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TEMPLETON TO SHANGRI-LA


4-Day Guided Hiking Itinerary for Templeton Valley

Get ready for a spectacular Wilderness Adventure! Venture out with your guide into the magnificent Purcell Mountains!

Take a trip to the Purcell Mountains and bask in the beauty of remote peaks, glaciers and lakes and here, you truly step away from the crowds and we will have the place to ourselves.

Dates and Bookings

Adventure Dates & Rates:
  • July 9- 13 Co - Ed trip :

    CAD $815 + applicable taxes

  • Sept 3 - 7 Wxmns only :

    CAD $815 + applicable taxes

  • We value small groups - limited to 6 adventurers

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Itinerary and Gear

Planned Itinerary

  • Day 1:
    Pre-trip meeting only: Radium Hot Springs, BC.
    We will meet at 6 pm in Radium, the location of which is TBD. Meet your guide! Here, we will review any last-minute details, pass out the group gear, and discuss the trail conditions and weather.
  • Day 2:

    5 km, 400m gain

    Get ready for a few hours of exciting driving on the backroads to the trailhead in the Templeton Valley.

    From here, we will start in a lush British Columbia forest and enter an open, vast valley with expansive views. Here, we will challenge ourselves to navigate the boulder fields; let us watch out footing and awe at the views of Mount Ethelbert.

    After the beautiful boulders, we will gain a short, steep section as we climb to the lake. Bask at the beautiful view and rustic campground at the far end of Templeton.

  • Day 3:

    5-8 km, 800m gain

    Wake up to spectacular views of the glacial lake and enjoy a morning coffee by the lake. A fter our delicious backcountry breakfast, we will prepare for an adventure-filled day! Get ready for an ascent and see firsthand a landscape where glaciers “ recently receded” in geological terms. We will then review and discuss the unique landscape.

    Once we have reached our climb up the rocky moraine, we gain the beautiful col that overlooks Shangri-La. We will spend the night in this secluded and beautiful place. From here, we descend into a beautiful sub-alpine meadow with lakes and stunning wildflowers.

    When we arrive, we will set up our tents and have some time to explore this beautiful place and learn about the landscape from our guide.

  • Day 4:

    10 - 12 km, 700m gain

    Today we truly unplugged and enjoy the pristine mountain beauty. From here, we get to base camp and explore Shangri-La and the area. We will ascend further to admire Mount Ethelbert and the glorious flora and fauna all around.

    You and your guide will discuss the terrain, different ways to understand the area, and how best to navigate and understand the landscape.

    Enjoy some more tasty backcountry meals and take some time to relax in the evening of summer mountain sunshine.

     

  • Day 5:

    9 km, 450 m gain

    Get ready for a new perspective of the views and this incredible place as we turn around, trace our steps and head out!

    Congratulations! On trying something new and stepping into such a wilderness experience!!

    Once we reach the vehicles, let us enjoy some cool beverages and snacks on the drive out back to civilization.

     

  • Packing Tips:
    • Essentials: Tent, sleeping bag, rain gear, sturdy boots, water filter, first aid kit, and bear spray.
    • Food: Plan for 5 days of lightweight, non-perishable meals. Pack extra snacks for energy boosts along the way.
    • Water: Water sources are abundant, but make sure to treat or filter all water.
  • Safety:

    • Be prepared for variable weather – mountain conditions can change quickly.
    • Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this wilderness trail.

    Enjoy the thrill of a new challenge in Shangri-La! 

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This trip is designed for those with an intermediate fitness level. Being self sufficient for 4 days will create a heavy pack. You should have the ability to carry ~40 lbs (18 kg) for up to 6 hours over 700 m elevation gain.

If you have the fitness level, minimal experience is needed for backpacking; let me teach you!

Please note: this trip is in a more remote area. Here you will have a true Wilderness experience, we will make our own bear hangs, dig our own potty holes and get wild!

 

Gear, Food and Lodging

Included:

  • Backcountry skills learning
  • Tents for camping - we prefer people from the same "bubble" share tents as some campgrounds have limited tent platforms. Strangers will not be paired together unless requested to help decrease pack weight
  • Amazingly delicious food from the evening on day 1 to lunch on the last day
  • The expertise, navigation and learning from an ACMG Guide.
  • All group gear - stoves, pots, food storage materials, water treatment, sunblock, bug spray
  • All safety equipment - bear spray, first aid kit, emergency communication device, and tarp

Participants must provide:

  • Accommodations the night before getting on the trail
  • Transportation to the trailhead
  • Breakfast, supper on the last day
  • Personal Gear (Can be arranged for an additional fee)
    Personal Gear List  

Optional Reading