Previous treks

Ladakh-Zanskar extras

Our previous India treks 2006-2007

Friendship treks

We love Ladakh, see how many treks we have previously advertised and ran.
The links lead to updated versions of the info pages.
See Our treks for current treks.

* means these wonderful people have trekked multiple times with us;
someone on almost every Ladakh trek!

2008

We follow the old trade route to Tibet as spring arrives in the luminously beautiful Johar valley, trekking the demanding trails to the base of the sacred sister peaks of Kumaon and Garhwal, Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East.

5-24 Apr, 20 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2150

Chadar Trade Route Expedition - India

This trek has everything you could want of a winter expedition, with challenging days trekking, the beautiful gorges and monasteries of Zanskar, and time built in to ensure you get the full taste of this ancient kingdom in wintertime. Details to come.

5 Jan-1 Feb, 26 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$3650

2007 Autumn treks

We use the best trekking season to go exploring off the beaten track while the teahouse trekking routes are packed.

Sikkim Kanchenjunga - India

As winter starts to frost the high pastures of Sikkim, we make a short but wildly beautiful trek from the middle hills to the high glaciers under the 8586m Kanchenjunga, the 'Five treasures of the Great Snows', and journey home via the Raj era Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling.

24 Nov-8 Dec, 15 days -- expedition-style -- Joel Schone -- US$2250
Team: John **, Steve & Lois***, Shaggy, Karen, Tony

Tony, Steve, Karen, Shaggy, Lois and John - by Joel

We arrived at the Windamere in time for lunch after a snowy, stunning trek and sat down to lunch after baths in our incredible rooms.
As the waiter served John Soos soup he politely enquired, "How was your expedition, sir?"
To which John replied, before our Goan fish curry lunch, "Hell."

Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

As the glow of Kanchenjunga
fades with the passing of each year

When the whistle of the Toy Train
Dies at last upon my ear

In My heart I still shall cherish
dear old Windamere

- Jan Morris 1996

Cocktails at 7, dinner at 8.

- Joel

What can I say...it never ceases to amaze me just what wonderful trekkers join us, and after an incredible year, what a team to finish with. From the stunning views of the Himalaya from our flight up, to the meal on the road to Gangtok, the tongba session in our hotel, to the stunning weather, and of course the wonderful warm welcome in the classic Windamere hotel in Darjeeling. The team dealt with tummy bugs and ice cold evenings, sleeping bag bartering, and some tough days, with humour, and dare I say it, a pure joy in their surroundings... thank you.

Abode of the Gods 2: Nanda Devi - India

Nanda Devi - a name of myth and magic for both local people and trekkers - is our destination on this awesome trek that combines classic middle hills hiking with a remote and rarely visited area at the base of this stunningly beautiful peak. The finale, we exit the region over a virtually unknown pass.

29 Oct-19 Nov, 22 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2150
Combines with Abode of the Gods 1 -- US$3680
Team: Nick & Danielle, Peter S**, Jean, Gaye K (at last!), Romany, Christel, Martin*

Nick, Daniel, Gaye, Lobsang, Peter, Martin (behind) and Romany - Joel

This autumn that Goddess that lives up there was not in the best of moods, and threw high winds and deep snow at us; along with an official in Munsiari who delayed us a day with some legalese! Our regular team was joined by Punsok and Kunsang, making the journey overland to meet us, and they turned out amazing food in amazing conditions; and despite the cold and snow, most of the team forced their way up towards the base camp, then took more time to view the sacred sisters from the Pachu side.

A great team from six nations and many generations that as always with our groups, helped each other over the tough spots, and thoroughly enjoying it...special mention to Peter for the fish, Nick for his twitching input, Danielle for her cake, Jean for memories of 70's India, Martin for showing all the other men up by being a perfect gent, Christel for never giving up, Romany for reading, and Gaye for the minties!

Christel and Jean - Joel

Abode of the Gods 1: Kinnaur Kailash

We journey via the old summer capital of British India, Shimla, to the remote Himalayan kingdom of Kinnaur on the ancient trade route to Tibet, where we trek around the summer abode of Shiva, Kinnaur Kailash, and on into Garhwal to explore the high pastures and glaciers of the Har Ki Dun valley.

