Perspective and Journeys for Nepal
2017- 2018
“Most events never really matter, only where you are when they occur”
Just back from our Mera Peak expedition and once again, I’m thrilled with Nepal of today. In all honesty, I’ve been partial to India the past 30+ years but see a vibrancy in Nepal that is becoming addictive. Whether a spirit of development and artistic awakening in Kathmandu, or the pride of culture among the Sherpa in Everest region, these last 5 years of visits to Nepal have been as rewarding as my first visits in the 1980’s. - Gordon Janow, Director of Programs
As always, we carefully select guides for our departures, skill as a guide always being most important for climbing and trekking trips (and what we believe separates us from most other outfitters), but we also expect guides to have intimate knowledge and commitment to Nepal and this seems to come naturally. This commitment is not only reflected in the guiding work they do but as a sense of belonging in the greater Nepalese community. This important aspect of being a superb guide leads to working well Sherpa staff and family on the trail, and assisting the Alpine Ascents Foundation and the students that are sponsored.
If you are considering Nepal for the first, second or third time, this seems a near perfect time to visit and enjoy the culture, nature and the vibrant spirit that seems to be growing each season.
Alpine Ascents Offerings in Nepal
What an opportunity to walk (no climbing skills needed) amidst the world’s great giant mountains and experience the lifestyle, hospitality and monastic culture of the Sherpas in Nepal. We are proud to have Vern Tejas
at the helm which gives a rare glimpse, not only into the culture of the region but as a ten time Everest summiteer (among his many legendary accomplishments) the added perspective of mountain history. There are few climbers of this caliber that have this first-hand knowledge. Vern is joined by Carol Tejas, meticulous in her level of detail and planning with a broad and intimate knowledge of Sherpa life, understanding of the language and a deep love for the communities. Also unique to Alpine Ascents is that trek members can spend a couple of nights at base camp as on our Spring offerings.
As if the trek to Everest Base Camp was not enough of a lifetime experience, climbers with basic mountaineering skills can tackle a large Himalayan peak ( 2-3 days climbing ) after visiting Everest Base Camp. This is a spectacular opportunity to attempt Himalayan climbing at summit attitude of 20,305 feet. Legendary guide Vernon Tejas leads this expedition each spring and Fall.
Deep in the Khumbu region of Nepal, this of the beaten track climb in Nepal, still lives in the heart of the Sherpa community, but by far lesser traveled. Expect more basic lodging and meal options for the reward of having the trail to ourselves for most hours and much deeper sense of nature, simplicity and being in and of the natural surroundings of the Himalayas. A challenging climb as we attempt a summit of 21,247 feet, and are rewarded with some of the best views of Everest, Makalu and other icons of the Nepal Himalaya. Legendary guide Vernon Tejas is scheduled to lead this expedition each fall.
Traveling through Nepal to Tibet Cho-Oyu is a reasonable and simply the most accessible 8000 meter peak for the intermediate climber. Everest bound or as a world class climbing experience we offer the same level of service and care on Cho-Oyu as our Everest climbs. Superb base camp, lower climber to guide ratio, ample use of Oxygen and our fabled Sherpa team. This climb is typically led by Ben Jones and Lakpa Rita Sherpa
(based on team size) as we plan Cho- Oyu for each September. Please contact us immediately if interested due to the limited permits being offered this season.
The pinnacle of high altitude climbing, Alpine Ascents has been leading climbs of Everest since 1990. While outfitters and guiding style come and go, Alpine Ascents has remained a leader in guiding Everest on a broad range of areas including logistics, Oxygen use, quality of camps and strong support of the Sherpa community and their respective roles. We’ve never veered from the belief that a strongly supported high quality expedition is the only trip to offer as we are interested in focusing on safety, summit success and climber and staff care. This elements are the essence of our Everest expeditions. Our leadership team for 2017: Ben Jones Jangbu Sherpa Eric Murphy Lakpa Rita
Sherpa Please check out this year’s cybercast currently in progress at:
Pete Athans, though affectionately known as "Mr. Everest", this title may even belie his knowledge and understanding of all things Nepal. Language, culture and climbing, Pete and his family's 2nd home has been Nepal, where climbing led to his quest for a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture and in turn led him to many explorations and projects throughout the region. One of the “original 4“ guides of Alpine Ascents, Pete’s journeys took him to the remote region of Mustang (Moose - Tang) and the discovery of ancient burial caves. (see the PBS/National Geographic Film, Cave People of the
Himalaya). The discovery spurred many visits to the region in a quest for understanding of the burial caves and their history. We are blessed to have Pete leading us on a trek to Mustang and spend time in this once heavily cloistered region, while learning about the caves and people as Pete guides us along. This may well be a one time opportunity as I personally look to join this rare opportunity. Details posted on our website:
Established in 1999, well before the most recent wave of Nepal related non-profits, Alpine Ascents made the decision to assist Nepal and the Sherpa Community through school scholarship-based programs. Our work continues today and we welcome you to learn about our Foundation and consider student sponsorship, as it certainly changes lives through education
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