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Tuesday, January 30, 2007

The Himalaya/ preservation


Our treks
Small - Friendly - Adventurous
Hello from the three of us! Himalayan journeys are truly our passion and lifestyle. Joel and Kim run the best Zanskar and Ladakh treks there are, and in our unique style. Naturally we know and love Nepal, our second home, and Kim also specializes in Kailash and everything Tibetan. Jamie guides Everest (yep, to the summit) and runs the wildest exploratory treks on the planet.
Real treks in the best seasons with small groups and top crews - join us!
2007 Annapurna trekking, Everest base camp trek and more

Yes, a variety of real treks and we have an Everest expedition too.
See the bottom of the page for explanations of the dates, services, leaders and other details.Trip status: normally every trip runs, we only put a status if the trip is nearly full or something else unusual applies.
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Our trekkers are international but trips are costed in US$.
Use the xe.com currency converter.
Amazing Annapurna Trek - Nepal
From the Hindu villages of the middle hills to Buddhist Manang, Tibetan monasteries, soaring peaks, yaks and even hot springs, the Annapurna Circuit is a trek par excellence. Naturally we take the Pisang high route and Tilicho (lake) for the best of Annapurna.
18 Mar-14 Apr, 28 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2280 -- popular, book nowShorter trek: 18 Mar-5 Apr, 19 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$1980
Rolwaling-Khumbu-Makalu Traverse *exploratory
Yep, all the way across with a few mountains in between too! Private trip but mountaineers are welcome to join.
Dates: 18 Mar-7 May, 51 days -- light expedition style -- Nicola Tsang -- approx US$2900

Mountain Vision Everest Base Camp trek - Nepal
The leader, Gavin is joining us to climb Everest. Join him for a pre-expedition warm up in the Khumbu, run by Mountain Vision.
31 Mar-17 Apr, 18 days (from USA 29 Mar-18 Apr) -- expedition-style -- Gavin Attwood -- US$2600
Lhakpa Ri 7045m & North Col - Tibet

