tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12869899394458379122024-03-18T07:53:52.433+00:00Blog for www.themountaincompany.co.ukHimalayan news and updates from The Mountain CompanyRoland@TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171766132665639942noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-63273888518320067212021-04-30T10:08:00.005+01:002021-04-30T10:10:39.770+01:00Climbing to the summit of Dhampus Peak on Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in Nepal<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrQ9DhSXoeUMf_C0hKozlyXXU1svU8BkNHZgMyNO-vxJUnP6HMpvJiMd6tFPKkDi0RIb9lzJdYRflqGG86OatPQdqo-Clsrt1EmXCe8owTeZWgxUaWnaFyol7d9c7K6nQeB07vmiFniyO/s2048/DSCF0095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrQ9DhSXoeUMf_C0hKozlyXXU1svU8BkNHZgMyNO-vxJUnP6HMpvJiMd6tFPKkDi0RIb9lzJdYRflqGG86OatPQdqo-Clsrt1EmXCe8owTeZWgxUaWnaFyol7d9c7K6nQeB07vmiFniyO/s320/DSCF0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: summit of Dhampus Peak (6,012m)</td></tr></tbody></table><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><div>If you are interested in joining our <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/dhaulagiri-circuit">Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in Nepal</a> then you need to consider whether you like to climb to the <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/is-it-worth-climbing-dhampus-peak-on-dhaulagiri-circuit">summit of Dhampus Peak</a> too. You can read our <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog">Blog on The Mountain Company website</a> for more information about this mountain climb and the other options available for exploring Hidden Valley. <p>Trek on!</p><p><b>Roland Hunter</b></p><p><b><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/">The Mountain Company</a></b></p><p><span><br /></span></p></div>Roland@TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171766132665639942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-14996283572046800242020-11-27T09:17:00.005+00:002021-06-30T07:33:38.978+01:00New blog for The Mountain Company<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0SXZs-P6AOKLE6omho66fqfR7-U2Y4d4RayIcKlo9lTfmZdj2hrKkwaeEA3S6kQoK6C7DdCh7gLupV4D3oetQzvReWcavHTQ_Msc1de85yvrLhxRdGGlf0AVvmCLMHRmR76BeEMRpkDP/s250/TMC_masterLogo_250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0SXZs-P6AOKLE6omho66fqfR7-U2Y4d4RayIcKlo9lTfmZdj2hrKkwaeEA3S6kQoK6C7DdCh7gLupV4D3oetQzvReWcavHTQ_Msc1de85yvrLhxRdGGlf0AVvmCLMHRmR76BeEMRpkDP/s0/TMC_masterLogo_250.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The Mountain Company has <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog">launched a new Blog</a>! Head over to our main website that is now hosting our Blog and all of our future article will be posted there. We have been busy and already posted thirteen articles with detailed information about trekking in the Himalaya and Karakoram. Please see the links below:</p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/best-6000m-expedition-nepal">Which is the best 6,000m mountain expedition in Nepal?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/hard-dhaulagiri-circuit">How hard is Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in Nepal?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/how-busy-is-the-trek-to-everest-base-camp">How busy is the trek to Everest Base Camp?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/how-difficult-gondogoro-la">How difficult is crossing Gondogoro La on K2 Base Camp trek?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/lunana-snowman-is-it-the-hardest-trek-in-the-world">Lunana Snowman- is it the hardest trek in the World?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/roads-annapurna">How to avoid walking along the road on Annapurna Circuit trek?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/when-is-the-best-time-to-go-trekking-in-nepal-himalaya">When is the best time to go trekking in Nepal Himalaya?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-camping-trek-in-nepal">What is a camping trek in Nepal?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/what-is-teahouse-lodge-trekking-in-nepal">What is teahouse lodge trekking in Nepal?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/what-is-luxury-lodge-trekking-in-nepal">What is luxury lodge trekking in Nepal?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/is-there-a-road-to-everest-base-camp">Is there a road to Everest Base Camp?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/is-upper-dolpo-one-of-the-most-remote-treks-in-nepal">Is Upper Dolpo one of the most remote treks in Nepal?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/our-seven-tips-for-a-successful-trek-to-everest-base-camp">Our Seven Tips for a Successful Trek to Everest Base Camp</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/7-best-annapurna-treks-in-nepal">7 Best Annapurna treks in Nepal</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/is-it-worth-climbing-dhampus-peak-on-dhaulagiri-circuit">Is it worth climbing Dhampus Peak on Dhaulagiri Circuit?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/why-low-number-trekkers-makalu-nepal">Why is there is a surprisingly low number of trekkers in the Makalu region of Nepal?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/annapurna-base-camp-vs-annapurna-circuit-in-nepal">Annapurna Base Camp versus Annapurna Circuit in Nepal? </a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Roland Hunter</b></p><p><b>The Mountain Company</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Roland@TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171766132665639942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-87008881759706516462020-06-02T15:31:00.003+01:002020-11-27T15:18:54.064+00:00Dhanyabad! Kadinche! Thank you for your hardship donations from our trek crews in Nepal and Bhutan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_4CJzI_5C0DSLrH0A3ZV2mmx0MYPg1MenjIXUOiRuFe713gnyyvf3mvTGeltbizrNvVTJ52gVFuZq8a8gEvMHEH41zo93lEa_AbPdkI6UahQL1t-3fOdNGGcqrLESTdUaY2mwbH80kh9/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_4CJzI_5C0DSLrH0A3ZV2mmx0MYPg1MenjIXUOiRuFe713gnyyvf3mvTGeltbizrNvVTJ52gVFuZq8a8gEvMHEH41zo93lEa_AbPdkI6UahQL1t-3fOdNGGcqrLESTdUaY2mwbH80kh9/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-02+at+08.31.43.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: our Nepalese trek crew receiving donations in Kathmandu on June 2nd 2020</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4vEb64hPQbjL3AVWKMW6jg7xnLvNjtX6YxnXNVuy5ByI0Y4-dIMERVFDaaAR3IYX8ni4W_Y0javR7bM8UIhf7BUlYcCGfgeWX9QhyFX9FqzF9uai-Otjwb973DUUXHCzSl_owPM_98eZ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4vEb64hPQbjL3AVWKMW6jg7xnLvNjtX6YxnXNVuy5ByI0Y4-dIMERVFDaaAR3IYX8ni4W_Y0javR7bM8UIhf7BUlYcCGfgeWX9QhyFX9FqzF9uai-Otjwb973DUUXHCzSl_owPM_98eZ/s320/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25289%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: our Bhutanese crew receiving donations in Thimphu on June 1st 2020 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dhanyabad! Kadinche! Thanks very much to our generous trekkers and supporters who kindly donated money to our hardship fund for our Nepalese and Bhutanese trek crews who missed our on work from cancelled Spring season due to Covid 19 pandemic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We raised an incredible £10,886 from our clients within a 3 week period and was paid out at end of April to our offices in Kathmandu and Thimphu. This has now in turn been paid out to our guide and cooks, for those who could not visit the office in person we will make payments into their bank accounts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see from <a href="https://bit.ly/2Mg92HI">this video from some of our trek crew in Bhutan</a> they are very grateful for these donations and I have received messages from many of our guides and cooks on Facebook and Whatsapp thanking everyone very much for their support. There is no doubt this money will help them and families survive the summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks again! Trek later on....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Roland Hunter</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">www.themountaincompany.co.uk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Roland@TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171766132665639942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-72918365761324961832020-05-22T13:44:00.005+01:002020-11-27T15:19:36.558+00:00The 10 best camping treks in NepalIt is still possible to get away from the crowded trekking trails in <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/nepal" target="_blank">Nepal</a> by selecting a camping trek that travels into a remote region of the country. <div><div><br /></div><div>The Mountain Company has many years of experience in organising <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips#/holidays?FL.Country=Nepal&FC.Trip%20Style=Camping&page=1" target="_blank">camping treks in Nepal</a> and I have personally led many of these so have firsthand knowledge of the trails.</div><div><br /></div><div>Camping treks are more expensive due to a larger number of trek crew such as cooks to prepare the meals and porters to carry group kit like tents. There is also a requirement for additional trekking permits such as in Restricted Areas and for mountaineering peaks. Whereas treks in the Everest and Annapurna regions will be less expensive due to the food and accommodation being provided by a teahouse lodge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our choice of the 10 best camping treks in Nepal are listed below. You can click on the links through to The Mountain Company website for the photos, itinerary Google maps, YouTube videos and other practical information. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>#1 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/upper-dolpo-to-jomsom-ght" target="_blank">Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdfpZ1di8fQpwhWOGfhxBQN2dc6a3IxLRlOViDUa2tQclGIc-YRsJAlvixyBbj0UIISgLid2AIn3L5r1RBUyCpMwQffYz5foaWiuvcSgnQ1qzqgv252bcHUwkXRsY32ktRA5yBPmyx2Ed/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdfpZ1di8fQpwhWOGfhxBQN2dc6a3IxLRlOViDUa2tQclGIc-YRsJAlvixyBbj0UIISgLid2AIn3L5r1RBUyCpMwQffYz5foaWiuvcSgnQ1qzqgv252bcHUwkXRsY32ktRA5yBPmyx2Ed/" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>#2 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/dhaulagiri-circuit" target="_blank">Dhaulagiri Circuit</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmMtwTHi-y1wg0cWmnFhE_oEnlLOgF-pycW1GKLZanYmnYK6UniqHwABnkIAh30KAv-0XdoA0qz3wnwiujQ5qBChST2ShtBfDuKkHhukRsf88IGgIp_R3vD1FqYJl4UUJBlPY84ahQFc3/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmMtwTHi-y1wg0cWmnFhE_oEnlLOgF-pycW1GKLZanYmnYK6UniqHwABnkIAh30KAv-0XdoA0qz3wnwiujQ5qBChST2ShtBfDuKkHhukRsf88IGgIp_R3vD1FqYJl4UUJBlPY84ahQFc3/s320/DSC05510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div><div><div><b>#3 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/kanchenjunga-circuit" target="_blank">Kanchenjunga Circuit</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjkF5xDMFZpAK16hEjfFrAG8ZvAY4V_AighEp0CHVr-h4mvNPPFuPBj88Gp9U2H6m2FD8bAj73WQp8rMoOe6Q_ux7LqGQ_FP9ks4osz240-elPCUh5tBfEG3KqW-JUIKOwxUczH9Y8vUl/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjkF5xDMFZpAK16hEjfFrAG8ZvAY4V_AighEp0CHVr-h4mvNPPFuPBj88Gp9U2H6m2FD8bAj73WQp8rMoOe6Q_ux7LqGQ_FP9ks4osz240-elPCUh5tBfEG3KqW-JUIKOwxUczH9Y8vUl/s320/P1130863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>#4 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/kanchenjunga-bc-and-makalu-bc-ght" target="_blank">Kanchenjunga BC to Makalu BC GHT</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ3tI3Db4IpJIiuMk3HTxKQKmBQ95NAoYcXpyY-eKqWgxOT5fI6O7OFfgjnTLURebWc7rS1a6JjzMmXPD_MsMmNri4lYm0OtLsL8iw3ygmXiW__AXpsLBrxMYoCDRtmS-gI0dsZsZcaJh/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ3tI3Db4IpJIiuMk3HTxKQKmBQ95NAoYcXpyY-eKqWgxOT5fI6O7OFfgjnTLURebWc7rS1a6JjzMmXPD_MsMmNri4lYm0OtLsL8iw3ygmXiW__AXpsLBrxMYoCDRtmS-gI0dsZsZcaJh/s320/P1140071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b>#5 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/naar-to-upper-mustang-ght" target="_blank">Naar to Upper Mustang GHT</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TvJJ_ENGcMr00S4iWNeUgCmxE6M3Q0z8WcksXUtTVjl-bLdp1LmqfcgFtaB1FBGopgjsuXZJRA5-8pLEJt7POPNff3P_aW8x0V_4oJJM7MfrX-lFP_gF-a-oSZGyef92N-YgnbwC91-f/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TvJJ_ENGcMr00S4iWNeUgCmxE6M3Q0z8WcksXUtTVjl-bLdp1LmqfcgFtaB1FBGopgjsuXZJRA5-8pLEJt7POPNff3P_aW8x0V_4oJJM7MfrX-lFP_gF-a-oSZGyef92N-YgnbwC91-f/s320/P1050304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><b>#6 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/lamjung-himal" target="_blank">Lamjung Himal</a></b></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT_q2k3rslI14m4vkBAlynMsdQD_93XSl0ZwweQHP_HZNCbXC5MM4s153n3AYEbAuFJesVxSOihkJmRW1ytSHRk62pKtvE7_t19iRgw4aCyFMFHAuo4zLuHjLfQsxpySi8UddckN_nm2q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT_q2k3rslI14m4vkBAlynMsdQD_93XSl0ZwweQHP_HZNCbXC5MM4s153n3AYEbAuFJesVxSOihkJmRW1ytSHRk62pKtvE7_t19iRgw4aCyFMFHAuo4zLuHjLfQsxpySi8UddckN_nm2q/s320/P1100081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><b>#7 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/ganesh-himal" target="_blank">Ganesh Himal</a></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P-NdjPvf0XNUcrCiuho1WJ3SIxJcgFpZFsig0MPS-j4zghUI0khTdcsqtjBDoEYcEr9VhWtKPWachz8IiXaPiWJFj02qELhn1u-RLH73Utel0ktioNjUk-mu2QXk2Vou0BdRHYJ4mNHE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P-NdjPvf0XNUcrCiuho1WJ3SIxJcgFpZFsig0MPS-j4zghUI0khTdcsqtjBDoEYcEr9VhWtKPWachz8IiXaPiWJFj02qELhn1u-RLH73Utel0ktioNjUk-mu2QXk2Vou0BdRHYJ4mNHE/s320/P1180262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><b>#8 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/mera-peak-expedition" target="_blank">Mera Peak Expedition</a></b></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUB5207MticSJOdF70tgJ0RGcaP9oKTlbMGfcChf-iyhT_FHRke_h42XmOS7GJ93AyW0ozW7979cnBOKy2620EQlEiua264nnbZDxydYaKMsQ7g2UxfdCHTBLHkT8Uh9L4UyjA6S68J6w/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUB5207MticSJOdF70tgJ0RGcaP9oKTlbMGfcChf-iyhT_FHRke_h42XmOS7GJ93AyW0ozW7979cnBOKy2620EQlEiua264nnbZDxydYaKMsQ7g2UxfdCHTBLHkT8Uh9L4UyjA6S68J6w/s320/IMGP3895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><b>#9 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/makalu-to-everest-ght" target="_blank">Makalu to Everest GHT</a></b></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ECAG1yB7YYXYR-XqSIgIyqE9g7wUpiQ0jVF44JCKeFVtO-yywFS4VlKHstfC4EpEmaQLnrBUtj1kzrLNua3EDr95yHvGyuXTKrezYvJn-_LndMDHoF-gvYjcx696zzaZ0zaa9zps3dCV/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ECAG1yB7YYXYR-XqSIgIyqE9g7wUpiQ0jVF44JCKeFVtO-yywFS4VlKHstfC4EpEmaQLnrBUtj1kzrLNua3EDr95yHvGyuXTKrezYvJn-_LndMDHoF-gvYjcx696zzaZ0zaa9zps3dCV/s320/474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><b>#10 <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/saribung-expedition" target="_blank">Saribung Expedition</a></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsVz8NGZhQFR5Qt87AjAHFv9fCwvoySsTPoHeN1KXxa70mSrDdQA6WzVuH6Uned_5SNQ1dxkl-cW-b1wHS2YdXd88MbYwA9KUJJr3cRI3LGIcYAiyrtuGGaUKsx47RFtcfoBBniCDsypG/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4912" data-original-width="7360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsVz8NGZhQFR5Qt87AjAHFv9fCwvoySsTPoHeN1KXxa70mSrDdQA6WzVuH6Uned_5SNQ1dxkl-cW-b1wHS2YdXd88MbYwA9KUJJr3cRI3LGIcYAiyrtuGGaUKsx47RFtcfoBBniCDsypG/s320/DSC_8432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Please get in contact with us if you are interested in joining one of these groups or would like any further information.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trek on!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roland Hunter</b></div><div><b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFdvhLUuhLJFSsYLWU9Jbp7IEuxTMrYqmxHhhMxs40POqiYgaNMPy91urzz5WbaTlb1-8vFks9N4HkaM-RtTmhyphenhyphenlUgncjdvrveNt05fVlz1VhTCCRSqXsXj77_fqlmDBeedbJhW3dU64l/" /></a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Roland@TMChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171766132665639942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-29077879656594322912019-11-25T18:21:00.005+00:002020-11-30T14:31:32.066+00:00Trip report for Kanchenjunga Circuit in Nepal led by Natalie Wilson (UK) and Bishwo Rai (Nepal) in late October 2019<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4J18lgGY7W1knXb2Glf9FgLQ_UuSQXVVC8Nv_e_HHfaTuqXM_Qn02NDq8N9kiZtU5fRaKb_xe9fvw2t1N9DPSB7Sr6rGaXK3x68aKk3iaigz7MQNmvdHnNEArRiE1xxBljL1Jm-Tq5cr/s1600/IMG_20191111_114847626.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4J18lgGY7W1knXb2Glf9FgLQ_UuSQXVVC8Nv_e_HHfaTuqXM_Qn02NDq8N9kiZtU5fRaKb_xe9fvw2t1N9DPSB7Sr6rGaXK3x68aKk3iaigz7MQNmvdHnNEArRiE1xxBljL1Jm-Tq5cr/s320/IMG_20191111_114847626.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Pangpema with view of north face of Kanchenjunga (credit Natalie Wilson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In late October 2019, The Mountain Company (UK) organised our tenth trek around <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/kanchenjunga-circuit" target="_blank">Kanchenjunga Circuit</a> trek in eastern Nepal and our international leader was Natalie Wilson (UK) and this was her fifth time leading this classic trek around the world’s third highest mountain.<br />
<br />
The Nepali sirdar for this group was Bishwo Rai, he also worked as sirdar for our April 2019 trek around Kanchenjunga Circuit. The assistant guides were Dorje and Jon. The cook was Sangram Lama and his team (Jaguar, Santos and Dalai) worked hard to produce tasty food to keep the group and crew going on this long trek.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5P-oL5Ra_XT_LexD6d2Hxcjtv8bFHo-mKVvVxjxP6xSihEiCjzd21Un9csw-3SQ6E6wbwJaanCq1ryk99osO-nMKgwEl5P4fM_3toE2cIGOIcGEkU_ewMdW-fqD-G7lYg5POhHpr40gG/s1600/IMG_20191115_141129222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5P-oL5Ra_XT_LexD6d2Hxcjtv8bFHo-mKVvVxjxP6xSihEiCjzd21Un9csw-3SQ6E6wbwJaanCq1ryk99osO-nMKgwEl5P4fM_3toE2cIGOIcGEkU_ewMdW-fqD-G7lYg5POhHpr40gG/s320/IMG_20191115_141129222.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: the group at Oktang viewpoint of SW Face of Kanchenjunga (credit Natalie Wilson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Natalie has summarised her experience leading this trek as follows:<br />
<div>
<br />
<i>“This long trek went really well. We had great weather, with only a few hours of rain throughout the whole 21 days and that was overnight once we were tucked up at camp. We were blessed with fabulous views, especially at Pang Pema, Oktang and across the three high passes. As well as the views, highlights of the trip were several close up sightings of blue sheep, many impressive birds of prey and lots of encounters with yaks. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Travelling on foot through beautiful villages and lush plantations of black cardamom and crops of millet, rice and vegetables enabled us to see what life is like in this region for local people. Gaining height we enjoyed blue skies, sunshine and big mountain views. We saw very few other trekkers and had many camping areas and trails totally to ourselves. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>As usual we had brilliant support and service from our crew of guides, cooks and porters. The bread and cakes made by Jagat were fabulous. Lovely chicken dishes, yak burgers, lots of veggies, </i><i>etc. Absolutely no gastro issues at all on this trek</i><i>."</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
The key point from Natalie's comments above that is worth highlighting is how few other trekkers they saw along the way. These days the <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/what-is-teahouse-lodge-trekking-in-nepal">lodge based treks in Nepal</a> like <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/everest-base-camp" target="_blank">Everest Base Camp</a> and <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/annapurna-base-camp" target="_blank">Annapurna Base Camp</a> are getting busier however as soon as one enters regions like Kanchenjunga with no lodge network then it is possible to escape the crowds. Often one sees reports in the media about the busy trails in Nepal and giving a bad reputation for <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/nepal/nepal-trekking">trekking in Nepal</a> however it is refreshing to know that it is certainly possible to have a quieter experience by selecting camping treks like <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/kanchenjunga-circuit" target="_blank">Kanchenjunga Circuit</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8TF2VX7UmWwTYIw-8fK7FiJzSsJRvJOb9DETOs6kOhe0RAgshrQ6sfJPKKq-cdWbm9-3A5PU5LuFfl1MuyKyc4XC6RJUFP7LyvWV03MdOWlBBl2rSIg7BNdPESgZAzHxTW5lHnHt5Yxf/s1600/IMG_20191109_135248894_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8TF2VX7UmWwTYIw-8fK7FiJzSsJRvJOb9DETOs6kOhe0RAgshrQ6sfJPKKq-cdWbm9-3A5PU5LuFfl1MuyKyc4XC6RJUFP7LyvWV03MdOWlBBl2rSIg7BNdPESgZAzHxTW5lHnHt5Yxf/s320/IMG_20191109_135248894_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: view from trail to Khambachen with Mt Jannu (credit Natalie Wilson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Have you ever wondering what a <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-camping-trek-in-nepal">camping trek is like with us in the Himalaya</a> or Karakoram? If you have only done a lodge based trek in Nepal such as to <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/everest-base-camp" target="_blank">Everest Base Camp</a> then I suggest you take a look at this video below that we have recently uploaded to our YouTube Channel to find out more about a life on a camping trek. If you are prepared to join a camping trek then this means you can access many more regions of Nepal and Bhutan to get away from busier lodge based treks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D22Igbu50hY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D22Igbu50hY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Throughout the course of Kanchenjunga Circuit trek we received bespoke weather forecasts from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://www.everestweather.com/">www.everestweather.com</a> and this information was sent through to Nat on her satellite phone for days before approaching Kanchenjunga northside Base Camp and before crossing the Mirgin La. Having professional weather forecasts is essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field.<br />
