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Our 2010 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. Looking for our old photo Galleries or Diaries, keep using the top right link so as not to end up on our current website. 2010 ChristmasJoel's Chorten ConsecrationWe consecrate Joel's chorten just above Pangboche. Team: Ali, Kim, Jamie, Luke, Richard K and Shosh Sadly we said goodbye to Joel in the Everest region. See my three albums including one for this chorten consecration. Wild Everest: Arun Valley to Gokyo Lakes - NepalEarly Everest expeditions pioneered this incredible trek through the lush, traditional hill villages of the Arun Salpa valley, crossing high ridges separated by glacial rivers to reach the alpine Solo Khumbu. From Lukla in Everest region we journey to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, staying in cozy Sherpa lodges en route. Join us for Christmas & New Year! 10 Dec-5 Jan, 27 days -- expedition style & teahouse trekking -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3080 -- cancelled for the above 2010 AutumnWe trek Nepal's most special remote places during peak season then head to the Everest region once most trekkers have left - but the weather is still perfect. + Aussie Island Peak Expedition - privateClassic Everest trek with Kala Pattar, Everest BC, Island Peak (Imja Tse) - tick. Add in camping by the Kongma La lakes for an awesome sunset-sunrise, and extra time to acclimatize, we hope it is the trip of a lifetime! 12 Nov-3 Dec, 22 days -- teahouse trekking-expedition climb --
+Luke Smithwick -- closed "Bloody awesome!" was the basic comment from the team, and everybody summitted, an impressive record. As was the amount of beer drunk!
L-R: Andy, Henry, Ray (in front), Dan, Tom, Stu and Dave (James missing) - photo by Luke Everest 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. 7 Nov-1 Dec, 25 days -- teahouse trekking --
Kim Bannister -- US$2580 -- full Annapurna Peaks & Villages Trek *introductoryA classic tea-house (lodge) trek through the terraced valleys and traditional villages of Nepal's middle-hills, with spectacular panoramas of the Annapurnas and near-by snow-peaks from Poon Hill (among many spots), all in two weeks. 7-20 Nov, 14 days -- tea-house trekking -- Kiran Giri --
$1440 Inner Dolpo & Shey Phoksumdo Lake Trek - NepalInner Dolpo, a mythical region of yaks, high plateaus, snow-peaks, high passes and villagers living a traditional 'Tibetan' life, is one of our favorite destinations in the Himalaya, a remote, challenging and incredibly scenic Himalayan trek. Join us for our third year of exploration with Thinle! 1-31 Oct, 31 days -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$4780 
L-R: Rein, Denio, Raquel, Bob, Lhakpa, Susi & Kiran - Photo by Kim + GHT Mustang and Saribung WildWe start with Upper Mustang to fabled Lo Manthang, the last functioning walled city in the world, then climb Saribung, a straightforward 6328m peak, and cross a glaciated pass to the Nar-Phu Valley with some exploring in between. And add on around Manaslu at the end, if you like for a real GHT experience! 18 Sept-21 Oct, 34 days -- expedition style -- +Jamie McGuinness
-- US$3950 The best. Wow, the most amazing trek, trekkers and logistics - thanks to everyone involved! And everyone summitted the 6328m Saribung too! Here are some random thoughts. Lee Ann's sharp wit delighted us, eg about a few bloody bits on a rock after we witnessed with slight horror a trail side yak castration, "Those are his brains." And she should know, her husband is a vet. Celesta entertained us with comments easily misconstrued - or does she have a Freudian tongue? And even with 42 days trekking she didn't get the perfect night shot so might have to return? Matt showed the girls that Jamie is not quite the most sexist, insensitive, immature male on the planet. But seriously, this was an ambitious first trek, well done! I am not quite sure what the crew thought; Shosh got us all groaning, moaning and ooh-ing, in dining tent orgies of stretching and massage, and after working out the hard way that flipflops and cow dung don't mix, enjoyed the expedition-style trek. And appreciative Paul, Saribung was his first Himalayan peak after beginning to trek here over 30 years ago. At at 71 years old, a tough trekker. As for the rest of the team... Never mind that Paul (71) was the fittest of us all, it was further humbling to realize the barefoot 80 year old man with one good eye did beat us on the 100m? (vertical) descent and ascent from Singlha to Laprak. If we had taken less photo breaks we might - might - have been able to keep up! 2010 Northern SummerWe LOVE Ladakh and Zanskar - share our passion for it. We offer condolences to everyone who lost friends, family and
property in the Leh cloudburst event. Classic Zanskar TraverseThe stunning classic Zanskar trek with our "bear valley" variation that avoids roads, and Phuktal Gompa, with a perfect mix of village and free camping. 3-28 Sept, 26 days -- expedition style -- Leh start-Delhi
end -- Luke Smithwick -- US$2780 Check out Paul's fabulous photos! Mystical Markha Valley & the Nomads of KharnakLadakh's jewel and beyond; a stunning trek under the soaring Zanskar range combining village and nomadic life. Traditional 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. 21 Aug-10 Sept, 21 days -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$2980 
L-R: Lhakpa & Mimi - Photo by Kim Nomads, Lakes & High Passes of the ChangthangOne of the best remote treks in the Himalaya, simply spectacular; turquoise salt-lakes, river walks and plains, backed by soaring peaks, with yak-hair nomadic tents peppered throughout. We follow old caravan routes over high passes, fording rivers and setting up camp near the nomads after trekking through the magical Markha Valley (see above). 21 Aug-19 Sept, 30 days -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$3480 |
Nomads group L-R: Leslie, Roz, Christine, Alfredo, Toni, Eliza, Angelo, Kim, Jim, Suresh & Jim - Photo by Lhakpa
Zanskar Traverse Wild L-R: Marieke, Junar, Annie, Joe (front), Olivier (back), Sally, Lhakpa, Jeff, Ross (front), Dennis (back), Mariem (front), Adam (back), Kati & Summer - Photo by Kim
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Stok Kangri Ascent & Markha ValleyA 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. 25 July-15 Aug, 22 days -- expedition style --
Luke Smithwick -- US$2850 See Glenn's photo gallery of the trek-climb. Taking over from Joel is a tall order but despite that horrible flash flood that killed many people in Leh, and unusual snow and conditions on the peak, some of the team still summitted. Overall it was perhaps a more diverse group that we are used to. Kailash and Guge - privateWe explore and photograph for Explore Himalaya.