In the shadow of Everest we climb the high but straightforward 7045m mountain. The 7010m North Col is an alternative for that real Everest expedition feel, and both are possible too.
15 Apr-6 or 9 May, 22 days -- expedition-style -- Jamie McGuinness and Namgyal Sherpa -- US$4950
Everest ABC Trek 6400m - Tibet
We touch Everest on the highest trek in the world!
15 Apr-6 May, 22 days -- expedition-style -- Jamie McGuinness and Namgyal Sherpa -- US$336019 Apr-9 May, 21 days -- expedition-style -- local leader + Jamie for part of the trek -- US$2980
Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal
The best - virtually all - of the Everest region; we cross the Cho La and the Renjo La, explore the spectacular Gokyo lakes region, climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, visit Everest Base Camp, Chukhung, and more, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route.
21 Apr-15 May, 25 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2350
Limi Valley - Nepal
Thought by some to be the fabled Shangri-la, the Limi Valley in Nepal's far west is rated by the few that have visited there as one of the most beautiful places they have ever been. Ask for details.
8-30 May, 23 days -- expedition-style -- Wanda Vivequin -- US$2780
Simikot Saga Dawa Kailash - Nepal and Tibet
The breath-taking kora of Mount Kailash is the ultimate pilgrimage for Tibetans and Hindus alike. Add a wild trek into Tibet from Humla in far west Nepal, the Saga Dawa festival, Tibetan nomads, Buddhist lamas and a jeep safari to Lhasa for the journey of a lifetime!
20 May-16 June, 28 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister -- US$3980
K2 Concordia trek - Pakistan
Those mountains! A tough but rewarding trek with an expedition feel as we accompany Jamie's Gasherbrum II expedition.
18 June-12 July, 25 days -- expedition-style -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$2480
2007 Summer India treks
Kim and Joel are leading separate treks this season, and with quite different philosophies - an explanation is coming.Kim's itineraries are now up; the rest of Joel's might come in Feb.
Zanskar Spring Traverse
As spring lays its magical hand over the pastures and passes, we set out again in a season and in a style we have made our own. This journey is a wonderful blend of challenging trekking and warm village welcomes, with insights into a culture that we love.
27 May-25 June, 30 days -- expedition style -- Joel with Lobsang -- US$2400 -- filling fast
Caravan; a Mountain Passage - Ladakh to Spiti
Ten years after they first explored the region, Joel and Lobsang lead a short but stunningly beautiful trek from turquoise Tso Moriri (lake) on the Changtang to the Utah-like valleys of Spiti via the magnificent Parang La (pass). Details to come.
22 June-10 July, 19 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2450
Ladakh, the Land Beyond - Ladakh & Zanskar
Exotic, timeless, spectacular; Ladakh and Zanskar are remnants of old Tibet in the Indian Himalaya. Join us for a wonderful journey through this remote region, trekking along ancient trading routes, over high passes and through colorful villages.
23 June-22 July, 30 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2680
Markha Valley & Nomads trek - Ladakh
The classic Markha Valley trek extended to the Karnak region. The Markha villages with ripening barley fields and crumbling fortresses contrast dramatically with the yak-haired tents of the Karnak nomads. Fits with Nomads & Caravans.
28 July-13 Aug, 17 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$1980
Nomads & Caravans Trek - Ladakh & Changtang
Starting in the Markha Valley (above), we cross remote mountain passes to reach the Changtang plateau and the turquoise lakes where nomads living in yak-hair tents herd their Pashm goats, as they have throughout history. Fits with Markha Valley.
28 July-24 Aug, 28 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2680
Ladakh Meditation
Trekking relaxation; we spend real time in the villages and monasteries of this sublime route and after the occasional demanding day on the trail our friend Bob Rosenbaum offers meditation and Qi Gong sessions at our idyllic campsites. Details to come.
1-25 Aug, 25 days -- expedition-style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2720
Jumlam *Exploratory
Our very favourite autumn trek; and this time we do the Jumlam gorges full justice with time to explore all the stunning canyons and passes where snow leopard and ibex roam. Details to come.
28 Aug-25 Sept, 29 days -- expedition style -- Joel with Lobsang -- US$2820
Ancient Kingdoms of Ladakh & Zanskar *exploratory
Ladakh, the land of high passes, cliff-side monasteries and white-washed villages is the setting for our late-summer trek. Heading into Zanskar and the canyons and spires of 'Bear Valley', we end the journey via an exciting, exploratory route.
26 Aug-22 Sept, 28 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2680
2007 Autumn treks
We use the best trekking season to go exploring off the beaten track while the teahouse trekking routes are packed.
Abode of the Gods; Kinnaur Kailash
We begin with the "Himalayan Queen" express to Shimla, old summer capital of the British Raj then circumambulate Kinnaur Kailash, summer abode of Shiva, to the ancient kingdom of Kinnaur and finish in Garhwal. Itinerary to come.
29 Sept-19 Oct, 21 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$1780
Kharta Valley & Everest Kangshung Face - Tibet
The secret is out, this least known of the Everest treks is an endless series of stunning panoramas. With yaks carrying the supplies, we trek thru alpine meadows and captivating lakes to the Everest Kangshung Face Base Camp where we stay for the sunrise. We add Lhasa, Shigatse and Rongbuk for a truly Tibetan journey.
6 Oct-2 Nov, 28 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister -- US$3980
Manaslu Wild *exploratory
A 35 day Jamie special, we explore the remote Tsum valley to the Tibetan border twice and climb Larkya Peak 6010m. Wild!
20 Oct-23 Nov, 35 days -- expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$2650
Manaslu Magic - Nepal
Himalayan veterans often vote the Manaslu Circuit as the best trek in Nepal. No wonder, with picturesque villages from the subtropical to the Tibetan, and those mountains. Manaslu has it all!
20 Oct-9 Nov, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Jamie with Namgyal Sherpa -- US$1980
Abode of the Gods; Nanda Devi
The second of this autumn's explorations in Uttaranchal takes us to the mythical Nanda Devi region. We approach via a middle hills route to the base of Nanda Devi and her sister peaks that soar high over the valleys of Kumaon. Itinerary to come.
27 Oct-24 Nov, 29 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2480
Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal
The best - virtually all - of the Everest region; we cross the Cho La and the Renjo La, explore the spectacular Gokyo lakes region, climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, visit Everest Base Camp, Chukhung, and more, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route.
10 Nov-4 Dec, 25 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2350
Sikkim Kanchenjunga
We explore the pristine high pastures of the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim to admire the world's third highest peak and as a bonus stay at the Raj era Windermere hotel in Darjeeling. Details to come.
24 Nov-8 Dec, 15 days -- expedition-style -- Joel Schone -- US$2250
Everest Sherpa Christmas Trek - Nepal
Christmas in the Everest region under blue December skies. We explore Namche's weekly market, head up the Gokyo valley to Gokyo's turquoise lakes, trek to the Renjo La, visit Tengboche Gompa and explore the traditional Sherpa villages of the Khumbu. Stay a few extra days for New Year's Eve in Kathmandu if you can!
8-28 Dec, 21 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2180

Prices are ex-Kathmandu or ex-Delhi etc, ie you have to buy your international flight tickets.
Dates are the date you must arrive in Kathmandu/Delhi and the date you are free to fly out of Kathmandu/Delhi. You can of course arrive earlier or leave later.
Minimums For many trips the minimum number that we run the trip with is two people (yep, only two!). All treks normally run.
Previous trekkers and people who book two major trips in a row get a 10% discount, providing there are at least four bookings. In general for Tibet trips there is no previous trekker discount.
Caring for our staff We have great staff, and we really care about them, as they care for us. Our Nepal porters are fully kitted out for high altitude treks following the letter and spirit of the IPPG guidelines.
Tipping our crew is optional, but allow approx 5% of the trip cost as a guideline. The western guides don't take tips.
Teahouse trekking means staying in local lodges; Nepal only. All trekking accommodation, and all meals and hot drinks are included. Alcohol, mineral water, soft drinks, snacks and toilet paper not included. Porters/yaks carry your personal gear leaving you with a daypack. In Kathmandu airport transfers, sightseeing and 3 star hotel are included. Kathmandu meals not included. Normal maximum group size is 9-10 clients, our groups are usually smaller though.
Expedition style trekking means sleeping in tents. A cook and helpers cater for us with 3 course meals and post-trek snacks, and porters/yaks/ponies carry the lot organized by a sirdar. You trek with a daypack. Couples share a tent, everyone else gets a single tent. In Kathmandu/Delhi/Leh airport transfers, sightseeing and hotel are included. Kathmandu/Delhi/Leh/Manali meals not included. Normal maximum group size is 12 clients, but the usual size is 6-8 trekkers.
*Exploratory treks The golden age of exploration dead? Never! These are a set of 'back of an envelope' treks that would warm Tilman's heart. There is nobody else on the planet who organizes treks quite like this. They are rough, demanding and wild; a positive, can-do attitude and smile required.