Gurja Himal

Gurja Himal is a summit in the Dhaulagiri massif in Gandaki Province that rises to 7,193 meters and features steep, glaciated slopes. The mountain consists of jagged terrain with rock and snow fields that extend across multiple sections of the peak.

The mountain was first climbed on November 1, 1969, by Japanese mountaineers led by Tomokuni Saeki and Sherpa Lhakpa Tenzing. This successful ascent marked the first recorded reaching of the summit by humans.

The village of Gurja at the mountain's base is a traditional settlement where local people continue their daily work in crafts and agriculture. The rural community shapes the character of the region and gives visitors a glimpse into life away from main travel routes.

The journey starts in Kathmandu and leads through Pokhara to Beni, from where a trek passes through several villages to reach base camp. Visitors should prepare for multi-day hiking and know that the route goes through remote areas where food and lodging are limited.

The climb requires an average expedition timeline of about 50 days, with acclimatization and weather conditions being critical factors. The longer timeframe compared to other Himalayan peaks of similar height makes the journey a demanding undertaking for committed mountaineers.