There are a lot of peaks left to be noticed in the Khumbu region. One such example that stands out is the Kusum Kanguru expedition Nepal. Often underrated, Kusum Kanguru peak climbing is a technical and challenging climb.
Standing tall at an altitude of 6367m, Kusum Kanguru provides a scenic masterpiece. It is a peak filled with impressive rock and ice peak located in the Khumbu valley.
This particular peak also forms the border between the Dudhkoshi in the South and the Hinku valley in the north. Kusum Kanguru was named by the Sherpa people, which translates to The Three Snow White Gods.
Kusum Kanguru Expedition Nepal Overview
Kusum Kanguru is a hard climb in Nepal. You will find the combination of three summits for this climb. It is the East Kusum Kanguru, Main Kusum Kanguru, and West Kusum Kanguru.
The highest peak in all of this is from the Eastern side with an altitude of 6360m. There are different names for the same mountain. They are Kuisum Kanguru, Kusum Kang, Kusum Khangru, Kusumkhang Karda, Kusu, and Mount Kanguru. Whatever you call it, it is a beautiful peak.
During the climb to the top, you will get views of mountains like Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, Kwongde, etc. Moreover, there is of variety of flora and fauna, which makes it a massive treat.
Highlights of Kusum Kanguru Expedition Nepal
- Panoramic views of a variety of mountains
- Explore the authentic Sherpa culture and their lifestyle
- Scenic flight and beautiful views during the flight to Lukla
- A variety of flora and fauna to explore during peak seasons
Who Climbed Kusum Kanguru Peak First?
Kusum Kanguru expedition Nepal might be new to many, but the mountain was first climbed in 1981. It has been more than 45 years to the top. Bill Denz from New Zealand was the first person to complete the climb.
Yes, it was the solo climb which took place on 7th October, 1981. This particular climb was possible from the Southwest side. Interestingly, another climb took place just 5 days after the first climb.
A Japanese team made the second climb on 12th October,1981, from the southeast face. Since then, the doors have been opened for everyone to climb one of the difficult peaks in the country.
How Hard is the Kusum Kanguru Expedition Nepal?
The Kusum Kanguru is one of the most difficult climbs in the world. Until and unless you are experienced, The Trek Nepal doesn’t suggest you go for the climb. It is typically reserved for experienced mountaineers.
Climbers will need to be experienced with the ice, rock, and snow at the same time. Besides this technical knowledge, the use of gears and familiarity with high altitude are a must for this expedition.
In case you are thinking about this climb, then we suggest you have an alpine expedition experience before. The Kusum Kanguru expedition in Nepal falls under the Group A category.
This means the peak climb is only reserved for the experienced ones. Physical fitness and mental strength are a must to make this climb possible.
Climbing Strategy For Kusum Kanguru Expedition Nepal
As tough as the Kusum Kanguru Expedition in Nepal might sound, a proper strategy will go a long way. Taking the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, we move ahead to Chutenga.
Passing from Zatrela pass and Chatrarbu, we touch down at places like Kothe, Yak Kharka, etc. Lastly, we will reach the Kusum Kanguru base camp. Staying a night there at the camp, we move to the peak.
If you are thinking about peaks, there are two well-known ones. The first is the southeast ridge while the second is the North ridge. Most of the time, it is the Southeast ridge that gets chosen for the climb.
Best Time To Do Kusum Kanguru Expedition Nepal
Similar to plenty of trekking and climbing options in Nepal, spring and autumn are the perfect options for you. Spring falls during April to June, while autumn is more or less about September to November.
Besides being the perfect weather and climbing conditions, there is also major crowds, which brings in a better vibe for the trek. There are plenty of treks that can be done even during winter and monsoon, but not this.
Kusum Kanguru expedition Nepal is almost impossible to do during the monsoon and winter. Uneven weather conditions, major drop in weather, and chances of avalanche, The Trek Nepal suggests only spring and autumn for the trek.
Cost of Kusum Kanguru Expedition
The tougher the trek, the higher the cost. For the Kusum Kanguru expedition in Nepal, the cost hovers around $7000. This isn’t the exact cost, as the cost variation is highly present.
