Frey Peak Expedition

Frey Peak Expedition and Trekking in Sikkim

The Frey Peak Expedition in Sikkim begins with a trek from Yuksom to Dzongri, continuing to Chaurikhang in the Rathong Valley. The journey to the Frey Peak Base Camp follows the Goechala Pass Trekking Trail until Dzongri. From there, the trail branches off to the left, leading to the Base Camp of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) on the way to the Rathong Valley.

Beyond the HMI Base Camp, the trail becomes rocky, with icy gaps to navigate. At the Frey Peak Base Camp in Chaurikhang, the expedition truly begins. Climbing through the captivating Frey Glacier, adventurers are treated to breathtaking landscapes and the undulating beauty of the Sikkim Himalayas surrounding Frey Peak.

A little about Frey Peak

Frey Peak, also known as Mount Frey, is a magnificent 5889-meter-tall peak located in the Chaurikhang valley of North-West Sikkim. This stunning peak was first opened for climbing and expedition in 1990, allowing the world to discover the beauty of Sikkim. Nestled in the Chaurikhang valley, Frey Peak is surrounded by impressive 7000-meter peaks, including Kabru North, Kabru South, Rathong, and Kokthang Peak. To the north, the imposing Rathong Glacier completes the awe-inspiring scenery.

Brief History

Frey Peak is named after the esteemed mountaineer, Mr. George Frey, who met an unfortunate accident during the Frey Peak Expedition in Sikkim. Alongside Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, he was exploring the summit of Frey Peak when he tragically tripped and fell. Regrettably, Mr. Frey succumbed to this fall. As a lasting tribute and memorial, his Ice Axe and crampons, used during the Frey Peak Expedition in Sikkim, remain at the Base of Frey Peak, where they fell in Frey Glacier.

Starting Point of the Frey Peak Trekking Expedition

Yuksom, a historical small village in west Sikkim at an altitude of 1760 m above mean sea level is the starting and ending point of the Frey Peak Expedition in Sikkim.

How Long is this trekking Expedition

Frey Peak Expedition and Trekking in Sikkim requires a total of fifteen days. In it’s fifteen day long journey a total of 80 Km of trekking is invloved from Yuksom to Yuksom.

Difficulty

Frey Peak has been slotted in the “AD+” Category, meaning fairly Difficult, AD routes involve steeper and more technical snow, rock or ice climbing (up to 65 degrees), and is meant for experienced Alpine Climbers only.

The route to the Frey Peak Summit is physically demanding and the route usually have steep and exposed fairly hard, snow and ice at an angle of 45–65 degrees, rock climbing up to grade III, but not sustained, belayed climbing in addition to a large amount of exposed but easier terrain. Significant objective hazard.

Expedition & Trekking Permit

Permits for Frey Peak expeditions in Sikkim has to to be applied at least three months in advance of the commencement date, through a Travel Agency registered with and recognized by the Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, India.

Two duly filled in forms, one for Trekking and the other for Frey Peak Expedition in Sikkim, signed by the expedition member/s has to be submitted along with the following :

• Peak Fee
• Kanchenjunga National Park Fee
• Fee for Liaison Officer
• 4 Passport Photos
• Copy of the Passport
• Copy of the Indian Visa
• Insurance of the member/s
• Insurance of Climbing Guides
• Fitness Certificate
• Indemnity Bond

After examining the forms with the nod from the Home Department, Government of India, Kanchenjunga National Park Authority, and with the consent from the Indian Mountaineering Association will the Trekking Permit and the Expedition Permit be issued.

Peak Fee

• Peak Fee : US$500 (for a group of two persons) will be charged by the Indian Mountaineering Federation.
• Thereafter  US$75 per additional member
• Kanchenjunga National Park Fees : US$250.
• Fee for liaison Officer US$200

Compulsory Insurance for all members

• Team  Members – US$4300 / Rs.3,00,000  per  person
• Camp  Crews – US$1500 / Rs.1,00,000 per  person
• Porters – US$715/ Rs.50,000  per  person
• Pack  Animals – US$300 / Rs.20,000  per  animal

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation during the entire process of Trekking and Expedition to Frey Peak will be provided in Twin Share water proof Tents with three inch foam mattress per expedition member.

