Nepal
Nepal, our home, our passion, our base camp …
Chris savoring the Manaslu view (Photo: John)
Home to eight of the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 meters including Mt. Everest the tallest of them all; home to people belonging to over 60 ethnic groups each of whom speak a different language and practice a distinct culture, and home to a multitude of flora and fauna - Nepal is as diverse a country as there is. Ever since our country opened its door to the outside world in the 1950’s, we have charmed a range of visitors: the backpacker, the discerning traveler, the extreme mountaineer… And because we have so much to offer, all agree – “Once is not enough.”
What more can we say? You have to come visit us to experience what our country has to offer.
Treks listed by difficulty
(1 = easy; 2 = moderate; 3 = mildly strenuous; 4 = strenuous; 5 = challenging)
2012 Featured trips:
Join one of the following trips to be led by Western Leaders and/or our senior-most Nepali guides.
Challenging (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
The Crystal Mountain Trek - Upper Dolpo (Camping Trek)
This trip involves trekking over four weeks through several passes that measure over 16,000 ft. (the highest is 18,400 ft.) and through highland pastures of Nepal's highlanders.
Dates: 28 May - 01 July, 2012 and 17 September - 21 October, 2012
Dhaulagiri Circuit (Camping Trek)
Circle Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, crossing over French pass and Dhampus pass. This trip includes an option to climb Dhampus Peak (6,080 m).
Dates: 06 - 24 May, 2012 and 07 - 25 October, 2012
A Kanchenjunga Adventure (Camping Trek) -
Trek to Pangpema at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain but is one of the most spectacular treks Nepal has to offer.
Dates: 15 October - 12 November, 2012
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island peak climb - November (Lodge and Camping Trek/Climb)
24 days, 23 nights program in Nepal - includes 20 days trekking.
Date: Departures in April, May, June, October and November in 2012
Fixed departures:
Individuals can join following trips to form small groups - all trips have a capacity of 8 participants. (Private groups/dates also available).
Mildly Strenuous (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Also called the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek this trek is through Gurung villages to the Annapurna Base Camp at around 14,000 ft. 16 day, 15 nights program in Nepal - includes 12 days of trekking. Departures in April, May, October and November
Trek to the Tengboche Monastery at 12, 900 ft. past bustling Namche Bazaar. The trek is through Sherpa villages with daily views of the world's tallest mountains including Everest. 14 days, 13 nights in Nepal - includes 8 days of trekking. Departures in March, April, May, October and November
Strenuous (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Trek through Sherpa villages to the Everest Base Camp via the classic route used by Everest expeditions. Optionally hike up Kalapathar (18,195 ft.) for awe-inspiring views of the south face of Mt. Everest. 19 days, 18 nights program in Nepal - includes 15 days of trekking. Departures in March, April, May, October, November and December.
Trek through diverse landscape inhabited by different ethnic groups of Nepal: Brahmin, Gurungs, Manangbas and Thakalis. Cross Thorung La (17,700 ft.) to reach the Kali Gandaki valley. Also available, option to complete the full circuit. 17 days, 16 nights program in Nepal - includes 12 days trekking. Departures in April, May, October and November
Challenging (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Trek through Sherpa villages to the Everest Base Camp. Cross the Cho La pass at 17,700 ft. to reach Gokyo with its lakes and another outstanding viewpoint - Gokyo Ri. Final challenge is crossing the Renjo La at 17,700 ft. to reach Thamo and Thame. 23 days, 22 nights program in Nepal - includes 18 days of trekking. Departures in April, May, October and November.
Sample itineraries:
The following trips can be organized for a minimum of two people at a time of your choosing.
Treks in Nepal:
Strenuous (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Mustang Trek (Camping Trek)
21 days, 20 nights in Nepal. 15 days trekking. Trek through ancient Tibetan villages to Lo Manthang. The Mustang region is a restricted area; a restricted area permit is required to enter the region and costs US$ 500 per person for 10 days.
Langtang Trek (Lodge or camping Trek)
19 days, 18 nights in Nepal. 15 days trekking. Private departures only. Trek to Kyanjin Gompa and over Laurebinayak to the holy Gosaikunda Lake.
Challenging (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Nar-Phu Trek (Camping Trek)
25 days, 24 nights in Nepal. 20 days trekking. Private departures only. Trek through ancient villages to the Nar Phu valley. The Nar-Phu region is a restricted area and requires a special permit.
Manaslu and Ganesh Himal (Camping Trek)
On this extended Manaslu Circuit trek we hike over Darchey ridge, a seldom traveled route through jungles in Gorkha, and take an excursion to the remote Ganesh Himal region. 31 days, 30 nights program in Nepal - includes 27 days of trekking.
The Ultimate Manaslu Trek (Camping Trek)
On this extended Manaslu Circuit trek we hike over Darchey ridge, a seldom traveled route through jungles in Gorkha, and take an excursion to the remote Ganesh Himal region. Then trek through the restricted Tsum Valley, around Manaslu before making a final entry into the Nar-Phu valley. Exit Nar Phu via Kangla pass and end the trek either in Jomsom or at Besi- Sahar. 49 days, 48 nights program in Nepal - includes 27 days of trekking.
Rolwaling and Parchamo (Camping Trek)
23 days, 22 nights in Nepal. 19 days trekking. Private departures only. This trek was chosen as one of the ten best treks in the world by Outdoor magazine in the March 2009 edition along with the Pyrenees Traverse in France, Zillertal Alps in Austria etc. This is truly a wilderness, high altitude trek.
Annapurna High Traverse (Camping Trek)
Trek over three high passes, all at around 18,000 ft. in elevation, in the Annapurna region. After crossing Mesokanta La pass from the Kali Gandaki valley, rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail to cross Thorung La pass to Jomsom. 19 days, 18 nights program in Nepal - includes 14 days trekking.
Pilgrimage of the Heart: Simikot to Kailash (Camping Trek)
Cross Drolma la pass at 18, 400 ft. appproximately to circle Mount Kailash. We enter Tibet via Simikot in Western Nepal. After exiting Tibet, we trek through the restricted Limi valley region in Upper Humla. 29 days, 28 nights program in Nepal and Tibet - includes 20 nights in tents in Nepal and Tibet and 4 days trekking to circumambulate Mt. Kailash.