<br />
You can read all of our <a href="https://www.aito.com/nepal/kanchenjunga-circuit-in-nepal/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO reviews received over the years for Kanchenjunga Circuit</a></div>
<div>
<br />
Thanks very much to Natalie and Bishwo and the rest of the team for their hard work leading and organising this trek.<br />
<br />
Our next departure for Kanchenjunga Circuit is in April 2020 and followed by late October 2020. There is currently availability if you are interested in joining one of these groups, please get in touch with us soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-47279786427157639662019-10-31T10:58:00.006+00:002020-11-30T14:47:43.811+00:00Trip report for Lunana Snowman in Bhutan led by Jo Clark and Tsering Dorje in September/ October 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05_gQER09cofMoMDo57HSYddjOCQXpEDVFy4Nu83ZkgvtsM_CVKC_FKSSr1D6gs1OFeCy1KeDd7ljbGiyg0O6BS_mxa6zsHxIDdeRQWWOE46EaLHnQz7BiE0-kCpSiGZPGmO9g9HidDAa/s1600/The+team+celebrating+on+the+Gongto+La.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05_gQER09cofMoMDo57HSYddjOCQXpEDVFy4Nu83ZkgvtsM_CVKC_FKSSr1D6gs1OFeCy1KeDd7ljbGiyg0O6BS_mxa6zsHxIDdeRQWWOE46EaLHnQz7BiE0-kCpSiGZPGmO9g9HidDAa/s1600/The+team+celebrating+on+the+Gongto+La.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Snowman '19 celebrating on last pass Credit: Jo Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
This is the eleventh time The Mountain Company has organised the <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/lunana-snowman" target="_blank">Complete Lunana Snowman</a> trek in Bhutan. Our Snowman 2019 group successfully made the full traverse from Paro through Lunana out to Bumthang. The Mountain Company has 100% track record of organising this challenging 28 day trek through the remote Bhutanese Himalaya.<br />
<br />
This year we had fourteen trekkers signed up for Lunana Snowman and like in previous years this group was an international mix with people coming from UK, Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Hong Kong. For 2019 Snowman our international leader, <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/about-the-mountain-company/our-leaders/jo-clark/" target="_blank">Jo Clark</a>, worked with our regular Bhutanese guide for Lunana Snowman, Tsering Dorje, and the assistant guides were Tsering Tashi and Pema Wangchuk.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqN0CXVp2HlvTyrc7i0ww0FEQ11YrzQSSSP67t9irwSVIKqms663cuKl5sIkvRUlgzNEjcmM9acIT7FiwxAePpdcaJ1jw1VDByqo1TPG4DYtuuu4GTO8qeyEh_5jmwHr4z8yiHncDKbiQ/s1600/On+the+way+to+Woche.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqN0CXVp2HlvTyrc7i0ww0FEQ11YrzQSSSP67t9irwSVIKqms663cuKl5sIkvRUlgzNEjcmM9acIT7FiwxAePpdcaJ1jw1VDByqo1TPG4DYtuuu4GTO8qeyEh_5jmwHr4z8yiHncDKbiQ/s1600/On+the+way+to+Woche.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: On the way to Woche Credit: Jo Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOF6lbjAhtXGo0TO2tjTCnxpUhwkVLoVaoGbFczgdPIQBOu4p6nXdemz7GKxKDASHttR2CXVrqdFJ6SJqtI_hr0Flpf2SP1BN7uG4iKHrVHVnhD_mba_yKKc6WrExygbFsMHP5IsPkIRG/s1600/Autumn+colours+on+display+as+the+clouds+part.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOF6lbjAhtXGo0TO2tjTCnxpUhwkVLoVaoGbFczgdPIQBOu4p6nXdemz7GKxKDASHttR2CXVrqdFJ6SJqtI_hr0Flpf2SP1BN7uG4iKHrVHVnhD_mba_yKKc6WrExygbFsMHP5IsPkIRG/s1600/Autumn+colours+on+display+as+the+clouds+part.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Autumn colours in display through the clouds Credit: Jo Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
The cook, Tandim Sonam, and his kitchen helpers as usual did a superb job and we have received positive feedback from the group on the quality of food. As discussed in previous <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/lunana-snowman" target="_blank">Trip Reports for Lunana Snowman</a> we imported a vegetable dehydrator machine from USA into Bhutan a few years ago to ensure supply of vegetables throughout the trip. For each Snowman trek we also bring over from UK freezed dried meat (both chicken and minced beef) with each tin catering for 24 people, this ensures a supply of protein throughout that is required for most people on a long trek like Lunana Snowman.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClnyGDswfjn4BtZOhhYawo0huSiE7rVHFR2070rdEhP8hmEakrtXdMzkjiyV45hMmXEldEPn2VmFmAsudqcnZNFxIAPAVaN7hhHtk0YSjEpkE68P-7G-GIEVZsc2KYam__dYGKOWlQn8X/s1600/Breakfast+at+Tshorim+Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClnyGDswfjn4BtZOhhYawo0huSiE7rVHFR2070rdEhP8hmEakrtXdMzkjiyV45hMmXEldEPn2VmFmAsudqcnZNFxIAPAVaN7hhHtk0YSjEpkE68P-7G-GIEVZsc2KYam__dYGKOWlQn8X/s1600/Breakfast+at+Tshorim+Lake.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: breakfast at Tshorim Lake Credit: Jo Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Jo summarises how Snowman 2019 went from her perspective as the leader of the group:<br />
<br />
<i>"We started our Snowman hike with the end of the monsoon season. The clouds swirled around us offering up occasional brief glimpses of the impressive mountains hiding behind them. We were lucky for most days the rain held off until we reached camp and we were able to shelter in the tents.<br /><br />As we left Laya behind, the monsoon also disappeared but before we were able to benefit from the clear skies and magnificent views, a low pressure system came in bringing low mists, snow flurries and some exciting navigation towards high camp. Finally as we reached the most spectacular part of the trek around Tshorim Lake, the clouds cleared and we had magnificent views and perfect weather for a week."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
As Jo comments above the weather was unstable this Autumn for Lunana Snowman with cloudy conditions for large sections of trek. In fact this weather impacted the entire Himalayan region including Nepal as the monsoon was late in withdrawing from the Himalayas then a low pressure system came in bringing further cloud and rain. Some years on our Lunana Snowman the weather is clear from the start however other years it might be cloudy & rainy up to Chomolhari BC however once the post monsoon high pressure comes in then it usually stays sunny for the rest of the trip.<br />
<br />
As discussed in previous <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/lunana-snowman" target="_blank">Trip Reports for Lunana Snowman</a> we start this trek quite early in the Autumn season and several weeks before our treks in Nepal. This timing has been carefully thought out and tested over the years in order to put the team in a good position to cross the exit passes of Lunana before the winter snows block the way. These days it seems like the weather is less predictable in the Himalaya (and probably everywhere) however we are certain these are the optimal dates based on eleven successful Snowman treks.<br />
<br />
Please take a look at our video of Lunana Snowman October 2019 hosted on The Mountain Company’s channel on YouTube, below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hEB7WYNwD70/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hEB7WYNwD70?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br />
Throughout our Lunana Snowman trek we receive bespoke weather forecasts from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://everestweather.com/">everestweather.com</a>. Having professional weather forecasts is essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://everestweather.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="750" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpyw0O5wBK6C4vjYmnoAjFa4nB4Thm05QQuXdLxlHly0nPEucCZ2RJueq_x1_EyiEL8fqGo8uaiY-D_Uz7V5O5nMblxEkAcMQTnl8HtisADxNkiaV9D_txEjmfyNDYRGvmskzF-p7iL6u/s320/EverestWeather.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and this year we have started using Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qMqO8mMcRKuNlp6jHDIGYNjzAbyIHKOq&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for Lunana Snowman 2019</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj6O4rNVHPSdmQ-Ejae64KP3ZTvdJLdwHQx-EiJ3cxjyDbzQZtcYVQOOnOAg5vFuK3AbqH0mjQbgUdPXM1Nfpkak-rCk-hOrhkRe_bZlwy7-v-IQQ7Xkxjt58gF3Xokz7gfYZ8CzOeSEF/s1600/Navigating+through+the+mist.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj6O4rNVHPSdmQ-Ejae64KP3ZTvdJLdwHQx-EiJ3cxjyDbzQZtcYVQOOnOAg5vFuK3AbqH0mjQbgUdPXM1Nfpkak-rCk-hOrhkRe_bZlwy7-v-IQQ7Xkxjt58gF3Xokz7gfYZ8CzOeSEF/s1600/Navigating+through+the+mist.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: navigating through the mist and clouds Credit: Jo Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgAYIziicQ14-BIBuKkxMO7DVl9eBg3_pt0l7QV4-zQ3IubDAc9rgAUT81eYbwOhApL35E0H0TbEv_bxUJF5VrxVDjsBNUfI7FGQ0_DiSTBtgzQrIy044wpGpt5aHpaHJL1YAERjsVXA0/s1600/Narwang+on+the+the+Karchung+La.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgAYIziicQ14-BIBuKkxMO7DVl9eBg3_pt0l7QV4-zQ3IubDAc9rgAUT81eYbwOhApL35E0H0TbEv_bxUJF5VrxVDjsBNUfI7FGQ0_DiSTBtgzQrIy044wpGpt5aHpaHJL1YAERjsVXA0/s1600/Narwang+on+the+the+Karchung+La.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Narwang on Karchung La Credit: Jo Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
I have copied AITO Traveller Review from one of Snowman 2019 trekkers below:<br />
<br />
<i>"Having trekked many times with other companies in the Himalayan Mountains, THE MOUNTAIN COMPANY has surprised and delighted me with its degree of excellence in all areas. To start with there was the thorough and professional planning of the trip details, including enough rest and contingency days to suit the remote conditions. It was clear early on that this was a company that understood remote mountains. Then there was the seamless execution of a very challenging trek. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There was the meticulous care for the health and safety of all the trekkers AND the local support crew. There was the exceptional quality and volume of great food provided to sustain our energy levels over an extended period of time in very remote parts of Bhutan. Also, THE MOUNTAIN COMPANY provided an experienced western leader which added massive value being the bridge between the trekkers and the local company with whom they have been working for many years. </i><i>THE MOUNTAIN COMPANY sits above all the other companies in my experience. Well done!!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
You can read all of our <a href="https://www.aito.com/bhutan/lunana-snowman-in-bhutan/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO reviews received over the years for Lunana Snowman</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jo has written an excellent article on our blog with the title <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/lunana-snowman-is-it-the-hardest-trek-in-the-world">Lunana Snowman- is it the hardest trek in the world?</a> This is well worth reading as explains the challenges and how it compares with other treks. <br />
<br />
Many thanks to Jo, Tsering Dorje, Tsering Tashi, Pema Wangchuk, Tandim Sonam and rest of the crew for all of their hard work organising and leading another successful Snowman trek.<br />
<div>
<br />
In 2020, we are organising two Lunana Snowman treks both in April/ May and in September/ October. Our trek in April/ May 2020 is now guaranteed to run with availability and our September/ October trek is nearly guaranteed to run.<br />
<br />
Please get in touch with us soon if you like to go <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/bhutan/bhutan-trekking">trekking in Bhutan</a> and join any of our Snowman 2020 groups.<br />
<br />
Trek on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-78904016135159149792019-10-28T03:08:00.003+00:002020-11-30T14:36:22.013+00:00Trip report for Dhaulagiri Circuit led by Natalie Wilson and Chandra Rai in October 2019<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbs7nlYew7Nv4vlykZNmwuDRG09I-jrxst4gB8EMwQLc8tINxFXowLQr1ywyFo1m_b03t0ktmkqQwifFNUPoR_k0Py3Y7Zz5LP0CcouapyUoyfz_lp3IygE1SFz_MAWZz1FxFYRGCFKec/s1600/DSC01056.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="435" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbs7nlYew7Nv4vlykZNmwuDRG09I-jrxst4gB8EMwQLc8tINxFXowLQr1ywyFo1m_b03t0ktmkqQwifFNUPoR_k0Py3Y7Zz5LP0CcouapyUoyfz_lp3IygE1SFz_MAWZz1FxFYRGCFKec/s320/DSC01056.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,700m)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In October 2019 we organised our 16th trek around <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/dhaulagiri-circuit" target="_blank">Dhaulagiri Circuit</a> in Nepal and our leaders for this group were Natalie, known as Nat, Wilson (UK) and Chandra Rai (Nepal) and the assistant guides supporting the group were Pasang, Vivek and Jon Lama. The cook was Sangram who has worked for us for many years and always produces excellent food for our groups. <br />
<br />
The group arrived in Kathmandu on October 6th and in the afternoon Nat gave her group briefing on the rooftop terrace at Hotel Tibet. On the next day 7th they flew to Pokhara where they spent one night. On morning of 8th they drove by bus to the road head at Darbang and they walked to Dharapani for their first night’s camp. <br />
<br />
Nat sums her experience leading this group as follows: <br />
<br />
<i>“This was a really successful trip. The group got on really well together and quickly became a solid, supportive and high-spirited team. We were blessed with good weather, stunning views, saw very few other people, ate well and had wonderful support from our crew. Although we didn’t summit Dhampus Peak due to snow and low cloud, we crossed the French Pass and Dhampus Pass, enjoying spectacular high mountain scenery and some of the group reached a high point of 5500 metres. <br /><br />Excellent food and hygiene standards. No gastro issues at all. Food plentiful, varied and very tasty, always loads of veg too. Sangram very accommodating with treat meals when requested - egg and chips being a particular favourite, chicken curry and fried chicken.” </i><br />
<br />
On October 19th, Nat and Pasang walked up to base of the ridge leading to Dhampus Peak for a recce later in the afternoon after crossing French Pass. They scoped out the route on Dhampus Peak and reported back to the group on the conditions, these were not ideal with unconsolidated loose snow on top of scree plus the weather forecast was high winds and light snow for 20th. Nat was happy to attempt Dhampus Peak however the other option discussed with the group was to walk up the ridge to viewpoint on west side of Hidden Valley.<br />
<br />
This is a great walk as one can get pretty high by following this non technical route to get a view back to Mt Dhaulagiri and over Hidden Valley to the Annapurna range to the East. After a group discussion, it was unanimously decided that the objective for the next day would be to walk up this ridge and I agree this was a good call.<br />
<br />
Please take a look at our video of Dhaulagiri Circuit October 2019 hosted on The Mountain Company's Channel on YouTube, below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NHN5GLoWqeA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NHN5GLoWqeA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
When I met the group on return to Kathmandu for a debrief, they told me how much they enjoyed walking up the ridge to the viewpoint overlooking Hidden Valley and were pleased with this decision. I gather they reach an altitude of 5,550m and I think this is the highest point that any of our groups have reached. You can read more about this walk and see photos on our blog --> <a href="http://themountaincompany.blogspot.com/2010/10/photos-of-day-walk-in-hidden-valley-on.html" target="_blank">Photos of day walk in Hidden Valley on Dhaulagiri Circuit trek</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
And Nat goes onto explain about the weather and conditions experienced as follows: <br />
<br />
<i>“Weather was overall excellent. We had a little rain early on, very cold and windy afternoon over French Pass and just one very cloudy, cold day up high which impacted Dhampus Peak.”</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Throughout this expedition we received weather forecasts from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://everestweather.com/">everestweather.com</a> and we sent these onto Nat by text to her satellite phone. Having professional weather forecasts is essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpyw0O5wBK6C4vjYmnoAjFa4nB4Thm05QQuXdLxlHly0nPEucCZ2RJueq_x1_EyiEL8fqGo8uaiY-D_Uz7V5O5nMblxEkAcMQTnl8HtisADxNkiaV9D_txEjmfyNDYRGvmskzF-p7iL6u/s1600/EverestWeather.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="750" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpyw0O5wBK6C4vjYmnoAjFa4nB4Thm05QQuXdLxlHly0nPEucCZ2RJueq_x1_EyiEL8fqGo8uaiY-D_Uz7V5O5nMblxEkAcMQTnl8HtisADxNkiaV9D_txEjmfyNDYRGvmskzF-p7iL6u/s320/EverestWeather.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and we use Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1olzq4CaphKloVo8vrk995xvVSgP47eDv&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for Dhaulagiri Circuit October 2019</a><br />
<br />
We have received an AITO Traveller Review from one member of the group as follows:<br />
<br />
<i>"I trekked the Dhaulagiri circuit in a group of 7 led by Natalie Wilson. We had excellent weather, a very cohesive group and a wonderful local crew to look after us. The trek starts with almost subtropical scenery and a rarely trekked village, goes up through a dramatic rocky gorge with some very exposed sections, opens up with dramatic snow covered peak all around and then crosses into the arid Hidden Valley.<br /><br /> I have trekked in the Himalaya with several companies and The Mountain Company has been consistently the best. Attention to detail is outstanding. Everything works as planned. The Mountain Company employs western leaders to complement the local teams and this really does add value."</i></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
You can read all of our <a href="https://www.aito.com/nepal/dhaulagiri-circuit-in-nepal/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO Traveller Reviews received for our Dhaulagiri Circuit</a> trek to find out feedback from our previous trekkers.<br />
<br />
It would also be worth reading our Trip Reports published on our blog to find out more about our sixteen treks around Dhaulagiri Circuit. To find our more about the challenges of this trek take a look at our Blog article <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/hard-dhaulagiri-circuit">How hard is Dhaulagiri Circuit trek in Nepal?</a><br />
<br />
Congratulations to the group for completing Dhaulagiri Circuit. I would like to thank Nat, Chandra, Sangram, Pasang, Vivek and Jon plus the rest of the team for their help and hard work. Good job!<br />
<br />
The Mountain Company organises our Dhaulagiri Circuit trek twice a year in April and October. Our Dhaulagiri Circuit group in April 2020 is already guaranteed to run so please get in touch soon if you like to join this group.<br />
<br />
Trek on!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-70036099569757348362019-09-20T06:56:00.004+01:002020-11-27T15:22:37.074+00:00Trip Report for Ladakh Sky Trail GHT led by Almas Khan in August/ September 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0lf-pry9rLHXRRgMB1CILCks8bsvBdSbUaMWBQpZCMieFTHkaZe7Gvj_0-gh1zyiCpEFlvn3or01gWL5INf2k_RRbBmI0KsBOvP45GT6YhNJf4dBP6JrbdFszoyfzaN8qtLoiPnprK_P/s1600/IMG_0302+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0lf-pry9rLHXRRgMB1CILCks8bsvBdSbUaMWBQpZCMieFTHkaZe7Gvj_0-gh1zyiCpEFlvn3or01gWL5INf2k_RRbBmI0KsBOvP45GT6YhNJf4dBP6JrbdFszoyfzaN8qtLoiPnprK_P/s1600/IMG_0302+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: group trekking in the new gorge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In August/ September 2019 we operated our sixth <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/ladakh-sky-trail-ght" target="_blank">Ladakh Sky Trail GHT</a> in northern India. Almas Khan is the leader and organiser for this trek and this year we had an international mix of trekkers coming from Australia and UK.<br />
<br />
As mentioned in previous trip reports our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT is a unique itinerary designed by Almas and travels through the best of the three areas of this region: Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang/ Rupshu. For most of Ladakh Sky Trail GHT we follow rarely trekked trails and this is only possible due to the local knowledge of Almas and our local Ladakhi guides. If you like to really get off the beaten track and explore a very remote region of the Himalaya away from other trekking groups then this would be a great trek for you to consider.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvUD0NMgwHWCIDu3QLUyCkQVvRcSBcYoAgCN0O74ylADzChCP9hRiEl-qcU8ZT63oH0WuvWXypORWSyxayXMVWYzZ2Vq8TmQrB966nKYcvbmmdFey0AToQJHZywvko8bzU5VgKHqZyI-w/s1600/IMG_0311+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvUD0NMgwHWCIDu3QLUyCkQVvRcSBcYoAgCN0O74ylADzChCP9hRiEl-qcU8ZT63oH0WuvWXypORWSyxayXMVWYzZ2Vq8TmQrB966nKYcvbmmdFey0AToQJHZywvko8bzU5VgKHqZyI-w/s1600/IMG_0311+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Snigge pass from Nirak</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT group arrived to Leh on August 13th and after three nights for acclimatisation in Leh they drove on August 16th to Lamayuru (3,500m) and August 17th they started the trek.<br />
