Life Above Base Camp: What Every Climber Should Know Before finalizing a 7000m Peak
Life above Base Camp is harsher, colder, and more demanding. But with the right preparation, knowledge, and support, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences a climber can have. At Namas Adventure, our goal is to help you understand exactly what to expect so you can climb with confidence.
Below, we break down the realities of high-altitude life and the systems that make a 7000m expedition successful
1. Base Camp: Your Recovery & Preparation Zone
Before going higher, you’ll spend a few days at Base Camp resting from the trek in. This is where your body begins adjusting to thinner air and where you perform equipment checks, skill training, meet your personal guides, and settle into a steady daily rhythm.
Base Camp is also the last place where you’ll enjoy relatively comfortable sleeping, bigger meals, and stable communication.
Once the team is fully rested, the acclimatization process begins.
2. Acclimatization Rotations
Rotations are the foundation of any successful 7000M expedition. They gradually expose your body to higher altitude, allowing you to adapt safely.
A Standard Rotation Looks Like:
Base Camp → Camp 1
Sleep one night.
Camp 1 → Camp 2
Sleep one night.
Camp 2 → Base Camp
Descend all the way down to base camp to recover.
Benefits - Each rotation strengthens your body’s ability to handle reduced oxygen levels.
Why Rotations Matter
Increases red blood cell production
Teaches your body to function with low oxygen
Helps you understand your personal altitude response
Allows you to store gear in higher camps to lighten the summit load
Once rotations are complete and weather improves, we prepare for the summit push.
3. Meals, Water, and Sanitation
Life becomes simpler—and much more physical—as you move above Base Camp. Every action you take, whether it’s eating, hydrating, or resting, is aimed at keeping your body strong enough to continue climbing higher.
Meals in High Camps
Food at high altitude needs to be lightweight, easy to prepare, and fuel-efficient. Meals typically include:
Porridge, oats, muesli
Instant noodles and soups
Nuts, biscuits
Freeze-dried meals
Energy bars and gels
Because food options above Base Camp are limited, if you have specific personal snacks or comfort foods, we highly recommend that you bring them from your home country or purchase them in Kathmandu before heading to the mountain. These familiar foods often provide a big mental and physical boost when climbing gets tough.
Water
All water in the higher camps is made by melting and boiling snow or ice. This process takes time and uses a considerable amount of fuel, so staying hydrated requires patience and discipline.
To prevent your water from freezing, you must use insulated bottles or a high-quality thermos. Even at night or during rest periods, keep your water inside your sleeping bag or close to your body to maintain warmth.
Sanitation
There are no toilet facilities in higher camps. All climbers use wag bags, and every bag must be carried back down to Base Camp. Waste is then properly disposed of in the designated Base Camp toilet area.
This system is important for:
Protecting the mountain environment
Preventing health issues
Keeping higher camps clean for all teams and keeping the mountain clean
At Namas Adventure, we strictly follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that the mountain remains pristine for future climbers and local communities.
4. Load Distribution: What You Carry vs. What We Carry
You Typically Carry:
Climbing boots, Climbing technical gears
Layers and sleeping bag
Snacks and water
Down suit or summit clothing
Sleeping pad
Personal essentials
If you prefer a lighter load, you can hire an assistant guide to carry your gear all the way up to the summit. Rules are different at Kyrgyzstan - Lenin Peak or Aconcagua expedition, please inquire with our team for more details.
Guides/Sherpas Carry:
Tents
Stoves and fuels
Group meals
Ropes, tools and hardware
Group supplemental oxygen and first aid
Heavy communal gear
During rotations, you can leave items at higher camps, reducing weight for the summit push.
5. Your Climbing Backpack: Why 60L - 70L Is the Ideal Size
A 60-70 liter pack is perfect for carrying:
Sleeping bag
Down suit and layers
Water, personal snacks, and personal items
Technical gear
Goggles, mitts, crampons
Oxygen (if applicable)
Using dry bags inside your pack keeps gear protected from snow and moisture.