Based on the number of people for the trek, the level of support, and the time of the year, the cost tends to be up and down. Meanwhile, the things you want to include and exclude will also impact the cost.
What’s different with The Trek Nepal is the fact that we make customised packages. The budget, time, and requirements will help you to get the itinerary that fits your budget perfectly.
Can the Kusum Kanguru Expedition be done solo?
A very genuine question that gets asked at The Trek Nepal is whether any treks can be done solo or not. Well, the simple answer to that is no.
Based on the latest rule from Nepal Tourism Board, every foreign climber or trekker needs to have a certified guide with them at all times.
Meanwhile, the Nepalese trekkers are allowed to do the solo, but The Trek Nepal doesn’t suggest that. The lack of knowledge at the newer location, along with the unseen situation, we suggest you don’t do solo trips.
In case you go for it, it could be fatal on the physical and mental side of things. The guides at The Trek Nepal are highly experienced and knowledgeable, which makes your experience much more worthwhile.
Permits Required For Kusum Kanguru Expedition?
Lying in the Khumbu region, you will need to get different kinds of permits to climb to the top. With The Trek Nepal, we manage every permit that will be required for the same climb.
However, if you are performing it elsewhere, you will need permits. They are:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Alternative Treks For Kusum Kanguru Expedition, Nepal
Commonly, not everyone won’t likes the tough and challenging treks. There could be plenty of other trekkers and climbers who would like the simple and easier climbing options.
For those individuals, we assure you, The Trek Nepal also has alternative options. They are:
- Pisang Peak climb
- Naya Kanga Peak
- Lobuche East Peak
- Kanjirowa Himal Climb
Why Book With The Trek Nepal?
A lot of the interested climbers and readers might be thinking why book with The Trek Nepal for the Kusum Kanguru expedition Nepal. Well, the answer is simple. We have experience in performing the toughest treks in Nepal.
Not only that our team of expert guides and porters know every route to the top. With the proper assistance and guidance, things seem to be easier at the top.
Not only from the technical point of view, but we also have a customised package for different clients. Based on your requirements, time, and budget, we can customize an overall climbing package, which is the key.
Detailed Itinerary for Kusum Kanguru Expedition Nepal
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
On the very first day of the trek, you will arrive in Kathmandu. A member from The Trek Nepal will be present at the airport. He will guide you to the hotel where you will be staying.
All the trekkers will have an opportunity to either stay in their hotel or roam the city. A guide from The Trek Nepal will be present to take you on the city tour.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation
After spending a night in Kathmandu, we will have a day of city tour. Following the early morning breakfast, we will go out for the city tour. A member from the Trek Nepal will take you around the city.
We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites today. On the other hand, the trekking agency will be busy getting all the permits ready on time.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Chhuthang
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and start the journey in the Kusum Kanguru Expedition Nepal. The flight to Lukla will be a beautiful one with some mountains to display.
As is popularly known, Lukla is the gateway to Khumbu, and the beauty is overwhelmingly prevailed. After landing in Lukla, we will trek to Chhuthang. Chhuthang is a pasture land which is just below Kalo Himal ridge.
Day 4: Trek from Chhuthang to Tuli Kharka
Things get interesting in the Kusum Kanguru Expedition, Nepal. The pasture lands of Chhuthang will be left today to reach Tuli Kharka. First, we will trek uphill through steep passes.
First of all, we cross the Zatrwala pass at 4600m. Getting up the pass, you will get the views of Numbur Himal, Kongdi Ri, Karyolang Peak, and many other mountains. Now, The Trek Nepal team descends down to reach Tuli Kharka.
Day 5: Trek from Tuli Kharka to Kothe
A carbohydrate-rich breakfast will mark our move to Kothe today. But first, we descend down to the Hinku River area. Now things get interesting as we move through the thick forest filled with rhododendron.
A beautiful sight, all along, we will reach Kothe by the end of the day. During the spring season, the hills are filled with rhododendron flowers, providing beautiful views.
Day 6: Trek from Kothe to Thangnak
We will cross the 4300m mark today, so the move gets interesting. First of all, we leave Kothe and walk through the ridge of the Hinku River. Moving along the way, we will get to Gondishung.