<br />
The trek went well and they kept on schedule following the itinerary up until Zangla on August 24th. However from here Almas had to change the itinerary as the river levels were too high in the gorge going via Zangla Sumdo - Chubchak - Tsharlow - Kumara Sumdo. A high volume of water in narrow gorges makes the conditions unsafe and also as the snow was still melting their was a strong possibility of rock fall.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLReUiIlEgGt_6F6SAizoWkt_uv8WyUzqd-mBe03NljHWdCDZNsu1fQYLjLSMNMKsEnzE8U0MkjXaZEdOc7sTiZemModqoo_VEdnPcr81Qk7y0jUOE4s9GSlYoS7-F0pQ719Hi1G4dopq/s1600/IMG_0317+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLReUiIlEgGt_6F6SAizoWkt_uv8WyUzqd-mBe03NljHWdCDZNsu1fQYLjLSMNMKsEnzE8U0MkjXaZEdOc7sTiZemModqoo_VEdnPcr81Qk7y0jUOE4s9GSlYoS7-F0pQ719Hi1G4dopq/s1600/IMG_0317+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Snigge pass from Nirak</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
The reason for higher river levels than usual is that last winter Ladakh had heavy snowfalls and an extended winter. Spring with warmer temperatures did not take place until the first week of July. As a result the snow melted late and there was a lot more water in the rivers compared to previous years. The conditions of more regularly trekked trails was very good but the less used trails like on sections of Ladakh Sky Trail GHT were not so good.<br />
<br />
With Almas's excellent local knowledge of the trails in this region, he came up with a Plan B that followed a new gorge. I heard from the group this was a spectacular trail and passed through two beautiful villages of Nirak and Yulchung at the end of the gorge. This is the sixth time we have organised Ladakh Sky Trail GHT and first time we have been unable to follow the gorge as per our itinerary however it is good to know for future groups that there is an alternative trail through a different part of Zanskar.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OGLFx-Pf2mPlXWxFUvJE3uFDYJ65qIjsEwywJnpyDE5nulIDrBPEII_P0m0c-0YNXwdgLRJWNg5nb7Ddr8rP-inKqZEIO8ed82Eto8k2F1dzyTn5uPG92Rpuh1SCI6qMT-y4i8Aqqaj6/s1600/IMG_0332+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OGLFx-Pf2mPlXWxFUvJE3uFDYJ65qIjsEwywJnpyDE5nulIDrBPEII_P0m0c-0YNXwdgLRJWNg5nb7Ddr8rP-inKqZEIO8ed82Eto8k2F1dzyTn5uPG92Rpuh1SCI6qMT-y4i8Aqqaj6/s1600/IMG_0332+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Nirak village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
We track this group's progress while in the field through SPOT gps check ins sent to us daily and uploaded to Google Maps. You can view the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YVaTsd9rXwQRIt-XFOEYsh2JVdcpONa4&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for our 2019 Ladakh Sky Trail GHT</a>, if you are interested to compare the Plan B trail through the new gorge you can also view our <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=12i4f44mwcIcp6xU_7o8Ow8KnIF4yAPZl&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for our standard Ladakh Sky Trail GHT</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
As for all or our treks in the Himalayas we received bespoke weather forecast from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://everestweather.com/" target="_blank">everestweather.com</a>. The weather for our 2019 Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek was fine although our previous groups had more sun, Almas sums up the weather <i>"The weather on the trip was alright. It was cloudy at the beginning of the trip. We also got a bit of rain. It snowed on our first pass - Snigge La."</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4UY8L1Ltu2WC0nvkEar3r1MkJP-8ka5_rA_wzxGbNaD5WAqrtVrgbR5iLK9JlAihRaa-qtHfXnzwba1k6dLp8w6iHSzOo87GrXuJARW4LWcogqvujSgvzVLsZRrXMHWoO6e-xvMhY6P9/s1600/IMG_0363+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4UY8L1Ltu2WC0nvkEar3r1MkJP-8ka5_rA_wzxGbNaD5WAqrtVrgbR5iLK9JlAihRaa-qtHfXnzwba1k6dLp8w6iHSzOo87GrXuJARW4LWcogqvujSgvzVLsZRrXMHWoO6e-xvMhY6P9/s1600/IMG_0363+%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Yull Chung village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
We strongly believe for environmental reasons that our groups should leave no trace and carry out all of our rubbish back out to Leh for disposal. Almas explains in his words <i>"Trek staff took good care of the rubbish and left the campsites clean. We made sure that we carried out all our non biodegradable rubbish. We carried out 15kg of our rubbish in our first section of the trek and about 5kg in the Tsomoriri section. We found that t</i><i>here was not a lot of other rubbish left by other groups in the Zanskar region as we used a less traveled trail</i><i>".</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We have received an Excellent rated <a href="https://www.aito.com/india/ladakh-sky-trail-ght-in-india/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO review for Ladakh Sky Trail GHT</a> from one member of this group, as follows:<br />
<br />
<i>"A challenging trek where we crossed four x 5,000m passes and slept out in tents one night at an altitude of over 5,200m. Our guides had extensive local knowledge of the region and took us to villages not normally visited by Western Trekkers. We visited several Buddhist Monasteries and were lucky to learn so much about the local religion and culture. The Mountain Company are small enough to provide a personal service to customers that is second to none and experienced enough provide a varied number of treks in remote places. Detailed planning and experienced leaders ensure the safety of trekkers and guides alike."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I would like to thank Almas and all of the Ladakhi team including guides, cooks, kitchen helpers and horsemen for doing a fantastic job helping to support our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT. Almas will be back in Ladakh again next summer leading our 2020 Ladakh Sky Trail and please get in touch if you are interested in joining him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
www.themountaincompany.co.uk<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-78892356348258447422019-08-27T15:22:00.003+01:002020-12-01T13:45:40.498+00:00Trip report for Snow Lake & Hispar La in Pakistan during July/ August 2019<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXWivZgkHeNkkoSabFlvQQW9VCegtigZFWyVASYNEwLTdtrUBCmPqwFdHL0At9nwo-dOG3ag2Asi17rpyXpHl_B5cXYIFda-Rdp1bC7A7ZZpg_mR9gYs-FySPoc6kOJhBxoID747jpWaA/s1600/Celebrating+with+the+crew+on+the+HisparLa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXWivZgkHeNkkoSabFlvQQW9VCegtigZFWyVASYNEwLTdtrUBCmPqwFdHL0At9nwo-dOG3ag2Asi17rpyXpHl_B5cXYIFda-Rdp1bC7A7ZZpg_mR9gYs-FySPoc6kOJhBxoID747jpWaA/s1600/Celebrating+with+the+crew+on+the+HisparLa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Celebrating
with the crew at Hispar La (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In July we organised <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/snow-lake-and-hispar-la" target="_blank">Snow Lake & Hispar La</a> trek in Pakistan and the leaders for this trek were Jo Clark (UK), Karim (Pakistan) and Sultan (Pakistan). Jo led our successful <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/pakistan/walking-and-trekking/k2-and-gondogoro-la/" target="_blank">K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La</a> trek last Summer and enjoyed returning this Summer to lead this more remote and less frequently trekked mountain journey through the Karakoram mountains from Baltistan to Hunza Valley.<br />
<br />
This Summer we organised three groups in Pakistan: <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/k2-base-camp-and-concordia" target="_blank">K2 Base Camp & Concordia</a>, <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/k2-base-camp-and-gondogoro-la" target="_blank">K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La</a> and to <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/snow-lake-and-hispar-la" target="_blank">Snow Lake & Hispar La</a>. All of these groups started on the same dates and everyone flew from Islamabad up to Skardu together. Robert Anderson led our K2 Base Camp group to Concordia and over Gondogoro La whereas Jo led our Snow Lake group over Hispar La to Hunza. Both the K2 Base Camp and Snow Lake treks start at the village of Askole and the trail separates in the afternoon of the first day's walk. Like most of our groups this Snow Lake group was an international mix with people coming from UK, Australia, Poland and New Zealand.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wzRHDaQAJrYJCf3RcMElctyAWrmZe9EzsW2KE9hAPtUKAt_4H5GUJOifSq96tBHmCRjDmUKRKFVSjihOgdqF86fy6tJ8URtRL6sTF2z5mN6YGP0ZxVq9iahG3aGUrfefjPSMPLJc2md0/s1600/Walking+up+the+Biafo+Glacier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wzRHDaQAJrYJCf3RcMElctyAWrmZe9EzsW2KE9hAPtUKAt_4H5GUJOifSq96tBHmCRjDmUKRKFVSjihOgdqF86fy6tJ8URtRL6sTF2z5mN6YGP0ZxVq9iahG3aGUrfefjPSMPLJc2md0/s1600/Walking+up+the+Biafo+Glacier.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Walking up the Biafo Glacier (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6Wk5WklCqf6U_72kbYdxsxBGcDENRwE3OnS7knXQDPVzusGNLfhXmBDnGgqUFSezX5xJnHJqECgy5synybyNNzR6iGjEoL74kRGd0mTby6UKTvGx5ti0DwOEaINlW8WawHIuQ5_8v1qs/s1600/Walking+across+Snow+Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6Wk5WklCqf6U_72kbYdxsxBGcDENRwE3OnS7knXQDPVzusGNLfhXmBDnGgqUFSezX5xJnHJqECgy5synybyNNzR6iGjEoL74kRGd0mTby6UKTvGx5ti0DwOEaINlW8WawHIuQ5_8v1qs/s1600/Walking+across+Snow+Lake.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Walking across Snow Lake (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGdOicU5Iv_dn7dW7Ve32qifE59pcvSoNcPCm0LWNbwgtLgBcs_EI_3uoOeAyXcpL5Su668ooSCzqFTibPuCYv3RoFIj4zT0ydNj8zsCsJ0XAOtbX_N6sLGvlXFZX94JkVejQHuPlLJg0/s1600/Just+starting+up+the+pass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGdOicU5Iv_dn7dW7Ve32qifE59pcvSoNcPCm0LWNbwgtLgBcs_EI_3uoOeAyXcpL5Su668ooSCzqFTibPuCYv3RoFIj4zT0ydNj8zsCsJ0XAOtbX_N6sLGvlXFZX94JkVejQHuPlLJg0/s1600/Just+starting+up+the+pass.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Just starting up Hispar La pass (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxTztdZBEJiAAjkTCERSuayRzz11gGhz5HXOATo_sWvckdVx6oSL0hwbW1WKIYsfu_V6-KLr4HjaNplppKUDmhwIhDCp-Wv6YkWJ0JmWwpX8u3oeu6X40DEoDETVHEUvGitdyZac4RzXs/s1600/Camping+on+the+HIsperLa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxTztdZBEJiAAjkTCERSuayRzz11gGhz5HXOATo_sWvckdVx6oSL0hwbW1WKIYsfu_V6-KLr4HjaNplppKUDmhwIhDCp-Wv6YkWJ0JmWwpX8u3oeu6X40DEoDETVHEUvGitdyZac4RzXs/s1600/Camping+on+the+HIsperLa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Camping on the Hispar La (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
In her own words Jo Clark summarises her experience <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/pakistan/pakistan-trekking">trekking in Pakistan</a> and leading Snow Lake trek below:</div>
<div>
<br />
<i>"Leaving Askole, we said goodbye to the K2 trekking group led by Robert and headed towards the west up the Biafo Glacier. As we slowly made our way up the glacier, the terrain changed from rocky moraine to an icy trail littered with small crevasses. At the same time the weather turned and we had a few days of rain.<br /><br />After a week of trekking, the clouds cleared, the sun came out and Snow Lake shone in the distance. With a few avid photographers on the trek, the clear views and majestic mountains made for some early morning sunrise photos and lots of distraction during the day.<br /><br />On the day we trekked to the pass, a dawn start saw the team roped up and traversing the majestic Snow Lake with views of The Ogre and thoughts of far away expeditions. The flat open expanse of Snow Lake is difficult to imagine and the many false summits of the pass make it just a little longer and further that you think it should be. However, arriving on top of the snowy pass is well worth the effort and everyone was excited to have reached the top and camp in such an incredible location.<br /><br />The five day descent towards Hispar Village is the more challenging side of the trek with glaciers to cross and steep sandy slopes to climb and descend. However the vast array of flowers, the views and perfect weather, and the yaks we met as we got lower made the harsh terrain and effort worth every step.<br /><br />Having seen just one other group over the past ten day our arrival in the relative civilisation of Hipar Village was a change of pace, but the campsite was grassy and villagers friendly, providing us with a pleasant transition before the 4WD journey to Karimabad the next morning."</i></div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33_SvPBqLPy0LGnw4ItGq-9t71My2LsoPZo2tXpzVBgPiEWuX0SICVf38stY0xMWJZR8cmjRCKilZcIJvAOeDSEsL3vEq_AStPv9XI2ylgIeSYPfNG6PfuWaU4ut41TUNuzQ3_EIbfe65/s1600/Descending+towards+the+Hispar+Glacier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33_SvPBqLPy0LGnw4ItGq-9t71My2LsoPZo2tXpzVBgPiEWuX0SICVf38stY0xMWJZR8cmjRCKilZcIJvAOeDSEsL3vEq_AStPv9XI2ylgIeSYPfNG6PfuWaU4ut41TUNuzQ3_EIbfe65/s1600/Descending+towards+the+Hispar+Glacier.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Descending towards Hispar Glacier (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCKl4OhMWWVwt9H6SpZxmdqX6ucpac7QpGB47cVqy3m7l7KGEJTvF_dwxWFMyqwoOSNtZZPQDZu5ZXDJzM9n7NwvoxsS1qfL9NEDLhuLqnqbC85RYH6sri88Wzkk9COM0X3wvfZEYToIF/s1600/Looking+back+at+the+pass+and+the+Ogre.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCKl4OhMWWVwt9H6SpZxmdqX6ucpac7QpGB47cVqy3m7l7KGEJTvF_dwxWFMyqwoOSNtZZPQDZu5ZXDJzM9n7NwvoxsS1qfL9NEDLhuLqnqbC85RYH6sri88Wzkk9COM0X3wvfZEYToIF/s1600/Looking+back+at+the+pass+and+the+Ogre.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Looking back at the pass and the Ogre (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and this year we have started using Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1iPnZSI8LHrQ79k51b_MyFpsBK6KWI_th&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for Snow Lake & Hispar La</a>.<br />
<br />
As you can see this group successfully made the traverse over Hispar La into Hunza Valley. I have copied below the comments from one member of this group on her <a href="https://www.aito.com/pakistan/snow-lake-hispar-la-in-pakistan/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO review</a>:<br />
<br />
<i>"I trekked through the beautiful mountains and on the Biafo glacier crossing over snow lake and the Hispar la pass in Pakistan with The Mountain Company. I have trekked with them 3 times and each trek was run using a western leader. The Mountain Company always executes trips that operationally run smoothly and focus on clients safety whilst ensuring that everyone has an unforgettable travelling experience."</i><br />
<br />
<div>
Jo took video during this trek, she has edited and uploaded to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJQxZeOyk18&t=6s" target="_blank">The Mountain Company's Channel on YouTube</a>. As you can see the scenery is superb and by watching this video will give you a good insight and feel of what to expect on this trek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XJQxZeOyk18/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XJQxZeOyk18?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Thanks very much to Jo, Karim and Sultan and the cook Nisar for all of their help leading and organising this trek. Well done and congratulations to the group for completing this challenging trek and making the traverse into Hunza Valley.</div>
<div>
<br />
We plan to organise Snow Lake & Hispar La trek in July 2020, please get in contact with us if you are interested in joining this group.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-58417759889198978972019-08-21T14:16:00.003+01:002020-12-01T13:45:02.507+00:00Trip report for K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La in July 2019 led by Robert Anderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bFB_VGceZjadjefj_7MYYNdYqIxTQ2l-69TWIzX39KLIck-PHhhNOynCty6LY93Aidd0KrfeWLRKMThGO_ugRuJWnLKJk76z1YlvAawEV7E7iylEOq_pmXWfmgy4GTQJOu-4YEFmTVkI/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bFB_VGceZjadjefj_7MYYNdYqIxTQ2l-69TWIzX39KLIck-PHhhNOynCty6LY93Aidd0KrfeWLRKMThGO_ugRuJWnLKJk76z1YlvAawEV7E7iylEOq_pmXWfmgy4GTQJOu-4YEFmTVkI/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25284%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Robert Anderson and group at Concordia (credit: Robert Anderson)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In July we organised our 11th trek to <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/k2-base-camp-and-concordia">K2 Base Camp in Pakistan</a> and out of these departures seven groups have successfully crossed the <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/k2-base-camp-and-gondogoro-la">Gondogoro La</a> high pass over to Hushe village.<br />
<br />
Our leaders for our July 2019 K2 Base Camp treks were Robert Anderson (USA), Raheb (Pakistan) and Hameed (Pakistan). We had five people in our K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La group and five people in our K2 Base Camp & Concordia group. Like in previous years this group was an international mix with people coming from UK, USA, Norway, Canada and Ireland.<br />
<br />
This Summer we organised in total three trekking groups in Pakistan: first one to K2 Base Camp & Concordia, second to K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La led by Robert and third to <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/snow-lake-and-hispar-la" target="_blank">Snow Lake & Hispar La</a> led by Jo Clark. All of these groups started on the same date arriving in Islamabad on July 20th and then flew up to Skardu from Islamabad together on July 21st.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4up3_XKYB-XC7wMDnJa9aji3dKbAqiY4DdDILjgdrfAgU73cTww4gKLJlsl5I7kx2KO4uBt1oXytTkWKsapzfHJYSKRBfJ5rFyh1aMJGy8yHOkNSrBfDc8E6tkEzi_pYk6ynv1kTe8kNr/s1600/DSC01184.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4up3_XKYB-XC7wMDnJa9aji3dKbAqiY4DdDILjgdrfAgU73cTww4gKLJlsl5I7kx2KO4uBt1oXytTkWKsapzfHJYSKRBfJ5rFyh1aMJGy8yHOkNSrBfDc8E6tkEzi_pYk6ynv1kTe8kNr/s1600/DSC01184.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: crossing bridge after Askole village (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyqvInwErEiAcfSHndM6i0SuEBmwrfn2xpGcXhF3P1WqYDvryVHCTpnUB5D_Z9NRyTwR3_9A26LdQrs-OQCpFMeLvlUE7A101IzpWpzbXzOqcmd0VHIJOgAMMJ2xe_7rwm8l151XNAcuO/s1600/DSC01787.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyqvInwErEiAcfSHndM6i0SuEBmwrfn2xpGcXhF3P1WqYDvryVHCTpnUB5D_Z9NRyTwR3_9A26LdQrs-OQCpFMeLvlUE7A101IzpWpzbXzOqcmd0VHIJOgAMMJ2xe_7rwm8l151XNAcuO/s1600/DSC01787.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: walking on Baltoro glacier (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NKjAKkQX8Ce495K0xb9vr_spkg4ORHdHFDlZhwKl3ASIBxiOGsDnkTeSzUeSvF1pc0ZAdXPQXZ-KgFTZu8XKAm3uvBTSDaaJNTLlBV3swGoFqMJWZc5EBtpY4UdUZ2sjtL1JVo-PolRr/s1600/DSC01893.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NKjAKkQX8Ce495K0xb9vr_spkg4ORHdHFDlZhwKl3ASIBxiOGsDnkTeSzUeSvF1pc0ZAdXPQXZ-KgFTZu8XKAm3uvBTSDaaJNTLlBV3swGoFqMJWZc5EBtpY4UdUZ2sjtL1JVo-PolRr/s1600/DSC01893.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo: Mount K2 (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
Robert Anderson writes about his experience <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/pakistan/pakistan-trekking">trekking in Pakistan</a> and leading K2 Base Camp treks below:<br />
<br />
<i>"We reached Broad Peak base Camp by noon on August 1st, and the team paused for lunch, K2 already towering high overhead, swirling with wispy clouds. <br /><br />Over the past week we had ascended the 95 km from Askole to Concordia. On the third day we dropped onto the Baltoro Glacier, trading sandy trails and bright sunshine for the rocky path leading through the crevasses, over the ice cliffs and around the azure blue lakes. The ice popped and cracked, rocks tumbled into the fissures and rivers roared over the ice and underfoot to suddenly disappear into crevasses. We passed underneath the staggering heights of Uli Biaho and the Trango towers, sunsets framing their jagged summits every evening. <br /><br />At K2 Base Camp, the climbing teams had already left and we were alone with the mountain, indescribably high and rising far above us. We took pictures, yet none close to capturing the sense of immensity, the towering and complex black rock and white ice slopes that rose so far into the sky. <br /><br />Back at Concordia, 5 of us headed for the heights of the Gondogoro La at 5,600 meters, stepping over Snow Leopard tracks as we started up the ropes. The night had started pre-midnight with stars, but at the pass a blizzard raged and we dived down the other side, sliding down ice covered ropes and into the sunshine of the Hushe Valley. <br /><br />We met back up with our Baltoro team at Skardu, traded stories from the heights and plotted new adventures together."</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyHaRFZvYdSoOsPwTftaAT6-Z8mtKNjMlBwgGA9dmuBiTs9c8ucnT8EWMwBwlBO-KidXDHm0PuHU8Idhbg4Peq5-x0I60XKq-IqmsGq7klSgVoLZqJSocL3vvsPjPAkESFO4NkuoZBE4A/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyHaRFZvYdSoOsPwTftaAT6-Z8mtKNjMlBwgGA9dmuBiTs9c8ucnT8EWMwBwlBO-KidXDHm0PuHU8Idhbg4Peq5-x0I60XKq-IqmsGq7klSgVoLZqJSocL3vvsPjPAkESFO4NkuoZBE4A/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: walking to Ali Camp before crossing Gondogoro La (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kzeNqbKV4IWQzxM44dZjIkz9VKGMKv-mXj37oyPkeCi5aYdjpyzM1SHUczFgUQ4tIFkPWfnhwP-osIA6SJlpij_5IuLCX-1qJ7dyKguF6n4I7CVI__GpbEo7v5-BT6_S7EVj9Bap5GIn/s1600/DSC02219.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kzeNqbKV4IWQzxM44dZjIkz9VKGMKv-mXj37oyPkeCi5aYdjpyzM1SHUczFgUQ4tIFkPWfnhwP-osIA6SJlpij_5IuLCX-1qJ7dyKguF6n4I7CVI__GpbEo7v5-BT6_S7EVj9Bap5GIn/s1600/DSC02219.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: leaving Ali Camp before crossing Gondogoro La (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8OLdfNb5b6acYGFrl0m0cldnBAEsI6_-WCLCsElyX_pIEJuFAvzqJt8Wjxc-Euzev-ZsaAG9nnV3gTS69QlQgFBNL3jVo7evmHUHJc5VExVBd_7TIIYtuHFiMLk27I0NynVuEbXi6ds9/s1600/DSC02244.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8OLdfNb5b6acYGFrl0m0cldnBAEsI6_-WCLCsElyX_pIEJuFAvzqJt8Wjxc-Euzev-ZsaAG9nnV3gTS69QlQgFBNL3jVo7evmHUHJc5VExVBd_7TIIYtuHFiMLk27I0NynVuEbXi6ds9/s1600/DSC02244.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: climbing up Gondogoro La (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EFzyRmM2iJCJEDWOK7mbdwoLwBCPJm07HnDqpn8wRVY2N2rXRWI396F2LpIYQiE4fEmuerowwSZPRb0AXUHS87SzgaeFDn9zNqDsManyJt5vWkJZarmB1yBpt_nu0v5zpbJjbm4FGpPT/s1600/DSC02281.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EFzyRmM2iJCJEDWOK7mbdwoLwBCPJm07HnDqpn8wRVY2N2rXRWI396F2LpIYQiE4fEmuerowwSZPRb0AXUHS87SzgaeFDn9zNqDsManyJt5vWkJZarmB1yBpt_nu0v5zpbJjbm4FGpPT/s1600/DSC02281.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo: descending a snowy Gondogoro La (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2eaEK58m8UJ-dmYJe5z67tja76ZSg0J77sJsrYgwgzk44iEng_QiBRKo_gh2hcCq8vt8i9Tf3eLQyN672mSBBGOppWTVt7hLAEXqHB1oqI6ixMdgT7ZJTRPZwlDYsXCKmrnu5LgPvKrR/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2eaEK58m8UJ-dmYJe5z67tja76ZSg0J77sJsrYgwgzk44iEng_QiBRKo_gh2hcCq8vt8i9Tf3eLQyN672mSBBGOppWTVt7hLAEXqHB1oqI6ixMdgT7ZJTRPZwlDYsXCKmrnu5LgPvKrR/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: descending a snowy Gondogoro La (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
