Our 2012 treks and expeditions

Here is a list of treks and expeditions we have previously advertised.
The links may lead to updated versions of the info pages.
It may appear that we spend our entire lives trekking. You would be almost right!
We care about each and every trek all the same.

See Nepal treks and India treks for current treks.

* means these wonderful people have trekked multiple times with us.
+ means summitted the expedition peak.

Recent previous treks | 2022 | 2019-21| 2018
2017 | 2016 |2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006
2005 | 2004 | 2002-03 | 2000-01 | pre-2000

Our exploratory treks

2011-2015 expeditions | 2000-2010 expeditions | 2004-2010 expedition dispatches

2012 Autumn

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.

31 Oct -24 Nov, 25 days — teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister — US$3180*
Team: Shiven***, Mike D**, Martin S**, John W***, David R***, Glen & Jane, Steve & Hilary, Bryan, Vladimir, Jan, David R2, Roger D (& Nuru, Lhakpa's son)

L-R: Suresh, Martin S (back), Maile, Junar, Shiven (back), Lhakpa (front), Vladimir (back), Nuru (hands in air), Hillary (front), Jan (hood), Dave-O (back), John W (back with hand in face), Roger (way back), Bryan (back), Mike (way back), Glen & Jane (middle), Kim (front), Yam & Steve - photo trekker

- Himlung Expedition 7126m

Are 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
Team: Stefan Kunz, Michael HH, Lars Anderson** with Mara

Sadly, no summit due to challenging snow/ice conditions. See Lars' flickr photos.

GHT: Upper Dolpo to Jomsom - Nepal

Upper 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
Team: Paul J****, John T**, Ken P***, Paul F** & Kadence, Shiven**, Shilpi**, Nan**, Elisa**, Michael D, Mark L and Rob S

L-R: Paul J, John T, Paul & Kadence, Mike (back), Rob (front), Ken, Shilpi, Elisa, Shiven, Thinle, Mark - photo Kim

GHT Wild West *exploratory

The 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
Team Simikot: Peter Sih*******, Arabella***, Jeff S**** and Bengt E**
Team Jumla: Paul Murrill*****, LeeAnn**
Crew: Bali (sirdar), Tawa (cook), Kaji and Aiteram (sherpas), Pasang shiny pots, Nima (Kaji's brother), Pasang... (kitchen hands) and 17 tough porters

Wow, we were the VERY FIRST trekkers to successfully traverse from Darchula to Simikot, staying in Nepal!

Currently the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) Nepal section fancifully heads to Simikot and Kailash then back into India, which isn't going to be possible any time soon. There should be a way though, to traverse from Simikot to Darchula, staying high amid the mountains. Several sets of friends failed to find a route, some multiple times, due to weather or ending up in Tibet. Locals don't traverse the area, at least not in entirety, so what we accomplished really was a real exploration first - and it felt like it!

Darchula to Ghajir was surprisingly enjoyable, sometimes sweaty trekking, but steep, green and scenic country. From Ghajir to Simikot ended up being 12+ days without villages (a record in Nepal?), and through wild country with delightful remote area camping. Without local guides for part of it, we found the route but there are a couple of passes where, after looking back, there are less difficult ways through.

A huge thanks to the superhero porters and to the all star crew, and second to the team and especially to Jeff and Peter who soldiered on with blisters and a broken finger. It will be a trek that lingers in everyone's memories :)

See Jamie's Flickr album 2012 GHT Wild West.

Peter, Jamie, Jeff, Arabella, LeeAnn, Bengt, Kaji, Aiteram, Tawa and Paul - Jamie

GHT Mugu Wild *exploratory

More wonderful high route GHT exploration, we find an alternative high route from Simikot through to historic Mugu village. It is a remote route, through little-visited villages, peaceful high altitude yak grazing areas and with expansive mountain panoramas. And real exploration!

GHT Double Wild West: 20 Sept-3 Nov Oct, 45 days — expedition style — Jamie McGuinness — US$5500*
Team: Paul Murrill*****, LeeAnn**

More exploratory adventures!

Paul, LeeAnn and I continued with the crew to break trail from Simikot to Mugu. Despite asking the locals, route-finding turned rather interesting when we got to the top of a pass and couldn't find the correct way down, and in retrospect, we were perhaps luck we didn't as it didn't look too good when we traversed the area again in 2015.

So, we descended, meeting a good small trail that simlpy kept taking us further away from our goal. Imagine our surprise when we descended into the first village and they implored us to stay for tea and have a look around - we were the first ever trekkers/foreigners to visit them!

Feeling the burn of the long trek, we took an easier route to Gamghadi, with a detour to ask Nepka locals where we might have gone wrong for our 2015 trek. Then we trekked around Rara Lake and were perhaps the last trekkers to walk from there to Jumla; the road opened a few days later. There is an album on Flickr.

2012 Ladakh & Zanskar Summer

GHT Kanji Canyons *exploratory

We 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
Team: Esther, Sophie G
Crew: Lobsang (sirdar-cook), Tenzin (general help), Rithar (Sitar: horseman) and seven horses

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."

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!!