6. boots required for 7000m climb
With better technologies, climbing shoes have improved every year. We highly recommend double-layered boots like Kailas Everest 8000M, La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube, Scarpa 8000 phantom, Millet Everest summit GTX. It is wise to spend on good mountaineering boots, as so with all the gears that we have mentioned in this post above.
For your down suit and summit clothing, please refer to this link: Down Suit & Summit Gear – choosing the right layers is just as important as having the right boots.
Foot Care Tips:
Your feet are crucial for a safe and comfortable climb. Proper care can prevent blisters, frostbite, and discomfort.
1. Break in Your Boots Early
Wear your boots on long hikes or walks before the expedition to soften them and shape them to your feet. This prevents blisters and pressure points at high altitude.
2. Use a Sock System
A liner sock plus a thick summit sock reduces friction, wicks moisture, and provides insulation. Carry extra pairs to stay dry.
3. Account for Swelling
Feet swell at altitude. Choose boots with enough room for thick socks and swelling, or consider sizing up slightly.
4. Test Boots and Crampons
Practice walking and climbing with boots and crampons together before traveling. Proper fit saves discomfort and prevents accidents.
5. Keep Feet Warm and Dry
Warm feet are safe feet. Avoid tight lacing, use foot warmers if needed, and keep socks dry. Overnight, store boots inside your sleeping bag to maintain warmth.
7. How to Communicate on High-Altitude Expeditions
At most Base Camps, you’ll have either satellite phone or internet connections (2024/25 recent developments - Nepal) to stay in touch with family and friends. Base Camp is also equipped with solar panels and generators to charge mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Once the team moves above Base Camp, communication becomes more structured and essential for safety:
Satellite Phone: Your main guide carries a satellite phone, providing a direct line to our expedition office in Kathmandu. This is used for critical updates, including weather changes, logistical needs, or emergencies.
Two-Way Radios: All Sherpas carry radios (walkie-talkies) to maintain constant, real-time communication between camps — from Base Camp to higher camps. This ensures smooth coordination for supply movements, schedule adjustments, and rapid response to sudden weather or safety issues.
8. The Summit Push
After rotations and a few days of rest, the summit push begins—usually timed around the best weather window.
Typical Summit Push Schedule
Base Camp → Camp 1
Camp 1 → Camp 2
Camp 2 → Camp 3 (if the route requires it)
Some routes allow skipping Camp 3.Camp 2 or 3 → Summit → Descend to Camp 2 or Camp 1
Final descent to Base Camp
Why We Leave for the Summit at Midnight
Firmer snow
Lower avalanche risk
Calmer winds
More stable temperatures
Enough daylight for the long descent
What Summit Day Feels Like
It’s a long, slow, intensely focused effort with:
Steep slopes
Rope sections
Extreme cold
Very thin air requiring frequent breathing breaks
Supplemental oxygen is optional for many 7000M peaks, depending on climber preference.
Important note: Most climbers underestimate the descent — yet it’s often the most critical and dangerous part of the entire climb. After days of pushing uphill, your body is tired, your focus drops, and that’s when most accidents happen.
The descent is tedious, demanding, and requires just as much strength, awareness, and discipline as the ascent. You must be as strong coming down as you were going up.
9. Sleeping System
Nights above Base Camp are brutally cold. Your sleeping system must be reliable:
Expedition-grade down sleeping bag
Down suit or warm summit layers
Insulated sleeping pad(s) to block ground cold
10. Hydration, Nutrition & Mental Endurance
Hydration
Staying hydrated is critical at high altitude, as dehydration can worsen fatigue and increase the risk of altitude sickness. Drink regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Nutrition
At altitude, your appetite often decreases, but your body requires high-calorie, easily digestible foods to maintain energy. Focus on:
Soups and instant noodles for warmth and quick energy
Energy bars and gels for on the go nutrition
Nuts, chocolates, and biscuits for concentrated calories
Freeze-dried meals when available
Plan to eat small amounts frequently rather than forcing large meals, as your digestive system slows down in thin air.