Well done to both groups for achieving their objectives with the Gondogoro La group successfully crossing this technical high pass 5,500m+ and for K2 Base Camp group for walking up to Gilkey memorial and to the Base Camp of the second highest mountain in the world. Both of our K2 Base Camp groups arrived safely back to Skardu on August 8th and then flew back together to Islamabad on August 9th.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxZ18dvYue3yOUqjKFhrl5FTbUmT6N-01sdOm-wUjQR22yEsKgQY1qlKnSd0vZnRT5RD_NcjhHzqXrxxYOIzeUQ2ppvvP1kAc0pkbTzmOl7fsT7GML6PrXNtYT7otHnXKKCORUFPq5F1P/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxZ18dvYue3yOUqjKFhrl5FTbUmT6N-01sdOm-wUjQR22yEsKgQY1qlKnSd0vZnRT5RD_NcjhHzqXrxxYOIzeUQ2ppvvP1kAc0pkbTzmOl7fsT7GML6PrXNtYT7otHnXKKCORUFPq5F1P/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25285%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: relaxing in Khuspang camp after crossing Gondogoro La (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEulb9S6InZTn68JcqRoTGOCUknIEX17ajr-WA479Fc2FFBDQOInHMCNEQzx41sn4F6veem_yttoVH-u7M6AltcrFVMM82hOzQXuIHE9RwhsUR4uS8SEIlpKAmecLR6pmsqgUwkmWuDXI9/s1600/DSC02314.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEulb9S6InZTn68JcqRoTGOCUknIEX17ajr-WA479Fc2FFBDQOInHMCNEQzx41sn4F6veem_yttoVH-u7M6AltcrFVMM82hOzQXuIHE9RwhsUR4uS8SEIlpKAmecLR6pmsqgUwkmWuDXI9/s1600/DSC02314.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Khuspang camp after crossing Gondogoro La (credit: Robert Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Jo Clark, the leader of our K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La group in 2018, made a good video of her trek and uploaded to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9HekuSjNY_AXLOXsEpKfpg/videos" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>, link below:</div><div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TKUki_nWfyM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TKUki_nWfyM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and this year we have started using Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wHYXVt4Cp8xrIQkp6B1eHYfzWjiffdSu&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for our 2019 K2 Base Camp treks</a>.<br />
<br />
You can view the all of our AITO reviews for K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La and K2 Base Camp & Concordia. I have copied below an AITO review received from one member of this group below:<br />
<br />
<i>"I can't say enough good things about The Mountain Company. Pre-booking information was plentiful, and any questions I had were immediately addressed. The pre-departure information was extremely useful - everything from gear selection to a fitness program, assistance in arranging visas, suggested airline routings... wow. I had several back and forth interactions about what gear to take and my inquiries were always answered promptly. </i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Then there was the trip. Everything on the ground went smoothly from the time I was met after picking up my bags in Islamabad until I was dropped off again on departure. Our leader, Robert, was exceptional, extremely experienced, good natured with a positive outlook that helped in the difficult days. He was keyed into the needs of the individuals in the group and made the logistics trivial for us. The local operator was of high quality and the local guides friendly, funny, helpful and accommodating to us. Any issues with porters/muleteers or logistics were unseen by us. I am an experienced traveler and have used a half dozen tour operators over the years. This trip with TMC was the best of them, and I will be booking other trips with TMC in the future."</i><br />
<br />To find our more about the challenges of this trek take a look at our Blog article <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/how-difficult-gondogoro-la">How difficult is crossing Gondogoro La pass on K2 Base Camp trek?</a></div><div><br /></div><div>
Thanks very much to Robert, Raheb and Hameed plus the rest of the hard working team in Pakistan for their help and making it possible for our trekkers to experience this beautiful trek to K2.<br />
<br />
The Mountain Company is promoting both our K2 Base Camp & Concordia and K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La for July 2020. We are also planning to organise Snow Lake & Hispar La again in July 2020.<br />
<br />
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions on K2 Base Camp trek and if you would like to discuss your suitability or additional training required to join this trek in the future.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-37150766646646896372019-06-04T09:33:00.003+01:002020-11-30T14:45:02.619+00:00Trip report for Saribung Expedition in Nepal led by Jo Clark (UK) in April 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyOHuWQGLysStaRSvE8gYJRIOMOuPSgc-hHiOUopesXSk4AI9BYduhG-WoTnIbqC6Mlh0h_ZS748jt853kdtwNlgbLhFcFP0GWuacvqqxQz8MwPmrNtDCz5Up0OQ5hXrcaDOVR5dR3xg9/s1600/IMG_2153+small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyOHuWQGLysStaRSvE8gYJRIOMOuPSgc-hHiOUopesXSk4AI9BYduhG-WoTnIbqC6Mlh0h_ZS748jt853kdtwNlgbLhFcFP0GWuacvqqxQz8MwPmrNtDCz5Up0OQ5hXrcaDOVR5dR3xg9/s1600/IMG_2153+small.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: on summit of Saribung Peak (6,328m) (credit: Shyam Krishnan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
In April 2019, The Mountain Company (UK) organised our first group <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/saribung-expedition" target="_blank">Saribung Expedition</a> to cross Saribung Pass (6,042m) and climb Saribung Peak (6,328m). These objectives are located in the remote and rarely visited Damodar Himal mountain range to east of Upper Mustang in Nepal. If you are looking for a traditional, full camping expedition away from the busier regions such as Everest and Annapurna then I suggest you take a look at Saribung Expedition.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This group was led by Jo Clark (UK) and the Nepali Sirdars for this group were Arjun Tamang and Galden Sherpa. The Sherpa guides were Chongba and Bhim. The cook was Suk who has worked with us for many years and always produces high quality and tasty food for our groups. Jo and Galden had already completed a reconnaissance trek in late October 2018, you can read her <a href="http://themountaincompany.blogspot.com/2018/11/trip-report-for-saribung-expedition.html">Trip report for Saribung Expedition Recce</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UQjpBEdD3l-m90ycjQ_g6KAC-V8fC8kqmVomfiLT3QtctRRDjALtDbUUVs0DZZgl9zIR0f0TmUOk21nY7k5EtKB5v-vDa-Atp_8mkfPZjmnnZQ7BKT9L6Dht6M6lI1GOau7qaWJLAaBl/s1600/IMG_2146+small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UQjpBEdD3l-m90ycjQ_g6KAC-V8fC8kqmVomfiLT3QtctRRDjALtDbUUVs0DZZgl9zIR0f0TmUOk21nY7k5EtKB5v-vDa-Atp_8mkfPZjmnnZQ7BKT9L6Dht6M6lI1GOau7qaWJLAaBl/s1600/IMG_2146+small.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: on Saribung Pass (6,042m) (credit: Shyam Krishnan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div><br /></div><div>
As Saribung is a classified as an expedition peak where there is a full climbing permit required to ascend to the summit whereas to cross the pass requires only a Restricted Area Permit. The group were given the choice after booking and an extra cost was charged for those wanting to attempt the summit. In practice the summit is only two hours ascent from the pass and the route follows moderate angled snow and ice that involves glacial travel as there are some crevasses on this section of the climb.<br />
<br />
Jo took video during this expedition, she has edited and uploaded to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kebyOtr7xgE" target="_blank">The Mountain Company's Channel on YouTube</a> or click on the YouTube panel below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kebyOtr7xgE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kebyOtr7xgE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
You can watch a video of the summit panorama taken by one of our climbers, Shyam, and <a href="https://youtu.be/9e_HNzg0qJ4" target="_blank">uploaded onto our YouTube channel</a>. Wow what a view, incredible!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLGWgGn7NoVO1G5lkPI6yYvC1Upek4Thg3KO6SsUZKAT3gX-_L9cDdNR1wTCim6QnzHWzvdN7IllI320Lnx6VK7PfUWe8ZyPUYD8IgnluWhyphenhypheneMm5lKMK4lInow8iXWxopZzrDAM8DRHNR/s1600/IMG_2156+small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLGWgGn7NoVO1G5lkPI6yYvC1Upek4Thg3KO6SsUZKAT3gX-_L9cDdNR1wTCim6QnzHWzvdN7IllI320Lnx6VK7PfUWe8ZyPUYD8IgnluWhyphenhypheneMm5lKMK4lInow8iXWxopZzrDAM8DRHNR/s1600/IMG_2156+small.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: view from summit of Saribung down to Japanese Camp (credit: Shyam Krishnan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Jo has summarised her experience leading our Saribung Expedition as follows:<br />
<br />
<i>"The weather during the trip was consistently clear with blue skies and some small build-up of cloud in the afternoons. When we reached Upper Mustang, the weather held out but the winds picked up as is usual in this area. <br /><br />The walk into Phu is one of the most magnificent and breathtaking of the himalaya. With the rock entrance, deep gorge ascent and finally the gates of Phu it really feels like you are entering another world. Above Phu the remote beauty continues to astound as the surrounding Peaks become bigger and the views greater. A tough few days on glacial moraine are rewarded by a spectacular pass day before descending into the remote Upper Mustang with diverse sandy colours and vast landscapes."</i><br />
<br />
Throughout the course of Saribung Expedition we received bespoke weather forecasts from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://www.everestweather.com/">www.everestweather.com</a> and this information was sent through to Jo on her satellite phone for the days before crossing Saribung La and climbing Saribung Peak. Having professional weather forecasts is essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field. As it turned out the weather forecasts were accurate and the group enjoyed perfect weather conditions with blue sky and relatively low wind speeds on the pass. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUigEUWy9f6eyYe9LGkJetXOkTdg3fHyV_jEJb9qvmle33S-ZUIFNcIL97U_83JxaDCIl4xu96VHPqTWcDW5Fue65n2TtGSTFHe1AQiWPwH1nRxYDF1_nUgM7EoOnKEvmrZ-yzqVoW1VHE/s1600/IMG_2157+small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUigEUWy9f6eyYe9LGkJetXOkTdg3fHyV_jEJb9qvmle33S-ZUIFNcIL97U_83JxaDCIl4xu96VHPqTWcDW5Fue65n2TtGSTFHe1AQiWPwH1nRxYDF1_nUgM7EoOnKEvmrZ-yzqVoW1VHE/s1600/IMG_2157+small.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: view from summit of Saribung (credit: Shyam Krishnan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><br /></div><div>
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and we use Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1n4eRM3UgqtoniAGSQ3oM7_E1XitrLG9z&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for Saribung Expedition in April 2019</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I have copied below feedback received from two members of Saribung Expedition group now <a href="https://www.aito.com/nepal/saribung-expedition-in-nepal/reviews/1" target="_blank">published on AITO review site</a>: <br />
<br />
<i>"This was an exceptional trek up through Manang over the beautiful glacier Saribung and then through Upper Mustang to Lo Mantang before completing the trek in Jomsom. From Koto onward the trek steadily gets more and more remote with absolutely stunning mountain scenery. On route we stopped at the fascinating and ancient village of Phu before entering a period of 11 days where totally alone. The snow conditions provided a wonderful dimension leading up to the pass, down the glacier on the far side to then trek through the beautiful and arid scenery of Upper Mustang ending up in the interesting village of Lo Mantang. An outstanding expedition. <br /><br />This is the seventh trek I have completed with The Mountain Company, which I think makes the point. The Mountain Company provide excellent quality treks, well managed, equiped and with highly skilled and experienced leaders and guides."</i><br />
<br />
<i><br />"I trekked from Jagat across Saribung La to Upper Mustang, while also ascending Saribung Peak (6,328 m). I also extended the trek to Manang on the Annapurna circuit.<br /><br /> The Mountain Company runs very well organized trips. This was my second trip with them and I was very pleased. Roland Hunter and the primary guide for the trip, Jo Clark were both very prompt in addressing queries and concerns before the trip. Jo and assistant guides Bhim Bahadur Sunuwar, Arjun Tamang, Chongba Sherpa and Galden Sherpa did an excellent job during the trip. Food prepared by Suk Bahadur and Gyaljin Sherpa was excellent. Porters also went above and beyond their call of duty by assisting clients on the hard days."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
You can read all of our AITO reviews received on <a href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO website </a><br />
<br />
As discussed in <a href="http://themountaincompany.blogspot.com/2018/11/trip-report-for-saribung-expedition.html" target="_blank">Trip report for Saribung Expedition Recce</a> we have designed our itinerary for Saribung Expedition for gradual acclimatisation and this works best by approaching Saribung from Phu side rather than the more common approach from Lo Manthang side. Whereas approaching Saribung from Lo Mantang entails crossing three passes of around 5,000m early in the trek. This means ascending too high, too fast with risk of altitude sickness for both group and crew. The village of Phu and the valley to north to Pokharang Base Camp is very beautiful and remote with very few trekkers exploring this region of the Himalayas.<br />
<br />
Based on Jo's feedback we plan to make some changes to Saribung Expedition itinerary to make further improvements for future trips. The main changes are to have two nights at Pokharang Base Camp as this place is good for acclimatisating and there is also an interesting day walk to a nearby lake.</div><div><br /></div><div>To find out more about Saribung and how it compares to Mera Peak take a look at our Blog <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/best-6000m-expedition-nepal">Which is the best 6,000m mountain expedition in Nepal?<br /></a>
<br />
Also based on feedback from the group we will not visit Lo Manthang so for future groups we will take the trail from Yara village down the east bank of Kali Gandaki then drive by jeep to Jomsom. After seeing the beautiful and interesting village of Phu it seems that these days Lo Manthang is rather disappointing especially now that many of the older buildings have been destroyed and replaced by concrete structures. It sounds like after crossing Saribung pass and arriving to Yara everyone in the group was ready to get back to Kathmandu and not spend more time trekking up to Lo Manthang.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks very much to Jo, Arjun and Galden and the rest of the team for their hard work leading and organising this trek. <br />
<br />
Our next departure for Saribung Expedition is in October 2019 and followed by April 2020. There is currently availability if you are interested in joining this group, please get in touch with us soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-49575020208514748982019-04-30T21:53:00.003+01:002020-11-30T14:43:07.510+00:00In Hillary’s Footsteps to Everest Base Camp led by Peter Hillary and Robert Anderson in April 2019<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod_MSlP9aFKAABFBWkNAg0_HqJIJJFeXd9HV9yLoRAK4FZCs2iZuNXd-6fwF5X0ECo3pehfgg3oKwR2WWJsxHCBqcHSutTsnsDkPTkg9uet02aoo3GeSo2FFtiRn6E8ATi_pwrrodSypn/s1600/IMG_9603mu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1200" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod_MSlP9aFKAABFBWkNAg0_HqJIJJFeXd9HV9yLoRAK4FZCs2iZuNXd-6fwF5X0ECo3pehfgg3oKwR2WWJsxHCBqcHSutTsnsDkPTkg9uet02aoo3GeSo2FFtiRn6E8ATi_pwrrodSypn/s320/IMG_9603mu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: In Hillary's Footsteps team at Everest Base Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
This unique trek to Everest Base Camp was led by <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/about-us/our-leaders/peter-hillary" target="_blank">Peter Hillary</a> and <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/about-us/our-leaders/robert-madsanderson" target="_blank">Robert Anderson</a>. Peter is a very accomplished mountaineer and is the son of the late Sir Edmund Hillary. Robert led the first ascent of a new route without oxygen on the Kangshung Face of Everest. Both Peter and Robert have summited Everest twice, walking along the same trail we will be taking. <br />
<br />
Peter’s sons, George and Alexander Hillary, and daughter, Lily Hillary, as well as Robert’s daughter, Phoebe Anderson, joined the trek so it was a real family event. All of the Hillarys and Andersons were involved with the leadership by sharing their personal insights and history of the iconic first ascent of Mount Everest, as the group followed in Sir Edmund’s footsteps to Base Camp. <br />
<br />
We customised our <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/everest-base-camp">Everest Base Camp</a> itinerary to reflect the Hillary legacy, meeting Sherpas and visiting unique places full of climbing and Nepalese history. <br />
<br />
I have copied below a summary of how the trek went from Robert Anderson: <br />
<br />
<i>We were in Gorak Shep at 5,164 meters (16,942 feet) for the evening, with our grand finale, the trek to Everest Base Camp set for dawn the next day. It was snowing, blowing and a few were feeling just a bit of altitude. Two of us went out for tea and needed to battle our way back with headlamps through the blizzard, dodging snow covered Yaks and avoiding the inevitable lurking snow leopard. <br /><br />At sunrise the day was clear, the wind had died, much of the snow had blown away and we rallied - with porridge and omelettes and chapatis inside us we set a brisk pace up the hill under a warming sun. We crested the glacial moraine and headed out onto the ice of Khumbu Icefall. With no less than 4 Hillary family members with us, we definitely had our choice of “In Hillary’s Footsteps” to follow. With 100% of our 18 strong team in attendance, it was a good moment to celebrate. <br /><br />Base Camp was radiant and warm, we raised our ski sticks high, explored the base of the icefall and wandered back through the heart of Base Camp. <br /><br />Our trek had treated us to one unique adventure after another, with plenty of good fortune along the way. From catching the last day of direct flights from Kathmandu-Lukla, to meeting up with long time friends of the Hillarys in Khumjung, to a daily inspirational quote from Sir Ed to move us forward through the days. <br /><br />While our trek had followed much of the classic route, ascending the Kunde Ridge at dawn with Peter Hillary and his kids provided us a rare moment and a perfect start to a day with no other people around, in the shadow of Everest at the Hillary memorials. On the way down from EBC, we skirted Tengboche and went round the mountain on the spectacular and scenic trail to Phortse, sighting Himalayan Thar below us and Lammergeirs flying high above. <br /><br />With a daily talk by Peter or ‘the kids’ we had an ongoing adventure with Hillary and Tenzings first ascent ever at the fore, from letters Ed had written home, to writings from the ‘53 team to words and photos of inspiration, to ponder on our trek to Everest Base Camp. Take a <a href="https://youtu.be/21AlUkTQYLs" target="_blank">look on YouTube</a> for Lily Hillary and Phoebe Anderson’s post dinner talk about their “Mountaineering Dads” when they took the stage in Dingboche to set the record straight.<br /><br />At our final celebratory dinner in Kathmandu, many of us were plotting new challenges, and in the words of one of my favourite Hillary quotes from when Ed first stood atop Everest, ‘looking beyond’ to our own next adventure.</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN2HxyJ6sogFYkNBI0jG2TcvgZPMK96ivigqcKzJCwgqgg4kKk4XJGZeoicMhkedXmQUj4FRrEXnqdzIzxkb30Rj9uxo235Dsobx-nf3miy7zBT26Xm4nAEKaMVh7BnKkXCJTlPULnPuJ/s1600/LeSherpa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="960" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN2HxyJ6sogFYkNBI0jG2TcvgZPMK96ivigqcKzJCwgqgg4kKk4XJGZeoicMhkedXmQUj4FRrEXnqdzIzxkb30Rj9uxo235Dsobx-nf3miy7zBT26Xm4nAEKaMVh7BnKkXCJTlPULnPuJ/s320/LeSherpa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: post trek celebration meal at Le Sherpa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<br />
