Joel Schone

Jamie McGuinness in Ladakh

Our trekkers are international but trips are costed in US$. For UK Pounds, divide by two and for Euros use the xe.com currency converter.

Remote Ladakh & Suru Valley - India *exploratory

Ladakh, the land of high passes, cliff-side monasteries and white-washed villages is the setting for our late-summer 'harvest' trek. Heading south to Zanskar through the canyons of Bear Valley, we end the journey via a spectacular exploratory route to the 'Central Asian' Suru Valley and Tibetan Rangdum Gompa.

23 Aug-19 Sept, 28 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3180
23 Aug-8 Sept, 17 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2480

Across the Great Himalayan Divide - India

The tranquil beauty of the Lahauli Miyar Valley with its alpine campsites leads us to the more savage beauty of the Miyar Glacier which we follow to the magnificent snowfields and spectacular panoramas of the Kang La - from where we descend to the warmth and beauty of our favorite kingdom in the sky, Zanskar. An unforgettable and truly Himalayan passage.

31 Aug-24 Sept, 25 days -- expedition-style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2850 -- full

2008 Nepal Autumn

The west is open again, we explore while we can; and in the east North Sikkim has just opened.
We explore off the beaten track at the best time of the year, while popular trails sag under weight of trekkers.

Upper Dolpo Magic / Limi and Kailash Magic *friends

Thought by some to be the fabled Shangri-la, we explore the remote Limi Valley then trek around Kailash, possibly cleansing the sins of a lifetime. Kailash hasn't opened so instead we explore Upper Dolpo to Shey and Jomsom. For select previous trekkers only.

31 Aug-27 Sept, 28 days -- expedition-style -- Jamie -- US$4400

Thinley's Dolpo & Shey Phoksumdo Trek - Nepal *exploratory

The mystique of remote 'inner' Dolpo, where the movie "Himalaya" and "Seven Years in Tibet" was filmed. Crossing the Kangmara La, we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa, Phoksumdo Lake and Dho Tarap, where the inhabitants still trade along the old salt routes.

28 Sept-29/30 Oct, 32/33 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$4480 -- nearly full

The Land Beyond: Api Saipal - West Nepal *exploratory

We trek off the map, exploring Nepal's almost forgotten far west to the base camp of Api (7132m). There may be logistical challenges and the poverty is shocking; for adventurous, Nepal-experienced trekkers only.

6 Oct-2 Nov, 24 days -- expedition-style -- Wanda Vivequin -- US$2980? -- full

Abode of the Gods 1: Kinnaur Kailash

We return to the summer abode of Shiva, Kinnaur Kailash, crossing two passes through remote valleys that have witnessed generations of explorers and pilgrims en route to Tibet, through forests redolent with autumn colors to the high places of Asia.

3-23 Oct, 21 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2650
Combined with Nanda Devi below US$4700

Abode of the Gods 2: Nanda Devi Pilgrimage

A classic autumn trek to the base of Nanda Devi, a name of myth and magic. We visit the old trading towns of the Johar valley and trek the demanding route to Nanda Devi east base camp, a beautiful and rarely visited high mountain sanctuary.

25 Oct-14 Nov, 21 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2250

Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal

The best - virtually all - of the Everest region; we cross the Cho La and the Renjo La, explore the spectacular Gokyo lakes region, climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, visit Everest Base Camp, Chukhung, and more, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route.

8 Nov-3 Dec, 26 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2480 -- 2 places available

Kanchenjunga - Green Lake Sikkim *exploratory

A challenging traverse of North Sikkim to the Zemu glacier and the base of Kanchenjunga, and then on to the remote Monastery of Tholung; a little known route of incredible beauty bursting with Himalayan history and culture.

15 Nov-11 Dec, 27 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Tega -- US$3600

Kanchenjunga Christmas - Sikkim, India

Book early for this wonderful combination of Himalayan panoramas and Raj era Luxury, the splendor of the Imperial Hotel to the Goecha La trek and its spectacular views of Kanchenjunga. We return for Christmas at the Windamere in Darjeeling with the best of Himalayan and history guides, Joel.

