Nepal Himalaya - In Galen's Footsteps
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Overview
Please contact us before booking to discuss whether this expedition is a good fit for you, as it involves hiking at high elevation and on rugged terrain, with up to 2,000 feet of elevation gain in a single day. Participants must be reasonably fit and have prior experience of successful acclimatization to elevations over 12,000 feet.
Timed to coincide with moonrise over Mount Everest, the spectacular rhododendron bloom, and the generally fine weather of spring, this trip is twenty-two years in the making. Back in 1999, at the age of twenty-five, I had the good fortune to go to work for one of my greatest photographic idols, Galen Rowell. Over the next three years, until the untimely deaths of Galen and his wife Barbara in the crash of a chartered plane near Bishop, California, Galen became my mentor, and a dear friend. In 1998, Galen had completed a trek through the Everest region of Nepal – the Khumbu Himal – where he photographed what he told me was the “greatest natural light show of my life.” Galen’s stories of his adventures in the Everest and Annapurna regions of the Nepal Himalaya, and the resulting photographs of course, have haunted and inspired me ever since. In fact, the header image above is Galen’s famous photograph, Moon over Everest, Lhotse and Makalu at sunset from Gokyo Ri (17,520 ft.), Khumbu Himal (Nepal, 1998) and the first five images in the gallery that accompany this page are Galen’s as well (all used under license). The first two are the view of Everest from Gokyo Ri at sunset and just after; the third is Ama Dablam from Tengboche on our trekking route; the fourth is sunset light on the sacred peak Machapuchare in the Annapurna region; and the fifth is the “Spectre of the Brocken,” Galen’s shadow surrounded by a rainbow glory cast on fog over the Ngozumpa Glacier, with Everest and Lhotse in the background.
My primary goal as I designed the Everest portion of this expedition was to make the most of our time in the most photogenic locations in the region:
• Trekking toward Everest through the Dudh Kosi River Valley (supported by two porters per guest to carry your gear), from Lukla to Monjo to Namche Bazaar to Tashinga to Pangboche, in the shadow of Ama Dablam (22,349ft), one of the world’s most beautiful mountains.
• The sacred turquoise lakes of Gokyo, the world’s highest lake system (approx. 15,500ft.), which we reach by private helicopter from Pangboche. Trekking trails provide access to the various lakes and vistas of the high peaks, including Cho Oyu (26,864ft.) the world’s sixth highest peak, and Everest.
• The rocky summit of Gokyo Ri (17,575ft.), a relatively short but strenuous hike above our lodge at Gokyo Lake, offers the single most spectacular view of Everest (29,032ft.), Lhotse (27,940ft.), and Makalu (27,825ft.), three of the five highest peaks on Earth, as well as Cholatse (21,129ft.), of which Galen made the first ascent in 1982. We will have two opportunities to hike up Gokyo Ri for moonrise and the warm light of afternoon through sunset on the high peaks, to account for the possibility of cloud one evening.
• On the helicopter flight back to Lukla from Gokyo, we land and hop out to photograph at Kala Patthar, the highest point on the Everest Base Camp trek route (18,500ft.) overlooking the camp, just two kilometers away. This offers a classic view over the Khumbu Glacier of the Khumbu Icefall and the summit pyramid of Mount Everest above.
Acclimatization is essential on an expedition into these high elevations, which is why before heading into the Khumbu we take a hike through the rhododendron forest on Phulchowki, a high “hill” topping out at over 9,000 feet, overlooking the Kathmandu valley with the Himalaya in the background. That night, we return to sleep at 4,500 feet in Kathmandu. Acclimatization continues the next morning after we fly to Lukla (9,350ft.), the starting point for the Everest trek, settling into our lodge and relaxing or exploring the village. The next morning we set out on our trek, for another five nights in the Dudh Kosi Valley. Though the trekking trail will vary from moderate to strenuous at times, distances each day will be rather short, we won’t be in a rush, and we will make plenty of stops to rest and photograph along the way. Following our trek, we will be picked up by helicopter to fly over to Gokyo Lakes for three nights, well acclimatized for our hike(s) up to the panoramic Everest vista from Gokyo Ri.