Local Food i.e. Rice , Dal and Vegetable Curry will generally be the staple diet while trekking from Yuksom to the Frey Peak Base Camp.

Breakfast will generally be Porridge with Honey, Bread and Butter with Peanut Butter / Jam and Cheese, Pan Cakes, Puri ( Plain Flour Bread fried in Oil with Curry, Boiled Egg or Omelete followed by Tea/Coffee.

Lunches will usually include Vegetable Chowmein, Tibetan Bread or Macaroni and Pasta, Boiled Eggs, Boiled Potatoes etc. with Noddle Soup or Plain Soup with Tea or Coffee.

Dinners will include Fried Rice or Plain Rice with Dal and Curry, Chowmein with Plain Soup etc. followed by Hot Chocolate Drink / Tea or Coffee.

What to Bring ?

Bring with you a 50l capacity Summit pack, which can also double up as day pack while trekking from Yuksom to Frey Peak Base Camp. Also, bring with you a large Duffle Bag or large robust canvas bag or kit bag (for transporting gear on trail). Small duffle bag with lock (for storing excess gear & travel clothes in hotel).

Climbing Equipment

• Climbing Boots
• Good quality one Pair of Gaiters
• Crampons
• Trekking pole (s)
• Climbing harness
• Ice Axe
• Karabiners ( Locking)
• Ascender
• Descender
• Jumar
• Climbing Helmet
• 2 One liter water bottles
• 1 Whistle
• 1 Head lamp with spare batteries
• Glacier goggles with side covers
• Four season sleeping bag that can with stand temperature up to -10 Degree Celsius

Clothing

• 1 set of Windproof/waterproof Jacket
• 1 Down jacket with hood
• 1 Mid to heavy weight Fleece Jacket
• 1 Fleece vest
• 1 Mid layer fleece
• 1 Mid weight Fleece pants
• 2 Thermal underwear tops & bottoms
• A Pair of insulated mitts
• A Pair of thermal gloves
• 1 Pair over mitts
• 4 pairs of thick woolen socks
• 4 pairs of thin polypropylene socks/liners
• 1 Warm wool/fleece Hat
• 1 Balaclava (wool/fleece

For Day Time Trekking :

The Day time temperature will vary between 6Degree Celsius to 18Degree Celsius. Therefore, Light Trekking Pants, couple of Quick Dry Tee Shirts, Sun Hat, Sun Screen Lotion (50SPF), Vaseline for Chapped Skin and a sturdy and comfortable pair of trekking Boots, light Sandals that can be used while at the camp site.

Personal Medical Kit :

Your Personal Medical Kit should contain Medicines for Fever, Loose Motions, Anti Acid Tablets, Water Purifying Tablets, Crepe Bandages in case of sprains, Band Aids for small cuts and bruises, Anti septic cream for cuts.

Include in your Day Pack a water Bottle for drinking during day treks, A light water/wind Proof outer shell Jacket, a light Fleece, your personal Items, Personal Medical Kit, an umbrella or a rain coat / Poncho and Sun Shades.

Climbing Equipment supplied by us and Included in the Cost

• Climbing Rope – 100 m
• Fixed Rope – 200 m
• Carabiner -35 pcs
• Plain Carabiner –  16 pcs
• Rock Pitons – 8 pcs
• Ice Pitons – 15 pcs
• Snow  Bar – 4 pcs.
• Harness  Set
• Jumar

Booking Process

Once you decide to go ahead with the Frey Peak Expedition you will need to deposit an advance amount of US$500 per person, along with the Peak Fee, Fee for Liaison Officer, Kanchenjunga National Park Fee and Insurance Fee for Climbing Guide.

The Balance amount has to be paid two weeks before the start of the Trekking Expedition or can also be paid on arrival in Sikkim.

Once you decide to do this Frey Peak Expedition we will send you the details for the Advance Amount along with the Peak and other fees to be deposited.

Only after we receive the said funds will we consider the Trekking Expedition in Sikkim Booked and Confirmed and like wise we will start preparation for the Frey Peak Trekking Expedition in Sikkim.

