Our recent previous treks and expeditions

Here is a list of treks and expeditions we have previously advertised.
It may appear that we spend our entire lives trekking. You would be almost right!

See Our treks for current treks.

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

2008 Indian Summer

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

Hidden Ladakh *introductory

A Himalayan kaleidoscope - the timeless Buddhist sites of the Indus valley, then the ancient village of Alchi before a very special trek through villages rarely visited by trekkers - this trek is designed with the first timer in mind, with special attention to acclimatizing to altitude - and India!

9-25 Aug, 17 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$1980

High Markha & Nomads Trek *introductory

One of Ladakh's jewels, a shorter trek in the midst of the Himalayas, with Ladakhi villagers working in their ripening barley fields, crumbling fortresses and ancient Tibetan monasteries. To top it off, we cross a high pass to the spectacular, high Tibetan plateau, where nomads, yaks and pashmina goats camp in their yak-hair tents.

19 July-7 Aug, 20 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2580

Nomads & Caravans of the Changtang - Ladakh, India

Tibetan caravans have journeyed these routes for a millennium, crossing Himalayan passes, fording rivers, setting up camp on the high Tibetan plateau, and trading in remote Ladakhi villages. This timeless, spectacular journey through the nomadic lake regions of the southern Silk Route is deservedly a Project Himalaya classic, one of our most popular treks.

19 July-18 Aug, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3180

High Passes of Zanskar - India

A journey through both time and space as we cross the Himalayan barrier into the remote Tibetan kingdom of Zanskar. with its beautiful villages and hilltop gompas, and then on over the rarely crossed Phirtse La - to the high pastures of Lahaul.

12 July-3 Aug, 23 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2680

Ancient Trails of Ladakh & Zanskar - India

One of the 'Top Ten' treks in the world and a Project Himalaya classic with some exploratory twists. Join us for an exciting journey through this remote Tibetan region along ancient trade routes, through timeless villages and over high Himalayan passes.

14 June-13 July, 30 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2980
Team: Elly & Hes, Peter L, Kim & Lhakpa (and Skippy the kangaroo...)

The Group - Elly, Peter & Hes (Kim & Lhakpa taking photos)

And some of our great team: Sherap (horseman, assistant in everything, Junar (chef extraordaire), Lhakpa (Kim's assistant guide), Santos (Sherap's assistant) & Kiran somewhere under the pile (assistant guide/kitchen). Peter giving a group hug.

We had a spectacular trek along this classic route, which we pepper with plenty of 'off-the-map' routes and a bit of adventure; perfect early summer weather, (relatively) painless, beautiful pass-crossings, lots of village and gompa visits including many of Kim's old friends, great times on the trail and in the dining tent and an enthusiastic group who I know will join us soon for another trek! Hes is a photographer and Elly a writer in Amsterdam, so we hope to see an article soon. And of course Skippy was always the enthusiastic kangaroo, despite all the trials of back-pack travel (he's now a permanent member of our staff).

The Great Himalayan Traverse - Ladakh & Spiti, India

From the high grazing domains of the Tibetan nomads of the Changtang to the Lush forested Parvati 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.

7 June-1 July, 25 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2780

Carolyn says: Thank you so much for a wonderful trip!  Your company is highly recommended and your team are superb!  Your ability to pull it all together and remain calm and make everyone feel like they're important astounds me, but I really think overall it was the trek I am afraid that wins the prize.... you share in the prize as you put the trek together!!!  I was close to the mountains, every slog was worth it, I have never seen views like it in my life (and we have trekked in a couple of places!) ...

2008 Spring

Mustang to Lo Monthang - Nepal

Mustang, formerly the Kingdom of Lo, is a remote Tibetan region of medieval villages, ancient cave hermitages, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, arid, high desert, wild rock formations and soaring snow peaks. Tashi Ghale, an award-winning Manangi photographer, is joining us for the journey through this majestic Himalayan kingdom.

18 May-7 June, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Kim Bannister & Tashi Ghale -- US$3480
Team: David Chamberlain, Anne Chamberlain, Jane Henning**, Kim, Tashi & Lhakpa

What a surprise this trek was; Mustang must be one of THE most spectacular regions in all of the Himalaya from the first to last day on the trail, and we had a wonderful group to share the trek with. The canyons, high plateaus and valleys were just breathtaking, and our photographer friend Tashi helped us to appreciate this very special landscape. We visited the King of Mustang in Lo, went for a horseback ride beyond Lo, visited many local houses, marvelled at the ancient gompas and cave dwellings and generally enjoyed each and every day exploring this dramatic, secluded Kingdom.

Limi Valley - Nepal

Thought by some to be the fabled Shangri-la, the Limi Valley in Nepal's far west is untamed.

13 May-4 June, 23 days -- expedition-style -- Wanda Vivequin -- US$2950 -- full
Trekkers: Gina, Deb, Sally, Chris, Robin, Richard, Grant, Pam, Geoff, Sue, Sandy, Bo and Toby (film maker)

We were the first and only trekkers in Limi this spring thanks to Kailash being off limits to foreigners. What an incredible and fun group of people to share this adventure with - 11 kiwis, one Canuck and one Brit. It was the second time in these valleys for Wanda, who says the polite splashes of rain throughout the trip kept the dust down and made the Limi Valley even more spectacular than last year.

There were a few hair raising moments as our ponies had to swim through snow at the top of the Nyula (pass) but we made it through okay and the mule drivers were given a fresh sheep as a reward. The trekkers glissaded down the almost 800m snow slope on the other side of the pass. Toby captured the first half of the trip on film documenting Wanda’s project "Caps against Cataracts", so if you see caps in Limi you will know how all of this came about. Wanda will be back in 09!

