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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 everything Tibetan. Jamie guides Everest (yep, to the summit) and runs the best exploratory treks on the planet.

Real treks in the best seasons with small groups and top crews - join us!

2009 Indian Summer

Our Zanskar and Ladakh summer treks are some of the best there are!

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 full or something else unusual applies.

Our trekkers are international but trips are costed in US$. For UK Pounds and Euros use the xe.com currency converter.

Mystical Markha Valley & the Nomads of Kharnak - Ladakh

Ladakh's jewel and beyond; a stunning trek under the soaring Himalaya & Zanskar ranges combining village and nomadic life. Traditional Markha villages, crumbling fortresses, ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the green Markha river valley lead us over high passes to the high Tibetan & Ladakhi nomadic pasture lands; incredible scenery and lots of wildlife throughout.

11-31 July, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2980

Nomads, Lakes & High Passes of the Changtang - Ladakh

'One of the best treks on the planet' (so says Kim); the turquoise salt-lakes and high plateaus, backed by the Himalaya range, with yak-hair nomadic tents peppered throughout, are simply spectacular. We follow old caravan routes over high passes, fording rivers and setting up camp on the high Tibetan plateau after trekking through the magical Markha Valley (see above).

11 July-10 Aug, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3480 -- filling

Zanskar Custom

We traverse Zanskar and more!

12 July-13 Aug, 33 days -- expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness

Stok Kangri Ascent & Markha Valley

A wonderful introduction to the Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom of Ladakh and Himalayan trekking and climbing, with time to enjoy the rightly renowned beauty of the Markha valley en route to a non technical ascent of Stok Kangri.

27 July-15 Aug, 20 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2550 -- full

Wild Canyons & Remote Villages of Ladakh *Exploratory

Real adventure, the 'best of' past years of exploration, we trek wild routes through spectacular canyons and hidden valleys lead us to the most remote villages of mythical Ladakh and Zanskar. Sparkling rivers and high Himalayan passes lead us to Tibetan nomadic settlements, tucked away below majestic snow peaks.

15 Aug-14 Sept, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3480

Across The Great Himalayan Divide and Jumlam - India

The tranquil Lahaul Miyar valley with its alpine campsites leads us to the savage beauty of the Miyar Glacier then the snowfields and spectacular panoramas of the Kang La (pass) - from where we descend to the more human beauty of our favorite kingdom in the sky, Zanskar in autumn and a traverse of its wildest domain, the Jumlam. An unforgettable and truly Himalayan passage.

25 Aug-18 Sep, 25 days -- lightweight expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2950

2009 India and Nepal Autumn

The west is best, we explore while we can, and in the best season while popular trails sag under weight of trekkers.
See our 8000m expeditions section for climbing camps, 8000m training and 7000m peaks.

Thinle's Inner Dolpo & Shey Phoksumdo Trek - Nepal *Exploratory

We can't get enough of Dolpo's spectacular scenery and remote Tibetan villages, so are running another exploratory trek through upper Dolpo, aided by Thinle of 'Himalaya' fame. This year we explore Panzang, leaving via the high passes route to Mustang.

26 Sept-26 Oct, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$4580 -- nearly full

Nanda Devi Pilgrimage - India

A classic autumn trek on trails devoid of trekkers, to the base of Nanda Devi, a name of myth and magic for both locals and trekkers. We spend time in the old trading towns of the Johar valley before ascending on demanding trails to Nanda Devi East Base camp, an incredible mountain retreat where we camp in beautiful pastures surrounded by glittering Himalayan peaks with only herds of blue sheep and ibex - and the occasional snow leopard - for company.

7-27 Sept, 21 days -- expedition style -- Lobsang -- US$2250
27 Sep-17 Oct, 21 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2450

Kanchenjunga - Green Lake *Exploratory - Sikkim

On Joel's second autumn exploration, a journey to another Himalayan frontier, North Sikkim and the beautiful trek along the Zemu glacier on the classic expedition route to Green lake and its breathtaking mountain panoramas.

17 Oct-2 Nov, 17 days-- expedition style -- Joel & Tega -- US$2850 -- 1 place left only

Kanchen Gola Wild *Exploratory - Nepal

The 7th (!) and probably last 42 day Kanchenjunga special, we trek the Milke Danda to Topke Gola and Olangchung Gola (double Gola!) on that trail that has eluded us twice, check out Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and probably attempt a 6000m peak and/or photo-hunt snow leopard.