As interesting as the name suggests, it is the summer herders’ settlement. Going through it, we will get to Lungsumgba Gompa, which was built 200 years ago. For the first time, you get a view of the Mera Peak area.
Day 7: Rest Day at Thangnak
It is important to rest and trek in a new region of the Kusum Kanguru expedition in Nepal needs proper rest and acclimatization. On the 7th day of the trek, we will rest at Thangnak with the whole team.
A small excursion to Sabal Tsho Lake will take place today. We will interact with the locals and spend the day filled with rest and recreation.
Day 8: Trek from Thangnak to Kusum Kanguru Base Camp
The day is coming closer for the Kusum Kanguru Expedition in Nepal. On the 8th day after the early morning breakfast, we will move ahead on the trail. It will be to reach the base camp of Kusum Kanguru.
As we reach the camping site and the base camp, the Sherpa guides will set up the camp. All the necessary preparations will be done, and we will stay the night at the camp.
Day 9: Trek from Base Camp to Camp I
It will be a short trekking day as we will target Camp I for the time being. Even though it is a short trek day but it will be physically tiring. We will touch down at Camp I now.
From the use of crampons to ropes and ice axes, the physical need of the day is massive. As soon as we reach Camp I, we will rest the time out.
Day 10: Rest at Camp I
We take the stress of the peak climbing one day at a time. On the 10th day, we will rest at Camp I. As we stay at 5000m for the day, acclimatization is the key. This day is critical to understand the need for peak climbing.
All the guides of The Trek Nepal will be training and providing lessons to all the climbers on what to do and what not to do. We will work on fitness along with health before the big push.
Day 11: Climb from Camp I to Camp II
The day of rest is done for the time being. We will get into Camp II for the day. It will be a steep climb with the use of crampons, an ice axe, and whatnot. Our destination will be 5600m, and it will take time.
We will reach the II camp, where the Sherpa guide will get everything ready. It will be a hard time, and we will get into the proper mindset to get to the top of the peak.
Day 12: Climb Kusum Kanguru and back to base
Finally, the day has come when the Kusum Kanguru expedition Nepal will take place as a reality. We will start the ride early in the morning as we will have to reach the top and come back.
After all the practice is done, it will be showtime. The expert guides from The Trek Nepal will help us get to the top. Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and Nuptse are some of the mountains we will get to see. We will get back to the base camp by the end of the day.
Day 13: Trek from Kusum Kanguru Base Camp to Tashing Ongma
The destination is achieved with Kusum Kanguru expedition Nepal, but getting back is also important. The footsteps need to be traced back and towards Tashing Ongma now.
From trekking back to harsh alpine vegetation into a sub-tropical region, we will reach Tashing Ongma, where we will spend the night.
Day 14: Trek from Tashing Ongma to Tuli Kharka
Even though Kusum Kanguru Expediton Nepal comes towards the end, we will reach Tuli Kharka today. The Trek Nepal will focus on safely reaching Tuli Kharka today.
From the ups and downs of the beautiful hills, we will reach Hinku valley first. The western section of the valley will show the way to Tuli Kharka today. There will be magnificent views of Mera Peak left, right, and center.
Day 15: Trek from Tuli Kharka to Lukla
Every trace of the Kusum Kanguru expedition Nepal comes to a close today. The day will be filled as we trek from Tuli Kharka to Lukla today. It will be a relatively easier trek.
First, we cross the Zatrawala pass and descend to Lukla. We will reach Lukla by midday, only to celebrate the evening with the whole crew for the successful journey.
Day 16: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
A good breakfast early in the morning means that we will be ready for the flight to Kathmandu. It will be a picturesque flight, which will be just over 30 minutes.
After landing in Kathmandu, you are free to rest or roam around the city with the guide from The Trek Nepal.
Day 17: Departure for the home nation
Finally, the day has arrived when the Kusum Kanguru expedition in Nepal comes to an end. As we complete the early morning breakfast, we will head out to the airport.
A member from The Trek Nepal will drop you off at the airport with the promise to meet again.