- Esther

L-R: Jamie, Sitar (Rithar), Lobsang, Sophie, Esther, Tenzin and our six horses plus the tough mule

Wild Ladakh Zanskar Traverse *exploratory

The 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*
Team: Baz***, Paul J***, Dennis***, Catherine, Jouni & Celia

L-R: Catherine, Baz (back), Dennis, Kim (front), Celia (middle), Suresh, Paul J & Jouni - photo Lhakpa Dorji

Tsomoriri Peaks *exploratory

Classic 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
Team: Ranjan Banerji*, Mike Adams, Glenda Wong, Jon Bye and Brent Chatham

Ranjan has a diary of the trip.

Changthang Peaks *exploratory

New 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
Team: Jamie Acutt, Fiona and Trevor, Murray Rudd, Ryuseki x4
Crew: Lobsang (sirdar), Dorje, Rithar and Paljor (horsemen) with 17 or so horses, Chanden (cook), Hira and Sitaram as kitchen hands

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 *yoga

Trekking 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*
Team: Ger*** & Daireen***, Rob Cross, John C and Kathy B (Lilly and team instead did some shorter, easier trekking and travelling)
Crew: Tenpa, Phuntsok, Kunsang, Ram Lal, Sangey, Tenzing Norbu, Chandar Singh, Singge, Bim

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 - Ladakh

Ladakh'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*
Team: Andrew S & Nomads group

Nomads, Lakes & High Passes - Ladakh

Following 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
Team: Dora G****, Andy G, Ben & Kelly, Steve C, Anissia

L-R: Peter, Anissia, Steve, Dora, Lhakpa, Suresh & Andy - photo Kim

GHT: High Passes of Miyar *exploratory

We 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*
Quick Kang La: 10-28 June, 19 days — Manali-Leh -- US$2860*
Team: Celesta******, Ron, and Jerry
Crew: Tenpa, Phuntsok, Kunsang, Bim and porters

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 Spring

Saga Dawa Kailash & Limi Humla - Nepal & Tibet

Starting 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 - Nepal

From 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
Team: Rein****, Bruce**, Leslie**, Matthias*** & Philip

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 ...

L-R: Rein, Phillip, Matthias, Leslie - photo Kim

Everest ABC Trek - Tibet

We 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*
Team: Hugh Chapman, Kathy and Jena Parker

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 - Nepal

Explore 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*
With Chitwan extension: 20 Apr-17 May, 28 days — US$4880*
Team: Uta**, Mariem & Ross**, Ken & Amy, Harry & Alexandra

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.

L-R: Mariem, Uta, Harry, Amy, Kim, Ken, Luigi (mural restorer Lo), Ross, Alexandra

High Manaslu & Tibetan Tsum - Nepal

From 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*
Team: Laura & Rex

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 ...

L-R: Rex, Lhakpa, Laura - photo Kim

2012 Spring Expeditions

Everest thoughts | Everest North or south? | Everest gear | Expedition history

+- North Col - Tibet

In the shadow of Everest we climb high!

24 Apr-17 May, 24 days — jeep safari & expedition-style — Jo Chaffer — US$9950*
Team: Debbie and James Suenson-Taylor, +Mike Sibley

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 - Tibet

While all the main companies are on Everest we sneak up Shishapangma!

21 Apr-2 June, 43 days — Luke Smithwick — US$15,950*
Team: David W, Laurence V, Rafael G**, Markus Roth** and Bill R
BC-ABC support: Mark Hose*** (again!)
Crew: Gyalzen, Nima Tenzi, Kaji, Karma (cook) and kitchen hands...

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.

- Raphael

+ 2012 Everest Expedition - Tibet - PH

Guide-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*
Team: +Tom Kowpak**
Crew: +Bal Bahadur Lopchan, Pasang Gyelu, Nawang Geden, Kami, +Da Gelje (2)
Tibetan crew: Kasang, Dorje and Norbu
Summit: 26 May 2012
Safety: no issues

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 - PH

We 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*
Team: Raffi Farajian**, Bassam (Sam) Sfair** and +Wasfia Nazreen***
Crew: +Ngima Griman, Sange, +Da Kusang, +Phurba Dorjee, Ngima Gyaljen, Phurba Kami and Lamababu
Sherpa kitchen: Da Lhakpa, Nawang Sange, Pasang Lhakpa and Gyalgen
Summit: 26 May 2012
Safety: no issues

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 big 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 - MT

Expedition 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
Lhotse climbing sherpa: Tarke
ABC kitchen: Tawa, Ongdi, Da Nuru, Kaji, Tille
BC member kitchen: Sarki, Mingma Lhakpa, Lhakpa Tenji, Bire Tamang
Manager: Dawa

2011-12 Winter

Hiunchuli 6441m

We 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
Team: +Agnieszka Pilarczyk*

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 - PH

The 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*
Team: +Arabella S**, +Peter G
Summit: 21 Feb 2012
Safety: no issues

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

2012 Chadar Expedition

We 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
Team: Sasha, Lauren Siba, Carolyn Graham**

A classic Chadar! We spotted a herd of wild ibex, tried out some ice climbing, and had a ball with the local guides.

Recent previous treks | 2022 | 2019-21| 2018
2017 | 2016 |2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006
2005 | 2004 | 2002-03 | 2000-01 | pre-2000

Our exploratory treks

2011-2015 expeditions | 2000-2010 expeditions | 2004-2010 expedition dispatches