After flying back down to the oxygen-rich elevations of Kathmandu, we carry on to Nepal’s second city, Pokhara, positioned beneath the incredible Annapurna Massif. Galen first visited this area in 1977, and returned in the 80s and 90s, making some of his most famous mountain portraits in the process. Our excellent lodge outside Pokhara is positioned at 3,690 feet on a ridge with spectacular views of the sacred peak Machapuchare (22,943ft.), catching gorgeous sunset light. We will also make excursions to photograph the local culture of the Pokhara area, including Phewa Lake, home to a sacred temple and hundreds of colorful boats. Our accommodations throughout the trip are best available, including five-star Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu, a living museum that has become a savior of antique Newari crafts and architecture. On the Everest trek, and at Gokyo, accommodations are simpler trekking lodges, as you might imagine, but still quite comfortable and hospitable. Near Pokhara, the first-rate Tiger Mountain Lodge offers spectacularly situated with and provides easy access to excellent photographic opportunities. After you’ve had a chance to digest the information that follows, please let me know if I can answer any questions for you. I look forward to sharing this grand adventure with you!
–Justin Black
Itinerary
Day 1 – April 4th, Mon Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Altitude: 1,400m/4,595ft.
After clearing customs and immigration at the airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to our very special hotel, Dwarika’s.
The rest of the day will be at leisure, and we encourage you to rest and enjoy the hotel’s many comforts. We will get together for our introductory group dinner this evening.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel [-/-/D]
Day 2 – April 5th, Tue In Kathmandu
Today after breakfast, we will visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as the cultural capital of the country. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan areas, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever. Retaining its ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed by a Living Goddess and is enriched by endless ceremonial processions and events that take to the streets every now and then with throngs of devotees seeking blessings. These religious festivals are steeped in legend and are quite a spectacle with chariot processions and masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities.
The Temple of the Living Goddess: The Kumari Devi is the most important of several living goddesses in Nepal. She is seen on the temple’s balcony regularly.
We visit the vegetable & spice market in Ason and see its many courtyards and bustling bazaars.
We will spend the rest of the day visiting Boudhnath Stupa, and exploring the Thamel district for some last-minute shopping prior visiting the Everest region.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu [B/L/D]
Day 3 – April 6th, Wed In Kathmandu – Hike to Phulchowki
Today after early breakfast, we will drive to Godawari (approx. 90 mins) for acclimatization hike up Phulchowki.
Hike Duration: 5 hours round trip
Hike Grade – Moderate
Note on hike durations / distances: Times listed for each day’s trekking are conservative, based on an expectation of an average level of fitness, and taking into account our group’s likely degree of acclimatization to the elevation. They assume several stops along the way to photograph or rest. The local sherpas routinely hike these distances in half the time listed.
Phulchowki, “Peak of Flowers,” is the highest peak on the rim of Kathmandu valley, reaching just over 9,000ft. elevation. This vantage point provides a panoramic full view of the combination of the Kathmandu valley and the beautiful Himalayan range.
The Phulchowki jungle is dense and as the name suggests famous for its abundance of wild roses, yellow jasmine, iris, and other native flowers. Different shades of rhododendrons grow wild, and a variety of colorful orchids highlight the dense jungle. Phulchowki is also famous for a variety of birds and butterflies, and provides an ideal introduction to the birds of Nepal.
A small shrine dedicated to Goddess Phulchowki Mai, the guardian of the forest, marks the top of the peak.
Transfer to Swotha Café, Patan for lunch, then visit Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur.
Patan is a paradise of fine arts and one of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Located 5 miles southeast from Kathmandu city, Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage. It is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who have preserved such ancient techniques as the repoussé and lost wax process used to produce exquisite sculptures. The city retains much of its old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and myriad Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. The predominant sound in Patan is that of the tinkering of craftsmen bent over the statuettes they are shaping. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other, and the religious harmony is exemplary.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu [B/L/D]
Day 4 – April 7th, Thurs Fly to Lukla by a fixed wing flight
Flight Duration: 30 minutes approx.
