Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Everest Base Camp ONE OF THE GREAT TREKS OF THE WORLD

The trek to the legendary climbers’ camp below the soaring flanks of Mt. Everest (29,035'), Mother Goddess of the Snows, is one of the greatest hikes in the world—and we do it without camping! Our lodge-based trek is perfectly paced as it leads us up to Kala Patar (18,365'), a hiker’s peak with sensational views of Everest’s Southwest Face, and to Everest Base Camp itself by way of the great Khumbu Glacier. En route, we acclimatize with three very special Exploration Days off the main Everest route for hikes to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400')

and the Chukhung Valley. Unbelievable Himalayan panoramas, atmospheric Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, getting to know the welcoming Sherpa people, and accommodations in cozy lodges make this the perfect high mountain adventure. Our own private cook staff travels with us to prepare our meals along the way. Days 1-6 Kathmandu / Lukla / Namche / Tengboche We visit the temples and bazaars of Kathmandu, then fly to Lukla and trek to the welcoming Sherpa mountain villages of Namche Bazaar, Khunde, and Khumjung,

“Thanks to our Trip Leader, we hiked trails not known to many trekkers and were invited into Sherpa homes. I had dreamed of this trip for 30 years and now those dreams are fulfilled.”

Jim A., Cincinnati OH

enjoying our first Himalayan panoramas. Trails through rhododendron forests lead us to beautiful ridgetop Tengboche Monastery, spiritual center of the Khumbu Valley, set below the snow peaks of Kangtega and Thamserku. Overnights are in Sherpa lodges with private rooms and private or shared facilities. Days 7-11 Pangboche / Ama Dablam Base Camp / Chukhung Valley Our special Exploration Days bring us up to the remote wilds of Ama Dablam Base Camp and high into the Chukhung Valley, with fantastic views of Lhotse, the fourth highest peak in the world, just south of Everest. Days 12-13 Kala Patar / Everest Base Camp Our hike to the top of Kala Patar (18,365') rewards us with awesome views of Everest’s Southwest Face and the enormous faces of Lhotse and Nuptse. The next day, we have the option to hike farther to Everest Base Camp (17,600'), below the Khumbu Icefall. Days 14-20 Lukla / Kathmandu We descend back to Pangboche, with its ancient monastery and views of Ama Dablam, then into the Imja Khola Valley to the charming village of Phortse. Continue to Namche and on to Lukla, fly to Kathmandu on Day 18, and depart on Day 20. ON OUR WEBSITE ULTIMATE EVEREST Trek to Everest Base Camp plus the Gokyo Valley, with its show-stopping views from Gokyo Ri (17,500'). Mar 14-Apr 7, Oct 9-Nov 2, 2018. From $5895.

DEVENDRA BASNET

ALEX TREADWAY

It’s an unbelievable thrill to stand at the base camp below the highest mountain in the world— and WT brings you there in style! PHOTO: LEILA THOMPSON

DETAILS • 20-day trip begins and ends in Kathmandu • 4 nights first-class hotel, 15 nights family- owned Sherpa lodges • All meals included except 3 lunches and 4 dinners DATES Mar 20-Apr 8, 2018 Oct 20-Nov 8 Mani Rimdu Festival Nov 12-Dec 1 Mar 12-31, 2019 TRIP COST $4895 (10-12 members) $5195 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $720 Internal airfare: $375 (subject to change) TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 15-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 4-8 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-18,365 feet

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike right to famed Everest Base Camp, launching site of all the famous expeditions • Exploration Days with fantastic hikes to Ama Dablam Base Camp and Chukhung Valley • Paced for maximum acclimatization and led by the Khumbu’s most experienced Sherpa guides • Overnights in family-owned Sherpa lodges—no camping, and we have our own private cook crew!

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL ASIA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 86