The latest from Project Himalaya No Images? Click here Looking back, looking forwardWishing you an adventure-filled New Year! With a dozen maps strewn over the lounge carpet, I'm excited about our upcoming treks. Yes, I always am, but truly I have had a fun couple of weeks assembling them, as we are prepare for another amazing series of unique adventures. No matter how many times I have trekked up high, there is something enchanting, captivating about each experience. Reviewing my photos of the last 6 months trekking, what stands out is is the incredible variety of landscapes, not just between treks, but within each trek. If you haven't already trekked with us then do look over our Previous treks page for a summary of each trek and also an idea of group sizes; we really do run small group treks (max 9), and appreciate the people joining, and the whole trek experience. Additionally, if you don't know what might suit you, I'll talk you through without the hard sell. We want you to book the best trek for you... And thank you to the people who donated for schooling Gyalgen and Pemba's children; Pemba is so grateful. We would love to hear from you! Julley - Namaste - Jamie Upper Mustang-Dolpo WildThis is a 35 day ultimate trek linking the two most scenically striking treks in Nepal over the high Kekyap La, a route that we opened up in 2011. Starting with the cultural trek to Lo Manthang, we also trek Dolpo's Panzang Valley and finish with Nepal's most stunning lake, Phoksundo. We do have a day set aside for exploration or a 6000m peak, but this is entirely optional and not a focus of trek (but does help with permits). Roads are about to creep into the heart of Dolpo, don't hesitate for too long, see the trip page for details... I appreciate the fact this is a long trek, and we can alternatively run a 28 day trek based on our 2016 itinerary or even run both of them with an expert Nepal hand as leader, perhaps Wanda Vivequin: 28 day Upper Dolpo to Jomsom. We will confirm one or other trek ASAP so that you have surety... The 30 Sept trek start date is a fraction later than in the past to account for a slightly longer monsoon that seems to be the new normal. 2018 LadakhWe have a full range of treks, with some flexibility about final itineraries for a couple of trips. What are you tempted by? Ladakh Peaks & PassesProven adventure, our Markha Valley with the ascent of Dzo Jongo 6218m is hard to beat, and mixes trekking through villages with wilderness, and new for this year, we have an optional camp at Tso Kar, the salt lake for a finale. This trek is set to run as is up on the website. We also offer a shorter private trip option on different dates for a private group of friends, which is somewhat flexible.. ZanskarWe are offering this as a private trek - do you have a few friends interested? Adapted to avoid roads, this is still a trek of incredible variety. On our last season 2017 trek, I was concerned that the beginning days along the Tsarap Chu would be boring; how wrong. Scenic and flowing, it was the perfect way to start our memorable journey. Skypacking - backpackingOur 2017 experimental Ladakh backpacking trek proved to be manageably tough, 6000m satisfying and with our unique exploratory itinerary, covered an incredible diversity of terrain. I still took my big camera with a single lens, and the results will speak for the beauty of the trek. Lesa and Tomie showed us that home-dried meals are superior to anything available in Leh, however our resupplies with Lobsang as chef, were luxury, and we are on the right track. I haven't fixed a backpacking trek for the coming season however if anyone is keen, I would love to go again. The two other Ladakh treks are detailed further down. Tso High 6363m / backpacking?We climb high on straightforward peaks, in the gorgeous area between two famous lakes, Tso Kar and Tsomoriri, and are keeping our itinerary semi-secret, hence no direct link on the website. Click the link above, or the photo above to get to the page, and bookmark it if you want to return.. We are flexible with the aim of this trip, it can be peak-focused, or more wide-ranging and exploratory; or we can switch this to a backpacking trip even. Even if you are only a little bit interested, get in touch! This Flickr album covers some of the same terrain as the Tso High option: 2018 Great Divide ExploratoryOver the years, we have crisscrossed the eastern corner of the jagged Zanskar range where it blends into the Great Himalayan range, with every trek unique and successful in every way. In 2017 we summited our 6230m peak, found our 2004 pass and linked up to the usual although intimidating Parang La. The mostly open terrain was a pleasure to wander across, and each pass was wildly different in character. For 2018, our exploratory route is logical, although somewhat ambitious, and links the Pang area with the Upper Spiti valley. We guess that once upon a time, prior to the Spiti road, shepherds would have roamed here but now don't bother, lets see. It is a wild area that one day will be recognized as India's premier wilderness area, but for now we are the only people enjoying it. Ours is a fine route however there is some flexibility to both how the trek starts and finishes, and although we haven't included a 6000m scramble, we can by popular demand. We are trekking in the perfect September window, again a fraction later than in the past, to cope with a lingering cloud from the monsoon. For a taste of what to expect, see our 2014 The Great Divide Flickr album. Other Nepal treksGanesh HimalThe Ganesh Himal trek is a middle hills stroll, with plenty of hills, and we also wander up to a high lake for superb views of the Ganesh range. After debating what style to run this, the consensus is as a full camping trek. Kanchenjunga custom treksWe are running both a spring and autumn custom trek for private groups of Kiwis. The question is, though, to teahouse trek or camp full expedition-style up there? Here is what we experienced on our recent fully booked Kanchenjunga menagerie. Our half expedition-style, half in lodges trek proved that the lodges still have a way to go. Dawa's meals were always superior, and unlimited, however, the lodges are definitely more budget-friendly, and reminiscent of trekking several decades ago. For our private trips in lodges, we will send along tents, to cope with randomly full lodges and allow a more peaceful sleep. For any trek route heading away from the main trails, then camping is the only way to go... 2016 Dolpo albumOur 2016 Dolpo trek was a classic, here is the first album of several, this is quick one with a black and white or desaturated look as many photos jumped out at me suiting this - what do you think? I am working on albums from the last year and a half of trekking, more coming with the next newsletter! |