Altitude: 2,850m/9350 ft.
This morning, we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2850m). After a flight over the Himalayan foothills and into the mountains, we make one of the most scenic approaches in the world, culminating in a dramatic landing.
Upon arrival at Lukla, we will check into our lodge and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing, exploring the town, and enjoying the view.
Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge, Lukla [B/L/D]
Day 5 – April 8th, Fri Trek from Lukla to Monjo
Altitude: Monjo – 2,835 m/9300 ft.
Trek Duration/ distance: approx. 5 hours / 13kms
Grade: Moderate – Total elevation gain during this segment: 340m; Net gain: -15m
After breakfast, we’ll meet our Sherpa crew and take our first steps along the trail that the Dalai Lama has called “the steps to heaven.” After about a five-hour trek, stop for the night in the quaintly picturesque valley of Monjo. Today’s trek with a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi and follows a path with continuous ups and downs, as you cross streams, pass through a forest and tiny villages until reach your accommodations for the night at Everest Summit Lodge.
Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge, Monjo [B/L/D]
Day 6 –April 9th, Sat Trek to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3,440m/11,286 ft.
Trek time: approx. 3 hours / 5.5km
Hike Grade: Moderate to Strenuous – Total elevation Gain: 630 m; Net gain: 605m
Today, we will enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and head towards Namche Bazaar via small Sherpa village, Jorsale. Following a short walk along the riverbed of the V-shaped valley, the river forks – to the right is the Dudh Kosi and to the left is Bhote Kosi which leads to the famous peak of Nampa. After a short distance along the Bhote Kosi you begin a steep ascent to Namche. Halfway up the hill, a gap in the trees offers your first sight of Everest’s southwest face (29,032 ft. / 8,849 m), visible behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge.
The climb eases somewhat and the town appears ahead. Surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks — Thamserku (21,711 ft. / 6,618 m), Kwangde Ri (20,297 ft. / 6,187 m) and Khumbila (17,724 ft./ 5,402 m), Namche is the largest and most prosperous town in the Khumbu region. The town is a central hub for the area and its renowned bazaar, held every Saturday, sells everything from livestock and vegetables to traditional crafts such as hand-woven aprons and Tibetan boots.
After lunch at Namche Bazar, the rest of the day will be at leisure. You may relax and explore this bustling town, stopping at the intriguing Himalayan history museum behind the police station or relaxing with a fresh-baked cinnamon roll and taking in the magnificent landscape. You may also visit the Namche Monastery in the afternoon for prayers.
OR…
Some of us will likely take a walk uphill to the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters, a magnificent spot perched on top of Namche Bazaar with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped giants and the valleys way down below.
Hike Duration: 1 hour approx.
Hike Grade: Easy
Overnight at Hotel Namche, Namche Bazaar [B/L/D]
Day 7 – April 10th, Sun Trek to Tashinga via Hotel Everest View (3,962m/ 12,998ft.)
Altitude: 3,455m/11,400 ft.
Trek Duration: 4.5 hour / 6.5km
Hike Grade: Moderate – Elevation Gain during trek: 520m approx.; Net gain: 15m.
Early in the morning, we will hike to the Everest View Hotel (13,000ft. approx), a magnificent spot with spectacular views of the Mount Everest and surrounding snow-capped giants.
After breakfast at Hotel Everest view and spending some time taking photographs of the mountains, we will then hike to Tashinga via Khumjung, the nearby Sherpa village where the highest located high school in the world is located. Khumjung village is the best known for its spectacular view of Mt. Ama Dablam. The nearby monastery houses the ‘Yeti scalp’ and is worth a visit. The afternoon is free. If your body has adjusted with the altitude, then you would want to explore the area and perhaps a short hike in the area. For those of you that are feeling the need to be slow down can just relax and acclimate at the hotel.
Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge, Tashinga [B/L/D]
Day 8 – April 11th, Mon Trek to Pangboche via Tengboche Monastery
Trek Duration: 5-6 hour approx. / 7-8km
Hike Grade: Moderate – Elevation gain 650m; Net elevation gain: 530m
This morning, we descend to cross the bridge over the Dudh Kosi river and then follow the path up toward the famous monastery of Tengboche. On the way is a small hamlet, Phunki Tanga, where we can stop for a cup of tea. It is 2-3 hours from the bridge to reach the monastery at a slow, even pace. At first we’ll hike up through the shade of a pine forest, and then emerge to walk up a long gentle path that rises like a ramp to the monastery. Emerging at the top, there is a mandala gateway and a huge chorten, which are passed before your first sight of the gompa. The setting is nothing short of magical.
We will have lunch in one of the lodges in Tengboche, and in the afternoon, it is possible to sit down inside the temple for afternoon prayers. Conch shells are blown, the monks arrive, and visitors sit quietly on the right-hand side of the temple. After exploring the area and enjoying the awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Himalayan giants with Everest as the crowning glory, make a short descent to the small settlement of Debuche. We’ll continue our descent toward Imja Khola River, and then hike up to the pleasant village of Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu. We are rewarded with spectacular vistas of the surrounding fields and of Ama Dablam, which rises majestically nearby.
Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge, Pangboche [B/L/D]
Day 9 – April 12th, Tue In Pangboche – Option of a hike to Ama Dablam base camp
Altitude: Ama Dablam Base Camp – 15,000 ft. / 4,575 m
Optional trek time: approx. 6 hours round trip / 9km round trip Pangboche – ADBC – Pangboche
Hike Grade: Moderate to Strenuous – Total elevation gain: 620m
Today we explore the area, including the possibility of a day hike to Ama Dablam base camp, for this walk we begin by crossing the Imja river on a suspension bridge, followed by a gradual ascent until Lhabarma where you will find yourself standing right in front of the mountain ridge. From here you have an incredible view of numerous legendary Khumbu peaks: Ama Dablam (6856m), Kantega (6783m), Nuptse (7879m), Lobuche peak (6090m), Pumori (7165m), Thamserku (6623m), Kangtega (6783m), Cholatse (6335m), Taboche peak (6495m), Khumbi La (5765m), Kwangde Ri (6011m) and the beautiful Mimbo glacier. Ama Dablam base camp is located at an altitude of 4,575m on an open yak pasture beneath the west face of the mountain. The climbing route, southwest ridge, and the hanging glacier sit almost directly above.
Otherwise you may choose to spend the day exploring Pangboche or resting.
Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge, Pangboche [B/L/D]
Day 10 – April 13th, Wed Fly to Gokyo by chartered helicopter
Altitude: 4,750 m/15,584 ft.
After breakfast, we will be picked up by our helicopter to fly us across the pass to Gokyo lakes, beside the Ngozumpa Glacier flowing from Cho Oyu (8,188 m/ 26,864 ft.), the world’s sixth highest peak. We will land near the eastern shore of the third Gokyo lake, Dudh Pokhari.
Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and exploring along the lakeshore with the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflecting in its turquoise waters.
Overnight at Himalayan Eco Resort, Gokyo [B/L/D]
Day 11 – April 14th, Thurs In Gokyo
After breakfast, spend the morning at your own or you have an option to visit the fourth and fifth lake of the Gokyo lakes. The fifth lake offers an unobstructed view of Mt. Everest.
In the afternoon, the plan is to hike up to the rocky peaklet Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/ 17,575 ft).
Hike duration: 4 hours / 4km round trip
Hike Grade: Strenuous – Elevation gain: 650m
Gokyo Ri rises above the village on the northern edge of the lake, and we leave camp following a steep path up the hillside. As we ascend, the summits of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu slowly come into view. The panoramic vista from the summit of Gokyo Ri itself, is arguably the finest to be had in the Everest region. Overnight at Himalayan Eco Resort, Gokyo [B/L/D]
Day 12 – April 15th, Fri In Gokyo
This day serves as an extra day to explore the valley and lakes, and a backup day for the hike up Gokyo Ri, in case weather is uncooperative the day before.