Mental Endurance
Life above Base Camp challenges not just the body but the mind. You will face:
Limited sleep due to altitude and cold
Harsh winds and sub-zero temperatures
Slow progress on steep or technical terrain
Long days with continuous physical and mental demands
11. Environmental Responsibility & Safety
Environmental Care
Pack out all trash
Carry down all human waste
Respect the local environment and culture
Safety
Understand altitude sickness symptoms
Weather changes quickly—follow your guide’s decisions
Carry personal medications and essentials
Communicate honestly with guides about how you feel
At Namas Adventure, your safety is always our top priority.
Climbing a 7000m peak is one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences in mountaineering. Life above Base Camp tests your strength, discipline, and mindset — but with the right preparation, guidance, and support system, it becomes a life-changing milestone rather than an overwhelming challenge.
At Namas Adventure, we’ve built our expedition approach around safety, smart acclimatization, experienced Sherpa support, and clear communication from Base Camp to the summit. Whether you aim to gain high-altitude experience, prepare for future 8000m climbs, or push your personal limits, our 7000m expeditions offer the perfect foundation.
Each mountain carries its own character — from technical challenges to less-crowded routes — giving climbers a chance to grow, learn, and experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas and Central Asia.
If your goal is to climb higher, prepare for an 8000m expedition, or take on a major high-altitude challenge, a 7000m climb is the step that transforms you.
When you’re ready to take that step, we’re here to guide you — safely, confidently, and with purpose.
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7000M and 8000M expedition 2025 departures - Namas Adventure
Planning your next high-altitude adventure? Namas Adventure's 2025 departures for 7000M and 8000M peaks cater to climbers of varying skills, from entry-level enthusiasts to advanced level climbers. For more detailed information about each expedition, please click on the expedition name.
7000M
Entry Level
Perfect for climbers with basic technical skills and a good fitness level. Climbers must have experience at altitudes over 5000M - 6000M and are looking to push their limits further:
Intermediate Level
Ideal for those with some high-altitude experience, good technical skills, and fitness level.
Advanced Level
Suitable for climbers with advanced skills and experience.
8000M
Entry Level
For climbers with intermediate technical skills and great fitness. Must have previous experience at altitudes over 6000M, including at least one 7000M peak.
Advanced Level
The ultimate test for top-tier climbers, requiring advanced technical knowledge and peak physical fitness.
Whether you're looking to step up your climbing game or tackle the world's highest peaks, Namas Adventure has an expedition for you. Join us to reach beyond the clouds and achieve the extraordinary in 2025.
Inquire here
Namas Adventure Team
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Comparing 7000M Peaks: Which One is Right for Your Next Expedition?
Annapurna IV 7525M summit seen in the middle with Annapurna 2 on the left.
Perhaps you have completed several 4,000m to 6,000m summit expeditions and are now seeking a greater challenge. You might be exploring 7,000m mountains to enhance your high-altitude mountaineering experience, with aspirations of climbing Everest or one of the other 8,000m peaks. Alternatively, you may simply wish to immerse yourself in the pure exploration and remoteness that these high-altitude adventures offer.
Unsure on which 7000M peak to choose? In this blog post, we compare five prominent 7,000m mountain expeditions—Annapurna IV 7525M, Baruntse 7129M, Tilicho Peak 7134M, Himlung Himal 7126M, and Lenin Peak 7134M—to help you make an informed decision for your high-altitude journey.
1. Annapurna IV (7,525m)
Location: Annapurna Range, Nepal
Level: Advanced level
Technical Difficulty: High
Best Time to Climb: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)
Duration: 30 days
Key Features: Annapurna IV is a remote and lesser-climbed peak in the Annapurna range, known for its technical challenges. Climbers must have advanced skills in rock and ice climbing, as the route includes steep sections, exposed ridges, and deep snow. The peak's isolation offers a more immersive and adventurous experience, but it also demands excellent logistical planning. With only about 150 people ever reaching the summit, Annapurna IV is ideal for seasoned mountaineers seeking a quieter climb.
