Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

HIGHLIGHTS • Trek into a remote Himalayan realm that few Westerners have visited • Visit otherworldly Phoksundo Lake, with its cliffside monasteries • Hike the sacred kora circuit around fabled Shey Gompa, a revered pilgrimage site • Enjoy our special trekking route designed for gradual altitude acclimatization DETAILS • 25-day trip begins and ends in Kathmandu • 19 nights camping, 4 nights in first-class hotels, 1 night lodge • All meals included except 3 lunches and 2 dinners TRIP COST $7795 (10-12 members) $8295 (7-9 members) $8595 (5-6 members) Single supplement: $705 Internal airfare: $830 (subject to change) Special Area permit: $650 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 20-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 7,000 and 18,040 feet DATES Sep 8-Oct 2, 2018 Sep 18-Oct 12

BILL ABBOTT

Dolpo holds near-mythical status in the Himalayan world. No roads lead to Dolpo—you must enter on foot. A trek here is a kind of Himalayan pilgrimage into another world and another time. Few places on the planet are as culturally intact and scenically breathtaking as this high realm, yet in this vast region, it is rare to see other trekkers. The western half of Dolpo has been set aside as Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the largest park in Nepal, to help preserve a trans-Himalayan ecosystem and endangered species including the elusive snow leopard and musk deer. Dolpo’s treasures include unclimbed snow peaks, deep turquoise lakes, high-altitude passes, rock-perched monasteries, and sacred mountains. The stunning film Himalaya and Peter Matthiessen’s book The Snow Leopard, detailing his spiritual quest in this region, have suggested some of the mystique of Dolpo. If you are a trekker with a sense of adventure, this is a must-do life experience. Join us! THE LAST TRUE “EDEN” OF THE HIMALAYAS

HASHMAT SINGH

BILL ABBOTT

“What an adventure and what a privilege to be able to trek through this remote and beautiful area of Nepal. The scenery was incredible—it really did feel like we were on top of the world! Great opportunities to visit local villages, meet local people, and experience local culture. The design of the trip was excellent, with plenty of time to acclimatize—well-paced with perfect rest days.”

BILL ABBOTT

WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/ASIA 89

Robyn F., Epping Australia