I have copied below an <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/reviews/1" href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/reviews/1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #99ca3c;">AITO review</span></a> received from one member of this group:<br />
<br />
<em>"Top people who know their business and know the terrain, the challenges, the many details of a long, complicated trip, and are able to adapt to the changing needs of the group and somehow manage to run a successful trip at great odds" </em><br />
<br />To find out more about how roads are impacting Everest region take a look at our Blog article <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/is-there-a-road-to-everest-base-camp">Is there a road to Everest Base Camp?</a> To learn more about how busy this trek and ways of avoiding the crowds take a look at <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/how-busy-is-the-trek-to-everest-base-camp">How Busy is the trek to Everest Base Camp?</a></div><div><br /></div><div>
Thanks very much to all of the guides and congratulations to the whole group and I am delighted that everyone successfully walked to Everest Base Camp.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Trek on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-50450509662289325962019-03-01T12:17:00.004+00:002020-11-27T15:41:56.541+00:00AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2018<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWA7Oo28ysl_xF-nNeljA7EDHwao9KIIuXDpRK5jKF-rTQazSP_0vl5PVUkHKA3Qril7ppxkmsY6pbSvmQ8fOy-D0yZiQGrkFdWbxPmEeTPKpgOIpOeDNUAJJRQ17sE4Ov6TeO9s91bkd0/s1600/20190228_095827.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWA7Oo28ysl_xF-nNeljA7EDHwao9KIIuXDpRK5jKF-rTQazSP_0vl5PVUkHKA3Qril7ppxkmsY6pbSvmQ8fOy-D0yZiQGrkFdWbxPmEeTPKpgOIpOeDNUAJJRQ17sE4Ov6TeO9s91bkd0/s320/20190228_095827.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
We are absolutely delighted to report that we struck Gold by winning <b>AITO Tour Operator of the Year 2018 </b>on Wednesday at the AITO Annual General Meeting held at Royal Over-Seas League in London. We won the Bronze Award in 2015 so it is wonderful to scoop the top prize in 2018!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This means a lot to us as this award is based on our <a href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO Traveller's Reviews</a> received during 2018 and we got more Excellent rated reviews than the other 122 members of AITO. For those of you who do not know of AITO, this stands for <a href="https://www.aito.com/" target="_blank">Association of Independent Tour Operators</a> ("AITO") and is known as The Specialist Travel Association.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We always strive to organise the best holidays and it makes it all worthwhile when we receive positive feedback from happy clients. I would like to thank everyone who travelled with us last year and for those of you who sent in AITO Traveller's reviews. The Mountain Company became a member of AITO in 2014 so we are relatively new to this association however it has been one of the best decisions we made!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNknElsvxt1ntrbBPWkYZYssUJPukiRi6Fu_2zSUYqXPv3cEnvtvBciTIkJ-vDEGGY-ZJSttB8hUY_Vk85g-ZNl3vu1ATFJqEqgO-45-WVUCLZQTPrxxPkU5FOLnceCKmTbJ5R4rFJsf7h/s1600/Gold+award+photo+ABTOT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNknElsvxt1ntrbBPWkYZYssUJPukiRi6Fu_2zSUYqXPv3cEnvtvBciTIkJ-vDEGGY-ZJSttB8hUY_Vk85g-ZNl3vu1ATFJqEqgO-45-WVUCLZQTPrxxPkU5FOLnceCKmTbJ5R4rFJsf7h/s320/Gold+award+photo+ABTOT.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Roland at AITO AGM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div><br /></div><div>
Of course we would like thank everyone involved in our operations both in UK and in our destination countries of Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan and Myanmar for their hard work, dedication and professionalism to provide our clients with unique experiences in the Himalayas and Karakoram mountains.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are certainly not resting on our laurels as we have plans for a number of major improvements to our service in 2019 following the changes we pushed through in 2018 such as uploading all of our treks onto Google Maps (see View Map link in each of our trip webpages such as <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/everest-base-camp" target="_blank">Everest Base Camp</a>). We will continue to develop and expand our portfolio of trips to visit some of the most remote places in the Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy328IJ4VmxSZ-skQLVhzM3ex_fJMMg5uCgsP67DU7I2xeO6THQFncACQG9x_4J7q6OqyHNPX15neTw_dXn0n2gpKr9j4ceZRTn22Kwn2Gh5UJUCQOHehyphenhyphenjl-oSaWxUSsOKJocBGFXwGSc/s1600/Thimphu+AITO.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy328IJ4VmxSZ-skQLVhzM3ex_fJMMg5uCgsP67DU7I2xeO6THQFncACQG9x_4J7q6OqyHNPX15neTw_dXn0n2gpKr9j4ceZRTn22Kwn2Gh5UJUCQOHehyphenhyphenjl-oSaWxUSsOKJocBGFXwGSc/s1600/Thimphu+AITO.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Our pooch, Thimphu, guarding our AITO certificates in the office</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
If you are interested in joining one of our groups in 2019 please get in touch by email, phone at +44 (0) 1647 433880 or come to visit us near Chagford (Devon) in the beautiful Dartmoor National Park.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Trek on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/">www.themountaincompany.co.uk</a></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-82968799975761012852018-12-18T14:30:00.002+00:002018-12-18T14:30:31.322+00:002018 AITO Project PROTECT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nm79RftoszdUr4fwA-3qqn1__-0M_Q-Zv5pz-R14Uxh00TeebC1mMtiicJAfsX6a6PpgMlUxl_GKu0qMdllRFHYA7avAYXgRFMIjsgwhNbwB1X4bdVj6GFyDYK8o3w70DP5yFAga5aFA/s1600/AITO-Project-protect-colour-transparent-tick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nm79RftoszdUr4fwA-3qqn1__-0M_Q-Zv5pz-R14Uxh00TeebC1mMtiicJAfsX6a6PpgMlUxl_GKu0qMdllRFHYA7avAYXgRFMIjsgwhNbwB1X4bdVj6GFyDYK8o3w70DP5yFAga5aFA/s320/AITO-Project-protect-colour-transparent-tick.png" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
Association of Independent Tour Operators’ (AITO) Project PROTECT recognises the important role that destinations play in the future of the travel industry. The aim of this project is to encourage sustainable tourism and to nurture the destinations for tomorrow's travellers. The PROTECT acronym stands for People / Resources / Outreach / Tourism / Environment / Conservation / Tomorrow. This project is led by Professor Xavier Font of the University of Surrey and each AITO member has to publish an annual pledge and report back through a Testimonial at the end of the year on how they got along.<br />
<br />
<b>The Mountain Company's 2018 Pledge </b>is as follows:<br />
<br /><i>"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.” This is part of the Leave No Trace philosophy encouraging people to minimise their environmental impact when exploring the great outdoors. At The Mountain Company we want to go further by picking up rubbish found along the trekking trails and around the campsites. We have received client feedback that rubbish is a big problem and this unsightly mess has detracted from their holiday experience. By picking up litter this activity will make the environment cleaner and will help to maintain the natural beauty of the Himalaya and Karakoram mountains.<br /><br />In 2018, we will ask each trekker booked onto a trip with us to pick up one kilogram of rubbish. During 2018 we will have approximately 200 trekkers travelling with one of our groups in Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and India and we will therefore pick up at least 200kg of litter."</i><br /><br /><b>The Mountain Company's 2018 Testimonial</b> sent to AITO Project Protect reporting on how we got along with our Pledge is as follows:<br /><br /><i>"In 2018 the Mountain Company’s groups removed 320kg (average 1.6kg per person) of rubbish from the Himalaya. We have also incorporated rubbish collection and disposal into our standard operating procedures for our destinations of Nepal and Bhutan.<br /><br />In 2018 we decided to build upon our 2017 pledge by collecting more rubbish from the trekking trails and campsites of the Himalayan countries. Our groups removed 320kg of rubbish from the Himalaya and this works out at an average of 1.6kg per person booked onto trips with us in 2018. We have also looked into better methods of extracting our own rubbish from the mountains and this year for our Lunana Snowman trek in Bhutan we used ponies to pack out 65kg of our waste to the road head. <br /><br />We also wanted to reinforce the importance of rubbish collection and disposal to our trek guides and crews by incorporating this approach into our operating procedures so this will be standard practice for The Mountain Company groups in future years. I have noticed a change in attitude to rubbish collection among our trek crew from guides through to porters. The trek crew have picked up a large proportion of the rubbish collected this year and have set a great example to our trekkers. Our guides and cooks have frequently walked around the campsites to collect the rubbish scattered around and discard along with the waste generated by our group.<br /><br />The feedback from most of our groups during debrief meetings in Kathmandu has been very positive and they enjoy being part of this project to help keep the mountains clean. Here is an extract from one of our AITO reviews: “Great! Five-stars! The Mountain Company is an amazing tour operator. Environmental friendly by participating in cleaning up the trails and promote environmental friendly practices.” by SnoMo, 5 Dec 2018<br /><br />Over the last two years we have been pleased to notice an improvement in the environment on the Himalayan treks. We also seen more focus and attention on this issue from organisations based in these countries such as the Bhutan Tourism Council and the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee in Everest region of Nepal having both organised clean up expeditions. However with increasing numbers of visitors to these remote places there is still much to be done to improve the environment."</i><br /><br /><br />
<div style="mso-element: comment-list;">
<div style="mso-element: comment;">
<div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_2" language="JavaScript">
<!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></div>
<!--[endif]--></div>
</div>
Thanks for everyone's help and support with our AITO Project Protect in 2018 and 2017.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/">www.themountaincompany.co.uk</a></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-32252377875916537022018-11-26T17:44:00.004+00:002020-11-30T14:49:24.406+00:00Trip report for Kanchenjunga Circuit in Nepal led by Natalie Wilson (UK) and Raj Tamang (Nepal) in late October 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4QVv-yjO6Cb8qtFthbAvAA9VxgQ0EnjsTlQJEdl-uvFjhiGFE_-Un2VktKgGpuIC8MjpuNZGdF4sOELDn5RriHTXIwh1ta6hvHAYju3PgHfYI69rBtbU5VwCVas8CEVBdgb7Blp02FdZ/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4QVv-yjO6Cb8qtFthbAvAA9VxgQ0EnjsTlQJEdl-uvFjhiGFE_-Un2VktKgGpuIC8MjpuNZGdF4sOELDn5RriHTXIwh1ta6hvHAYju3PgHfYI69rBtbU5VwCVas8CEVBdgb7Blp02FdZ/s320/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Natalie with assistant guides Bal and Sagar (credit: Natalie Wilson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In late October 2018, The Mountain Company (UK) organised our ninth trek around <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/kanchenjunga-circuit" target="_blank">Kanchenjunga Circuit</a> trek in eastern Nepal.<br />
<br />
This group was led by Natalie Wilson (UK) and this was her fourth time leading this classic trek around the world’s third highest mountain. The Nepali sirdar for this group was Raj Tamang from Taplejung, he also worked as sirdar for our April 2018 trek around Kanchenjunga Circuit. The assistant guides were Bal, Jon and Sagar. The cook was Sangram Lama who has worked with us for many years and always produces high quality and tasty food for our groups.<br />
<br />
For our late October 2018 Kanchenjunga Circuit group we had ten trekkers coming from UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gT7AJP9PQHmgrAkk-wza1TUlEpsMZga3OfmBHQMCaoPFxjavW6Sf01xlRUgOg6CoVYek3LkIbOjeRW68gnJjNhY4vzbjp16WhMOMGja7RvKYpgmktyjoA5OOYbOIgJAdCK4NEK0AjB57/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gT7AJP9PQHmgrAkk-wza1TUlEpsMZga3OfmBHQMCaoPFxjavW6Sf01xlRUgOg6CoVYek3LkIbOjeRW68gnJjNhY4vzbjp16WhMOMGja7RvKYpgmktyjoA5OOYbOIgJAdCK4NEK0AjB57/s320/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Kanchenjunga northside (credit: Natalie Wilson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWu_wLKDxqLxLi-vX55pmaJk_vNM8T77B3bicQVXTUTfLybScY7N706IRvnJYSQrvJoGkeb3NSnHHEZevbbK4o64_YjyGd39vjEWWw5fJlH_r0AJMhZgvZ7n7uMhQftjEIGg5XvAfF-GyU/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWu_wLKDxqLxLi-vX55pmaJk_vNM8T77B3bicQVXTUTfLybScY7N706IRvnJYSQrvJoGkeb3NSnHHEZevbbK4o64_YjyGd39vjEWWw5fJlH_r0AJMhZgvZ7n7uMhQftjEIGg5XvAfF-GyU/s320/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Mount Jannu (credit: Natalie Wilson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Natalie has summarised her experience leading this trek as follows: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
<i>“The trip was really successful - most of the group made it to either Pang Pema, Oktang or both base camps and we experienced excellent weather throughout - no rain, light winds and a lovely sprinkling of snow overnight at Selele before the three passes. The food was excellent, the crew organised, hard working and friendly and the group got on really well together. People loved the variety of terrain we passed through - from quiet villages, cardamon plantations through to the high ground with it’s cold nights, stark rock and snow capped mountains. We saw eagles, blue sheep and other wildlife. <br /><br />The food was excellent and varied. Sangram and crew did a fantastic job and the group were very impressed. Many of the group commented that they hadn’t expected such stunning scenery all the way and they were impressed with all the crew and how the logistics of the trip work."</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUqOWJFS5kko6nSdLh66pqKhBREYP9hS75wnQx9C1wxL2nJqDBodTRmalGHDSQjk6Z2xuy6MkexmPgTrBvSFBR1qTfqnYiHOFIkaskmkKhbi29Dt0peQhaXFDg1MzfccM0X5FmJmIIGb-/s1600/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUqOWJFS5kko6nSdLh66pqKhBREYP9hS75wnQx9C1wxL2nJqDBodTRmalGHDSQjk6Z2xuy6MkexmPgTrBvSFBR1qTfqnYiHOFIkaskmkKhbi29Dt0peQhaXFDg1MzfccM0X5FmJmIIGb-/s320/Photo+from+Roland+HUNTER+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Oktang with view of south side of Kanchenjunga (credit: Natalie Wilson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
Throughout the course of Kanchenjunga Circuit trek we received bespoke weather forecasts from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://www.everestweather.com/">www.everestweather.com</a> and this information was sent through to Nat on her satellite phone for days before approaching Kanchenjunga northside Base Camp and before crossing the Mirgin La. Having professional weather forecasts is essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field. </div>
<div>
<br />
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and this year we have started using Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fk3YRTtL7bVKPC-ZaldBOp3GZGN6CSkc&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for our late October 2018 Kanchenjunga Circuit trek </a><br />
<br />
I have copied below feedback received from one member of Kanchenjunga Circuit November 2018 group now published on AITO review site:<br />
<br />
<i>"A long three week trek in a remote part of Nepal visiting Kanchenjunga North and South base camps. A very well organised camping trek with the group supported by a hard working team of guides, cooking staff and porters. A mix of climates from temperate forests to cold high altitude tundra surrounding Himalayan mountains. Spectacular scenery. A special place. The Mountain Company is a well organised and highly professional tour operator specialising in trekking holidays in the Himalayas. They pay special attention to ensure the safety and welfare of the trekkers. Highly recommended."</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
You can read all of our <a href="https://www.aito.com/nepal/kanchenjunga-circuit-in-nepal/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO reviews received over the years for Kanchenjunga Circuit</a><br />
<br />
Thanks very much to Natalie and Raj and the rest of the team for their hard work leading and organising this <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/nepal/nepal-trekking">trek in Nepal</a>. <br />
<br />
Our next departure for Kanchenjunga Circuit is in April 2019 and followed by late October 2019. There is currently availability if you are interested in joining this group, please get in touch with us soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-54901373641917080552018-11-23T13:32:00.002+00:002020-11-27T15:43:10.488+00:00Trip report for Lunana Snowman in Bhutan led by Almas Khan in September/ October 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqj_cvsRseAz4E7XAStCuLJta50BA5pLBX5MqmZR3r03AhxunqklFQfePo4rUNZkPKFBAmFasbtHEq7QgjpvAHH3PKzBEcdQEz-BvrVsN2Gkea01GMos3AH862SSAKB4NvOPtla1oc2h-/s1600/DSC01752.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqj_cvsRseAz4E7XAStCuLJta50BA5pLBX5MqmZR3r03AhxunqklFQfePo4rUNZkPKFBAmFasbtHEq7QgjpvAHH3PKzBEcdQEz-BvrVsN2Gkea01GMos3AH862SSAKB4NvOPtla1oc2h-/s1600/DSC01752.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Gophu La pass on exit from Lunana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
This is the tenth time The Mountain Company has organised the <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/lunana-snowman" target="_blank">Complete Lunana Snowman</a> trek in Bhutan. Our Snowman 2018 group successfully made the full traverse from Paro through Lunana out to Bumthang. The Mountain Company has 100% track record of organising this challenging 28 day trek through the remote Bhutanese Himalaya.<br />
<br />
This year we had eleven trekkers signed up for Lunana Snowman and like in previous years this group was an international mix with people coming from UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands. <br />
<br />
For 2018 Snowman our international leader, Almas Khan, worked with our regular Bhutanese guides Tashi and Tsering Dorje. Nawang worked as our third guide and he has learnt a lot from working with our regular crew so we hope to work with him again on Snowman next year. <br />
<br />
The cook, Tandim Sonam, and his kitchen helpers did a superb job and we have received positive feedback from the group on the quality and quantity of food. We have worked hard over last few years increasing the food provisions for Snowman. In Summer 2017 we imported a food dehydrator machine from USA into Bhutan and this has help increase the quantity of vegetables supplied whilst on a long and remote trek like the Snowman trek. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqQ33xotq534PE3E3p_A370qTzqJpSIJri478vaJ0qnNABOVAPz-CyDogyNsdY_k38yg89mH-YYDRpFZrneNFKfRWUisWYNN0Dc2NxRD2LyidcdbyNi-CBU6tNl94Vq9YJiqtCnTRuTiZ/s1600/DSC01596.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqQ33xotq534PE3E3p_A370qTzqJpSIJri478vaJ0qnNABOVAPz-CyDogyNsdY_k38yg89mH-YYDRpFZrneNFKfRWUisWYNN0Dc2NxRD2LyidcdbyNi-CBU6tNl94Vq9YJiqtCnTRuTiZ/s1600/DSC01596.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: view from Karchung La on entry to Lunana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
Almas summarises how Snowman 2019 went from his perspective as the leader of the group: <br />
<br />
<i>“This was another fantastic Lunana Snowman trek. Overall the trip went well, with all of the group completing the complete journey in good health. All loved the food on the trek catered for by cook Tandim Sonam. After we reached Lingshi till Narethang we experienced some cloudy days which limited our views but we were fortunate to experience overall much less precipitation this year. The day crossing Karchung La we had sterling clear views and this continued for the rest of the trip out to Bumthang. Overall the weather was very good compared to my previous nine Snowman treks. The Bhutanese staff did a super job and the training is paying off. Having the opportunity to work with the same crew on all of my Snowman treks has made it possible to bring about positive change to the service we offer to our clients on trek in Bhutan.” </i><br />
<br />
As Almas says overall the weather and conditions for Snowman 2018 were favourable. The timing of this trek is very important in order to increase the chances of successfully completing the full traverse from Paro to Bumthang. From organising Snowman trek ten times since 2008 we have developed a good understanding for the optimal time to start the trek. By the last week of September the monsoon should be winding down and this places the group in Lunana around mid-October hopefully before the winter snows block the exit passes out to Bumthang.<br />
<br />
Throughout our Lunana Snowman trek we receive bespoke weather forecasts from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://everestweather.com/">everestweather.com</a> and this information is sent through to Almas on his satellite phone. Having professional weather forecasts is essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://everestweather.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="750" height="39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpyw0O5wBK6C4vjYmnoAjFa4nB4Thm05QQuXdLxlHly0nPEucCZ2RJueq_x1_EyiEL8fqGo8uaiY-D_Uz7V5O5nMblxEkAcMQTnl8HtisADxNkiaV9D_txEjmfyNDYRGvmskzF-p7iL6u/s320/EverestWeather.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and this year we have started using Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1DnkXlxNdWJintzPnoW1NXQ_66LHIxoWR&ll=27.6974994093487%2C90.02426014999992&z=10" target="_blank">Google Maps for our Lunana Snowman 2018 trek</a> .<br />