19 Oct-29 Nov, 42 days -- expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$2950 -- filling

Arunachal Pradesh *Exploratory - India

Finally! A classic exploratory trek of India's unknown northeast, the 'land of the dawn-lit mountains', on a trek that takes in the most beautiful peaks and valleys - and 9 passes!

1-21 Nov, 21 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Basant -- US$2950 -- early booking required for permits

Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal

The best, virtually all, of the Everest region; we cross the Cho La & Renjo La passes (with a Kongma La option), explore the spectacular Gokyo lakes region, climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, visit Everest Base Camp, the Chukhung & Thame valleys, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route.

5-29 Nov, 25 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2580 -- popular, book early

Annapurna Base Camp trek - Nepal

A trek through the gorgeous foothills of Nepal to the amazing mountain panoramas of the Annapurna sanctuary, a perfect early winter trekking break. Info sheet to come.

1-16 December, 16 days -- teahouse & expedition style -- Joel Schone -- US$1980

2009 Christmas treks

Arun Valley & Gokyo Lakes *Christmas-New Year trek - Nepal

Early Everest expeditions pioneered this route through the lush, traditional hill villages of the Arun Salpa valley. Culturally diverse, with stunning alpine scenery, it's a fantastic hill trek, and little known. Higher up in the Sherpa Khumbu region, we journey to the high, turquoise Gokyo Lakes, staying with friends in Sherpa lodges. Join us for Xmas & New Year's Eve!

5 Dec-2 Jan, 29 days -- expedition style & teahouse trekking -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2980

A Kanchenjunga Christmas - Sikkim, India

Book early for this wonderful combination of Himalayan panoramas and Raj era Luxury, the demanding Goecha La trek and its spectacular views of Kanchenjunga. Post trek we celebrate New Year at our favorite Himalayan hotel, the Windamere in Darjeeling. All with the best of Himalayan and history guides, Joel and Tega.

19 Dec- 1 Jan, 14 days -- expedition-style -- Joel & Tega -- US$2050

2010 treks

We are working on these, here is a taster!

Zanskar *exploratory Ski Tour - India

I have dreamed of the Chadar, the Frozen river of Zanskar but we take it couple of levels higher and ski out a surprising route, real expedition ski touring with sleds. More details coming!

Jan -- light expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness --US$??00

Ice walk; The Chadar Expedition - India

The most challenging and exciting trek on our planet - once again we take to the frozen Zanskar river on the route taken by centuries of traders.

1-21 Jan, 21 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$3350

Chadar Zanskar - India

The summer way into Zanskar crosses many passes, in winter the locals simply walk the frozen Zanskar River... And we will follow into the Kingdom of Zangla.

13-28 Feb, 16 day -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$3850?

High Route Around Manaslu - Nepal

The absolute best of Nepal and Tibet, a trek of amazing ethnic and scenic diversity, still relatively un-trekked; the lush rice paddies and traditional villages of Nepal's middle hills lead to purely Tibetan villages, high Himalayan passes, spectacular snow-peak panoramas and wonderful campsites. Remote trekking, and one of Nepal's best kept secrets ...

1-24? April, 24 days -- expedition-style and teahouse -- Kim Bannister -- US$2980?

Mustang - Beyond Lo Monthang - Nepal

Formerly the Kingdom of Lo, Mustang is a remote, borderland Tibetan region of medieval villages, ancient cave hermitages, Buddhist monasteries, arid, high desert, wild rock formations, canyons, fossils and soaring snow-peaks. Our 'off-the-map' journey through this majestic Himalayan kingdom is a other-worldly experience, a spectacular trek from first to last day.

7-30 May, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister -- US$3580?

Prices are ex-Kathmandu or ex-Delhi etc, i.e. 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. With Delhi particularly, plan your times carefully.

Minimums For many trips the minimum number that we run the trip with is three trekkers. All treks normally run.

Previous trekkers and people who book two major trips in a row get a 5% discount, providing there are at least four bookings on each trip.

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.

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 roomy tent, everyone else gets a single roomy tent.

All treks include airport transfers, sightseeing, hotels and guesthouses. City and town meals not included.

*Exploratory treks The golden age of exploration dead? Never! These are 'back of an envelope' treks that would warm Tilman's heart. There is nobody else on the planet who organizes treks quite like this, a positive attitude and smile required.

*Friends treks for previous trekkers and their friends only.

*Introductory treks are perfectly suited to trekking novices.

 

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