Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Everest Lodge to Lodge EXPLORING SHERPA VILLAGES AND HIMALAYAN PEAKS

Imagine trekking amid the glorious peaks of the Himalaya by day and savoring the comforts of a cozy lodge each night—you can do it on this superb trek! High trails bring you through traditional Sherpa villages nestled below the highest mountains on earth, to exquisite Tengboche Monastery, where Everest’s unmistakable diamond summit is visible, to Pangboche, with its views of Ama Dablam, and to cloud-perched Phortse, with its traditional culture. Our circle trek also includes a special Exploration Day to hike up to Ama Dablam Base Camp for jaw-dropping views

of one the most revered mountains in the Khumbu. Fabulous Himalayan panoramas, wonderful encounters with the unforgettable Sherpa people, welcoming lodges—this is the best way to trek in the Himalaya. Days 1-5 Kathmandu / Lukla / Namche Bazaar / Khumjung After exploring Kathmandu, fly to Lukla and hike to the Sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar. Namche holds the headquarters of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, established in 1976 as the first national park in the Himalaya. From Namche, our acclimatization hikes bring us to the picturesque villages of Khumjung and Khunde, home to thriving Sherpa communities. Days 6-7 Tengboche / Pangboche Hiking up to Tengboche Monastery (12,650'), we are in the spiritual center of the Khumbu and gloriously surrounded by spectacular mountains. Tengboche, always alive with activity, is festooned with prayer flags

LEILA THOMPSON

“The trip was masterfully

designed—we had an absolute ball. Nepal is such a beautiful country with wonderful people. We will cherish our memories of this journey.”

Sacred Ama Dablam is one of the most spectacular peaks in the Everest region. PHOTO: PATRICK YEUNG KAI PAK

HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy a spectacular trek among majestic giants of the Himalaya • Overnights in the Khumbu’s best lodges—no camping! • Experience the renowned Sherpa culture, visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries DETAILS • 14-day trip begins and ends in Kathmandu • 4 nights first-class hotel, 7 nights luxury lodges, 2 nights family-owned Sherpa lodges • All meals included except 3 lunches and 4 dinners

TRIP COST $3995 (4-12 members) Single supplement: $1225 Internal airfare: $375 (subject to change) Mani Rimdu Festival surcharge: $200 Tharu Lodge extension: from $720 Scenic Everest Flight extension: from $275 Temples of Angkor extension: from $770

DATES Nov 10-24, 2016

Mani Rimdu Festival

Matthew F., Fort Worth TX

Dec 6-19 Dec 20, 2016-Jan 2, 2017

Feb 7-20, 2017 Feb 28-Mar 13 Mar 14-27 Apr 4-17 Apr 18-May 1 Oct 10-23 Oct 31-Nov 14

in the five colors representing the five Buddhist elements: earth, wind, fire, water, and space. Our trails lead farther to Pangboche, site of the oldest monastery in the Khumbu and known for its incredible views of Ama Dablam. Here you have the option to hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400'). Throughout the trek, our overnights are in lodges, most with private facilities in the guestrooms. Days 8-14 Phortse / Syangboche / Lukla / Kathmandu We circle down a high trail along the Imja Valley, enjoying views of Tengboche and Ama Dablam as we make our way to tranquil Phortse, a culturally well-preserved village off the main Everest trail. At Syangboche (12,730'), we soak up our last enchanting views of Everest, then hike to Lukla. Fly to Kathmandu on Day 12 and depart on Day 14, or join one of our extensions. EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE • Game viewing at Tharu Lodge near Chitwan National Park • Scenic Everest flight—the best close-up views! • Ankgor, Cambodia’s breathtaking city of temples

Mani Rimdu Festival

Nov 19-Dec 2 Dec 4-17 Dec 20, 2017-Jan 2, 2018 Feb 12-25, 2018 Mar 5-18 Mar 27-Apr 9 Apr 15-28

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

9-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 3-6 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-13,035 feet

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR ASIA TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/ASIA 91