25 July-15 Aug, 22 days -- local style -- Jamie The original plan was to document and explore the route from Chengdu to Lhasa but permits were not available due to road works and a massive mudslide. Instead Miri (thanks!) and myself trekked and travelled to Kailash to work out why nobody simply uses a local Ali/Ngari tour operator, and rather sends guides and drivers from Lhasa/Zhangmu. We flew to Simikot and trekked to Hilsa then had a minor exercise in misadventures with no guide available but it was a most stunning and fab trip all the same. Trekking and travelling during the monsoon in July-August is wet but with incredible cloudscapes! Jamie has three albums: Simikot-Hilsa trek, Guge Kingdom and Kailash Kora. Zanskar Traverse Wild *exploratoryReal adventure, the 'best of' past years of exploration. Wild routes through spectacular canyons and sparkling river valleys, crossing many high Himalayan passes, lead us to the traditional villages and Tibetan Buddhist gompas of mythical Ladakh and Zanskar. 18 July-16 Aug, 30 days -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa - -- US$3480 
L-R: Driver, Ang Chuk, Jigmet, Suresh (back), Yam (middle), Kiran (front), Ross (back), Tashi (front), Adam (back),
Marieke (back), The Great Himalayan Traverse 2010 - Ladakh and SpitiFrom the high domains of the nomads of Ladakh to the lush forests of the Kinnaur valley, this trek is a stunning kaleidoscope of landscapes and peoples as we journey across both the Great Himalayan Barrier and the Pir Panjal range. 27 June-18 July, 22 days -- expedition style -- Lobsang with help from Alison -- US$2950 Sadly, this is the first trek without Joel. 2010 Nepal and India Spring***Very sadly Joel Schone died of a heart attack during the bike trip.*** The Great Himalayan Bicycle AdventureAn incredible adventure on two wheels that follows demanding roads through mythical Himalayan kingdoms to the crossroads of High Asia, Ladakh. Ours is a journey in space as we bike over seven passes, and into the past as we ride through an ancient land. 27 May-25 June, 30 days -- jeep supported & off road expedition style --
Joel &
Lobsang -- US$3250 Thanks very much to Dave, Peter and Murray for all the work and assistance in dealing with the death of Joel, a sad and challenging time. And also a big thanks to Alison. Western Mongolia Treks *exploratoryMongolia is a Tibetan Buddhist region steeped in legend, a fabled land of golden steppes, Gengis Khan, nomads, reindeer, camels and yurts. We trek in both the Altai Mountains with the Kazakh nomads and in the sublime Khovsgol Lake region, perhaps meeting the Tsaatan reindeer people en route. 30 May-27 June, 29 days -- expedition style --
Kim Bannister -- US$4380 
L-R: Driver 1 & 2, Irena, Cook, Local Guide, Driver, Guide (ha), Warwick, Vickie, Hester, Elana & Joseph - Photo by Kim Kanchenjunga Base Camp - North SikkimMagnificent! Newly opened North Sikkim is the setting for a spring trek to the rarely seen north east face of Kanchenjunga, in a glorious mountain setting approached through pristine forest of rhododendron and blue pine, discovered on our ground breaking 2009 trek. 16 April-4 May, 19 days -- expedition style -- Joel
& Tega -- US$2950 GHT: High Manaslu, Tilicho Pass & Remote Mustang - central NepalJoin Kim's first Great Himalaya Trail trek! Starting with the spectacular Manaslu trek (see below), we cross the high Tilicho Pass to reach Mustang, finally exploring remote routes along the Kali Gandaki river gorge to search for the last nomads of Mustang and hidden Tibetan Buddhist caves (see below). 4 April-21 May, 48 days -- expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$4980  L-R: Catherine, Andrea, Mirian and Pip High Route Around Manaslu - NepalManaslu, 'Mountain of the Spirit', is a remote trek of incredible ethnic and scenic diversity. Lush rice paddies, sparkling river valleys and the traditional villages of Nepal's sub-tropical middle hills lead to remote Tibetan villages, high Himalayan passes and breathtaking vistas of Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks. Standard Annapurnas finish: 4-28 April, 25 days --
expedition-style --
Kim &
Lhakpa -- US$2980 |
L-R: Suresh, Kiran, Barry, Pip, Shelley (above), Candice, Rob, Catherine (below), Marian (middle), Barry (above), Reese (below), Viv (above) - by Kim
