BASE CAMP TREKKING & EXPÉDITIONS

The Base Camp lying at the foot of the Annapurna massif is reached after traversing through a rapidly changing landscape as you climb higher and higher from the rich green valley shrouded in seasonal vegetation to the arid landscape of the high mountains. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a gigantic amphitheater facing giant peaks at close proximity. 4,130 m above sea level, the sanctuary enjoys a spectacular 360 view of 13 peaks that make up the Annapurna massif. This obviously is the highlight of the trek. But even from Day One of the trek, the great peaks, Machapuchare (6,993m), the Annapurna III (7,555m), the Annapurna II (7,937m) and the Annapurna IV (7,525m) keep coming into view, building up excitement as the trek progresses.

Along the way are the hot springs at Jhinu Danda, delightful little Gurung villages embraced by terraced hillsides, hidden trails in the heart of a gigantic bamboo plantation and a forest of rhododendrons. This trek offers all the pleasures one can derive from a walk in the Nepalese Himalaya.

Mustang, a former kingdom beyond the Himalayas

Once we reach Mustang, we are traveling in a region dominated by Tibetan cultural influence. Villages, monasteries and chortens all speak of the culture of Tibet and in the background are seen the snowy peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Due to its geographical location, Mustang, once a small Himalayan kingdom, has always maintained privileged links with Tibet, and in particular cultural and religious ties that dominate the life of the inhabitants. In addition, the absence of large passes made Mustang the ideal place of passage between India and Tibet through the valley of Kali Gandaki. This hike takes us to this well-preserved, partially isolated region of Nepal. The arid land of Mustang contrasts with the snow-capped peaks that are seen in the background. Lo Manthang, a fortified town with several monasteries, welcomes us for a cultural stopover.

Going through the heartland of the Sherpa people, the trek enjoys views of the most famous Himalayan peaks. Designed for those who dream of being close to Everest without climbing it, the two weeks of hiking in high altitude takes you through fabulous landscapes. Add to that the unforgettable views of the Everest range from Kala Patthar, and you have a winner!!

Flying directly to Lukla, the Gateway to Everest in the Khumbu region is quite a start. A spectacular 45-minute flight over the giant Himalayan peaks and you’re good to go. The adventure of a lifetime begins here as you start your trek. The first destination of note is Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), a trading settlement between Tibet and Nepal. An overnight halt here ensures you get properly acclimatized. Then we enter the Khumbu valley, into the realm of giant, icy peaks glittering in the sun. Along the way, we come across villages with typical dry-stone houses, numerous inscribed stones (manis), stupas and monasteries perched on hilltops that seemingly touch the skies. The sight of countless towering peaks is beyond one’s imagination: Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,475m), Lhotse ( 8,383m), Pumori (7,145m), Nuptse (7,879m), Ama Dablam (6,856m) and more.

Combining a trek with a climbing expedition may be the ideal combination of two exciting adventures in the Himalayas. Hiking up to Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar in themselves are great adventures; climbing Island Peak during the trek raises the trip to another level.

This expedition high in the picturesque Khumbu region does not present too much technical difficulty and combines with a trek. Our initial hike takes us up to the Dudh Khosi which has its source in the Gokyo lakes. We will get to admire these lakes from the viewpoint when we reach Gokyo Ri. We cross the Cho La Pass before reaching Kala Patthar. Then we do the actual climbing towards the summit of Island Peak also known as ImjaTse (6,189m). Finally, the descent is easily done going down the valley of Imja Khola and on the way back, take a moment to visit the monastery of Tengboche. We hike further on to reach Namche, the nerve center of the Sherpa community.

A comparatively easier trek in a region of unique landscape not far from Kathmandu, the Langtang – Gosaikunda trek offers a good alternative away from the popular destinations. Surrounded by lesser-known summits, in splendid alpine surroundings, the region has remained largely pristine. From Syabrubesi, we cross the river via a suspension bridge and enter the high Langtang glacial valley passing through Lama Hotel (the settlement is known as Lama Hotel) and Ghoda Tabela on our way to Kyanjin Gompa, a settlement with close up views of Mountains including Langtang Lirung (7,245 m). And after a few days of acclimatization at the foot of these peaks over 7000 m, we leave for the sacred lake of Gosainkunda at an altitude of more than 4000 m. The icy lake is a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. After crossing the Laurebina Pass (4,600 m), the highest point on the trek, the landscape changes during our descent to Helambu. From icy slopes, it turns into the lush green countryside, with small monasteries, chortens and prayer flags serving as landmarks. We stop among the terraced hillsides, rhododendron and juniper forests.

A spectacular 45-minute flight gazing at the Himalayan peaks, we land in the world-famous Lukla Airport. We are now in Khumbu in the Everest region, ready to start the trek. The trek takes us to another well-known destination, Namche Bazaar (3,440m), a trading village between Tibet and the Sherpa country. We take a one-day break for acclimatization. Then we climb up the Dudh Koshi to reach the Gokyo lakes at the foot of Cho Oyu and its glaciers. We hike up to the Cho La Pass close to the peaks. The journey is marked by beautiful villages of dry-stone houses, countless manis (stone inscriptions), stupas, and monasteries that seem suspended in the air blessed by three 8000m peaks: Everest (8,848 m.), Makalu (8,475 m.), Lhotse (8,383 m.) besides the lesser peaks of Pumori (7,145m.), Nuptse (7,879m.), Ama Dablam (6,856m.) and others.

In the heart of secret valleys, we reach Samapa country, the Tibetan people living at the foot of Manaslu. A trek through the wild Himalayas, to relive the atmosphere of Nepal 20 years ago. Much less frequented than the Annapurna tour, and certainly just as beautiful, our route around Manaslu (8,163m) takes us through a wide variety of landscapes, skirting the rivers of the valley bottoms, winding through forests or skirting the glaciers and 7,000 and 8,000 peaks that surround us, particularly as we pass the Larkya pass at 4,990m.

This crossing of the different Himalayan levels is also a real voyage of discovery for some of Nepal's ethnic families, as we pass through villages inhabited by Gurung, Tibetan and Manangi Tibetans. A beautiful approach to the Nepalese Himalayas, in the secret of remote valleys.