Nepal update

If you are anticipating a better year for Nepal, consider the New Year doesn't happen in Nepal officially until 14 April, although it could come early as the high country Buddhists celebrate Losar after 8 Feb, and as late as October for Kathmandu's Newars. Gulp.

So, making light of a dark situation ... Nepal still hasn't picked itself up after falling flat on its face then down a pothole, indeed, night has descended. The earthquake reconstruction authority now has every living past prime minister on the board meaning it will move as quickly as the non-living same meanwhile the Tarai and border with India, like Schrodinger's cat, are both open and closed, depending on which pothole you look down, and whether your mobile phone torch is dead or alive. What is certain is Prime Minister Ostrich Oli is head first down a pothole, even if nobody knows which one. Bury him when found.

But for the trekker or Everest climber this coming season? How to dodge the potholes?

Teahouse trekking should be delightfully uncrowded; bus services and Lukla flights are still running and many middle hills lodges can cook on wood in a pinch, and the Everest high country lodges might have almost enough fuel stockpiled. Camping treks are less clearcut as there is no kerosene or gas readily available in Kathmandu and moving crew and supplies is even more expensive so an early solution to the Tarai protests is needed.

Similarly for Everest climbers, the operators have a headache with logistics, both in Nepal where flying in cargo will be problematic due to continuing fuel shortages (not to mention cooking once at BC), and Tibet where the border also has a case of Schrodinger's, not not open, being free for Chinese tourists but restricted on both sides for foreigners, and moving expedition cargo has so far been unpossible. While the authorities assure us everything is-will open, it could all be rather last minute.

Essentially, expect continuing distressing headlines out of Nepal and a (perhaps painfully) slow change of the bigoted bigwig PM, however, remember you are always welcome two (all ;).

- Jamie

Dolpo Magic!

Upper Dolpo is soul food trekking amid powerful beauty and a still traditional and picturesque Tibetan culture. Visit before this is lost; development and roads are starting to make, well, inroads.

There is plenty of interest for our end of September Upper Dolpo Magic trek and it will run, no logistical issues by then. Our itinerary is uniquely ours, I have more photos from our alternative pass route to Shey than Phoksundo even, it was that dramatic, and we will explore to Bhijer (thank you, Kim) with porters on the trails too challenging for horses. But even without these additions Dolpo is the most gorgeously panoramic trek, Nepal's Shangri-la. Oh-so-turquoise Phoksundo Lake, the layered desert mountain-scapes, burnt red gompas and etched faces; and quite simply the whole experience is the adventure of a lifetime. Do join us!

Private groups, bespoke treks

After the success of some particularly logistically challenging trips for private groups of previous clients, we now formally arrange them on the Project Himalaya website. These are treks with an already named Nepali leader in an area where they are expert and should be planned well in advance.

See the Private treks sections on Our Nepal treks and Our India treks pages and let's talk about which itinerary interests you the most; equally we are happy to develop another unique itinerary that we have expertise in.

"Our trek went brilliantly, crew were great, food excellent, and we were unbelievably lucky with the weather!"
- Clive Carlyle, Upper Dolpo to Jomsom private group, 2015

Zanskar Traverse

Trekking in India is 100% OK.

Although some people blame India for the disintegrating Nepal blockade, first, the problem could have been solved quickly by negotiating rather than ignoring the protesters. Second and most relevant to trekking, is the partial blockade has not affected India AT ALL. Ladakh and Zanskar are functioning completely normally, untouched by the earthquake, and even the weather might be kinder with the current El Nino changing the pattern of the past few years.

Reliving treks past, I have added a few a few more thoughts how the classic Darcha to Lamayuru Zanskar trek has changed. Our itinerary is still the best throwback to those yesteryears, utterly sublime landscapes, canyons to passes, village to wild wilderness variety, and an absolutely fantastic itinerary in its own right. Do join us!

http://project-himalaya.com/ladakh-trek-zanskar-traverse.html

Jamie's spring plans

You might have noticed there are no confirmed treks for the spring, and that is because I have set aside the time to finally update the guidebook Trekking in the Everest Region. I trekked from Bhandar to Lukla before Christmas and during March thru May I will trek or fast pack in from Tumlingtar and climb Mera Peak, cover the main Everest region and also probably trek or fastpack to Makalu base camp and exit via a brand new trail. (And then to the Zanskar Traverse above).

Anybody want to come along?

- Jamie

Dolpo photo gallery

Making itineraries is surprisingly moving as I relive treks previous, and am reminded that virtually every trek has been the trek of a lifetime. Each a major adventure and a privilege, each brings a smile of longing to return, and this is certainly the case with this latest gallery of the 2008 Dolpo Magic...

There is the full 224 picture gallery and a shorter Quick gallery.