7 Oct-29 Oct, 23 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$1980
Combines well with Abode of the Gods 2
Team: Martin and Sunil

Lobsang, Sunil and Martin - photo by Joel

A real Raj era exploratory as we enjoyed a wonderful day at Shimla before setting out up the Hindustan Tibet highway; not really a group, just the three of us, and Martin and Sunil were born to be explorers; patience, fascination with all around, and appreciation of the stunning beauty of this rarely trekked corner of the Himalaya. Sunil kept us up to date on just what Lobsang was saying to our (brilliant) team of porters from Manali, and lent us much needed help over a permit with the army we actually did not need - we bailed on the Charang pass because of too much snow, but took on the Rupin la on a long and snowy day following the "invisible yak" (see diary to come!) into the Rupin valley; incredible waterfalls and incredible trail!

Finally through that Rupin valley - Martin with his Forest of Dean antennae full on picked up on the oddness, and we went on to a close encounter with a leopard at a hilltop campsite. (and yes, I was scared, and yes, I did move my tent closer to the others!) The two nights we spent at the forest rest house will always be a great memory, then Mussoorie, that Mughal meal (thanks again Sunil) and breakfast at the Imperial!

2007 Summer India treks

We think our Ladakh and Zanskar treks are the best on offer with well planned itineraries and our star crews.

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
Team: Marian (pictured with Lhakpa)

One of the most interesting, beautiful treks we've done in ages, ending with the remote village of Shade and a spectacular river and canyon route; Marian, Lhakpa & I made a small but happy group, enjoying the exploring during the day and evenings of rum, books and Su Doku, which we all become addicted to. Marian didn't have quite enough of the Himalayas after three weeks of trekking, so headed off to Bhutan for a biking and trekking adventure!

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.

28 Aug-25 Sept, 29 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2820
Team: Megan & John, Glen**, Ley

L-R, back row: Ley, Megan, John and Glen
Middle row: Norbu, Tenpa, Kunsang, Phunsok, and in front Stanzin and Lobsang

Yes, it says Exploratory with a capital E...we reached Chilling to find that a dispute between local villagers had climaxed in someone axing the cable car cable! Whoops! So Lobsang hopped in a handy raft (see diary soon) and we rearranged the trek; over a remote pass into the Markha valley, then on to the Jumlam.

As ever in autumn, the weather before the Zalung Karpo was dodgy, but once in those gorges, really lovely; fresh snow at Ruberang, then warm sunny days all the way; Glen, a man with a new heart (he had a transplant in 1994) turned out to be (like me) a former Air cadet, and Megan, John, and Ley were just the best company on our long days trekking and some of our exploratory walks, one of the funniest people I have ever trekked with (and the only one from Wagga Wagga!).

Lots of great memories again, almost all of laughter, and of course, food - John, Megan & I made the Imperial breakfast buffet from our Leh flight with minutes to spare, and returned that night for dinner to get caught up in India's cricket victory celebrations... Thank you!

Himalayan Circuit *exploratory

A rarely trekked route from the lush green pastures of Lahaul's Chenab valley over the Umasi La into Zanskar; a super lightweight summer delight!

3-27 Aug, 25 days -- lightweight expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2100
Team: Dave**, Tom***, Leigh, Amy, Dan

David, Dan, Amy, Lobsang, Leigh & Tom, Singge in front (check his story out - you will cry, I promise) - photo by Joel

Well, yes, exploratory... the road to the base of the Umasi La was not just in "bad condition" but not there! Those monsoon rains...so what more could we do but cross the Kang La to Zanskar...a day in Manali had Lobsang summoning Sonam, a Lahauli guide and master of calm, and getting together rope we needed for the pass; we had a spiffy new dining tent from Big Agnes, and off we went!

From the start the Miyar valley proved delight, delight, delight...green pastures, lovely people, the most amazing sunsets (they were so incredible we actually discussed the chances of there having been a nuclear explosion since we left!) and the river of ice leading to the pass - such a glacier!

An early start and the sheer calm professionalism of Lobsang and Sonam took us through crevasse fields in a whiteout, and then we were on that old familiar ground, Zanskar; in Reru we said goodbye to our porters, and hello to our horses...In Phuktal Gompa while playing on a staircase with a monk I took a fall and made my 10 yearly cracked ribs (1996, 1986, 1976, on the dot) which left me in a lot of pain but able to carry on, slowly; we met our boy Singge in Tanze, where he then proceeded to break his arm (turned out to be a very bad sprain) so he joined us for the Phirtse La, to the high plains of Sarchu. Our jeep was there on the other side of the river, with beer, mutton and spinach, but far too dangerous to cross; but the guys got the goods across!