13-27 Dec, 15 days -- expedition-style -- Joel & Tega -- US$2950

Arun Valley & Everest Gokyo Lakes Christmas Trek - Nepal

A rustic Arun-Tumlingtar start for this eastern middle hills village trek to the Solu-Khumbu. Optionally, join us in Lukla for the Christmas & New Year trek to Gokyo, a feast of mountains, turquoise lakes, glacial valleys and Sherpa villages.

Arun Valley & Gokyo Lakes: 7 Dec-2 Jan, 27 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2680 -- filling
Gokyo Lakes: 16 Dec-2 Jan, 17 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2180

2009 Nepal Spring

Changes to Kim's trips to come soon.

Ice walk; The Chadar Expedition - India

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.

16 Jan-10 Feb, 26 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$3650

Annapurna Peaks & Villages Trek *introductory

A classic tea-house (lodge) trek through the terraced valleys and traditional villages of Nepal's middle-hills, with spectacular panoramas of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiris and more from Poon Hill, all in two weeks. Details to come.

8-21 Feb, 14 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$1880
With Chitwan Wildlife & Raft Extension -- 8-24 Feb, 18 days -- US$2280

Everest Spring High Passes Trek - Nepal

The best, virtually all, of the Everest region; we cross the Cho La and the 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 valley, and more, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route.

1-25 March, 25 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2580

Everest Base Camp Trek - Nepal

Gavin (Everest Expedition, 2007) warms up for the 2009 Everest Expedition with a trek to Base Camp in Nepal. Run by Summit Xperience.

24 March-10 April, 18 days -- teahouse trekking -- Gavin Attwood -- US$2600

High Route Around Manaslu - Nepal

The absolute best of Nepal, a trek of amazing ethnic and scenic diversity, still relatively un-trekked; the lush rice paddies and traditional villages of Nepal's 'Middle Hills' lead to high Himalayan passes, Tibetan villages, spectacular snow-peak panoramas and wonderful campsites. Remote trekking, and one of Nepal's best kept secrets ...

2-25 April, 24 days -- expedition-style and teahouse -- Kim Bannister -- US$2880

Mustang - Beyond Lo Monthang - Nepal

Awesome! Formerly the Kingdom of Lo, Mustang is a remote, borderland Tibetan region of medieval villages, ancient cave hermitages, Buddhist monasteries, arid, high desert, wild rock formations, canyons, fossils and soaring snow-peaks. Our 'off-the-map' journey through this majestic Himalayan kingdom is a other-worldly experience, a spectacular trek from first to last day.

3-23 May, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister -- US$3480

Remote Limi & Saga Dawa Kailash Trek - Humla, Nepal & Tibet

Magical, diverse Humla, in far-western Nepal, hosts the most remote, colorful Saga Dawa festival in the Tibetan Buddhist world. We trek the spectacular Limi Valley route to the Tibet border, cleans our sins with the breath-taking Kailash kora trek, and top off the trip with a fantastic jeep safari through west Tibet to exotic Lhasa. Ki ki so so Lha Gyalo!

31 May-28 June, 29 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister -- US$4680

2009 Indian Summer

Our Zanskar and Ladakh summer treks are some of the best there are!

In Kim's Footsteps; the Hindustan Tibet highway

A gentle adventure as we follow the old Hindustan Tibet highway through the forests of Kinnaur. Kim of Kipling, that is.

Mystical Markha Valley & Nomadic Karnak - Ladakh

Ladakh's jewel and beyond; a stunning trek under the soaring Himalaya & Zanskar ranges 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; incredibly scenery and lots of wildlife throughout.

11-31 July, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2880

Nomads, Lakes & High Passes of Changtang - Ladakh

'One of the best treks on the planet' (so says Kim); the turquoise salt-lakes and high plateaus, backed by the Himalaya range, with yak-hair nomadic tents peppered throughout, are simply spectacular. We follow old caravan routes over high passes, fording rivers and setting up camp on the high Tibetan plateau after trekking through the magical Markha Valley (see above).

