Tserko Ri is one of the most popular peak among trekkers and mountaineers in Nepal. It is situated in Langtang Valley in the Bagmati Province of Nepal. It is not very far from Kathmandu and can be peaked easily from the Kyanjin Gumba in Langtang. Tserko Ri lies at a height of 5,033 m (16,512 ft) above sea level. There are two hiking options for trekkers when they are in the Kyanjin Gumba area, one the Tserko Ri and the other Kyanjin Ri. Kyanjin Ri happens to be an easier option for the trekkers to opt towards as it is not very tough to climb the hill. But, Tserko Ri is a little higher than Kyanjin Ri, and the difficulty is a bit higher as compared to the former option.
In this article, we have summed up everything that you may want to know about Tserko Ri in Langtang Valley. Make sure to read till the end!
Where is Tserko Ri located?
Tserko Ri is located in Langtang Valley in the Bagmati Provine in Nepal. Tserko Ri has to be the highest point of the Langtang Valley Trek. And, must we say, a trek to the top of Tserko Ri just might not be for the faint-hearted?
It is around 17.7 kilometers / 10.9 miles apart from Kyanjin Ri. The trails till you are at Kyanjin Ri are flat. But, as you move ahead, the path gets steeper and higher. Hence, this is another reason as to why many trekkers stop at Kyanjin Ri or return from the Kyanjin Gumba itself.
How difficult is it to climb Tserko Ri?
Climbing Tserko Ri has often been deemed difficult because of the nature of the mountain. It is steeper, and the roads are slippier given the fact that snow and ice are higher as you go higher in the mountain. But, it must also be kept in mind that anyone who has experienced mountaineering will find the trek rather simple. And the trek to Langtang Valley has always been considered one of the easiest yet one of the most unique, especially daytime trekking by both Nepalese as well as tourist trekkers.
Then again, beginners must be able to consider the decision of climbing the mountain at a height above 5000m as it may cause respiratory difficulties to them. While many might not really find dangers in climbing to the top of the mountain, one might have to keep in mind to be mindful about walking carefully and slowly up the peak. There is no obvious technical difficulty in the mountain, but the low oxygen and recklessness might prove to be injurious to the mountaineers, especially beginners. While it is not as necessary to think of this mountain trek as a fatal one, you might want not want to take it lightly either.
How long does it take to climb Tserko Ri?
It will take you around 5-8 hours to climb Tserko Ri. The trail and the condition of both the mountain and the weather on the day of your climb have much to do with whether you are going to reach the top earlier or later. Moreover, your experience as a mountaineer also has much to do with the time taken to climb Tserko Ri. Soft snow as you reach higher in Tserko Ri is very common. Hence, one might slow down their pace as he reaches higher.
How to book a guide for the Tserko Ri trek?
Many trekkers go to Tserko Ri without a guide. But if you are a beginner or lack experience in intense mountaineering treks, then you might want to contact a reliable trekking agency. There are many agencies who are willing to provide you not only with guides but also food, lodging, and other accommodation altogether. The price of buying the service may go up to $800, but you will have to consider being safe rather than going easy on the pockets. If you are not looking for a guide or any accommodation package, then you can still find tea houses and lodges in the area without much difficulty.
Looking for local guides might be difficult when you are in Langtang Valley, as there aren’t many trustworthy guides in the area. And, there is a big chance that you might get scammed and not get the value out of the money you spend. Therefore, it is preferable that you choose a trustworthy trekking agency instead.
Hiking in Tserko Ri
Hiking in Tserko Ri is likely to start after you are done hiking Kyanji Ri. You will have to spend a night around Kyanji Ri, which is quite possible from the hotels and lodges that you will find in the area. It is always better to start hiking up Tserko Ri in the earliest hours of the day before the sun is up. Once the sun is there, the snow in the area melts, which further makes the trails slippery and hard to climb.
After you cross the Kyanji Ri ridge, the hike gets steeper. You will get to see prayer flags, yaks, and snowy walls in the mountain here. The yaks in the areas are mostly friendly and will not cause any harm to the trekkers. Furthermore, the toughest part of trekking comes when you reach the topmost part of the mountain. The oxygen level in the air lowers, and from hours of hiking up the Tserko Ri, you also become tired. But the end result of the trek is worth your efforts. Tserko Ri is possibly one of the best choices for a scenic view from the top of the mountain and will surely mark it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for trekkers.
What is the best time to trek to Tserko Ri?
The best time to trek to Tserko Ri is either summer or spring. Going there, even in the earliest of winter, might be difficult because of the seeping cold and windy weather. Summer and spring are more pleasant seasons for trekking here.
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