Climbing Nevados Urus, Ishinca and Tocllaraju

Today we will leave the city of Huaraz to the village of Paltay. We continue to Pashpa and to the small Cochapampa Lake. Here is where our local team of donkey drivers will be waiting for us. We will then have an easy climb through the Ishinca Valley to our camp near the Don Bosco hut (4-5 walking hours) (-/L/D).

We will continue walking on a good trail and then over the moraine to the glacier. The climb on the glacier is not steep, except for the last 50 meters before the summit. Ishinca summit and then return via the same trail to the Base Camp (10-12 hours in total) (B/L/D).

Today we will have the entire day off. If participants have any questions about the use of technical equipment, it is a good day to practice. Overnight again in the Base Camp (B/L/D).

Ascent through the west face of the Urus. A steep route takes us to a ridge, crossing large rocks on the moraine until we reach the glacier. We will climb over the snow and ice for an hour. Then, the last 50 minutes to the summit is easier. Finally, a steep descent to the base camp and overnight there (B/L/D).

After lunch we will start the ascent via a steep moraine to the edge of the glacier. From this point we can see the Tocllaraju. We’ll set up our high camp on the moraine. The hiking time of the day will be 4-5 hours (B/L/D).

After a very early breakfast, we will start moving over the glacier to the northwest ridge of the peak. We might find small walls of ice up to 60 degree of inclination. The summit ridge is secured with fixed ropes. Once at the summit, the view opens on the entire Cordillera Blanca. Then, we will descend to the Base Camp (B/L/D).

After breakfast we will leave for an easy return to Pashpa. Today the donkeys will carry our camping and personal equipment. We’ll return via a hillside covered with native Andean trees. Here our private transport will be waiting. We’ll arrive Huaraz early and have lunch there. Lodging in the hotel of the city (B/L/-).