Overnight at Himalayan Eco Resort, Gokyo [B/L/D]
Day 13 – April 16th, Sat Fly back to Lukla by a chartered helicopter and fly to Kathmandu by plane
This morning, we will fly to Lukla by helicopter, but on the way we will fly over Everest Base Camp and land on Kala Patthar (18,519ft.), weather permitting, allowing some time to photograph Mount Everest rising over the Khumbu Icefall.
Upon arrival in Lukla, we will take a fixed wing flight and fly back to Kathmandu/ Manthali airport.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of the day resting, reviewing images, and reflecting on our adventure in the Khumbu Himal.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu [B/L/D]
Day 14 – April 17th, Sun Fly to Pokhara on a fixed wing flight
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and sits high on the list of ‘must visit’ places in Nepal. Its clean air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural beauty. Pokhara Valley is the gateway to some of the most famous long-distance treks in Nepal and the end of the famous Annapurna Circuit.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will visit the Phewa Lake and the Barahi Temple.
Enjoy the beauty and serenity that the Pokhara has to offer while boating at the second largest lake in Nepal, the Phewa Taal.
We will likely visit Barahi Temple, situated in a small island in Phewa Lake surrounded by marvelous views. It is an important center of worship for locals and Hindu pilgrims.
In the evening, we will visit a location in the hills near our lodge to photograph sunset light on the peaks of the Annapurna Massif.
Overnight at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, Pokhara [B/L/D]
Day 15 – April 18th, Mon In Pokhara
After a sunrise shoot and breakfast, today you have the option of going out for a guided photo excursion to do street photography in Pokhara, get some rest and relaxation at our wonderful lodge, or take an ultra-light flight toward the mountains to do aerial photography (this flight is optional and separately quoted).
In the late afternoon, we will be transferred to nearby Thulakot for a sunset view of Machapuchare (weather permitting).
Overnight at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, Pokhara [B/L/D]
Day 16 – April 19th, Tue Fly back to Kathmandu
Today, we will fly back to Kathmandu on a fixed wing flight.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel and freshen up.
Later we will visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur.
Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, translates as the ‘City of Devotees’. Bhaktapur retains its charm with its brick-paved roads, red brick houses, and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. Famous for pottery and woodcarving, the squares in the city display ample wood carved windows.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar Square has monuments that reflect the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the Kathmandu valley.
The unique Nyatapola temple built in 1702, is the tallest pagoda temple in Nepal, rising five stories. Standing adjacent to it is the Bhairavnath Temple that denotes artistic grandeur, also built-in pagoda style. The Golden Gate is a masterpiece and the entrance to the 15th century Palace of 55 carved windows.
Transfer back to the hotel for the night.
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel [B/L/D]
Day 17 – April 20th, Wed Final Departure
Today you will be transferred to the airport, for your onward journey.
Namaste!
Instructors
Justin Black
- JUSTIN BLACK is a photographer, writer, editor, expedition leader, photo workshops instructor, a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Writers (ILCW), a former executive director of the International ...
Gallery
Pricing
Note: Participants booking double-occupancy are expected to have arranged to share rooms with another participant with whom they are already acquainted.
*Based on a sold-out group size of five participants. If the trip operates with only four participants, an additional supplement of $800 per person will apply.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- 30% deposit is required upon registration
- 70% final payment due by December 4, 2021
- Please note: As this is a special itinerary with a very niche market, which will be difficult to sell on short notice as the date of the trip approaches, we depend on commitment of participants to make this expedition possible. Payments are therefore non-refundable, and we strongly recommend travel insurance to cover you in the event that you find you are unable to make the trip. Refunds on cancelled bookings will be provided only if we are able to rebook the space.
- The payment schedule may be revised based on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of payment due dates.
- All other terms and conditions apply.
