Five Jugal peaks opened for climbing

KATHMANDU: The government has opened five mountains in the Jugal range in Sindhupalchowk district for commercial expeditions.

Publishing a notice in the Nepal Gazette on Monday, the government said Jungal I, Jugal II, Jugal III, Jugal IV and Jugal V are now open for climbing.

All five peaks are located in Jugal Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchowk district. Three of the peaks are above 6,000 meters. Jugal I (6591m) is the tallest of the five peaks, while Jugal V (5922m) is the smallest.

Jugal Range is the nearest mountain range to Kathmandu Valley. It has more than a dozen prominent peaks including Loenpo Gang (6979m), Dorje Lhakpa (6966m), Bhairav ​​Takura (6705m), Phurbi Ghyachu (6600m), Madiya Peak (6591m), Jugal (6500m) and Gyalzen peak (6151m).

Local people have long been calling the government to open these peaks for climbing. Although these peaks are not much taller, they are perfect for acclimatizing and preparing for taller mountains.

The caravan route to these peaks begins from Kothe and progresses through Jalbire, Baramchi, Tembathang and to the base camp.