<br />
We made one change to the logistics for this year’s Snowman trek by changing our horses at Laya whereas last year we took horses from Paro all the way through to Bumthang. Almas told me that the horsemen from Laya have strong, healthy horses and in the years we took horses from Laya all the way we noticed the horses got tired by the end of the trek. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIz-cuxEW_QGENiP44UP2IJR5v6SK94cGlEEdOnqmnei0bk5gV6mIRmpKnRIsPESWkdLuiYG6QZpTAF9DiF2LoRgAW3zVB8rwchCQrlPeDU-kRBnO6TqU4yeyO_NBjevTTd-PDJ8Y9DAH/s1600/P1020699.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIz-cuxEW_QGENiP44UP2IJR5v6SK94cGlEEdOnqmnei0bk5gV6mIRmpKnRIsPESWkdLuiYG6QZpTAF9DiF2LoRgAW3zVB8rwchCQrlPeDU-kRBnO6TqU4yeyO_NBjevTTd-PDJ8Y9DAH/s1600/P1020699.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: view from Kesha La</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have copied below feedback received from one member of Snowman 2018 group now published on AITO review site:<br />
<br />
<i>“Well organised with great attention to detail, pre, during and post trek. The crew were top notch. A month of trekking in remote parts - no one got sick or injured, everyone completed the trek. The Mountain Company were efficient and thorough, operating with integrity and responsibility.” </i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can read all of our <a href="https://www.aito.com/bhutan/lunana-snowman-in-bhutan/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO reviews received over the years for Lunana Snowman</a><br />
<br />
Many thanks to Almas, Tsering Dorje, Tashi, Nawang, Tandim Sonam and rest of the crew for all of their hard work organising and leading another successful Snowman trek.<br />
<br />
We have now launched the dates and prices for Lunana Snowman 2019 on TMC website and this departure is now already guaranteed to run. Please get in touch with us soon if you like to join our Snowman 2019 group.<br />
<br />
Trek on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b></div>
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-38078377221800692502018-11-22T13:45:00.005+00:002020-11-27T15:43:51.582+00:00Trip report for Saribung Expedition Recce led by Jo Clark and Galden Sherpa in October 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_31ruLjoP-w2UFR3Iypk2wHhfM37DQQC2WP0cHW4HSFuCrJZMezIkZ0Im66-9Rq6pmapxUczTymkg17RWyBTSsaeFyWV0EZHHAhLqklc3b8SqHKWSS_6FGu5jnJt222tf0fZ_WQlDboxL/s1600/IMG_8894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_31ruLjoP-w2UFR3Iypk2wHhfM37DQQC2WP0cHW4HSFuCrJZMezIkZ0Im66-9Rq6pmapxUczTymkg17RWyBTSsaeFyWV0EZHHAhLqklc3b8SqHKWSS_6FGu5jnJt222tf0fZ_WQlDboxL/s320/IMG_8894.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saribung Peak (6328m)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
After leading the <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/naar-to-upper-mustang-ght" target="_blank">Naar to Upper Mustang trek</a> in October 2018 I left the group in Lo Mantang and turned back, towards Saribung Pass and down to the village of Phu. Galden Sherpa and I were going out to check the trails and best camping locations with a small support crew. Most companies run this trek starting from Lo Mantang over to Phu. We wanted to see if it is possible to acclimatise better doing this expedition in the opposite direction by crossing the pass from the Phu side and finishing in Lo Mantang.<br />
<br />
One reason for wanting to run the trip from the Phu side is that assuming we could find good campsites in gradually ascending locations, it allows for a slow ascent with a rapid, safe exit if necessary. Whereas approaching Saribung from Lo Mantang entails crossing three passes of around 5,000m early in the trek. This means ascending too high, too fast with risk of altitude sickness for both group and crew. If there is bad weather it raises the risk of not even getting near Saribung if the passes are blocked with snow.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGQsXZ2UoIog3LbhvhuGOaun4Mgl31ECRBLd2hJEd5q3DuP8Jv8-oOncqknNzdvTDD01_-GKSGS3Ypl6Mdp6AN8-UPRDEdP10yynRLBRKexu7DYcYiFxwGcquGjr3Hv3Brs-e-LBa5H4O/s1600/IMG_8957.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGQsXZ2UoIog3LbhvhuGOaun4Mgl31ECRBLd2hJEd5q3DuP8Jv8-oOncqknNzdvTDD01_-GKSGS3Ypl6Mdp6AN8-UPRDEdP10yynRLBRKexu7DYcYiFxwGcquGjr3Hv3Brs-e-LBa5H4O/s320/IMG_8957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley of Phu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_81TYmHajQZZu1dQwRZyQ0VUPPBIClgvQeF5wNxrTIzKmXfB1vZabL9ebLK3X7SXI7mI-DTcTDqDBKQnSo8sTT1iQu_k9xYxu9aAf_IINQEwgWvQBXy4oEJMa7xURNW3MHpDeLKfUYT7E/s1600/fullsizeoutput_29c3.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_81TYmHajQZZu1dQwRZyQ0VUPPBIClgvQeF5wNxrTIzKmXfB1vZabL9ebLK3X7SXI7mI-DTcTDqDBKQnSo8sTT1iQu_k9xYxu9aAf_IINQEwgWvQBXy4oEJMa7xURNW3MHpDeLKfUYT7E/s320/fullsizeoutput_29c3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village of Phu</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Another reason for looking at this option is to be able to spend time in the beautiful Valley of Phu. While Naar and Phu have become more popular and teahouses are being built to accommodate this, very few trekkers explore the valley north of Phu. Most of those that walk these trails are heading down the valley having already crossed Saribung pass and therefore spend little time in the area.<br />
<br />
Our first day from Lo Mantang took us back to Yara Gaon - a trail we know from the Naar to Upper Mustang trek. After that we were in new territory. The three passes to cross between Saribung La and Yara take you away from the Upper Mustang region with its colourful arid terrain in varying formations and towards the high plateaus. The views from the three passes (4,950m, 5,300m and 5,400m) are as varied as the land you are trekking through, with Upper Mustang stretching out below, the majestic Dhaulagiri, the Tibetan plateau and the peaks of Damodar Himal.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0aIIrNmuggJ5YgGZ7TxWjyAQLz15sAe59GOaq9szbJ-0gcdInb5n9Z7xLuI94LujqBtJG8HoY76ZdhiDeNhcL0nP5dzyAmCnSPJcRN0cAVmdqchYPCbwZ4Xrpl-ONzO94VaY0ep2OiMG/s1600/fullsizeoutput_29a8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1535" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0aIIrNmuggJ5YgGZ7TxWjyAQLz15sAe59GOaq9szbJ-0gcdInb5n9Z7xLuI94LujqBtJG8HoY76ZdhiDeNhcL0nP5dzyAmCnSPJcRN0cAVmdqchYPCbwZ4Xrpl-ONzO94VaY0ep2OiMG/s320/fullsizeoutput_29a8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghuma Thanti with Upper Mustang in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa4o1Mwy1qbxwdJf9MB4yCoA6ymn4riTgN__JN7-lvsvTDjNO6VFuWNpRtu0N-NLoOb8Q73WKpNRoglG63Zjz1x59gDexlBkM1BR7aLaXeu9OFbHfZu8jJzXNjgZgFNPv2WvNUqnuTTQ8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_29aa.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa4o1Mwy1qbxwdJf9MB4yCoA6ymn4riTgN__JN7-lvsvTDjNO6VFuWNpRtu0N-NLoOb8Q73WKpNRoglG63Zjz1x59gDexlBkM1BR7aLaXeu9OFbHfZu8jJzXNjgZgFNPv2WvNUqnuTTQ8/s320/fullsizeoutput_29aa.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking the plateau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj9OjZvljejgA62YdZ_RplBjwpPU2IXioxoAihj-kiRPcG5HGP4b8k4KshlqUCyR2oZGPoYrAOIECa2j4ghMnarTI5Mwi-Sle_bV50PL7ASKdjr8V3k80Th5UJbZxb6pmR35-gmFQA_MH/s1600/fullsizeoutput_29b2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj9OjZvljejgA62YdZ_RplBjwpPU2IXioxoAihj-kiRPcG5HGP4b8k4KshlqUCyR2oZGPoYrAOIECa2j4ghMnarTI5Mwi-Sle_bV50PL7ASKdjr8V3k80Th5UJbZxb6pmR35-gmFQA_MH/s400/fullsizeoutput_29b2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhaulagiri from Kyumu Pass (5300m)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
The trail over these passes is very clear and regularly repaired and improved because it is highly frequented by Hindu Pilgrims in order to reach Damodar Kunda. It is popular to carry out the Pilgrimage to this holy lake close to the Nepal Tibet border in August and Lord Krishna has said that he who pays a visit to and takes a deep-bath will be free from all sin.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beyond this we find the glacier and the pass. There is significant glacial moraine to walk across - more on the Phu side than the Mustang side. For this reason and in order to acclimatise safely, I identified a number of camping options on the glacier. We will camp at three locations on the glacier - Bhrikuti Base Camp (5,070m) which is right at the beginning of moraine, Moraine Camp (5,339m) which is part way up - there are a number of locations which have been flattened out and are suitable for camping here and finally Saribung High Camp (5,684m) which will put us in position to cross the pass safely. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the Mustang side the section of moraine is shorter and we have decided to descend to Japanese base </span>camp after crossing the pass.<br />
<br />
We have the exact locations of these camps as throughout the recce, I was sending regular GPS checkins back to Roland from the satellite phone. He uploaded each location I sent him onto <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FfE-ek6TZ1nUpe4SjqCHF-jHEloNFifG&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps set up for Saribung Expedition</a> and we used these waypoints to help finalise our itinerary decisions.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpqqVLa_Bh42j4hhyiQItU53xuplXBhkVsCp2p-3gvky8RFOc7JRxLy1oD7mFGbyya15HjQ4liyEKc6BCd65NRvUfD9eNJPNUndC2rkJWw-7TsM1f1hc-pckhMVVILqmcnK6nf8Cg5tzl/s1600/fullsizeoutput_29bc.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpqqVLa_Bh42j4hhyiQItU53xuplXBhkVsCp2p-3gvky8RFOc7JRxLy1oD7mFGbyya15HjQ4liyEKc6BCd65NRvUfD9eNJPNUndC2rkJWw-7TsM1f1hc-pckhMVVILqmcnK6nf8Cg5tzl/s320/fullsizeoutput_29bc.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_1OQbV3WX_6mTqD3WWGvWHaO9SLfsILQKzPGnaSUao4D72XmiRhbWBVwS4IbZznrblJy1xK1QUP-5n-7w1C-EuovI2z84CZPUyn2Dp7hWE3cIWQbx9oab6xr-gaeYy9YIaDmqttrwzor/s1600/IMG_8872.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_1OQbV3WX_6mTqD3WWGvWHaO9SLfsILQKzPGnaSUao4D72XmiRhbWBVwS4IbZznrblJy1xK1QUP-5n-7w1C-EuovI2z84CZPUyn2Dp7hWE3cIWQbx9oab6xr-gaeYy9YIaDmqttrwzor/s320/IMG_8872.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacial moraine - looking towards Japanese Base Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The pass itself is crevassed and all of the crew and I went over with crampons and fully roped up. A lot of the crew are unfamiliar with these techniques and we will work with them lower down the valley to ensure </span>everyone<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is safe and confident in the crevassed areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On this recce, after crossing the pass we descended to </span>Bhrikuti Base Camp which is a long way down. From here I wanted to explore a small pass that looked like it could easily take us over to the next valley and Pokharkang Base Camp. The pass was easy to cross and the valley leading to Pokharkang Base Camp is beautiful and very peaceful.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMVuBBwwK-YpLMicZ7jLJ17g6lQS1Un00Cpi8CR8s3iY2-_B2o5lKjPwV8ag1p-iJrJtJqXc2X1HT4XjJTIESBXmYlw6og-2l9DD1eDcVi3GGCNoQpwu1HXRxTH6JHa4Hs7GrN3YqR7DM/s1600/9d63f994-431e-4421-b511-f2600b9a93a7.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMVuBBwwK-YpLMicZ7jLJ17g6lQS1Un00Cpi8CR8s3iY2-_B2o5lKjPwV8ag1p-iJrJtJqXc2X1HT4XjJTIESBXmYlw6og-2l9DD1eDcVi3GGCNoQpwu1HXRxTH6JHa4Hs7GrN3YqR7DM/s320/9d63f994-431e-4421-b511-f2600b9a93a7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pokharkang Base Camp from the pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
In this quiet rarely visited valley we saw big herd of blue sheep and not much else. It is a great place to acclimatise with good options for higher walks. In order to make the jump from Nagoru (4,442m) to Pkharkang Base Camp (5,030m) more safely, I found a spot part way up the valley which had obviously been used for camping before. This camp, which we have called Pokharkang low camp is at 4,840m and will give us the gradual ascent we want towards the pass.<br />
<br />
From here, Galden and I joined back with the main trail just above Nagoru. This abandoned village has plenty of large flat areas and is a beautiful camping spot. If you look carefully there are caves above the village and we saw a herd of over twenty blue sheep grazing on the hill above the village. Despite being uninhabited, this remains the first village until Yara on the other side and it feels like civilisation.<br />
<br />
Between Nagoru and Meta there are a few village like this and we will stay at Kyang on the way up to Phu as part of our acclimatisation process. As Kyang is down the valley from Phu, there are a number of trekkers wanting to stay and although the village is abandoned, teahouses are slowly being built.<br />
<br />
Finally, many people come to this Valley just to visit Phu and it is worth a visit in itself. The medieval Tibetan village is perched on the hillside with narrow alleys twisting and winding between houses which were built closely together. I am looking forward to spending an acclimatisation day here when I return in the Spring as I didn't have time to visit the Tashi La Kong Gompa or do any of the numerous acclimatisation walks possible.<br />
<br />
We are running small recce for up to six clients in the Spring 2019. Here is more information and a full itinerary which has been put together based on this recce.<br />
<br />
<b>Jo Clark</b><br />
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-56054516953035215292018-11-10T16:48:00.006+00:002020-11-30T14:50:01.759+00:00Trip report for Naar to Upper Mustang GHT trek led by Jo Clark and Gopal Tamang in October 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7duNgNkXz57ZEX9JUqXYlK0RCNzpC4pp6afjUtc4GvVrHQuDndg2ie0p5iHAo2Hf3XZwJHYlrFQlgS_5Ba_gWLLs0IlahFeFZuAUt69W2Y15yhHaV5uCqUjuraO0hkyhtCBvsR_39lTy/s1600/IMG_8559med.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7duNgNkXz57ZEX9JUqXYlK0RCNzpC4pp6afjUtc4GvVrHQuDndg2ie0p5iHAo2Hf3XZwJHYlrFQlgS_5Ba_gWLLs0IlahFeFZuAUt69W2Y15yhHaV5uCqUjuraO0hkyhtCBvsR_39lTy/s1600/IMG_8559med.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Approach to Teri La pass (credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In October, we organised our third <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/naar-to-upper-mustang-ght" target="_blank">Naar to Upper Mustang GHT trek</a> in Nepal. This trek was led by Jo Clark and Gopal Tamang with assistant guides Galden Sherpa and Jon Lama. Gopal was also the Sirdar for our November 2015 and 2017 Naar to Upper Mustang GHT treks so he has now developed good knowledge of this trek. The cook was Suk Bahadur Rai known for his excellent trek food, including freshly baked pastries.<br />
<br />
Jo has summarised her experience of leading this <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/nepal/nepal-trekking">trek in Nepal</a> as follows:<br />
<br />
<i> “The weather was characterised by beautiful sunny clear mornings and windy afternoons with some cloud. Overall it was perfect to enable us to reach our objective of reaching Lo Mantang via the Teri La. As the group mentioned a number of times, it’s the trek that keeps on giving. Each time we finished one section of the trek, there was always a new surprise around the corner. <br /><br />First, we were lucky enough to see a few days of the Annapurna circuit with the colour and the crowds and then we made our way towards the Naar-Phu valley which is quiet and undeveloped in comparison. Naar was a surprise and a delight as we caught the last few days of the barley splitting week where the entire village was out beating barley to separate the grain from the husk in a rhythmic fashion from before dawn until dusk.<br /><br />Above Naar trail became even quieter and the deep valleys began to open up, preparing us for a perfect pass day with clear views and warm weather. And just as the group began to think they had seen everything they came for, the views changed at every turn as the breathtaking scenery of arid lands and white capped mountains changed as we walked through each valley.. <br /><br />Finally the descent into LoMantang was as surprising as ever with the outskirts a modern collection of tea houses and the magnificent walled city hidden over the ridge before heading back down towards Jomson and the flight to Kathmandu and home.” </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu8d8SEnE9wvIvIm0Wkrckjz2i7dsZn3Hd8j6WkFlaUKpM-K2xaieU-kJe893UK1tIpHA2a0UAbwRDB5S_L90KG4aoBQXa4RsApwLebhtoc4zpXLcHYq9uHfnFmMR5Qrt9Ntu5TO772xM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_299b.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu8d8SEnE9wvIvIm0Wkrckjz2i7dsZn3Hd8j6WkFlaUKpM-K2xaieU-kJe893UK1tIpHA2a0UAbwRDB5S_L90KG4aoBQXa4RsApwLebhtoc4zpXLcHYq9uHfnFmMR5Qrt9Ntu5TO772xM/s320/fullsizeoutput_299b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo: Views from the Teri La (Credit: Jo Clark)</span></div>
<i></i><br />
Jo took video during this trek, she has edited and uploaded to The Mountain Company's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XPPMv9rhWs" target="_blank">Channel on YouTube</a> or click on the YouTube panel below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2XPPMv9rhWs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2XPPMv9rhWs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
You can view Jo's video of beating barley in Naar village on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud225lV7ij8" target="_blank">The Mountain Company's channel on YouTube</a>. Every year in the Autumn the villagers spend a few days beating the barley ready for winter in Naar village. They start before dawn when the barley is frozen as it separates more easily, and work through until dusk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ud225lV7ij8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ud225lV7ij8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
One of the trekkers in Jo's group has sent in an AITO review and I have copied below:<br />
<br />
<i>“This camping trek is a stunning trek through the different landscapes of Nepal. It really is a trek that keeps on giving. Many treks can lose interest after the high pass crossing however with this trek the interest stayed right until the final day walking - significant scenery and cultural changes every few days: deep river gorges, then glacial valleys, the wind eroded and arid landscapes of Mustang, then views of big mountains, and the rolling plains of the plateau. </i><br />
<i>We have travelled on a number of occasions with the Mountain Company and even as they have grown the personal level of service and the attention to detail has been maintained.” </i><br />
<br />
You can read our <a href="https://www.aito.com/nepal/naar-to-upper-mustang-ght-nepal/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO reviews for Naar to Upper Mustang GHT</a><br />
<br />
During this expedition I was based in Kathmandu and one of my jobs to support our groups in the field is to check weather forecasts on a daily basis and then send through to Jo’s satellite phone to keep her updated. We also get a paid weather forecast from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://everestweather.com/" target="_blank">everestweather.com</a> received for this trek on October 12th when the group was in Naar village and several days before crossing Teri La pass. Having professional weather forecasts are essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxZBUaU0DEQ-pfygyR9mh6B_JgZ3NxUWdVX1jPUbQpcc2qwgVSdOzcC9ATcZjLceBG8rMRRsLvvnZ_sAHAk8XcTyH7-V0wItylgfwcbPBiWix5-G3iArsFtXEQxIeSX-1YjiKW4h3xnuX/s1600/IMG_3986med.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxZBUaU0DEQ-pfygyR9mh6B_JgZ3NxUWdVX1jPUbQpcc2qwgVSdOzcC9ATcZjLceBG8rMRRsLvvnZ_sAHAk8XcTyH7-V0wItylgfwcbPBiWix5-G3iArsFtXEQxIeSX-1YjiKW4h3xnuX/s1600/IMG_3986med.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Jo Clark on the plateau in Upper Mustang</span></div>
<br />
We have made several improvements with our Naar to Upper Mustang GHT itinerary for 2019. After the pass we have added an extra day as Tangga to Yara Gaon is a long day for both group and porters so we now walk from Tangga to Dhey and then next day to Yara Gaon. Also the feedback received from the group was that they would have preferred not to have a full day in Lo Manthang as after seeing the beautiful villages of Naar, Tangga and Yara Gaon they felt that an afternoon exploring Lo Manthang was sufficient, especially now there are new concrete hotels being constructed here. The descent from Lo Manthang to Jomsom now takes two days as we walk from Lo Manthang to Ghemi on a lovely trail, and from there, on the second day, we take the jeep down to Jomsom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fNMn0clnkuitGGDdjXNeS-UEaltbnn0MkeJmIArE_6GeH6hodLDX8WCs1QcwvzxkA0cfk1QwRXwGoHW3_56qAsy_Y3p28VITjB8yP7bnAbH31YetcAQhg_4sFv-ztNtH6TvY2bSVkuYZ/s1600/IMG_8643med.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fNMn0clnkuitGGDdjXNeS-UEaltbnn0MkeJmIArE_6GeH6hodLDX8WCs1QcwvzxkA0cfk1QwRXwGoHW3_56qAsy_Y3p28VITjB8yP7bnAbH31YetcAQhg_4sFv-ztNtH6TvY2bSVkuYZ/s1600/IMG_8643med.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Upper Mustang (Credit: Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We track all of our groups in the field with GPS check ins from Thuraya satellite phone and this year we have started using Google Maps in real time so friends and families can follow their progress - you can see the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1U0kxMFmZAf0sBWRHlcTHyTaxYHfMnx0C&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for our October 2018 Naar to Upper Mustang GHT trek</a><br />
<br />
