Previous high-altitude climbing, strong crampon and rope skills, and experience of exposed snow ridges and technical passes are required. Share details of your recent climbs, altitude experience and rope skills so that we can assess the preparation and support required.

Other journeys to explore.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

Tell us where you want to stand.

Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

We reply from a real person’s inbox, never a list.

Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.