INCLUDED
- Photographic instruction throughout by master photographer Justin Black
- All necessary arrival/ departure transfers on private basis.
- All meals and beverages served with meals, from dinner on April 4 to breakfast on April 20,,
- 16 nights hotel accommodation as per the itinerary
- Tour and transfers as per the itinerary in private air-conditioned vehicle
- Local English-speaking Nepalese guide throughout the trip in Nepal
- In-country flights by fixed-wing aircraft as per the itinerary.*
- Private charter helicopter flights as per the itinerary *
- Excursion by boat in Pokhara
- Trekker’s information Management system (TIMS Card) and necessary permit for trek in Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region)
- 9 nights/ 10 days Trek in Everest Region on full board basis, accompanied by English Speaking Nepali Trek leader
- Sherpa porters during trek from Lukla to Pangboche
- Entrance Fees for sightseeing visits as per the itinerary
*Note: Inclusion of flights is based on estimated costs as of March, 2021. If actual costs increase by more than 5%, or if additional flights become necessary for any reason (for instance, if participants’ combined body and luggage weight is in excess of weight guidelines, necessitating an additional helicopter to fly the group) a supplement may be charged to cover this direct cost increase.
NOT INCLUDED
- R/T airfare to and from our starting and ending point in Kathmandu, or international airfares of any kind.
- Additional hotel nights, early check-in/late check-out, meals or other costs for arrivals prior to the start date or departures after the end date
- Cost of passports, visas, vaccinations, medicines, or other personal travel expenses
- Insurance or rescue of any form, including travel insurance, emergency medical insurance and evacuation insurance coverage (emergency medical and evacuation insurance are required for this expedition)
- Cost arising from flight cancellations, road blockades, landslides, civil disturbances, or other events beyond our control.
- Alcoholic beverages other than those offered at dinner
- Telephone or internet charges
- Any private excursions, activities, or services not included in the itinerary
- Personal purchases, souvenirs, additional activities, and anything else not listed as included
- Gratuities for guides and porters
Highlights
- Soaring Peaks of the Khumbu and Annapurna Himal ranges – The Roof of the World! On this itinerary, you will photograph four of the six highest peaks on Earth – Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu – as well as picturesque Ama Dablam, and the sacred summit of Machapuchare.
- Perfect timing for moonrise over Everest and the Khumbu Himal: We have timed this expedition to give us the opportunity to photograph the near-full moon rising Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cholatse, from the rocky peaklet Gokyo Ri (17,500ft.), and over the Ngozmpa Glacier, one of the most awe-inspiring panoramic vistas on Earth. We’ll have two afternoons to attempt to capture the moon rising over the high peaks from late afternoon to post-sunset, hiking back down to our lodge by headlamp.
- Diverse photographic opportunities: From the rhododendron bloom to Nepali culture, to remote Buddhist monasteries surrounded by the high peaks, to historic sites and temples around Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as superb nighttime mountain landscapes.
- Focused attention and instruction: Instructor Justin Black will provide generous and attentive support and photographic instruction throughout the expedition.
- Excellent support: During the trekking phase, each guest will be assisted by two Sherpa porters to carry their gear. Our excellent local guide understands the unique interests and goals of photographers.
- Helicopters maximize our time at the best locations: Saving us several days of trekking at the highest elevations through some of the least photogenic terrain where the views of Everest and other peaks are either obstructed by the terrain or extremely foreshortened (and the accommodations are least comfortable) helicopters will whisk us from Pangboche and over to Gokyo, and back to Lukla via a stop at the Everest Basecamp vista point of Kala Patthar (conditions permitting).
- Small group: Limited to just five guests.
- Welcoming culture: Namaste! We will enjoy excellent opportunities for interaction with and photography of the Nepali people themselves.
- Comfortable accommodations: We have chosen best available accommodations throughout the itinerary, from Dwarika’s uniquely Nepali boutique hotel in Kathmandu, to the Everest Summit Lodges on the trekking route, and Tiger Mountain Lodge overlooking the Annapurna Massif.
Accommodations
Throughout this expedition, accommodations are best available at each location, offering single-occupancy and double-occupancy options according to your booking preference. All meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 17.
List of Accommodations
- Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu
- Everest Summit Lodge, Lukla
- Everest Summit Lodge, Monjo
- Hotel Namche, Namche Bazaar
- Everest Summit Lodge, Tashinga
- Everest Summit Lodge, Pangboche
- Himalayan Eco Resort, Gokyo
- Tiger Mountain Lodge, Pokhara
Travel
Expectations
*TRAVELING IN THE NEPAL HIMALAYA
This expedition involves five days of mandatory trekking, several kilometers each day between, 9,350 feet and 13,500 feet, with as much as 2,000 feet of elevation gain in a day. Optional hikes, such as from Pangboche to Ama Dablam Base Camp, and of up to 2,000 elevation gain are also offered on three other days. Participants must be reasonably fit, have prior experience of hiking above 10,000 feet, and knowledge that they tolerate high elevation acclimatization well. You must be committed to making regular hikes or runs in hilly or mountainous terrain in the months leading up to this trip, to ensure your fitness.
This itinerary will take you to some of the most dramatic landscape scenes on Earth, and the photographic opportunities on this itinerary are endless. We have attempted to maximize photographic potential while minimizing the challenges of trekking at high elevation, but this is still a fairly strenuous undertaking, and it is important to be aware of the conditions of this expedition and ensure that it is suitable for you.
- Please be prepared to have your doctor provide confirmation that you are in good health and of suitable fitness to undertake this expedition.
- We will be traveling in remote locations and will be a helicopter flight away from medical facilities.
- It is strongly recommended to undertake a regimen of regular hikes in hilly terrain in the months leading up to the trip.
- The itinerary features a reasonable acclimatization schedule, to maximize your comfort during the trek you may want to begin your acclimatization prior to the trip by spending what time you can in high elevation areas above 8,000ft. in the week or two before the trip.
- Those who know that they do not acclimatize well to high elevations must not book this trip.
INSURANCE
Coverage for emergency medical treatment and evacuation at elevations in this itinerary is required for this exedition. Many traditional health care plans provide minimal or no coverage when traveling overseas, so you may need to purchase supplemental coverage, and supplemental policies may not cover the elevations in this itinerary. We strongly recommend the purchase of a bundled travel insurance policy through either Ripcord Insurance or Global Rescue Insurance that includes emergency medical treatment and evacuation coverage, as well as coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruptions, and travel delays for reasons covered by the policy. We strongly recommend talking with the travel insurance provider by phone and explaining the nature, elevations, and location of this expedition to ensure that the coverage will be appropriate. Please note that some coverage options may only be available if the insurance is purchased within 14 days of making the initial deposit.
COVID-19
As of this writing it seems that we can see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, though we can’t yet fully anticipate the course of the pandemic over the next year. Visionary Wild follows the COVID health and safety guidelines and precautions recommended by the CDC and other public health authorities, and clients may be expected to follow a reasonable set of protocols at the time of the trip as well. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates closer to the time of travel, as well as guidelines and precautions specific to this destination.
If travel restrictions, the pandemic situation, or any other situation beyond Visionary Wild’s control make it inadvisable or impossible to operate this expedition, Visionary Wild will seek to rebook the expedition to the following year or the next available comparable opportunity. If a client cannot travel on the revised dates, Visionary Wild will either refund deposits paid less any nonrecoverable expenses, or issue a credit for a future expedition, as per the standard Terms and Conditions.
BOOKING TRAVEL
You may want to consider booking your international flights through a professional travel agent. A travel agent can advise on itinerary and routing options, and will be available to assist you throughout your travels, should you experience travel delays. Visionary Wild is not responsible for any additional costs incurred due to weather or other delays beyond its control. If you do not already work with a travel agent, we recommend:
Marjorie Smith, World Travel Service, +1-703 988-8869, Marjories@worldtravelservice.com
Nepal Himalaya - In Galen's Footsteps
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