2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Everest Lodge to Lodge EXPLORING SHERPA VILLAGES AND HIMALAYAN PEAKS

Trek into the cloud-perched villages of the Sherpa mountain realm below mighty Everest. Our beautifully

Days 1-5 Kathmandu / Lukla / Namche After exploring Kathmandu, we fly to the mountain airstrip at Lukla—“the airstrip in the air” at 9,350 feet. Hiking up to bustling Namche Bazaar, we have vital time to acclimatize in this charming Sherpa trading center. Namche holds the headquarters of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, the first national park in the Himalaya. Glorious mountain vistas surround us as we hike up to the picturesque twin villages of Khumjung and Khunde, home to thriving Sherpa communities. Days 6-7 Tengboche / Pangboche Trails past mani (prayer) walls and through a rhododendron forest bring us to Tengboche Monastery, festooned with prayer flags and always alive with activity. From the village of Pangboche, site of the oldest monastery in the region, our hike up to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400') gives us phenomenal panoramas of this stunning peak. Days 8-14 Phortse / Syangboche / Lukla / Kathmandu We circle down a high trail along the Imja Khola Valley, enjoying views of Tengboche and Ama Dablam as we make our way to tranquil Phortse, set off the main Everest trail. At Syangboche (12,730'), we take in our last views of Everest’s distant summit, then fly to Kathmandu on Day 12. Depart on Day 14, or extend your journey for game viewing at Tharu Lodge near Chitwan National Park, a spectacular Everest overflight, or a stay at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge for Annapurna views.

designed journey is the Himalayan experience you’ve dreamed of, with WT extras that set it apart, including incredible Trek Leaders who welcome you into the heart of Sherpa life, from the lively trading town of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital, to remote Phortse, well off the main trekking route. Soak up the atmosphere of the venerated Tengboche Monastery (12,500'), where Everest’s summit is in view, visit Pangboche, with

“It simply could not have been better—the itinerary, guides, staff, organization, food— everything was perfect. WT did a fantastic job.”

DAN PATITUCCI MENNO BOERMANS

Ivy S., Brooklyn NY

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike spectacular trails below the majestic giants of the Himalaya • Enjoy a warm welcome into the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Sherpa people • Overnights in the Khumbu’s best lodges—no camping! DETAILS • 14-day trip begins and ends in Kathmandu • 4 nights first-class hotel, 9 nights mountain lodges • All meals included except 3 lunches and 3 dinners DATES Nov 20-Dec 3, 2018 Nov 8-22* Dec 4-17 Dec 2-15 Dec 19,2018-Jan 1, 2019 Dec 22,2019-Jan4,2020 Mar 11-24, 2019 Feb 18-Mar 2, 2020 Apr 15-28 Mar 3-16 Oct 8-21 Mar 17-30 Oct 23-Nov 5 Apr 1-14 * Mani Rimdu Festival Internal airfare: $415 (subject to change) Mani Rimdu Festival surcharge: $200 Tharu Lodge Extension: from $795 Scenic Everest Flight: from $275 Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Extension: from $850 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 (optional hike to 15,400') TRIP COST $4195 (4-12 members) Single supplement: $1225

its legends of the “yeti,” and hike up to Ama Dablam Base Camp! You’ve come for the mountains, but the Sherpa people will capture your heart. Our Sherpa-owned lodges provide a convivial place to stay (no camping!).

Our incredible Trek Leaders, the most experienced in the region, welcome you as family in the famous mountains they call home. PHOTO: JEAN-PAUL AZAM

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