Power and Mobile Connectivity

After Yuksom there is no Electricity inside the Kanchenjunga National Park. Therefore, you will need to carry extra camera batteries, also remember to charge them along with your mobile phones while in Yuksom. Carrying a solar charger will also do the work.

Mobile Connectivity is be available till Sachen (7 Km from Yuksom). After Sachen mobile connectivity is non-existent.

Satellite Phone is forbidden to be used not only in Sikkim but in the whole of India.

Our experienced outdoor adventure team is ready to help you boost your experience and will assist you throughout the whole process, from the moment you decide until you return from the Frey Peak Expedition.

TRIP FACTS

• Grade : “AD+”
• Minimum No. of Participants : 2 Pax.
• Total No. of Days : 15 Days.
• Style of Trek: Camping/Expedition.
• Starting Point: Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station/Nepal Border.
• Ending Point : Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station/Nepal Border.
• Best Season : April – June & September to December.
• Availability : Only private Frey Peak Expedition climbing can be arranged for a minimum of two persons on request on a date of your choice.

Brief Itinerary for Frey Peak Trekking Expedition in Sikkim

Day 1:  Arrive at Bagdogra Airport. Drive to Gangtok (5 Hrs). Hotel (B/B only).
Day 2:  Acclimatization day in Gangtok / Procurring the Permit. Hotel (B/B only).
Day 3:  Drive to Yuksom (1760 m/5 Hrs). Lodge.
Day 4:  Trek to Bakhim (2975 m/11 Km). Camping
Day 5:  Trek to Dzongri (3950 m/9 Km). Camping
Day 6:  Rest Day in Dzongri/Acclimatization Day.
Day 7:  Trek Dzongri to Chaurikhang Valley (4450 m/13 Km) and set Up Base Camp. Camping.
Day 9:  Trek to Advance Base Camp (5030 m/5-6 Hrs) and set up Camp. Camping.                                                        Day 10: Keep an extra Day in case of Bad weather
Day 11:  Summit Day. Early Morning start the start climbing to the Frey Peak Summit. Climb Down and trek back to Frey Peak Base Camp at Chaurikhang. Camping.
Day12:  Trek Chaurikhang to Tchoka / Bakhim. Camping.
Day13:  Return Trek to Yuksom. Lodge. End of Frey Peak Expedition
Day14:  Drive to Kalimpong. Hotel / Home Stay.
Day15:  Drive to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rail Station/Nepal Border for Final Departure.

How Much does the Frey Peak Expedition Cost ?

• Frey Peak Climbing Expedition Cost : US$3375 per Person
• Peak Fees : US$500 (for a group of two persons & Extra as Applicable).
• Thereafter  US$75 per additional member
• Indian National kindly Inquire within for costs & other information.

Cancellation Policy:

• Minimum Charge: (Deposit amount is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trekking Expedition, either by the Expedition members or closure of National Parks or for some unforeseen reasons).
• Less than 7 days of trekking Expedition date: 50% of Expedition cost.
• On or after trekking expedition start date: No refund. No refunds if  expedition is aborted/shortened for any reason.

What is Included and Excluded in the Cost ?

Frey Peak Expedition Cost Includes :

• Twin Share Hotel Accommodation in Gangtok in Standard Hotel including Breakfast.
• Lodge accommodation – twin share in Yuksom with common washroom & Rest room including breakfasts.
• Kanchenjunga National Park Fees (US$250 )
• Fee for two Sherpa Climbing Guide
• Fees to Liaison Officer (US$250)
• Insurance for Climbing Guides
• Insurance for Support Team
• Insurance for Pack Animals
• Twin share tent with mattress during camping/trekking/Expedition.
• Fully organized trek services with guide, porters, camping equipment.
• All fixed three meals everyday during trekking/Camping/Expedition.
• All road transport as per itinerary by jeep.
• Service of an English speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to monuments visited.
• Trekking Permit & Inner Line Permits

DOES NOT INCLUDE :

• Insurance for Climbing Member
• Sleeping bag;
• personal clothing/equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of personal nature

Note: The above itinerary for  Frey peak climbing expedition in Sikkim is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well being.

(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply)