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Our recent previous treks and expeditionsHere is a list of treks and expeditions we have previously advertised. See Our treks for current treks. * means these wonderful people have trekked multiple times with us. 2013Upper Mustang Peaks *exploratoryStunning! We are opening up new trekking peaks, one at a time. Be part of the fun as we trek through the most gorgeous, sculpted rock panoramas and remarkable ancient gompas, and climb a hopefully straightforward 6000m peak or two, real peak exploring. 22 Apr-19 May, 28 days -- expedition style and tea-house
trekking -- Jamie McGuinness --
US$3980 Remote Kanchenjunga - Nepal *exploratoryNestled in the far east of Nepal is one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking regions. In addition to the north and south base camps we head off the beaten track to Olangchun Gola, as we explore this region of Rais, Limbus and Tibetans. 19 Mar-19 Apr, 32 days -- expedition style -- Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$4680 2013 Chadar ExpeditionWe trek the semi-frozen Zanskar River while frost smoke wreathes the trees, in the company of Zanskaris still using this ancient trade route. This is THE must do trip for the seasoned trekker! 13-31 Jan, 19 days -- expedition style -- Leh-Leh -- Ade
Summers -- US$2980 including gear Phil says: "I just completed the 2013 trek with Ade and the experience was spectacular. Ade and Lobsang were great and the dialed in support was what makes the expedition so special."
2012 AutumnEverest High Passes Trek - NepalThe 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. 31 Oct -24 Nov, 25 days -- teahouse trekking --
Kim Bannister -- US$3180* - Himlung Expedition 7126mAre you 6000m-experienced and ready to climb to the next level? We trek up the lost valley of Phu for a remote but straightforward 7000m expedition peak. 23 Sept-27 Oct, 35 days -- expedition style -- Luke Smithwick -- US$8,500 Sadly, no summit due to challenging snow/ice conditions. See Lars' flickr photos. GHT: Upper Dolpo to Jomsom - NepalUpper Dolpo is a sacred land of forgotten Tibetan villages tucked away in remote Himalayan valleys. Join for our third year of wild exploration to the most far-flung of Dolpo's destinations: Shey, Phoksumdo Lake, the Panzang Valley and high passes to Mustang. 23 Sept-23 Oct, 31 days -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$5180* -- full GHT Wild West *exploratoryThe missing link, we aim to be the first to complete the route north of Saipal that has eluded even hardcore GHT trekkers, hopefully solving one trail mystery. Real exploration in a month, or join for a continuing bout of exploration as we find a new way all the way to Mugu on our 10th (!) 42 day exploratory trek, and is a quarter of the Nepal GHT. 20 Sept-20 Oct, 31 days -- expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness
-- US$3980* -- full Wow, we are the very FIRST trekkers to successfully traverse from Darchula to Simikot, staying in Nepal! First, a huge thanks to the superhero porters and to the all star crew... more to come. 2012 Ladakh & Zanskar SummerGHT Kanji Canyons *exploratoryWe revel in the canyons, gorges, formations and high passes of the stunningly colourful Zanskar range and check out an alternative route for the Great Himalaya Trail. 21 Aug-9 Sept, 20 days -- expedition style -- Leh-Leh -- Jamie McGuinness
-- US$2680* Can we do the whole trek again?! And a big thanks to Sophie who sacrificed plenty to join and who said: "Firstly, thank you so much for an amazing, unforgettable trip. What a truly extraordinary part of the world. I am typing outside, coffee in hand, despite pretty horrible weather (rain threatening); it just doesn't feel right being indoors... Anyway, I sincerely appreciate all that you did. Really, thank you." Esther says: "The more I reflect upon this exploratory trekking journey, the more I realise its truly an adventure of a lifetime to be out there in the wilderness, and armed only with what local knowledge we can glean to get us through the routes. There are so many adventurous memories of this trekking experience to be imprinted into my mind to last me my lifetime!!" 
L-R: Jamie, Sitar (Rithar), Lobsang, Sophie, Esther, Tenzin and our six horses plus the tough mule Wild Ladakh Zanskar Traverse *exploratoryThe ultimate in our exploratory India treks! From Kanji to Zanskar via the fantastic river canyons and high passes of the Zangla gorges, we camp at remote Shade village, marvel at cliff-side Phuktal monastery and exit along the spectacular Phirtse La route. 9 Aug-8 Sept, 31 days -- Leh-Leh -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$3780* Tso Moriri Peaks *exploratoryClassic remote high altitude trekking with a couple of exploratory non-technical peaks and ending with the glaciated Parang La over the Great Himalaya range. Beautiful, remote, and guaranteed to refresh your sense of the wild. 5-31 Aug, 26 days -- expedition style -- Leh-Manali -- Luke Smithwick
-- US$3180* Ranjan has a diary of the trip. Changthang Peaks *exploratoryNew temptations and real exploration! We explore remote Rong and Changthang, a newly opened area and bag some newly opened non-technical 6000m peaks too, and all in three weeks. 29 July-17 Aug, 20 days -- expedition style -- Leh-Leh -- Jamie McGuinness
-- US$2680* Exploring! We were the first group this year of a handful in the last couple the locals had seen, and we could have been the first foreigners ever to cross the 5850m Gongma La, but bailed on this with some altitude issues, despite a reasonably cautious ascent. Instead we took the lower Yongma La at 5600m, so the region really is very high. It was a trip of surprisingly grassy camp sites, surprise nomad camps and the horses finished healthier than they started, and with one extra, a surprise foal born at 5180m (in addition to the 2 other foals that trekked with us from the start). Many surprises. We also explored a couple of shapely mountains and further bumps on the ridges and eyed quite a few more too. Quail Peak is so named because Trevor invaded a pair's space at over 5900m. It is a region with lots more potential, providing you can handle the altitude. Did we find an alternative to Stok Kangri? Unfortunately permitting is the issue so further investigation-exploration might be required. Chanden cooked up a storm (with Hira and Sitaram in assistance) and Lobsang ably handled everything, including Ryuseki's team within a team. Sadly Murray had to finish the trek early with the slow onset of AMS. Photos to come sometime. Upper Zanskar Traverse *yogaTrekking with Luke and yoga with Lilly Radha Laya Stesin; we trek into upper Zanskar in the best season with an optional, rarely climbed, non-technical 6000 metre peak ascent. A truly unique yoga experience amid majestic mountains and huge panoramas. 8-27 July, 20 days -- expedition style -- Manali-Leh -- Luke Smithwick
with Lilly Stesin -- US$2950* A wild double traverse of the Great Himalaya range, via the classic Shingo La and Phirtse La. We visited villages and got our "trekking legs" under us through the sharp and colorful landscape of upper Zanskar; then moved into and explored the upper headwaters of the Lingti valley, and finally climbed a "new" glaciated 6000 meter peak; completing the journey via some exciting glacial river crossings on our way to Sarchu. Mystical Markha & Nomads - LadakhLadakh's jewel and beyond; a stunning trek under the soaring Zanskar range 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 wildlife throughout. 5-24 July, 20 days -- Leh-Leh -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$3080* Nomads, Lakes & High Passes - LadakhFollowing old caravan routes over high Himalayan passes, this is one of the most remote, unique and challenging treks in the Changthang, the high Tibetan plateau. We trek through the spectacular high lake region, ford sparkling rivers and set up camp with the nomads with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. Markha Valley start (see above). 5 July-3 Aug, 30 days -- Leh-Leh -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$3780* GHT: High Passes of Miyar *exploratoryWe return to the remote Miyar Valley in the best season, just before the shepherds arrive and as the wildflowers are peaking. Then, a glacier crossing of the Great Himalaya Range (via Kang La) and a finish in spectacular Zanskar. Rarely climbed peaks (optional), challenging trekking, and an Himalayan traverse! 10 June-7 July, 31 days -- expedition style -- Manali-Manali -- Luke Smithwick
-- US$3180* Success on the Kang La for year number two in the unique early summer season. We did some exploring on approach in the wild Miyar valley, were turned back by snow on a beautiful 6000 meter peak above Raru; and completed the exploratory with a new route over the Himalaya via the "Schone La", an alternative to the oft-visited Shingo La. We discovered a "new" 6000 meter peak in this wild valley, and dined on mutton with the local Gaddi shepherds; whom had never seen trekkers in the area in their 31 years of roaming. 2012 SpringSaga Dawa Kailash & Limi Humla - Nepal & TibetStarting our adventure in exotic Lhasa & Samye, we jeep along the Himalayan range to Kailash, cleansing a lifetime of sins along the Kailash kora. Next, sacred Tirthapuri, the ruins of ancient Kyunglung (Zhangzhung Kingdom) and a remote trek through the Limi Valley in Humla to Simikot. 22 May-21 June, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim
& Lhakpa -- US$5480* Alas, China changed the visa rules just prior to the trip, and with the requirement of one nationality and 4+ pax, we were shafted. Then Tibet was fully closed to foreigners so instead Kim took the team to the wonderful Tsum Valley, see below. Monsoon Yarsagumba Trail: Manaslu & Tsum - NepalFrom Gorkha, through sub-tropical river valleys and bustling Gurung villages, we venture into the remote Tsum Valley on the border of Tibet, trek to the Tibetan regions of Manaslu and cross the wild Larkya La pass to the Annapurna region. 22 May-21 June, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim
& Lhakpa -- US$4480 After the Tibet trauma above, the new 'Monsoon Manaslu & Tsum' trek ended up being a fantastically interesting AND scenic trek, with the locals of Tibetan descent searching for the medicinal yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus) having set up high trading posts near Tibet. The Tibetan Khampas were there in force, playing mah jong, drinking Chinese brandy and spicing things up. And even in June, which should be monsoon season, we had some of the best Manaslu and Himalayan views ever! Add amazingly green fields and lush forests, and it was a near perfect trek. Did I mention that we saw a total of four trekkers? We even saw snow leopard tracks ... Everest ABC Trek - TibetWe explore Lhasa's eight wonder Potala Palace and then touch Everest on the highest trek in the world! 24 Apr-14 May, 21 days -- Ktm/Lhasa-Ktm -- jeep safari & expedition-style --
Jo Chaffer -- US$4950* Thank you, Jo, for leading the trip under not always easy circumstances, and for such a wonderful job. Hugh says: I used to work for a world leading engineering company whose goal was to exceed, on every occasion, its customers expectations. Easy said but almost impossible to do. When one books adventure trips to under developed parts of the world, its almost a given that things will not go to plan. Its just the nature of the places, organisation and individuals, which operators have to rely upon to make it all happen that often cause the problems. I came on this trip as part of a magical mystery tour, having read Heinrich Harrer’s book Seven Years in Tibet at the age of fifteenth. A book that I found inspirational and introduced me to decades of enjoyment amongst the hills and mountains of the world. So how did I find the trip ? In one word, fabulous! A trip where my expectations were exceeded beyond my wildest dreams. Congratulations to you all and to your colleagues and subcontractors. Oiled clockwork at its very best, extremely enjoyable company, superb and flexible organisation, adapting to the needs of individuals. A trip where one could meet, touch and experience people of different and varied cultures. No way a journey as a inane gold fish, locked in a fur lined humvee, moving to an automatons time schedule. Fabulous, expialidocious! Many thanks to you all and please if you require any references, which I am sure you do not, I am more than happy to help. Hugh Chapman The Last Nomads of Mustang - NepalExplore this fantastic Tibetan Buddhist Kingdom of walled cities, ruined fortresses, Tibetan-style villages, sculpted canyons, Neolithic cave complexes, fossils, Tibetan nomads and Himalayan peaks soaring above the Kali Gandaki River gorge (with a special 18-day Upper Mustang permit). 19 Apr-14 May, 26 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister -- US$4580*
-- filling I love the Tibetan region of Mustang - the light and space, the dramatic canyons and gorges, the riverbeds full of sculpted rocks and fossils, the ancient villages, locals on horseback right out of a Western, the sacred monasteries and hidden Buddhist cave-gompas, the ruins of ancient civilizations, the green oases. But the highlight for me is always spending time with (literally) THE last nomads in all of Nepal in their high, green grazing valleys, and experiencing all that goes on in their traditional way of life. Sharing salt-butter tea in their smoky yak-wool tents, watching them churn butter and make dried cheese, hearing about the births, deaths and marriages, watching as they weave their colorful blankets, helping with the daily herding of sheep and goats. It's all endlessly fascinating, and a real privilege. High Manaslu & Tibetan Tsum - NepalFrom Gorkha, through sub-tropical river valleys and bustling Gurung villages, we venture into the remote Tsum Valley on the border of Tibet, trek to the Tibetan regions of Manaslu and cross the wild Larkya La pass to the Annapurna region. 13 Mar-12 Apr, 31 days -- expedition style -- Kim
& Lhakpa -- US$4480* Early Spring is a wonderful time to go to Manaslu, and this year we explored the Tsum Valley (which turned out to be quite useful as we repeated the trek, with improvements, when Tibet and our Kailash trip was cancelled) with a small group. Rex made it through part of the Tsum valley before having to helicopter out because of medical complications, so Laura and I, along with our great staff, had a good time on our own! The Larkya La was resplendent, with lots of snow and fantastic Himalayan views, if a bit slippery on the way down ... 2012 Spring Expeditions+- North Col - TibetIn the shadow of Everest we climb high! 24 Apr-17 May, 24 days -- jeep safari & expedition-style --
Jo Chaffer -- US$9950* Mike came prepared and made it to North Col, and had a fun trip. Climbing is climbing so Debbie and James wisely turned back as they approached their limits... 
The North Col team, Mike, Jo (leader), Debbie and James (Sven) - Jamie - 2012 Shishapangma - TibetWhile all the main companies are on Everest we sneak up Shishapangma! 21 Apr-2 June, 43 days -- Luke Smithwick -- US$15,950* The 2012 Shishapangma expedition was an excellent adventure. We didn't manage to make the true summit during this particular good weather season window, as a matter of fact, no one summitted even the "Central summit" of the mountain this season, contrary to several reported successes. Why? Simply because the mountain was bony with hard blue ice pitches, exposed rock that is usually snow covered, and wickedly persistent winds. Teams attempted several different routes on the north side of the mountain with no true success. While Shishapangma is the lowest of the 14x 8000 meter peaks, it remains a wild, untamed, and well-guarded summit that few attain; unlike its lofty neighbors. See the expeditions dispatches page for links to the dispatches. Raphael has a set of expedition photos on flickr and here is excerpt of his summary: "I really enjoyed this 6-week expedition. I joined a great team of climbers, with a positive attitude and willingness to summit; our Sherpas (Gyalzen, Ngima and Kaji) provided excellent support; and the food was succulent, thanks to our cook, Karma. I was looking for a different experience from my 2010 Everest expedition, and I was not disappointed. First of all, being surrounded by the Tibetan plateau at 5000 meters (16,400 feet), we were able to approach Shishapangma by car right up to Base Camp. That was a real change versus the classic trekking approach in Nepal. Secondly, we were almost alone on the mountain (5 expeditions, altogether). In fact, after May 22, we were the only expedition on Shishapangma. During the summit push, there were only 6 climbers on the mountain (from Advance Base Camp to the summit)! In 2010, on Everest, between Camp 4 and the summit, there were 200 climbers. I felt very lucky to be able to climb an 8000-meter peak almost alone." + 2012 Everest Expedition - Tibet - PHGuide-assisted with full support, surprising flexibility, the best weather forecasts, spare oxygen, email and plenty of other services. Above all we are dedicated to your safety and success. 9 Apr-7 June, 60 days -- +Jamie McGuinness
-- US$40,000* Success! Tom topped out with Dawa Gyalgen, and myself with Bali - his first summit! Both Tom and myself had horrible chest infections, so doubly well done. That is a long, tough and dangerous summit day. Thanks again to Kami, Dawa Gyalgen and Pasang Gyelu for good, often great, and always hygienic meals. See the expeditions dispatches page for plenty of links. 
Tom Kowpak on the summit of Everest - Jamie + 2012 Everest Expedition - Nepal - PHWe are catering for several different teams, with room for more so talk with us! 7 Apr-2 June, 57 days -- Chris Klinke
-- US$47,980* What a curious expedition, I am sure Chris will agree. Raffi and Sam faced a medical emergency that threw them, and Sam returned to the mountain rather too quickly, having to be evacuated again. Returning together one more time didn't work either but at least they tried. Serious congratulations to Wasfia, who summitted despite long odds, and has another tick on her seven summits quest. Also a BIG thanks to Chris Klinke whose able leadership ensured everything worked as well as possible, and a big thanks also the sherpa crew. Ngima and team did a fantastic job in the difficult and dangerous conditions of the season. See the expeditions dispatches page for links to the dispatches. + Mountain Trip Everest Expedition - MTExpedition Himalaya and myself provide support for Mountain Trip's very successful Everest expeditions. Here is the crew list only, for our public records. Climbing sherpas: Pasang Gombu, Sonam Tsering, Karma Gelje, Da Ongchu, Samden, Da Kusang, Temba,
Pasang Karma, Kaji, Da Finjo 2011-12 WinterHiunchuli 6441mWe trek into the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary for a lightweight expedition style 6000m peak ascent. 2-24 Mar, 22 days -- teahouse and alpine style -- Luke Smithwick -- US$2,450 This trip evolved from the original itinerary before we departed Kathmandu, simply because of an significant amount of late season snow in the range (with an additional meter of snow the week before we arrived to the area). We climbed in the northern part of range on a rarely visited 6000 meter peak called Syagang Ri (6025m), did some peak reconnaissance in the Marshyangdi Valley, and found some good ice climbing in the upper headwaters. + Aconcagua Expedition - PHThe last Aconcagua expedition, 100% success! The standard route "features" 2000m of scree - not for me! Instead we climb the superior Plaza Argentina route and as a double bonus we traverse the mountain, and as a triple bonus for Everest aspirants we talk over the big mountains, gear, strategies, everything Everest. 5-25 Feb, 21 days -- all trekking and mountain
services -- +Jamie McGuinness
-- US$3650* Summit success! That makes five out of five times on Aconcagua. We all topped out on what I was hoping would be a perfect day, instead it was probably the best day of the period, but still some wind in the morning (a cold Caneletta). A gorgeous panorama from the top though - wish I had a camera with me. More than a summit though we had a good, low key trip with a few nights under the bright stars. While our team was definitely on the small side, the issues experienced by some of the large teams were quite surprising. I think we have the right setup. 
Arabella, Peter and Jamie on the summit of Aconcagua - Jamie |
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2012 Chadar ExpeditionWe trek the semi-frozen Zanskar River while frost smoke wreathes the trees, in the company of Zanskaris still using this ancient trade route. This is THE must do trip for the seasoned trekker! 9-28 Jan, 20 days -- expedition style -- Leh-Leh -- Luke Smithwick
-- US$3280* including gear A classic Chadar! We spotted a herd of wild ibex, tried out some ice climbing, and had a ball with the local guides. 
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