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Custom Group Tours
 
 
Adventure Travel

Journey to Sacred Mt Kailas

May 26 - Jun 15, 2009
 
Himalayan Trekking

Trekking brings different pleasures to different people. For some it is an ambition to ascend close to the world's highest peaks, for others it is the need for a reflective journey, or the attraction of meeting hospitable mountain people and learning something of their lifestyle and culture.
 

We continue our commitment to including rest days and flexible itineraries - choosing not to provide the shortest itinerary - avoiding the busy trails and the crowded lodges. We believe these are the key to a quality experience.

The naturally slow pace of trekking - and camping along the way allows you to gain a much better understanding of the land and the people than conventional travel. We follow ancient trade routes, visit monasteries and fascinating villages, and pass through magnificent forests and flowered meadows that can only be reached on foot.

The highlight of every of our trips is the interaction with our trekking crew. The time you spend with your leader, guides and porters, learning of their culture and sharing their sense of humour provide enduring memories.
They understand that your holiday time is precious, so they take care of all the details such as permits, meals, selecting the best camp sites, carrying all the gear and setting up camp so you can simply relax. They will even check your bags in at the airport while you attend to last minute shopping!

 
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What's Included
Our adventures are virtually all inclusive.

Small groups to ensure a great experience
All meals when outside the cities. Our kitchens prepare great food while trekking or on our rafting and jungle safari
Quality 'Trek Packs' including the use of kit bag, sleeping bag, cotton inner sheet, insulated mat, down or fibrefill jacket
Complete crew of guides, cooks, assistants and porters
Quality camping gear including spacious two person tents
All gear and equipment carried for you by porters, horses or yaks
All transportation by private coach, jeep or car
Airport transfers - we meet all flights, and check you in on departure
All accommodation in the cities in good quality hotels on a twin share bed & breakfast basis
No single supplements for people traveling alone. You pay no more on our trips
All internal flights including the mountain flight Pokhara/Chitwan to Kathmandu
Trekking permits, National Park fees and visa extensions
Expert Western leaders and experienced climbing guides on all our climbing trips
`Climbing packs' including ice axe, adjustable crampons and harness on climbing trips
Comprehensive medical kit devised for remote conditions
Insurance for all trek staff, including porters
Porters clothing to ensure their comfort and safety at high altitude
Helicopter response in emergencies
Hygienic kitchen where meals are prepared with fresh ingredients
Professional leaders, able to interpret the culture and environment, and trained in wilderness medicine
Portable Altitude Chambers (reassurance for anyone suffering altitude sickness) on all our high altitude treks in Nepal and our adventures in Tibet
 
 
Day on the trail

Trekking offers something for everybody. Our itineraries are flexible with ample time for you to rest and walk at your own pace, without the feeling of regimentation or the need to keep up. We carry the gear, leaving you to carry only your day pack.

Your trekking day begins with a cup of tea brought to your tent, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After a hearty breakfast we hit the trail - but we don't walk in a line! Everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace. For most of the day we are scattered along the trail, our friendly Sherpa staff always on hand to show you the way or to assist when you want to talk with the locals.

We normally trek for around three hours in the morning, including time for rest stops. A hot meal is served during a long and relaxed lunch break. After lunch we set off again for a couple of hours before reaching the overnight camp where hot washing water is again provided.
While our staff prepare dinner, you may enjoy the company with the crew, explore the area or reflect on the day's events. The three course evening meal is served in the dining tent, while conversation and comparing the day's experiences provide an ideal way to round off the trekking day.
Importantly, our day to day itineraries are flexible with sufficient rest days in reserve to ensure you have the best possible opportunity of achieving your goals.

 
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Good Wholesome Food
Trekkers need good food. To satisfy the appetites that build up on the trail we provide three appetising meals a day prepared with fresh ingredients, and snacks to keep you going. All our food is prepared by excellent cooks who ensure high standards of hygiene and serve a combination of European and local dishes. Your good health is our paramount concern.
 
Seasons
Our treks are timed to coincide with the best trekking seasons in the Himalaya.
   
Nepal - season extends from the middle of September to the build up of the monsoon at the end of May.
   
Sikkim & Bhutan are subject to similar weather conditions to Nepal, although heavy winter snows preclude trekking between December and March.
   
Southern Tibet & the Indian Himalaya are not subject to the same monsoon conditions as Nepal and we have timed our treks to enjoy the best weather.
   
The Karakoram range in Pakistan is not subject to the monsoon influences.
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Nepal Trekking - beyond the tea-house trails

We do not organise tea-house or lodge-based treks. We believe there is still the opportunity to devise innovative itineraries, to get off the established trails and camp in stunning campsites in both the Annapurna and Everest regions. Consider the following points.

If you're not camping you're missing out! We choose the best possible campsites - selected for their mountain views and serenity - sites that you do not share with a multitude of other groups. We are not limited to lodges in villages that are established far from the best views.
We enjoy the essential trekking experience - the enjoyment of sharing life on the trail and around camp with our guides and a full complement of good humoured and attentive Sherpas and crew. Reaching `base camp' is only a small part of the complete experience of a trek.
On our treks we do not destroy the natural forest resources. We consider future generations of Sherpas and trekkers. We do not stay in lodges - for despite regulations and assertions to the contrary, they still burn inordinate quantities of wood for heating, cooking and hot water.
We provide excellent two person tents, down jackets and insulated mats to ensure a good night's rest and to provide the flexibility to savour magnificent views and adjust to changes. A good tent is warmer than an unheated lodge.
We will not compromise on hygiene standards. We train our kitchen staff and crew and ensure the highest possible hygiene standards. They will be with you every day of the trek, not just for one night, and so have a real interest in your well-being - a consideration lodge keepers do not need to make.
We provide clean bedding in a clean tent and ensure that you are comfortable.
We do not operate cut price treks. We have long standing respect from the local community and we do not prejudice this by lowering our standards or ignoring our responsibilities by staying in lodges. We continue to employ full complements of crew on our treks to provide employment for local people and ensure comfort and safety for our trekkers.

 
 
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Photographs by Peter Langer.

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