A summer of summers, such memories, Dan of middle east origin was taken for our 'Kashmiri guide'*, Amy was the only one not to turn down the spam, Tom was as always good to trek with, Dave a delightful companion again with memories of a 'certain woman' and his tent aura, and Leigh (already booked for next year) the lone Aussie with her new camera and a poncho that was more hole then poncho. Again many thanks guys, you were the best.

* Like me, he's a Jersey boy - we bonded over Bruce!

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$2080 -- closed
Team: Jeff, Male**, Minette, Madeleine & Pat (with Jon joining us)

A great group and great trek, with Anne & Stan along for the long-haul (see below); Jeff spent every afternoon chasing blue sheep in the high hills, while the girls did a bit of sun-bathing and pampering at camp. We picked up Jon in Leh, who proved to be wonderful company as well, adding to our lively evenings. Thanks, all! (My camera went swimming during the early sections of the trek (just after this photo, actually - photo Anne Prendergast - so I don't have a real group photo of the Markha Valley trek).

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 -- closed
Team: Anne & Stan

I couldn't have asked for better trekkers for this long, tough but sublime trek through the high nomadic regions of Ladakh, perhaps my favorite all-time Ladakh trek. We were treated to herds of stampeding 'kyang', or wild ass, and had encounter after encounter with various groups of nomads, even doing some bartering of our own. Anne pampered me with acupuncture treatments, and Stan kept us intrigued with stories of exploration in the cold Arctic, and other places I've never been to. A perfect trek, with beautiful campsites, great trekking and wonderful company throughout.

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 -- closed
Team: Jenn & Terry

Terry R says:
"Even after a week here in the States, my heart and mind are still in the Himalayas!!! Thanks so much for all that you did to make our trek the incredible experience that it was. Although I got a bit tired at times, I did so enjoy the experience so much. How blessed I feel to have been able to go on this trip, especially with such a great group as our merry little band. Do greet the crew for me and thank them again and again. I hope all of you are safe and having a blast out there on the trail somewhere..."

Kim says:
It was a summer of small but wonderful groups for Lhakpa & I, starting Jenn & Terry's trek. Jenn was doing research into the situation of the nuns in Zanskar, so we got an in-depth look at the 'chomo gompas' and life in the nunneries. Terry's zany humor and good energy and Jenn's enthusiasm and experience made this trek a real vacation for us. (Pictured above in front of Pishu Nunnery, a rarely visited and very special Zanskari nunnery, with a nun and Lhakpa.

Blondes have more fun; the Viking custom journey

A special custom journey through the Himalaya for two Danish families.

13-30 July, 18 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Stanzin
Team: Per, Arne and families

Watching Michael Palin's "Himalaya", Per Gullestrup of Denmark decided it was time he and his kids (Peter and Tania) and Arne and his kids (Nicolai and Tom) had to trek, and thus, us!

From day one they were a dream team, listening to advice, and glorying in the experience; Arne had a bit of a boot problem so was on horseback for part of the trip, but we had many lovely evenings with music from the sixties for us oldies (and Arne, Woodstock was in 69' and Bad company were NOT there!) and for the young (the kooks, great) and Tenpa's food just got better. They all proved their Viking spirit, not by pillaging the villages, but by swimming every day, rain or shine. The whisky you left enlivened our Jumlam trek, and I have many memories of those blonde bodies sunbathing every day!

Per said: "The trek was truly an experience of a lifetime, I really do not believe it could have gone any better, everything worked out perfectly. Your knowledge of the culture and the area is amazing and very inspiring. Furthermore the respect you show for your employees was gratifying and made everything very harmonious. A heartfelt thanks from all of us!"

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.

21 June-14 July, 24 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2700 -- closed
Team Project-Himalaya; Annie***, Fred, Anita & Ali for the start, Max Supporting
Team Asian Insights; Romana, Richard & Alan

Annie, Punsok, Anita, Fred and in front Lobsang - Joel

A diverse group; Annie back again joined the last part of Zanskar Spring then came on to this one, and Ali Tucker just had to get a few more days in the hills before the aviation journal dragged her back (no, these Fuckers were Fokkers!) Then we had an expat team; Richard, GM of the Sheraton in Bangkok his wife Romana, a wandering photographer, their friend Alan, a teacher from Britain living in China, and Fred, a US consular staffer in Bangkok...and just to top it off, Anita, of South Indian origin but living in the States studying planetary science at MIT.

