Welcome to The Treks & Adventures Pages of Our Website:
Whilst it is primarily aimed at those interested in climbing and trekking in the Himalaya of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India, it also provides details of other adventures. Our part of the world is not just hills and mountains. Within its boundaries are some of the great rivers of the region, jungles, wildlife, and a diverse mix of race, creed and culture - all of which we are able to combine in specially prepared programmes.
Arranging your holiday is easy, and we will ensure that the booking process is as smooth and efficient as the actual arrangements in the "field".
The Sherpas of Nepal are traditionally the best mountain guides and porters. We employ over 200 Sherpas, mostly from the Everest area. The Sherpa Sardar (leader), cooks and camp-helpers are all professionally trained. Our trekkers will have the opportunity to get to know these hardy people, many of whom have climbed Everest and other Himalayan giants.
What's Provided on Your Trek:
First and foremost we aim to provide you with a hassle-free holiday! In addition we provide a full compliment of staff to look after you on trek. Our cooks will serve you with plentiful, healthy and wholesome food; enough staple products are carried for the entire outing. Fresh supplies of vegetables, eggs and meat are purchased locally wherever available. The day to day program is designed so that trekkers have time to see, photograph and explore the countryside. Anyone who is healthy, fit, and enjoys the outdoors and hiking will qualify to participate in our treks. All our treks are outfitted with the highest quality equipment available. Comfortable dome or A-Frame tents, latest polaguard and down sleeping bags, foam mattresses, a dining tent with camp chairs and tables, and toilet tents are all standard equipment.
A Typical Day on Trek:
All our treks are managed by a team of professionally trained Sherpas with the Sardar responsible for all aspects of the running of the trek. For larger and special interest groups we can also provide an experienced western leader on request.
A trek-day starts around 6 a.m. with a cup of tea/coffee. Soon after a bowl of warm water is provided for washing. After packing your duffel and day-pack a breakfast of porridge/muesli cornflakes and biscuits wtth tea/coffee/chocolate is served. The day's walking starts around 7.30 am. Porters and pack animals carry all camp equipment, food and duffel bags, all you need to carry in your day pack are a water bottle, rain gear, camera and other small items you may need on the trail. All trekkers walk at their own pace with the lead and last sweep Sherpas providing support throughout.
The morning's walk to the lunch spot takes about three hours. In Nepal we usually serve hot lunches on the trail whereas in India & Tibet a picnic lunch- is provided. After hiking for three to four hours in the afternoon camp is usually reached between 3 - 4 p.m. Tea and snacks are served while the Sherpas pitch camp.
The evening meal is served around 6:30 p.m. in the dining tent lit with a pressurised lantern and furnished with table and camp -chairs or stools. After dinner the Sardar will brief trekkers on the next day's trek and you can then retire to your sleeping tent.
All Our Treks are Graded. Here is a summary of what you can expect underfoot:
Grade 1: Easy (Relatively)
Easy trekking by Himalayan standards is generally between 900m/3,000 ft. and 2,000m/6,500 ft. There are always plenty of "ups and downs" anywhere in the Himalaya and clients need to be regular walkers to get full enjoyment from their experience. It is possible however to design "easier" short three to four day treks with perhaps only two to four hours walking per day on request.
Grade 2: Moderate
Moderate trekking between 900m/3,000 ft. and 3,000m/10,000 ft. but possibly involving side trips to higher elevations.
Grade 3: Moderate to Strenuous
Reasonably demanding trekking at altitudes up to 4,000m/13,000 ft. with side trips to higher elevations. Some treks included here will, in part, be well away from villages on ill-defined mountain trails.
Grade 4: Strenuous
Here we include all Tibet trips primarily because of the rigours of the climate and overall high altitude, varying between Lhasa at 3,700m/12,000 ft. to high pass crossings by vehicle or on foot in excess of 5,000m/16,500 ft. In other areas treks of a demanding nature, requiring all participants to be fit and in excellent health, often in remote alpine areas and sometimes reaching altitudes in excess of 5,500m/18,000ft.
Alpine:
Extremely demanding treks, sometimes in very remote areas on rough terrain and perhaps including climbs (in Nepal) of one or more of the so called "trekking peaks" - maximum altitude, Mt.Mera at 6,461m/21,192 ft.Participants should have at least a basic knowledge of the use of crampons and ice axes, though first time climbers may be accepted on some of the so called "easy" routes on these peaks. Medical certificates are required prior to acceptance on these climbing treks.
We Offer Treks in a Variety of Different Ways:
On a separate departure list you will find tours, treks and expeditions that we are offering on a fixed departure basis. The treks listed are joined by trekkers from all around the world and normally comprise between three and ten participants but could go upto a maximum of fifteen. Most of our Nepal departures are guaranteed to operate with only two persons without affecting the cost. We have put together this programme of popular as well as lesser-trekked routes to enable adventure enthusiasts to join an organised group trek in Nepal, Tibet and India.
Customized Treks:
We also design personalised itineraries for individuals, families, and small groups of friends etc. who wish to trek with normal support services but choose their own dates and not be part of a group with other trekkers involved or merely because the dates available in our group departure list do not fit in with your overall plans. We will be pleased to provide advice and work out a special itinerary, costs and all information.In addition we are also pleased to offer a full range of expedition services, special interest treks, school expeditions and film location services.