See also Toby's diary of trekking back alone from Limi (planned), hilarious, and there are a few other photos.

The best news of all is that as the result of this trip we have secured $90,000 for the Citta Hospital and the fabulous work of Dr Yeshe Lama and his staff.

Group photo: Back row – Chris, Richard, Robin, Wanda, Sandy, Grant
Middle row – Sally, Gina, Pam, Deb, Toby, Sue, Geoff
Bottom row – Raju, Gyanu (missing Bo – off photographing)

Kanchenjunga Adventure - Nepal

From the green lush lowlands to the incredible highs of Kanchenjunga Base camp and a remote trading pass to Tibet - a custom trek with local leader a few days ahead of our full adventure trek below.

29 April - 30 May, 32 days -- expedition-style -- Pema Sherpa -- US$2700

Kanchenjunga Adventure - Nepal

From the green lush lowlands to the incredible highs of Kanchenjunga Base camp and a remote trading pass to Tibet - Joel's return to Kanchenjunga is a true celebration of mountain majesty.

3 May-3 June, 32 days -- expedition-style -- Joel Schone -- US$2950 -- full

+ 2008 Everest Expedition - Nepal

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 safety and success.

Old: 13 Apr-9 June, 58 days -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$25,000
New: 6 Apr-30 May, 55 days -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$32,000 -- 100% all go
Team, see photo below: +David C, Raphael G, Gineth Soto, +Anselm M, James O'L, +Andy Falgate**
Crew: Dawa Gelje, Sarki, Tawa, +Namgyal, Nima Tenzi, +Pasang Gombu, Tarke, Nawang Geden, +Chewang Palden, +Jangbu, Kami, Da'Oangchu, Mindu, Pasang Gyelu, Sonam Chhiri and Mingma Lhakpa
BC support team: Marty Schmidt, Tim, Giovannina
Summits: 20 May 2008, Namgyal Sherpa, while rope-fixing. 21 May, the rest of us.

We climbed Everest from the south side as the Chinese closed the north side due to the Olympic torch. See the dispatches!

Also see the photo gallery, there are three pages of best photos, of the trek, the icefall and the summit climb.

High Manaslu | High Manaslu & Annapurna Trek

A spectacular trek through Tibetan regions of the Himalaya, from the steep-sided Nupri Valley and over the Larkya La in the Manaslu region to the equally stunning Manang region of the Annapurna's. Another classic Himalayan pass, the Thorung La, leads to the high desert and arid peaks of Lower Mustang, and conveniently we miss the new roads. A real Himalayan journey, and one of Kim's all-time favorites.

13 Apr-14 May, 32 days -- expedition-style and teahouse -- Kim Bannister -- US$3280
Around Manaslu only: 13 Apr-7 May, 25 days -- US$2680
Team: Beau***, Louise****, Jerry***, Jannie, Lhakpa, Henri & Kim

Finally, a perfect, blue-skied, snowy Larkya La crossing after several years of stormy crossings, and one year not able to cross at all. And I got to share the trek with all past clients or past client's brothers/friends (Jannie is the brother of Harry Louw, Henri their friend) and friends. Beau, Louise & Jerry are all avid Project Himalaya trekkers, Louise even pondering 'a year with PH'. We had an amazingly beautiful, interesting and inspiring trek from the Gurkha villages near the Gorkha Fort to the upper reaches of the Manaslu region and back down to the lower Annapurna region. This trek is as diverse as they come, and as much part of Tibet as Nepal in the upper Manaslu region. For me, the most awesome sections are the high Tibetan regions of Sama Gaon & Samdo with their traditional Tibetan villages and spectacular mountain views. Henri, our resident doctor, had lots of work on his hands with Kim & Lhakpa assisting throughout. Can't wait to go back next year!

Nanda Devi Pilgrimage - India

We follow the old trade route to Tibet as spring arrives in the luminously beautiful Johar valley, trekking the demanding trails to the base of the sacred sister peaks of Kumaon and Garhwal, Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East.

5-24 Apr, 20 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$2150

Everest Pilgrimage Trek - Nepal

An early spring trek along the beautiful trails of the land of the Sherpa's, climbing the high viewpoints of the Everest region and visiting the power places of Buddhism along the way; the rightly famous Tengboche, but also the smaller Gomi La and Lauda Gompas in their tranquil hilltop eyries.

8-27 Mar, 20 days -- teahouse trekking -- Joel Schone -- US$1980

Everest High Passes - Nepal

Trek the best of the Everest region: the Cho La and Renjo La passes, the spectacular Gokyo lakes region, Gokyo Ri, Kala Pattar and Chukhung peaks and remote Thame valley, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route. And, of course, Everest Base Camp.

8 Mar-2 Apr, 26 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2480
Team: Olli, Yam & Kim

A small group (Kim & Olli!), but the trekking doesn't get much better than this in one of our favorite trekking regions in the Himalaya. Olli was the perfect client, an avid photographer and marathon-runner in Finland, and soon became a good friend. We had a chance to have an intimate look at the Sherpa culture, did lots of exploring, improvised the itinerary to our hearts' content (we crossed three 5000 meter passes) and enjoyed perfect March weather (see photo). Olli, see you again soon!

Chadar Trade Route Expedition - India

This trek has everything you could want of a winter expedition, with challenging days trekking, the beautiful gorges and monasteries of Zanskar, and time built in to ensure you get the full taste of this ancient kingdom in wintertime. Details to come.

5 Jan-1 Feb, 26 days -- expedition style -- Joel & Lobsang -- US$3650

jdesign -- all rights reserved --  2008