As planned the group flew back from Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu on October 26th. In the evening we all went for a meal at KToo steakhouse and I enjoyed hearing all about the trek and the group’s feedback. <br />
<br />
Thanks very much to Jo, Gopal and the rest of the team for their hard work leading this trek. The group have all given very positive feedback on the food so well done to Suk!<br />
<br />
The Mountain Company plans to organise our next Naar to Upper Mustang GHT treks in May and October 2019, please get in touch soon if you like to join these groups.<br />
<br />
Trek on!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-90789582822216159302018-09-26T08:35:00.005+01:002020-11-27T07:09:47.876+00:00#myTMCbuff now available to purchase!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuR9y3eJbXaLtUYf3-xU0BuC0DYFvEGA-XYkEZCmq82ZoQMpTadpi3gDlSMTdjMh3cFQT-_naQEf9m75MsaWAIy4RCgr3dC9G03MS1xxKN6p7Pfyjt4ySUiPfPmwORZW08rcQRCUJcmjk/s1600/20180823_111812+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuR9y3eJbXaLtUYf3-xU0BuC0DYFvEGA-XYkEZCmq82ZoQMpTadpi3gDlSMTdjMh3cFQT-_naQEf9m75MsaWAIy4RCgr3dC9G03MS1xxKN6p7Pfyjt4ySUiPfPmwORZW08rcQRCUJcmjk/s1600/20180823_111812+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: #myTMCBuff (credit: The Mountain Company)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
Who doesn’t need a brightly colored Buff - to keep your head warm, shelter you from the sun or just to look cool? We worked directly with <a href="https://www.buff.com/" target="_blank">Buff</a> to create a Prayer Flag inspired design, fine tuned in Spain and had them blessed at a Buddhist religious ceremony called a Puja while in Nepal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpmmTqWSOnn-bBdfPhfuKyukvGfWoXDClPMmwHwACTVBfc-tIOzjCCyK26qyfmBY5NJrdOaKjqHutzs2M_BDcAl8RQqYeYnP6pVEm-I_hKzWEl-uR26nXIg8UkFr1DoBMsJ5FDbWKwwyM/s1600/DSC06364.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpmmTqWSOnn-bBdfPhfuKyukvGfWoXDClPMmwHwACTVBfc-tIOzjCCyK26qyfmBY5NJrdOaKjqHutzs2M_BDcAl8RQqYeYnP6pVEm-I_hKzWEl-uR26nXIg8UkFr1DoBMsJ5FDbWKwwyM/s1600/DSC06364.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Puja ceremony to bless #myTMCBuff (Credit: Robert Mads Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
Now these are available for sale (£20 or US$30) with all proceeds to benefit the The Mountain Company's social fund for use as a hardship fund for our guides and local Nepal charity organisations that are most in need. </div>
<div>
<br />
If you are coming out to Nepal on one of our treks this Autumn/ Fall season then you can purchase #myTMCBuff from one of our team at your briefing and debriefing meetings in Kathmandu. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are not coming to Nepal this year and would like to purchase #myTMCBuff you can order one now <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/contact-us" target="_blank">by sending a message through our website</a>. Please note that these will be dispatched by post in late November and if you ordering from overseas there is an additional US$5 charge for postage (total is US$30 + US$5= US$35).</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
Our first shipment of Buffs went out to the 28 attendees at our <a href="http://themountaincompany.blogspot.com/2018/08/nepal-guides-training-in-kathmandu.html" target="_blank">inaugural TMC training session</a> in Kathmandu - including the guides, chefs and cook boys who were all in attendance. <br />
<br />
If you check out hashtag #myTMCbuff on Instagram or Facebook you will be seeing them in action already. Once you get yours then please feel free to post a photo of you wearing the Buff under #myTMCbuff.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/">www.themountaincompany.co.uk</a></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a><span id="goog_571985306"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_571985307"></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-36827143375377144302018-09-16T14:31:00.005+01:002020-11-27T15:45:09.040+00:00Trip report for Ladakh Sky Trail GHT led by Almas Khan in August/ September 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8iiOPtoEJKqx-AuVfJpBTusVVGw4N4j9tpguXwcaC_i3Fpw8841YpvHfLy_6qbBOgbjkTZ-6JNOk6PZkgsbhZpDi9Me3geL6C4FjiII33p6uhXsHEQJBc1LFsMpAMBzCQLJtZsM4_bx1/s1600/Tsomoriri+lake+from+our+view+point+on+last+day.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8iiOPtoEJKqx-AuVfJpBTusVVGw4N4j9tpguXwcaC_i3Fpw8841YpvHfLy_6qbBOgbjkTZ-6JNOk6PZkgsbhZpDi9Me3geL6C4FjiII33p6uhXsHEQJBc1LFsMpAMBzCQLJtZsM4_bx1/s320/Tsomoriri+lake+from+our+view+point+on+last+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Tsomoriri lake from our view point on last day (credit: Almas Khan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In August/ September 2018 we operated our 5th <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/ladakh-sky-trail-ght" target="_blank">Ladakh Sky Trail GHT</a> in northern India. Almas Khan is the leader and organiser for this trek and this year we had an international mix of 11 trekkers coming from New Zealand, Australia, USA and UK.<br />
<br />
As mentioned in previous trip reports our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT is a unique itinerary designed by Almas and travels through the best of the three areas of this region: Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang/ Rupshu. For most of Ladakh Sky Trail GHT we follow rarely trekked trails and this is only possible due to the local knowledge of Almas and our local Ladakhi guides. If you like to really get off the beaten track and explore a very remote region of the Himalaya away from other trekking groups then this would be a great trek for you to consider.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufOrrvDbO7VfwC7qAHGm_3vcU2qFLF3OkoT5iEkDt44_CwD9Iy3IVXghH2DTiPhFnT9Lyuneo7-4ZKjWjxCr69xt7Tt1Ut6Nce2d9OALefJ9I7D0VK_o8XeV_T7or9Dw11LZ6cadro9yU/s1600/Lamayuru+Monastery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufOrrvDbO7VfwC7qAHGm_3vcU2qFLF3OkoT5iEkDt44_CwD9Iy3IVXghH2DTiPhFnT9Lyuneo7-4ZKjWjxCr69xt7Tt1Ut6Nce2d9OALefJ9I7D0VK_o8XeV_T7or9Dw11LZ6cadro9yU/s320/Lamayuru+Monastery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: the monastery at Lamaruyu at start of trek (credit: Almas Khan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Our Ladakh Sky Trail GHT group arrived to Leh on August 14th and on 17th drove to Lamayuru (3,500m) and 18th they started the trek. Overall the trek went well, they kept to the itinerary arriving to Tso Moriri as planned and drove back to Leh on September 8th.<br />
<br />
As with all of TMC western led treks we track their progress while in the field through SPOT gps check ins, you can view the <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=14DFwe0owHCcG8n_W3NzemX5lPQj24BmO&usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google Maps for our 2018 Ladakh Sky Trail GHT</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=14DFwe0owHCcG8n_W3NzemX5lPQj24BmO&usp=sharing" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="600" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJxJ8b8rdP5KuHn0Yotb5ykljyqiIvrnp66hf_chq74Y55MZXtcembDouFz3Kwn84cc6iaJoWECknRve2I7FUcRTXTsUwOfRtTSgmf4nG9SNcn-lgmx5_-Ra_YUgE1dMCRABkOM-yFgwD/s320/LST+Googe+Maps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Google Maps for Ladakh Sky Trail GHT in August 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
Almas sums up his experience leading this group as follows: <br />
<br />
<i>“It was good to have a larger group this year. The temperatures on our trek this year were about 5 degrees Celsius warmer when compared to last 3 years. The water level for river crossings was about six inches higher but not very cold - it made the river crossings more enjoyable. All group members acclimatised very well and we did not have any problems with altitude sickness, having three nights in Leh before the trek starts is definitely working. It was also good to hear from the clients that the trek was very beautiful and the food was great.” </i><br />
<br />
As for all or our treks in the Himalayas we received bespoke weather forecast from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://everestweather.com/" target="_blank">everestweather.com</a>. The weather for our 2018 Ladakh Sky Trail GHT trek was fine with mainly sunny weather and there was only light precipitation after Tshokar lake till they reached Tsomoriri Lake but most of it happened at night and made the walks less dusty.<br />
<br />
Almas explains in his trip report to us that <i>"the high altitude camps towards the end of trek were warmer compared to previous years and the temperatures barely got to freezing. The condition of the trail was good as it did not snow much in Ladakh and Zanskar last winters."</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKejVYYcUx4cRGm8Q8hr1i2Dw2RHwZ5Sg5X0en3ocrqSycIvAHOYxxrBh9BkqsTCW6tlFg48FF0sGJvuRNlhfZ51dlgesvihyphenhyphenWPGucy68_x_eg-CwOeDKQS1bJG1BIsIaELnhXKQc8iqC/s1600/Skiu+Pata+village+our+third+camp..JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKejVYYcUx4cRGm8Q8hr1i2Dw2RHwZ5Sg5X0en3ocrqSycIvAHOYxxrBh9BkqsTCW6tlFg48FF0sGJvuRNlhfZ51dlgesvihyphenhyphenWPGucy68_x_eg-CwOeDKQS1bJG1BIsIaELnhXKQc8iqC/s320/Skiu+Pata+village+our+third+camp..JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Skui Pata village (credit: Almas Khan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
The Mountain Company has a pledge through <a href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/sustainable-travel" target="_blank">AITO Project Protect</a> for our groups to collect at least 200kg of rubbish/ trash in the Himalaya and Karakoram during 2018. Our 2018 Ladakh Sky Trail GHT collected 7kg of rubbish from the trails and around campsites and this is less than our target of 1kg per trekker however this is mainly because there is a lack of rubbish on this rarely visited region of Ladakh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/sustainable-travel"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk00jOc4WuXRvDt3re39UGQtFpP0dDCzkDVo0A3qcTtjnZO8VCew-4Fsv197qfNZgfuDPKuKUFJX5iSEyvFUkRi_cdu4KmS50sy-5csoFUHZ8KG5gYS7iADwloMwdhL0F0SumXU0_eD_Nr/s320/AITO-Project-protect-colour-transparent-tick.png" width="297" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
Almas explains in his trip report to us that <i>"most campsites at are clean as it’s a less used trek. Towards the end of the trek in Rupshu valley you see a bit of rubbish and most of it from the nomadic shepherds."</i></div><div><i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_k0dSw76lv8eFbe-8eURceSDLu5GBc70RwGZSmvqsQIrT1GE6s0MKBj3GmfBNXrQNNdPZR56Gmpy945PBOA7AlS1ECvIF2YO3rukNkxKUs14awbP070wmeKExZIfj_Jq7D3CeF1v7gT1/s1600/Hanimul+village..jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_k0dSw76lv8eFbe-8eURceSDLu5GBc70RwGZSmvqsQIrT1GE6s0MKBj3GmfBNXrQNNdPZR56Gmpy945PBOA7AlS1ECvIF2YO3rukNkxKUs14awbP070wmeKExZIfj_Jq7D3CeF1v7gT1/s320/Hanimul+village..jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Hanimal village (credit: Almas Khan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We have received excellent feedback from the group on the quality of Ladakh Sky Trail GHT itinerary and our organisation, I have copied one <a href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/reviews/1" target="_blank">AITO review</a> received below:<br />
<br />
<i>"22 day trek. Fantastic landscapes and culture. Very rewarding. Excellent food and organisation. Highly recommended. The Mountain Company and trekking guide Almas Khan are top operators and can be trusted. They know the region and were very responsive both before and during the trek. Without question we'd use TMC again as our preferred trekking company for the Himalayas."</i> By Stu, Ladakh Sky Trail GHT 2018<br />
<br />
I would like to thank Almas and all of the Ladakhi team including guides, cooks, kitchen helpers and horsemen for doing a fantastic job helping on another successful Ladakh Sky Trail GHT. Almas will be back in Ladakh again next summer leading our 2019 Ladakh Sky Trail and please get in touch if you are interested in joining him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
www.themountaincompany.co.uk<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-38744021107633260362018-08-30T16:56:00.003+01:002020-11-27T15:45:59.384+00:00What does your next adventure look like? <div>
The first time I was trekking in the Everest Region in the Himalayas, I asked how far to the next village. Two hours was the answer. When I asked specifically for me, it became two and half hours. When trekking at altitude, time has traditionally been the way to explain how far there is to go.</div>
<br />
With GPS watches now very common, data and digital mapping has increasingly become something all of us are more interested in to help us select a new adventure and record our recent outings. At The Mountain Company have been focused on two areas to improve our provision of data. <br />
<br />
Firstly, Roland has been creating maps of the routes that our treks follow, adding in as much detail as he can, such as the detailed route, lodges and places of interest. We decided to use google maps as the satellite view shows contour lines and topography best. As the maps are created, they are posted directly onto the trip page for each trek and you can access by clicking on the "View Map" . Here is the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1h1-GLEdCazduURxWoT5DJ-QcEaJ0yZMC&ll=28.34639036046738%2C83.65716309335937&z=9">map for our Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek in Nepal</a> which is <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/dhaulagiri-circuit">next running in October</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlzvATzvQI4TZ_ioVCvAcuop8VFgFYEeRPEWX1AcO7j7V19nLZhoaCtPVAt4wLAkGj5aiFxiMpUguH7mHLYQO8xexjYLyVCSpIvvgGtedkgbPYFpV2s9ygx3Uui-jVIQZY4u0VVx_SGyC/s1600/Google+Maps+for+Upper+Dolpo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1440" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlzvATzvQI4TZ_ioVCvAcuop8VFgFYEeRPEWX1AcO7j7V19nLZhoaCtPVAt4wLAkGj5aiFxiMpUguH7mHLYQO8xexjYLyVCSpIvvgGtedkgbPYFpV2s9ygx3Uui-jVIQZY4u0VVx_SGyC/s320/Google+Maps+for+Upper+Dolpo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=14if5cfNZu297hRj7HZDX5tIzbwPI0d-1&ll=29.18172318849763%2C83.08849877070315&z=10">Photo: Google Maps for Upper Dolpo</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1424" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7tq68oNKZEb2qleIriMYyqJsL72nd61XylKKeYkZWtqoADZqXtjqayYCV3TSRXjTeY_TXaFuvu9_stVU5aV4rCWQodcUUvlLdK8YcmdLekjXmiN9w7rFbC3iCtZu4emU5bPR2Xdqjry-/s320/Google+Earth+for+Upper+Dolpo.jpg" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo: Google Earth for Upper Dolpo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Secondly, we have also begun working with <b>Suunto Ambit3 Vertical</b> watches to record more in depth data on our treks. These provide detailed mapping as well as ascent and descent profiles, altitude and distance. We have begun collating this and will add to our trip dossiers as available.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JD8DZ2QxGKUTpwr7MzzyucR0MCR22V61p5BootrbBaRAjtlQmY1Rt2s4JkRgZ7bIM5rF_8pv835mDnv_22PPkD9dQ4A9CuC5YffjyvO_tHPFcYG_Oje8_BjiNs7D1T4otYY4EUxxVAfm/s1600/IMG-20180830-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JD8DZ2QxGKUTpwr7MzzyucR0MCR22V61p5BootrbBaRAjtlQmY1Rt2s4JkRgZ7bIM5rF_8pv835mDnv_22PPkD9dQ4A9CuC5YffjyvO_tHPFcYG_Oje8_BjiNs7D1T4otYY4EUxxVAfm/s320/IMG-20180830-WA0002.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sunnto Ambit3 Vertical</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div><br /></div><div>
Whilst leading our <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/k2-base-camp-and-gondogoro-la">K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La Trek in Pakistan</a> this summer, I used my watch every day to collect the relevant data and am currently inputting that data into an updated trip dossier. The <a href="http://www.movescount.com/moves/move236221247">data from the pass crossing from Ali Camp to Khuspang</a> shows our 10 km of travel over 10 hours as we went up 860m and down 1090m, reaching a maximum altitude at the top of the pass of 5606 metres.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.movescount.com/moves/move236221247"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1228" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkGfWoi6l5Ylu3ZryWBqo105bjMlPSL-N9tE1xiQoTQwVNm8-3UsQpAUhGtFxTu_YCbpayUiBqCMyVLrQFMUVL4bxhq_IYP44ESccpaeJyALp46cD2FIdbjH-qexrP5l7gNfOrtTO-AXf/s320/3b7330079e.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.movescount.com/moves/move236221247">Photo: Suunto data for day crossing Gondogoro La</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.movescount.com/moves/move236221247"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1440" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGBP8j2yTU9HDImCIJ0N_j4u90pnEYFOCCxHvmk0OA4-Rzpq8Eu4YVJDat4-XgRjVIZ47qZeA0XQrr_R4BWZJG3eDm-UykTY9jme3_EGd4e4WNxa_JKMymYWenrP5hHDkYJZN_CWlqptq/s320/94cb5ec15c.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.movescount.com/moves/move236221247">Photo: Suunto data for day crossing Gondogoro La</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
A video of the Gondogoro La pass crossing <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pJXXAOzyA2hX3zNrgDwEFhKKmxiGQkvV/view?usp=sharing">can be seen here</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>Jo Clark</b></div>
<div>
<b>Nepal Operations Manager</b></div>
<div>
www.themountaincompany.co.uk<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-90476843944071679032018-08-23T11:36:00.003+01:002020-11-27T15:46:25.961+00:00Nepal Guides training in Kathmandu- August 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul-JhhSlqc3mBCA3tqVy7S-kUtbK-qSZ7ZnWalUoIgjCsPj5RL-nM1nBhLSD1hvCJF0ynC2RfVE_tUbaeHbxKObn5s4mdso76Ikg93bCfdsnHBYwPF2AAELXDzAkKFBftiK7_nY-n2EkV/s1600/DSC06213.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul-JhhSlqc3mBCA3tqVy7S-kUtbK-qSZ7ZnWalUoIgjCsPj5RL-nM1nBhLSD1hvCJF0ynC2RfVE_tUbaeHbxKObn5s4mdso76Ikg93bCfdsnHBYwPF2AAELXDzAkKFBftiK7_nY-n2EkV/s320/DSC06213.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: training on PAC bags on The Mountain Company course August 2018 (Credit: Robert Mads Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
August is quiet in Nepal and not a lot of trekking is happening this time of year. As most of our local guides weren’t leading treks and I was passing through Kathmandu after my recent <a href="http://themountaincompany.blogspot.com/2018/08/trip-report-for-k2-base-camp-gondogoro.html">K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La</a> trek in Pakistan, we decided it was the perfect time to run a training session for them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The session lasted 2 days and took place at the <a href="http://www.oacnepal.com/">Outdoor Training Centre</a> in Kathmandu. This community initiative is a relatively new training facility dedicated to bringing information, education and recreation together. Their belief is that through sharing knowledge and business ideas, adventure sports and their social benefits can be encouraged within the community. It is the ideal location for this kind of training as there is a classroom, a large open training area for more active sessions - and they provide a fantastic lunch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q-D8r4hOTAEK_VGfat6ANv1IuScZ6E6ShQqwMlnKMcI-AyPO3aZhMlyFoWeq-Hvo3_wUuI66jb0rxRBkndasv2jdtNhxXYM7aoqgzIfNx6NWSdTA8OjE8v1cHVElVnMejNuXhTLgFgaS/s1600/DSC06266.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Q-D8r4hOTAEK_VGfat6ANv1IuScZ6E6ShQqwMlnKMcI-AyPO3aZhMlyFoWeq-Hvo3_wUuI66jb0rxRBkndasv2jdtNhxXYM7aoqgzIfNx6NWSdTA8OjE8v1cHVElVnMejNuXhTLgFgaS/s320/DSC06266.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo: group presentations on scenario planning <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(Credit: Robert Mads Anderson)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
It was great to see such a wide range of attendees with guides, assistant guides, cooks and office staff - 28 in total. The range of English language abilities meant that everyone was helping each other out and each individual was an expert at something. </div>
<div>
<br />
The first day of the session used a variety of collaborative teaching methods to teach and reinforce The Mountain Company’s policies on communication, health and hygiene and medical issues. Everyone had the opportunity to send their GPS location using a SAT phone, communicate with the radios and practice using the Personal Altitude Chambers bags.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV333Ryfc7buvpb2tXSY29TYBULeJakehxL-f0sn-2HK8ipTrU3hRaku4pD4ZLhemBjP2ovYOmF4Wa8SzFY4AtehRqNzV0s8AcUNBDAVH7Hcizppsbi627JOyUzjZFHBkiX2_5Hi56nAjl/s1600/DSC06260.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV333Ryfc7buvpb2tXSY29TYBULeJakehxL-f0sn-2HK8ipTrU3hRaku4pD4ZLhemBjP2ovYOmF4Wa8SzFY4AtehRqNzV0s8AcUNBDAVH7Hcizppsbi627JOyUzjZFHBkiX2_5Hi56nAjl/s320/DSC06260.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: familiarisation with medical kits (Credit: Robert Mads Anderson)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
Day 2 started with an online refresher quiz and then moved on to look in more detail at the comprehensive medical kits we carry on all trips. We have recently reorganised these bags with labelled compartments, making it faster and easier for both local and western guides to find the medication they need quickly and efficiently.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqvPDLdYIj5WgUyVERhr4gibG9tCRk_UzYh-J4OoLRxqLFVTQ0DThHKpAU4-dpLaxt1GKnqjUdfS6FlilgUCR0iwEsgo-RP9PYbP0ZqT3PzaajqVDobQ3bpYghssnZRpbz1IsEDtqzDIm/s1600/DSC06373.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqvPDLdYIj5WgUyVERhr4gibG9tCRk_UzYh-J4OoLRxqLFVTQ0DThHKpAU4-dpLaxt1GKnqjUdfS6FlilgUCR0iwEsgo-RP9PYbP0ZqT3PzaajqVDobQ3bpYghssnZRpbz1IsEDtqzDIm/s320/DSC06373.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo: attendees on The Mountain Company course in August 2018 with #myTMCBuff <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(Credit: Robert Mads Anderson)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBq8AFB9dxWarJE9UDQhDwigqa0vU13T2MgtTLdT7AB6Dl1YEgLqGF4nTxn7ormeGCkTr9u3PvCWd7epLqMmT7HOk5C9Bdior4Htkj_M-Uf9k021QWUU3K3ohMOleruimYqg9U77OZIti/s1600/DSC06326.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBq8AFB9dxWarJE9UDQhDwigqa0vU13T2MgtTLdT7AB6Dl1YEgLqGF4nTxn7ormeGCkTr9u3PvCWd7epLqMmT7HOk5C9Bdior4Htkj_M-Uf9k021QWUU3K3ohMOleruimYqg9U77OZIti/s320/DSC06326.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Tulsi and Chandra receiving completion certificates from Jo <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(Credit: Robert Mads Anderson)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