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The Last Nomads of Mustang - Nepal *exploratoryForbidden Mustang is a Tibetan Buddhist region of traditional villages and gompas, fantastically-sculpted canyons and Himalayan peaks soaring up from the Kali Gandaki River gorge. We explore the remote corners of Mustang searching for hidden cave-gompas and the last nomads of the Kingdom of Lo. The best Mustang itinerary, by far ... 28 April-21 May, 24 days -- expedition-style --
Kim Bannister -- US$3780 
L-R (front): Catherine, Lhakpa, Pip, Thomas, Tina, Yam, Dora Classic EverestThe legendary Jiri route from the middle hills to the base of Everest, taking time to enjoy and the very best viewpoints in the mythical land of the Sherpas. 6 Mar-2 April, 28 days -- teahouse trekking --
Joel Schone & Lhakpa Nuru -- US$2950 Joel went ahead on this classic trek to the Khumbu despite several trekkers pulling out. 2010 Spring Expeditions+ 2010 Everest Expedition - Tibet - PHWe return with a small team for a full support, guide assisted expedition. We understand and know the north side, have our very own weather forecasting guru and a reliable and strong sherpa team. Follow us!
Tibet: 8 Apr-6 June, 60 days -- all mountain services --
Jamie McGuinness -- US$29,950 Eric and Barry summitted and overall the expedition went well. See the Expedition summary that also covers our other two Everest expeditions. + 2010 Mountain Trip Everest - Nepal - MTYou want the best expedition on the south side? Mountain Trip... Team: +Scott Woolums, +Bill Allen, +5 clients 100% success! Lucky, yes, in part, but ultimately everyone who was capable of summiting with high flow oxygen, did, which involves substantial logistics. A BIG congratulations, Scott and everyone. See Scott's 2010 dispatches (despite the 2009 tag). + Aconcagua 8000m Preparation ExpeditionCan't get to Nepal for a prep expedition? We bring it closer to the Americas... We talk over the big mountains, gear, strategies, everything, on the superior Plaza Argentina route and as a double bonus we traverse the mountain! 7-27 Feb, 21 days -- all trekking and mountain services --
+
Jamie McGuinness
-- US$3650+~$325 Lets face it, half the reason to climb Aconcagua is to experience the city of Mendoza which Nat Geo rates it as one of the 10 best cities to visit... We did, and also climbed the mountain. See the detailed Aconcagua debrief and see Jamie's Flickr album sets. 
The 2010 Aconcagua team in Penitentes, L-R: Ken, Malcolm, Tom and Jamie - Jamie 2009-10 Christmas treksEscape to a place free of incessant Christmas tunes! Chadar Zanskar - IndiaThe summer way into Zanskar crosses many passes, in winter the locals simply walk the frozen Zanskar River... And we follow into the Kingdom of Zangla. 13-28 Feb, 16 day -- expedition style --
Joel &
Lobsang -- US$2850 Ice walk; The Chadar Expedition - IndiaPerhaps 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 Ladakh Winter *exploratory - IndiaBrrrrr -40! We go winter trekking and exploring, perhaps around Tso Moriri, pulling a sled across the ice. If there is plenty of snow, perhaps we ski in Zanskar instead; itinerary decision only in December. 21 Dec-15 Jan -- light expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness In the end I chickened out of accepting other trekkers on this trip because we will adapt what we do entirely to the conditions there, and I am only half sure what to expect in this regard, especially how cold it will be - yes, it will be cold, but will it be very, VERY cold?! Chadar 1I am always tempted by side valleys, especially when we expect snow leopards however all the prints were heading out of the valley. Additionally the ice on the stream was weak, each of us breaking through a few times so we wisely returned to the Chadar where the ice was much thicker. Thicker but still with problematic patches so we trekked around half the Chadar, sleeping in caves, before turning around. Our Tso Moriri plans were thwarted by a work emergency so Klara returned early. Chadar 2As luck would have it Depi was coming up and generously invited me to join his curious team; definitely entertaining but also some serious conditions. Our return was delayed by an impassable Chadar that just as suddenly turned good, but not all of the team made that window. All in all I loved the Chadar but it is definitely a risky, crazy, wild cave-camping adventure that every serious trekker should contemplate - but only with exactly the right gear. Tso Moriri will have to wait for a year. Thanks again, Klara and Depi! A Kanchenjunga Christmas - Sikkim, IndiaBook 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 
jdesign -- all rights reserved -- frozen in time July 2013 |