Chaotic? No, we specialize in calm from chaos; they overlapped with Zanskar Spring, with Max looking after them in Delhi and bringing them up to Leh, with much needed cheese supplies. We all had a delightful stay in Alchi, that oasis of beauty, before heading off to acclimatize at Korzok in the Changtang. Then slowly off across the beautiful high plateau. Our spread of generations from 23 to 66 was reflected in our gentle pace and easy days, as we got to know each other - Anita showing her science skills by repairing our milk blender and baffling the crew ("Like Bollywood star, but no speak Hindi", Tenpa said) by the fact she spoke no Asian languages, Romana reporting that the Parang Chu had vanished and that we did not need water shoes, (it had not, we did, but we got over), Annie trying to con everyone into leaving earlier, (unsuccessfully, thanks Alan) and Romana & Richard truly enjoying their days together; Fred with stories of his war zone postings and helping me rack my brains on the John Ford Cavalry film trilogy titles.

We had a rest day again at Lucky Camp, and after some frigid stream crossings took on that long day on the lovely Parang La, with relays of trekkers greeting each other with smiles and chai on arrival at chicken run. And it was not over; Tenpa and Stanzin took the Asian insights team to Kinnaur, and Lobsang arrived from Manali with the porters and gear for Fred, Anita, Annie and I to go on to the Pin Parvati pass. All went smoothly for the jeepers, but Lobsang went down with a chest complaint at the high camp, and, fearing pneumonia, our team decided at the 11th hour to bail and get him to a doctor; typical of the selflessness of our trekking groups. So that sat phone whistled up the faithful Largay (and what a moment when, loaded on an awful tractor and about to leave, this prince of drivers got his jeep to us.. yippee!) And still not over? Four of us loaded into an auto rickshaw turning into our restaurant in Manali, the whole thing started to roll, myself flying out across the road - unhurt; the whole front wheel had come off... later that night we confirmed Lobsang had pneumonia, and I was in a jeep heading up to Leh to greet our next group...

"With over 30 years in the hospitality and hotel business, I know having the right team is all important; you have that team, and their work is a reflection of your leadership."

Richard Chapman, GM, Sheraton Bangkok, thank you speech

"Thanks again for a great trip. You are the "best in class operator" for the Indian Himalaya. Your trips have a high "value quotient". Don't be afraid to raise prices a little. Your trips are worth it. "

Fred Mauren (Fred - She wore a yellow ribbon, Fort Apache, and ???)

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 & Lobsang -- US$2400 -- closed
Team: Dave D***, Corrine**, Darrel, Don, Murray, Rachel, Eric, Ali******,Adam & Gemma (for part) Annie**(for part)

Darrel, Ali, Dave D, Longsang, Annie, Corinne, Donald, Murray, Stanzin, Eric and Rachel - Joel

A great kick off to the start of our summer, with Dave and Corrine a welcome return, and as always a smooth trek, the normal early day tummy bugs and colds, and heat exhaustion, Zanskar can be particularly brutal to first timers; but over the Shingo La safely and days in the lovely villages, bear valley, and on to Leh.

Dave and Murray entertained all with their boyhood memories, Donald and Dave provided more tongue in cheek views of married life in Indonesia, and Corinne and Annie lamented the lack of single men...Ali has since had a new hand surgically attached, but her dropping plates of food was guaranteed to buck up a slow evening - Rachel and Eric coped wonderfully with their first immersion in India, and Adam's stories ("my friend was working as a pimp in Sydney...") got more outrageous as the trek progressed and his laugh got more manic. Darrel, our token Canadian, was just all good cheer and was allowed by Dave and Murray to be an honorary Kiwi, although refusing to wear the singlet.

Thanks especially to our Zanskar connection, new summer staff Stanzin & Norbu, who became honorary members of our Manali Mafia. Apologies to Ali for the lack of appropriate rations and Gemma & Adam, we will be thinking of you next February!

2007 India Winter

Chadar Trade Route Expedition - India

6-31 Jan, 26 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2880
Team: Mark.

Amazing. The Chadar is never the same any year, this year it was incredible. Mark and I had stunning weather and perfect ice conditions all the way into Zanskar, and our usual team of Lobsang, Stanzin and Norbu did the usual professional job. We had five days in the kingdom of Zangla, witnessing a comical winter auction with the monks at Karsha, and being interviewed in Padum by an Indian army officer from his bed... and we had some sublime mornings walking through the frost smoke rising off the Zanskar.