P.s. - Annapurna IV can be your expedition to prepare for Everest, Annapurna 1 or K2 expeditions.
Pros: Quieter, remote, and ideal as preparation for Everest or technical 8000m peaks.
Cons: Avalanche risk, technical sections, and steep terrain make it unsuitable for beginners.
2. Baruntse (7,129m)
Location: Barun Region, Nepal
Level: Intermedaite level
Technical Difficulty: Moderate to High
Best Time to Climb: Autumn (October-November)
Duration: 24 days
Key Features: Baruntse sits between the Everest and Makalu ranges, offering breathtaking views of both. It is popular among climbers preparing for lower 8000m peaks like Manaslu 8163M or Cho Oyu 8201M. The ascent becomes more technical after 6900m, particularly along the exposed summit ridge, which requires climbers to stay focused under challenging conditions. It’s a solid test for intermediate climbers who are ready for more demanding expeditions.
Pros: A great option for climbers seeking a moderate technical challenge before moving to 8000m peaks.
Cons: Exposed summit ridge demands advanced skills and leaves little room for error.
3. Tilicho Peak (7,134m)
Location: Annapurna Range, Nepal
Level: Intermedaite level
Technical Difficulty: High
Best Time to Climb: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)
Duration: 25-30 days
Key Features: Tilicho Peak offers a dramatic climb above Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world at 4900m. Though less famous than other Annapurna peaks, Tilicho is a technically demanding climb with steep rock scrambling, snow, and ice conditions at higher altitudes. This peak is for experienced climbers who have strong mountaineering skills and the endurance to navigate long, steep sections. Due to its remoteness, logistical planning is crucial, and only experienced teams should attempt this climb.
Pros: Stunning, remote, and less crowded with incredible views.
Cons: Requires advanced technical skills and careful planning due to the isolation.
4. Himlung Himal (7,126m)
Location: Manaslu Region, Nepal
Level: Entry level
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Climb: Autumn (September-October)
Duration: 25-30 days
Key Features: Himlung Himal offers a more moderate challenge, making it an excellent choice for climbers looking for an introduction to 7000m expeditions. The route to the summit is non-technical, consisting mainly of steady snow slopes and moderate crevasses. It’s a great option for those with limited experience who want to test themselves at high altitudes without the intense technical demands of other peaks.
Pros: Suitable for less experienced climbers with a straightforward route.
Cons: May not appeal to those seeking a more rugged, technical challenge.
5. Lenin Peak (7,134m)
Location: Pamirs, Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan
Level: Entry level
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Climb: Summer (July-August)
Duration: 21-24 days
Key Features: Lenin Peak is one of the most accessible 7000m peaks, attracting many first-time high-altitude climbers. Its long, glaciated slopes offer a relatively straightforward ascent with minimal technical sections, but the altitude is still a serious challenge. Climbers must be well-acclimatized to avoid altitude sickness, and the unpredictable weather—particularly strong winds—adds another layer of difficulty.
Pros: Ideal for beginners seeking a high-altitude challenge without intense technical demands.
Cons: Crowded during peak season, with risks associated with altitude and harsh weather.
Comparison Summary
Which Peak is Right for You?
For Advanced Climbers: If you're looking for a highly technical challenge, Annapurna IV and Tilicho Peak are your best options. These peaks offer steep routes with plenty of rock and ice climbing, perfect for climbers with significant experience and no interest in crowded routes.
For Intermediate Climbers: Baruntse provides a good balance between moderate and challenging sections, making it a solid choice for those with some technical skills who are preparing for lower 8000m peaks.
For Beginners: Himlung Himal and Lenin Peak are great for climbers who are new to 7000m expeditions and want to experience the challenge of high-altitude mountaineering without the intense technical difficulties of other peaks.
