Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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The surreal Dolpo region of northwest Nepal, isolated from the world
by high passes, is a realm of ancient Tibetan culture, unclimbed peaks,
mysterious canyons, and people who still live as barley farmers and
yak herders as their Tibetan ancestors did. On our rugged 22-day trek,
we cross passes to reach some of the highest villages on earth, learn
about the spiritual traditions that enrich this remote land, and hike to
vast, turquoise Phoksundo Lake and mystical Shey Gompa (15,500'), of
The Snow Leopard fame, above which rises the white pyramid of Crystal
(“Shey”) Mountain, Dolpo’s sacred peak. Take a step back in time and
join us in a magical world where yak caravans still follow ancient trade
routes and monasteries practice the pre-Buddhist Bon-po faith.
Days 1-9 Kathmandu / Juphal / Begin Trek / Dho
Tarap From Kathmandu, we fly to Juphal and trek
through juniper forests into the Tarap Valley, home
to highland people known as the Kham Magars. We
enjoy an Exploration Day in the Tibetan village of
Dho Tarap (13,251').
Days 10-17 Panzang Valley / Shimen / Saldang
Passing trailside chortens and walls of beautifully
carved mani stones (Buddhist prayer stones), we make
our way into Panzang, one of Dolpo’s four major
valleys. We trek farther to lovely Shimen, nestled amid
terraced buckwheat fields, then to Saldang (15,250'),
with its maze of ancient alleys and amchi (Tibetan
medicine) hospital. Caravans of yaks may pass
us on the trail—a photogenic sight! The ancient
monasteries here practice Bon-po, the oldest spiritual
tradition in Tibet.
Our trek brings us deep into an authentic Tibetan culture and a spectacular Himalayan landscape that few outsiders have ever visited.
PHOTO: BILL ABBOTT
BILL ABBOTT
BILL ABBOTT
Days 18-19 Shey Gompa (16,237') / Crystal Mountain
Being at fabled Shey Gompa, a revered pilgrim destination,
is a trek highlight. We’ll join pilgrims on the kora
(sacred circuit) encircling the monastery, hike to remote
hermitages, and enjoy the rarified air and light that makes
Shey Gompa like no other place on earth. Next to the
gompa is the Crystal Mountain, Dolpo’s sacred peak.
Days 20-22 Kang La / Phoksundo Lake Crossing our
highest pass, the Kang La (18,830'), we come to the
otherworldly setting of Phoksundo Lake (11,808'), a vast
body of water encircled by peaks. We visit the Ringmo
Gompa, a Bon-po monastery on the shores.
Days 23-28 Sepka / Juphal / Kathmandu Descend
into the lowlands for our flight to Kathmandu on Day 26
and a final day in the city. Depart on Day 28.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Be one of the few Westerners who has
ever visited this remote Himalayan realm
• Learn about Dolpo’s thriving Tibetan
culture where many still practice Bon, the
pre-Buddhist faith
• Hike the sacred kora circuit around fabled
Shey Gompa, a revered pilgrimage site
• Enjoy our wonderfully designed trekking
route that allows for gradual altitude
acclimatization
DETAILS
• 28-day trip begins and ends in
Kathmandu, Nepal
• 22 nights camping, 4 nights in first-class
hotels, 1 night lodge
• All meals included except 3 lunches and
2 dinners
DATES
Sep 16-Oct 13, 2017
TRIP COST
$7795 (10-12 members)
$8595 (8-9 members)
$9195 (6-7 members)
Single supplement: $740
Internal airfare: $815 (subject to change)
Special Area permit: $650
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
22-day trek on moderate to steep trails,
5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 7,000
and 18,830 feet