11 July-10 Aug, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3480

Wild, High Ladakh & Zanskar - Indian Himalaya

Ladakh & Zanskar are mystical, mountainous regions of lamas, ochre Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, remote valleys, traditional villages, craggy peaks and rare wild-life. This trek features wild, remote routes over high passes and through stunning canyons with river crossings as we trek to remote Shade village (among others) & Phuktal Gompa, exiting Zanskar via the Phirtse La.

16 Aug-14 Sept, 30 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3480

Zanskar Magic *friends

If you haven't traversed Zanskar, you must! Our variation avoids roads. Itinerary to come.

26 July-22 Aug 28 days -- expedition style -- Jamie -- US$2580?

Markha Magic *friends

Ladakh's classic Markha valley with a little extra, then that inspiring drive to Manali.

23 Aug-9 Sept, 18 days -- expedition style -- Jamie -- US$1980?
Dharmasala finish: 23 Aug-13 Sept, 22 days

Arunachal Pradesh; the last frontier

Joel takes a small group to explore this hidden kingdom.

Tibet's Sacred Peaks & High Pastures - Amdo, Tibet *exploratory

When Tibetan guides say this is THE trek for un-diluted Tibetan culture, high grasslands, nomads living a traditional life-style with their yaks and gurs, and a trek around sacred Mt Genyen, we go! Join us for this 'exploratory' adventure in eastern Tibet.

27 Sept-24 Oct, 28 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister -- $???0

2009 Sikkim and Nepal Autumn

Kanchenjunga Sikkim; the Zemu & Green Lake route

At last the time to introduce our trekkers to this stunning approach to Kanchenjunga.

Manaslu Classic - Nepal

Joel's return to Manaslu on the classic route.

Kanchen Gola Wild *Exploratory - Nepal

The 7th (!) and probably last 42 day Kanchenjunga special, we trek the Milke Danda to Topke Gola and Olangchung Gola (double Gola!) on that trail that has eluded us twice, check out Kanchenjunga North Base Camp and probably attempt a 6000m peak and/or photo-hunt snow leopard.

18 Oct-28 Nov, 42 days -- expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$2950?

Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal

1-25 Nov, 25 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2580

Kamzang Christmas Trek

We'll run our usual wonderful winter Christmas trek in a new location. Details to come ...

Prices are ex-Kathmandu or ex-Delhi etc, ie you have to buy your international flight tickets.

Dates are the date you must arrive in Kathmandu/Delhi and the date you are free to fly out of Kathmandu/Delhi. You can of course arrive earlier or leave later.

Minimums For many trips the minimum number that we run the trip with is three trekkers. All treks normally run.

Previous trekkers and people who book two major trips in a row get a 5% discount, providing there are at least four bookings. In general for Tibet trips there is no previous trekker discount.

Caring for our staff We have great staff, and we really care about them, as they care for us. Our Nepal porters are fully kitted out for high altitude treks following the letter and spirit of the IPPG guidelines.

Tipping our crew is optional, but allow approx 5% of the trip cost as a guideline. The western guides don't take tips.

Teahouse trekking means staying in local lodges; Nepal only. All trekking accommodation, and all meals and hot drinks are included. Alcohol, mineral water, soft drinks, snacks and toilet paper not included. Porters/yaks carry your personal gear leaving you with a daypack.

Expedition-style trekking means sleeping in tents. A cook and helpers cater for us with 3 course meals and post-trek snacks, and porters/yaks/ponies carry the lot organized by a sirdar. You trek with a daypack. Couples share a roomy tent, everyone else gets a single roomy tent.

All treks include airport transfers, sightseeing, hotels and guesthouses. City and town meals not included.

*Exploratory treks The golden age of exploration dead? Never! These are a set of 'back of an envelope' treks that would warm Tilman's heart. There is nobody else on the planet who organizes treks quite like this. They are rough, demanding and wild; a positive, can-do attitude and smile required.

*Friends treks for previous trekkers and their friends only.

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