Choosing the right peak depends on your experience, skill level, and what you want to achieve. Whether you’re aiming for a quiet, immersive climb on Annapurna IV or looking for an accessible, non-technical adventure on Lenin Peak, there’s a 7000m peak out there for you.
For more details on these expeditions and to plan your next adventure, visit our 7000M expedition page.
NAMAS Adventure
Everything you need to know about Lenin Peak 7134M Expedition
1. When is the best time to climb Lenin Peak?
The best time to embark on a Lenin Peak 7134M expedition is during the summer, from July to August. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, allowing for safer ascents and clearer views of the surrounding Pamir range.
2. How much does the Lenin Peak 7134M Expedition cost? What does it include? How is Namas Adventure operating the expedition differently?
For detailed pricing information, please visit the Namas Adventure Lenin Peak page. We provide premium, all-inclusive climbing services designed to ensure a safe, successful summit while embracing local culture. As a responsible and ethical mountain adventure brand, we emphasize saustainable practices and deliver an unforgettable climbing experience.
How do we stay different? - While most companies choose to offer 1:3 ratio we offer 1:2 ratio to being with only selecting members who meet our pre-requisites and guide team will form of certified guide members from Nepal who will have led several 8000M, 7000M and 6000M expedition along with Lenin peak guiding experiences.
What’s included in your Lenin Peak booking:
1:1 or 1:2 certified Guide leader
Namas Branded merchandise (Down Jacket, Cap, Buff)
2 nights before the expedition and 2 day after the expedition. Hotel in Bishkek and Osh. (Should clients return early from their expedition, clients will be responsible for their extra hotel bookings)
Experienced high altitude guide
Installed high altitude tents on 5300M and 6100M (2 persons in tent!)
Group equipment: rope (if needed), gas and gas stoves, cooking set.
High altitude food
Boundary zone permit, OVIR registration, visa support (if necessary);
Meeting/seeing off at the airport;
Transfer Osh – IMC “Pamir” – Osh
Lunch en route to/from IMC;
Accommodation in hotel for 2 nights in total during the program
Rent of walkie-talkie;
Registration with rescue team;
Ecological fee.
3. The first ascent of Lenin Peak 7134M
Lenin Peak was first summited by Karl Wien and his German team in 1928. The northwest ridge was their route to the top, and it remains the most frequently used route for climbers today.
4. How many climbing routes are there to Lenin Peak?
The most popular and safest route is the northwest ridge, offering a well-established path to the summit. While there are other variations, this route is ideal for climbers looking for a less technical but physically demanding ascent.
5. What experience do climbers need to climb Lenin Peak? Are guides necessary?
To climb Lenin Peak, climbers need prior experience on at least one 6000M peak and should be proficient in basic alpine mountaineering skills, including the use of crampons, fixed ropes, and techniques for traversing steep, icy terrain. Lenin Peak is a non-technical but high-altitude climb, so physical fitness and mental resilience are crucial.
While not as technical as other 7000M peaks, Lenin Peak requires the support of local guides. Namas Adventure provides certified guides to ensure your safety and guide you through the challenges of high-altitude mountaineering.
6. How many high camps are there on the Lenin Peak expedition?
There are three established high-altitude camps on Lenin Peak:
Camp 1 (4400M) – The first base camp after the trek.
Camp 2 (5300M) – Positioned at a strategic location for acclimatization.
Camp 3 (6100M) – The final camp before the summit push.
7. What is the best-acclimated itinerary for climbing Lenin Peak?
A well-paced itinerary is crucial for acclimatization and safety. At Namas Adventure, our itinerary includes multiple rotations between base camp and high-altitude camps to help your body adjust to the extreme elevation. These rotations are critical for a successful summit and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
8. What training is required for the Lenin Peak expedition? Can you suggest a training plan?
Lenin Peak is graded as a AD+ climb, making it accessible to experienced mountaineers with a solid understanding of high-altitude environments. You’ll need to focus on endurance, core, and strength training. Long-distance running, cycling, and hiking with weighted backpacks are great ways to prepare. We recommend starting your training at least 3-4 months before your climb. For detailed guidance, check out our mountain expedition training blog.