On our return the Gods who reside in the Zanskar presumably woke up to the fact that a couple of upstart trekkers hade dared to penetrate their domain, so they threw us a few curve balls, but minus 35c nights and a bit of bad ice never really slowed us as we came home via Lingshed where the monks appeared to be having a momo fest, at least a yaks worth.

For me personally, an incredible start that marks my 20th year trekking in the Himalaya, thanks Mark, the guys, and whoever it is up there who watches over us.

Team from left: Joel, Lobsang, Mark, and the porters and crew, with Nima the lodge owner at Hanumil

2006 India Autumn

Kanchenjunga Sikkim

A kaleidoscope of images in this late autumn journey to this Himalayan kingdom; and a high point with stunning views of the Kanchenjunga massif.

19 Nov-2 Dec, 14 days -- expedition style -- Joel Schone -- $1980
Team: Alison Tucker****

Within 24 hours of a pre-dawn arrival at Delhi with our Nanda Devi group, Alison and I were flying the length of the Himalaya to Sikkim, the tiny Himalayan kingdom sandwiched between Nepal and Bhutan. Despite a previous visit 20 years ago, nothing prepared me for the forested beauty of the hillsides, even through the pouring rain as we slogged up muddy trails, and nothing prepared us for the sheer ethereal beauty of the peaks, shyly greeting us through low mist and cloud at first, then in full, stunning, awe inspiring beauty as we took a torch lit 3 am start for the Goecha La and sat and marveled at the huge south face of Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is incredible, with the loveliest middle hills, well maintained trails and a strict campsite policy that keeps the upper pastures that lead to the high places pristine as all sacred places should be. Along with our other recent Indian delight, Nanda Devi, a place to return to soon.

Thanks to our new friends in Sikkim, Bikash, Purna, Sagar, Bhim, Sanjay and the team, and all the many Gods living on the Sikkimese heights, for being so good to Alison and I.

L to R: Purna, Sagar, Bim, Bahadur, Sanjay, and Alison

Nanda Devi Pilgrimage

The high pastures and peaks on the approaches to the 7000m plus sister peaks of Nanda Devi east and Nanda Devi are unspoilt wonders in this untouched corner of the Indian Himalaya. Details to come.

31 Oct-19 Nov, 20 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- $1980
Team: Alison Tucker***, Dennis Brooks, Kit Sin

Our Indian autumn started with Alison from the UK, Dennis from the USA and Kit from Malaysia heading for the lakeside resort of Nanital, then on to Munsiari where Lobsang and Tenpa greeted us with dinner. Our fifth outing along the old trade route to Tibet was blessed with superb weather as we forded the Lwanl Gad, and made our way along exposed trails to a true sanctuary in the hills, Nanda Devi East Base camp, beautiful wide pastures in autumn colours to complement the massed snow and rock above. Then on to the Pachu valley for more views and delightful camps, and time to explore the old flagstone lanes of Milam, Martoli and Pachu.

So many thanks to our great Nanda team, Gopal, "Bill Murray", the 70 year old horseman, Big Agnes, Nosh from Australia, who was backpacking the PH itinerary (not Gosh, Alison!!) Jody the Scot, and Dennis and Kit, tyro trekkers who coped with humour with their first trek; and of course Lobsang, Tenpa, and Alison.

2006 India Summer

Lost Worlds of the Jumlam

The Jumlam or ‘middle way’ is an incredibly scenic trek traversing from the Indus valley to the ancient kingdom of Zangla via a network of stunning, precipitous gorges, canyons and remote passes. Wild.

10 Sept-1 Oct, 22 days -- expedition-style -- leader: Joel and/or Kim -- US$2280

Happened...

Ancient Trails of Ladakh

The very best of Ladakh; starting with a visit to Alchi Gompa, we complete a circuit of the spectacular valleys, remote villages, Buddhist gompas and dramatic, high passes of Ladakh, trekking all the way to Lamayuru Gompa.

12 Aug-8 Sept, 28 days -- expedition-style -- leaders: Joel and/or Kim -- US$2680

See Carsten Nebel's travelogue, Ancient Trails and Passes, from Ladakh to Zanskar.

Kang Yatze Expedition

We begin with the Markha Valley then head off around Nimaling to explore and acclimatize to build up for the ascent of Kang Yatze. This is a stunning 6400m peak, and a relatively straightforward climb using fixed ropes in a couple of places.

23 July-15 Aug, 24 days -- expedition style -- leader: Jamie McGuinness -- US$2680
Team: Robert Wedum, Martin Davis, Raewyn Moss, Miriam** and shorter trek: Netti, Nicole and Anna.

Believe in global warming. Heat, rain, thunderstorms, hail and more rain; the wettest July and August in memory in the region. Yet we trekked thru with amazing timing, setting up camp just before the afternoon thunderstorm, wading rivers as their were at their raging lowest. Timing was everything with the hills too; we were peppered with afternoon hail a few times. Climbing was out as we just stayed at the safest camps and bided our time. Even with 9 days for climbing-exploring the weather outlasted us. But despite all the bad weather we had rum evenings and a good time.

L-R: Jamie, Thinleys (assistant guide), Netti, Nicole, Martin, Rawyn
Nedup (guide), Miriam and Anna. (Missing Robert).
Three of the women joined for the trek.

The tough team at the end, Prem (kitchen hand), top left and our cook, Rahul, bottom right, and Robert with the grey beard.

Markha Valley Beyond - Ladakh

The Markha valley, one of the great treks of the Himalaya, paired with the nomadic region of Karnak. This trek has evolved from years of experience in this region of whitewashed villages, forts and gompas. Fits with Caravan.

8-24 July, 17 days -- expedition-style -- Joel Schone -- US$1980

Happened...

Nomads & Caravans of the Changtang - Ladakh

A timeless journey through the nomadic grazing regions of the Changtang, we trek along wide valleys, past ancient forts and over high passes to the turquoise Lake Tso Moriri and on to Lake Thadsang Karu.

8 July-6 Aug, 30 days -- expedition-style -- leader: Kim Bannister -- US$2680

Happened...

Hemis Festival Extension - Ladakh

The Hemis festival is one of the highlights of the Tibetan Buddhist world, a colorful lama dance held once a year to usher in an auspicious new year. For those with extra time, don't miss it! Book early; hotels and flights fill quickly.

4-7 July, 4 days extra before Caravans or Markha Valley trek -- leaders: Kim and Joel -- US$180

Zanskar Spring - Ladakh & Zanskar

Our adventurous Spring trek traversing the remote Kingdom of Zanskar, crossing nine high passes. Ancient trade routes through remote valleys where bears, ibex and blue sheep roam make this trek a truly Himalayan journey.

3 June-2 July, 30 days -- expedition-style -- leaders: Joel (& Kim) -- US$2680
Team: Richard, Steve, Alex, Bob, Trish, Katy, Tom, Sarah, Liana, Marianna, John, Jerry and Jane

Happened...

Sikkim Spring 2006

Nanda Devi Pilgrimage - India

Remote, mythical, and at 7816m Nanda Devi is the highest peak in the Indian Himalaya. Approached on the old trade route to Tibet, this trek, seventy years after it was first climbed, is a wonderful combination of green lush valleys, high pastures and passes in the shadow of the peak. Not the closed inner sanctuary, but the next best thing! And a great way to beat the troubles in Nepal.

29 Apr-19 May, 21 days -- expedition style -- leader: Joel Schone -- US$1880
Team: Tom, Lauren, Paul and Cliff with Kim Bannister.

We traveled and trekked to the eastern side of the Nanda Devi sanctuary; wonderful days trekking, stunning campsites, and the best mountain views; another great group...

From left among the crew, Tom, Paul, Lobsang, Lauren and Cliff; front row Kim

Nanda Devi Pilgrimage - India

8-28 Apr, 21 days -- expedition style -- Joel Schone -- US$1880
Team: Steve and Lois.

We took an incredible middle hills route to the southern wall of the Nanda Devi sanctuary; incredible spring hailstorms, beautiful forests, and too many high points to describe.

Steve, Lois and Joel at Zero Point with Nanda Devi behind

Hidden Himalaya - Sikkim - India

This trek is a perfect introduction to this wonderful Buddhist kingdom, it's monasteries, and one of the classic Himalayan treks, to the Goecha La (pass) at just on 5000m, for the views of Kanchenjunga.

18 Mar-1Apr, 15 days -- expedition style -- leader: Joel -- $1980

Cancelled due to commitments to an aging family.