9. How difficult is the Lenin Peak climbing expedition?
Lenin Peak is considered a non-technical climb, but it is challenging due to the altitude. The climb demands excellent physical conditioning, as you will be spending up to 16+ hours on summit day, with long stretches of trekking, climbing, and descending. Weather conditions, particularly high winds and cold, can make the summit day even more demanding.
10. What clothing and gear are required for Lenin Peak? Can I rent gear for this expedition?
For Lenin Peak, you’ll need high-quality, cold-weather gear, including double-layered boots suitable for 7000M peaks (e.g., La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube, Scarpa Phantom 8000). A comprehensive gear list can be found on our equipment blog.
We do not recommend renting gear locally, as quality control can be an issue. Instead, we advise purchasing gear from reputable brands before your expedition.
You can rent alpine bundle from our team, this will have to be transported from Nepal and additional cost will appply.
11. What types of food and hydration options are available on the Lenin Peak Expedition?
During the trek to base camp, meals are provided by local tea houses. Once at base camp, our team prepares a variety of meals, including freeze-dried options for higher camps. Proper hydration is essential—drink 4-6 liters of water daily to help with acclimatization. Our team will prepare waterfor you at high camps.
12. What insurance is required for the Lenin Peak Expedition?
We highly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, mountaineering. While there is no helicopter evacuations but extra our team will have an emergency response protocols that include medical kits, oxygen, and first aid training. Namas Adventure partners with Global Rescue for emergency services. In case of altitude sickness or any other emergency, supplemental oxygen will be your quickest way off the mountain. Ensure that your policy includes this coverage.
13. What’s next after completing the Lenin Peak expedition?
After successfully summiting Lenin Peak, you can aim for other high-altitude challenges such as:
These peaks offer the next level of technical difficulty and can serve as excellent choice for technical climbing and the 8000M expeditions can serve as a stepping stone into Everest, K2, Annapurna 1 or other difficult 8000M expeditions.
For more information, visit our Lenin Peak page or reach out to us at bookings@namasadventure.com.
“Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street.”
Challenge yourself, live your story, and dare great things with Namas Adventure!
Climbing Baruntse 7129M Choosing the Right Route - Amphu Lhabtsa Pass 5800M or Mera Peak 6476M
Climbing Baruntse 7129M is an exhilarating high-altitude Himalayan experience. At Namas, our team of experienced climbers and expedition leaders is here to guide you in making an informed decision about the route to choose. With more than 5 years of leading expeditions to Baruntse peak in this article, we will delve into the unique features, advantages, and considerations of climbing Baruntse via Amphu Lhabtsa Pass or Mera Peak, helping you make an informed choice.
Climbing Baruntse via Amphu Lhabtsa Pass
The shorter 28-day itinerary offers an adventurous route via Khumbu & crossing over the Amphu Lhabtsa Pass at an elevation of 5800M. Here are some key highlights of this route:
Technical Challenge: Amphu Lhabtsa Pass is renowned as one of the most challenging passes in Nepal, demanding advanced climbing skills. Climbers will face zigzag glaciers, jumaring up the wall face, and scrambling/traversing rocky sections. The pass rewards climbers with breathtaking views of Imja Valley, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse.
Fatigueness: The Amphu Lhabtsa Pass itinerary allows climbers to reach Baruntse Base Camp with less fatigue, as they will have acclimatized during the challenging pass crossing. This can be beneficial for overall performance and enjoyment during the climb.
Climbing Baruntse via Mera Peak
For those opting for the longer 35-day itinerary, Mera Peak 6476M serves as an acclimatization/training peak. Consider the following aspects of this route:
Acclimatization: Climbing Mera Peak allows for gradual acclimatization and improves climbing skills. While Mera Peak is non-technical, it still requires physical stamina and endurance. Climbers will spend a night at the high camp situated at 5800 meters and make an early morning summit push to the Mera Peak summit at 6476 meters.
Fatigue considerations: Climbers should be aware that the Mera Peak climb is physically demanding, and they may feel tired and fatigued by the time they reach Baruntse Base Camp. Additionally, the camps between Mera Peak and Baruntse Base Camp have limited facilities, including food options. Some climbers may require additional rest days after the Mera Peak climb at Kongma Dingma.
Conclusion
When choosing the route to climb Baruntse 7129M, consider the technical challenges, acclimatization advantages, and personal preferences. Climbing via Amphu Lhabtsa Pass offers a shorter, adventurous route, while climbing via Mera Peak provides acclimatization benefits. At Namas, we are here to support you on your journey, ensuring a safe and memorable climbing experience. Make an informed decision based on your skills, fitness level, and desire for adventure. Prepare for an extraordinary expedition that will test your limits and reward you with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment in conquering Baruntse's majestic peak.
Let’s go climb Baruntse. Live Your Story
Baruntse 7129M or Himlung Himal 7126M which 7000M+ mountain peak to climb? - Namas Adventure
Baruntse and Himlung Himal are perfect intermediate level and semi-technical peaks to climb at 7000M level in the Himalayas. Whatever your goals for climbing a 7000M extreme altitude expedition be, a stepping stone to an 8000er peak or climbing simply climbing a 7000er mountain peak, we highly recommend these two peak expeditions. (Putha Hiunchuli 7246M is another great option)
Both expeditions are not crowded as the 8000er expeditions (Everest/Lhotse during spring & Manaslu during autumn). Between the two expeditions, Himlung Himal has seen slightly higher climbers compared to Baruntse. (2021 Autumn, Himlung Himal 77 - 90 climbers & Baruntse 20 - 25 climbers). So, you can certain that there won’t be a crazy amount of climbers during your expedition. Having said that, it is always good to have some number of team/s in the mountain. You can never be sure when an event turns out wrong in the mountains. Every day we are playing with the forces of nature. Balance is key.
Learning from past summit data, the Himlung Himal expedition has a higher rate of summit success compared to the Baruntse peak expedition where there are several summits during the autumn season compared to 0 summits during the spring season (commercial route). Let’s look at the data from the previous 5 years of Baruntse 7129M and Himlung Himal 7126M successful summits. (commercial expeditions). Source “Himlayan Database”
Successful summits, BARUNTSE 7129M VS HIMLUNG HIMAL 7126M
So, coming to the question of which 7000M peak I should climb?
Our answer is it depends on your preference. What is it that you want from your adventure? If the summit goal is important to you (no mountain summit is 100% guaranteed) then Himlung Himal 7126M has a better odds of making it to the summit than Baruntse 7129M and is technically less challenging.
Situations change in the mountains, you never know when the next dangers pop out in the mountain, or the hazard that was there before may not even exist. Weather is a huge factor during your high camp days. You may have a clear window for the next 7+ days or it might be pouring snow and low visibility, windy for an extended period of time. Being safe and returning home safely should be your primary goal. Whatever the circumstances, you should be open to all possibilities of success or failure. What is guaranteed is a raw and thrilling Himalayan adventure in your life memoir.
With the insight data from previous years, if you would like to choose any of the 7000M expeditions mentioned above then our team at Namas Adventure is here to assist and welcome you to take on your adventure of climbing a 7000M mountain. We organize the expedition during both seasons. For yearly mountain updates and summit success, hazards in the mountains and to be part of our team on 7000M mountain expeditions or other mountaineering expeditions, please email us at - bookings@namasadventure.com. Our team will be there to assist you on your next adventure of a lifetime.
Let’s go and explore the 7000ers.
Live Your Story
Namas Adventure Team