The two days finished with a special puja service for our new TMC Buffs. These have colourful prayer flags all over them and as a result we wanted to ensure cultural sensitivity. The Lama who performed the puja was happy with the buffs but cautioned that they should not be placed in anyone's back pocket.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWxbCT7xB4pCRVMYKfWlO08z02nRCCodJCr72djjfzsgv9kUH3zzAhwEYw-v96hS_z1eHQbERgqb6Z0XaVVec8MZz9_VXOgerE2rbhvVqlR3jRPaRouPZgDmwvTCXksTuZIJtilei2t86/s1600/DSC06364.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWxbCT7xB4pCRVMYKfWlO08z02nRCCodJCr72djjfzsgv9kUH3zzAhwEYw-v96hS_z1eHQbERgqb6Z0XaVVec8MZz9_VXOgerE2rbhvVqlR3jRPaRouPZgDmwvTCXksTuZIJtilei2t86/s320/DSC06364.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo: puja ceremony to bless #myTMCBuff <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(Credit: Robert Mads Anderson)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOTgciBb8Xeb8fAZMXkcGqV517C2UZEeIndFZirA_jxwDhEJpWPUyyjjY3-ixeLEiA29hBIOHJt5GYtCaBUdYsDfwD09iloSZApFTjy9_64fZ9JZAZa7wD-zOGjU-q_DOgSVByusaSGlH/s1600/20180823_111812.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOTgciBb8Xeb8fAZMXkcGqV517C2UZEeIndFZirA_jxwDhEJpWPUyyjjY3-ixeLEiA29hBIOHJt5GYtCaBUdYsDfwD09iloSZApFTjy9_64fZ9JZAZa7wD-zOGjU-q_DOgSVByusaSGlH/s320/20180823_111812.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: #myTMCBuff (Credit: The Mountain Company)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Everyone took away a newly blessed buff from the course (including the Lama) and these will be available for purchase as part of our social fund. We will give proceeds of the sales to our social fund for use as a hardship fund for guides and charitable contributions. TMC will pay for the Buffs, so 100% of the proceeds will be paid into our social fund. The cost of a social buff will be GBP20 or US$25 and the social media hashtag is #myTMCBuff. We want to see how many locations #myTMCBuff can get to whilst walking in the mountains!<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b>Jo Clark</b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b>Nepal Operations Manager</b><br />
www.themountaincompany.co.uk<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-28162935631503980372018-08-22T09:00:00.005+01:002020-12-01T13:47:33.988+00:00Trip report for K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro in Pakistan during July/ August 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpRlNq5Tkj602L3mwSCuG4ps4M1ElN5rELgyuLYwWvgQg8NcgNETw3l8xGIqhy12sKnbOk8jQ3pKw8dx_mU3Ow_KZCusy4M56ehVSGvpFzZO51tROjpV1oHvHPAFDGAYJIzvL6eikS5xv/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_8289.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpRlNq5Tkj602L3mwSCuG4ps4M1ElN5rELgyuLYwWvgQg8NcgNETw3l8xGIqhy12sKnbOk8jQ3pKw8dx_mU3Ow_KZCusy4M56ehVSGvpFzZO51tROjpV1oHvHPAFDGAYJIzvL6eikS5xv/s320/Copy+of+IMG_8289.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Mount K2 (credit Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In July we organised our 10th trek to <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/pakistan">K2 Base Camp in Pakistan</a> and out of these departures six groups have successfully crossed the Gondogoro La high pass over to Hushe. For this Summer's trek we ran two treks to K2 Base Camp in Pakistan at the same time: our <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/k2-base-camp-and-concordia">K2 Base Camp & Concordia</a> and our <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/k2-base-camp-and-gondogoro-la">K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La</a>. <br />
<br />
Our leaders for our July 2018 K2 Base Camp treks were Jo Clark (UK), Zahid (Pakistan), Amine (Pakistan), Khalil (Pakistan) and Nasim (Pakistan). This was Jo’s first time trekking in Pakistan and as many of you know she is now working full time for us as our Nepal Operations Manager. We had eight people in our Gondogoro La group and seven people in our K2 Base Camp group. Like in previous years this group was an international mix with people coming from UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden.<br />
<br />
The group arrived to Islamabad on July 21st and in the afternoon Jo gave her group briefing at Hotel Hillview. The next day they flew up to Skardu on the Pakistan International Airlines (“PIA”) flight. As discussed in our Trip report for our 2016 K2 Base Camp the flights to Skardu have become more reliable over last few years due to operational changes at PIA. If the Skardu flight is cancelled then the group would have to drive for two days up the Karakoram Highway (“KKH”).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRDo2leTjOewXAhPwIS0uiHhC6TPcGUsZrop1d4YI_0vEzj3yH0EcxVxFufj8RzX81-nfxePvxJCa4CyV-OFpURNqlXjdb6np42zrrZXjGBCyM5fEW8q0Vk4DzRcO2bnLZZ5Clx3SH1jt/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_8337.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRDo2leTjOewXAhPwIS0uiHhC6TPcGUsZrop1d4YI_0vEzj3yH0EcxVxFufj8RzX81-nfxePvxJCa4CyV-OFpURNqlXjdb6np42zrrZXjGBCyM5fEW8q0Vk4DzRcO2bnLZZ5Clx3SH1jt/s320/Copy+of+IMG_8337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Lunch on the way to Ali Camp (credit Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
As the group flew to Skardu they had two nights in this small town on the banks of the Indus river. It is an interesting place for the group to explore, like visiting the Skardu fort and the local bazaar. Our K2 Base Camp groups have flown both ways Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad in 2016, 2017 and 2018 therefore these days the chance of driving KKH is much lower. However this is always a possibility, so people have to be prepared for this drive if the flight is cancelled.<br />
<div>
<br />
On July 24th they drove from Skardu to Askole village, they made good time and on arrival to Askole met the rest of the trek crew and camped in fields of the village for the first night of the trek. I have copied below Jo’s summary of how the trek went in her own words: <br />
<br />
<i>“For the first week of the trek, the mountains were often hidden by clouds. As we made our way up the glacier we had glimpses of Trango Towers, Cathedral and Masherbrum but never saw the entire mountains. At Urdukas the weather was pleasant with some clouds in the sky and the acclimatisation walk was enjoyed - sitting in the grass, taking pictures, videos and enjoying the best views we had been offered so far. <br /><br />As the team arrived in Concordia, the skies cleared and there wasn’t another cloud for the next 5 days. This provided the most beautiful clear views of K2, Broad Peak and all of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, making the tough trek up the Baltoro glacier well worth it. Everyone in the team was excited to trek on to Broad Peak Base Camp where the views improved along with the weather.<br /><br />At Concordia, half the group returned down the Baltoro glacier and the other half headed towards Ali Camp to prepare for the Gondogoro La pass. The trek to the bottom of the pass started at midnight and as the slope steepened, the crampons went on and fixed ropes became necessary. Dawn was breaking in beautiful colours as everyone arrived at the top of the pass at 5am. Then we started down the precarious and challenging descent on ropes to the other side. The weather held for a few more days for a relaxing trip down the beautiful Hushe valley took us back to the jeeps and civilization.” </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a2LK_rZ5VaFzdInKacdcgvjIAm7bk-TRISxgp8_kvphs5URaZrn6Wx4-GfrpaIC-m7wBHUP6ug9izyN1vW1njXutWer8Yk1-vF3QlZbMQOeoIpG8IU0sab85QPdKEp0t_F6hub2Y5jt9/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2847.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1600" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a2LK_rZ5VaFzdInKacdcgvjIAm7bk-TRISxgp8_kvphs5URaZrn6Wx4-GfrpaIC-m7wBHUP6ug9izyN1vW1njXutWer8Yk1-vF3QlZbMQOeoIpG8IU0sab85QPdKEp0t_F6hub2Y5jt9/s320/Copy+of+IMG_2847.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Camp at Concordia (credit Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
This group experienced excellent weather and conditions for the days crossing the Gondogoro La pass on August 5th. Selecting the best time of year to trek is important in Pakistan and last year we changed our dates to 10 days earlier. This worked well for both our 2018 and 2017 groups, crossing Gondogoro La on clear, sunny days with perfect views of the Karakoram mountain range.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO3eQyAwCBowLWB8xPjMLdxDbhouzitHmGsUw8sK6wsmMHZOlhQj5t4GRm9S2OJVXVsMiRvo5PLSw4LeR-2i4EqJM_z3-kXSJU0IsiPC2z_7kBnBAzxWjGFrdyEM6PFQVAIPCc6u6gB-B/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2888.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="1600" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO3eQyAwCBowLWB8xPjMLdxDbhouzitHmGsUw8sK6wsmMHZOlhQj5t4GRm9S2OJVXVsMiRvo5PLSw4LeR-2i4EqJM_z3-kXSJU0IsiPC2z_7kBnBAzxWjGFrdyEM6PFQVAIPCc6u6gB-B/s320/Copy+of+IMG_2888.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: On Gondogoro La (credit Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Many groups trekking into K2 Base Camp earlier in the Summer find there is too much snow and three weeks before our trek there were several other groups that were unable to proceed beyond Urdukas due to too much snow on the trail. Later in the season into late August the weather tends to be cloudier and there is a higher chance of precipitation. Of course the weather changes year to year however from our cumulative experience of trekking and climbing in Pakistan since 2004 we have found these are the optimal dates for K2 Base Camp trek.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-nl9LLZTmfySm6Py5RagqVp-q5Cscur0B_CY7zOwtTxNhtDai86fvfKaY7iPBRcnj-aZHrRr4AUZSC89_hH7pFDN4v3DN4WF4FIglkhYAs2fc5SX4IfZWJ_1Tt4VvgKiqyzitJH4mbu7/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_8233.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-nl9LLZTmfySm6Py5RagqVp-q5Cscur0B_CY7zOwtTxNhtDai86fvfKaY7iPBRcnj-aZHrRr4AUZSC89_hH7pFDN4v3DN4WF4FIglkhYAs2fc5SX4IfZWJ_1Tt4VvgKiqyzitJH4mbu7/s320/Copy+of+IMG_8233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Walking on Baltoro Glacier (credit Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
Well done to both groups for achieving their objectives with the Gondogoro La group successfully crossing this technical high pass 5,500m+ and for K2 Base Camp group for walking up to Gilkey memorial and to the Base Camp for second highest mountain in the world. Both of our K2 Base Camp groups arrived safely back to Skardu on August 9th and then flew back together to Islamabad on August 10th.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvysTqnraa9cMT2cmRUpYgQwbp3Fvpg3ROz1tKGICvsA9p6HObDA10iqRy2hSq-NSCfbrIM_7AcCK3wSRUoo7lsSWW6sv0S5MJQGUF3hKapITeGi1ihttKyrQV5nnv0wcAZzgxXSYXDjL/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_8367.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvysTqnraa9cMT2cmRUpYgQwbp3Fvpg3ROz1tKGICvsA9p6HObDA10iqRy2hSq-NSCfbrIM_7AcCK3wSRUoo7lsSWW6sv0S5MJQGUF3hKapITeGi1ihttKyrQV5nnv0wcAZzgxXSYXDjL/s320/Copy+of+IMG_8367.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Khuspang Camp after crossing Gondogoro La (credit Jo Clark)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
We track all of our groups in the field with SPOT gps units and this year we have started using Google Maps to track their progress in real time so friends and families can follow their progress --> <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=124Nlh75gGrJwCrtqeyEGnvOUymmjQbYH&ll=35.37526582039672%2C76.44584834190675&z=10">you can see the Google Maps for K2 Base Camp</a>.<br />
<br />
We have received three AITO reviews from members of this group, you can view the full reviews for <a href="https://www.aito.com/pakistan/k2-and-gondogoro-la-in-pakistan/reviews/1">K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La</a> and <a href="https://www.aito.com/pakistan/k2-base-camp-in-pakistan/reviews/1">K2 Base Camp & Concordia</a>. I have copied sections of these reviews below: <br />
<br />
<i>“The Mountain Company provide great logistics and excellent food making for a very comfortable trip. They employ good guides and provide a sensible itinerary. This is all backed up by excellent support from their base in the UK before, during and after the trip. Highly recommended, particularly for treks in trickier places!” <br /><br />“The Mountain Company have a very detailed and methodical approach that ensures everything is well planned. The logistics on arrival in Pakistan, flights to Skardu, jeeps to Askole and the return journey went without problem. Their relationship with the local operator was excellent. Their approach to safety was the best I’ve seen with satellite phones, GPS plotter and an extremely comprehensive medical kit + Gammow Bag ( for emergency AMS ). I’d highly recommend The Mountain Company for future treks.” <br /><br />“Both the Western Leader (Jo) and the local leader (Zahid) were exceptional with a strong focus on quality and safety ..... and having great time! They were well supported by amazing local men. The Mountain Company is the most organised trekking company I have been with. Pre-trek communication is excellent, all questions are answered promptly, service and facilities during the trek are exemplary and safety is a high priority including satellite phones, comprehensive medical kits, a Gamow bag, clear leadership and good support from the UK when out on the trek. The ability of the family at home to track our trek was also really positive.”</i><br />
<br />
Thanks very much to Jo, Zahid, Amine, Khalil and Nasim plus the rest of the hard working team in Pakistan for their help and making it possible for our trekkers to experience this beautiful trek to K2.<br />
<br />
The Mountain Company is promoting both our K2 Base Camp & Concordia and K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La for July 2019.<br />
<br />
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/pakistan/pakistan-trekking">trekking in Pakistan</a> and K2 Base Camp trek. Please also contact us if you would like to discuss your suitability or additional training required to join this trek in the future.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/">https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/</a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-53652286830146410732018-07-12T17:17:00.006+01:002020-11-30T14:50:59.473+00:00Trip report for Kanchenjunga Circuit (Nepal) led by Almas Khan (Aus) and Raj Tamang (Nepal) in April 2018<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYGI245YIgreapjzXO6w86FvvfRdng1QJrs53L6b9O3QUww5KXsnRDGUDuHaICsAFvVZSXyeegIoZkmbUyumDwnP09N36T3zNBWHlofwkflLHUOd68cH0VHCAZptaDrLZ4Gw0piPYVYJh/s1600/P1130861.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYGI245YIgreapjzXO6w86FvvfRdng1QJrs53L6b9O3QUww5KXsnRDGUDuHaICsAFvVZSXyeegIoZkmbUyumDwnP09N36T3zNBWHlofwkflLHUOd68cH0VHCAZptaDrLZ4Gw0piPYVYJh/s1600/P1130861.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: view from Lhonak on Kanchenjunga Circuit </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
In April 2018, The Mountain Company (UK) organised our eighth trek around <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/kanchenjunga-circuit">Kanchenjunga Circuit trek</a> in eastern Nepal, you can read our Trip Reports from previous Kanchenjunga Circuit treks.<br />
<br />
Our April trek was led by Almas Khan and this was his fourth time leading this classic trek around the world’s third highest mountain however his first time in Spring season. The Nepali sirdar for this group was Raj Tamang who knows Kanchenjunga region very well as he grew up near Taplejung and his family still live in this region.<br />
<br />
For our April 2018 Kanchenjunga Circuit group we had seven trekkers coming from UK, New Zealand and Australia. The first day of the trip was April 10th and next morning Almas gave his trek briefing on the roof top restaurant at Hotel Tibet and I also attended as I was in Kathmandu supporting our Spring groups. As planned on April 12th they flew to Bhadrapur in east of Nepal and in the afternoon drove up to Ilam for the night. <br />
<br />
During the trek they followed the scheduled itinerary walking up as planned to Pangpema at Kanchenjunga northside Base Camp on April 23rd and then returned to Ghunsa on the next day. The group head up to High Camp before Mirgin La on April 25th then successfully crossed over Mirgin La on the next day to arrive in Tseram village in late afternoon. <br />
<br />
Almas sums up his experience of leading our Kanchenjunga Circuit trek in April in his own words: <br />
<br />
<i>“The weather was good for walking. It did rain at nights but we were lucky to get good weather in day time. Mirgin La and Selela had enough snow on it and we walked all day in snow. The micro spikes came into good use. We also got a heavy snowfall in Tseram at night ... not enough to stop us from going to Ramche and onto Oktang the next day. Cloudy skies in the morning towards the end of the trek made the days which can be hot a lot easier. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>All enjoyed the trek and the group got along very well. The rhododendron and flowers in full bloom made the trek even more special and beautiful. It was the first time I did this trek in spring. The condition of the roads on our drives were very good and made the drives comfortable and took less time when compared to the last time I did this trek in November.”</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpNPhDSTnp1cZnKP65-qKExfPBs5gy3TzLTlkPwLrkN_KC5_JLvnyhUF1IhF2lIM_H1_4fKA-mOyyH2984-Uo12BzW2S-gUvz_AxAVejClTotxytLGoza511hiX8sGYeizybk7uutApNJ/s1600/P1130871.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpNPhDSTnp1cZnKP65-qKExfPBs5gy3TzLTlkPwLrkN_KC5_JLvnyhUF1IhF2lIM_H1_4fKA-mOyyH2984-Uo12BzW2S-gUvz_AxAVejClTotxytLGoza511hiX8sGYeizybk7uutApNJ/s1600/P1130871.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: on the trail to Lhonak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div><br /></div><div>
One of the trekkers in this group wrote a review on the AITO website and I have copied extracts below: <br />
<br />
<i>“The Mountain Company is extremely professional, both in their very informative website, and also in the very detailed and relevant information which they provide to participants on any of their treks. The trek leader Almas is a person of great leading experience. He has been guiding treks for 24 years, the past 14 years with The Mountain Company. I found him to be very approachable and helpful over the 3 week trek duration. This also applied to the Sirdar, trekking guides, kitchen staff and the porters. The staff were ever aware of our safety and welfare, and did everything to ensure that we had an enjoyable holiday experience in their country. All in all The Mountain Company is an extremely professional and well run organisation. I had a wonderful trekking holiday, and would have no hesitation in joining them for another trek if the opportunity arose.”</i> You can read his <a href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/reviews/1">full AITO review here</a><br />
<br />
Throughout the course of Kanchenjunga Circuit trek we received bespoke weather forecasts from Michael Fagin at <a href="http://www.everestweather.com/">www.everestweather.com</a> and this information was sent through to Almas on his satellite phone for days before approaching Kanchenjunga northside Base Camp and before crossing the Mirgin La. Having professional weather forecasts is essential for safety in crossing high passes and for decision making in the field. <br />
<br />
As with all of TMC western led treks we track their progress while in the field through SPOT gps check ins, you can see the map of this trek and <a href="https://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=354576">follow their route on SPOT Adventure website </a><br />
<br />
<div>
This group picked up 11kg of rubbish found at the campsites left by other groups and this a good contribution towards our <a href="https://www.aito.com/the-mountain-company/sustainable-travel">AITO Project Protect pledge</a> to for all of groups to pick up 200kg of rubbish during 2018. <br />
<br />
Thanks very much to Almas and Raj and the rest of the team for their hard work leading and organising this <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/destinations/nepal/nepal-trekking">trek in Nepal</a>. <br />
<br />
Our next departure for Kanchenjunga Circuit is in late October 2018, this trek is now guaranteed to run and the leader will be Natalie Wilson. There is currently availability if you are interested in joining this group, please get in touch with us soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Roland Hunter</b></div>
<div>
<b>www.themountaincompany.co.uk</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/">https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/</a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1286989939445837912.post-90830674624543434182018-06-16T08:38:00.004+01:002020-11-30T14:52:55.206+00:00Trip report for Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT (Nepal) in May 2018 led by Almas Khan (Aus) and Chandra Rai (Nepal)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPG_cgtpe10Em55MnVw5IvMsAAdbkuFW1uSF4UqElO7rN5jzGZdws5qnNlzaSS-PZF-yp6O4-8JpmwLSekhK2MSK0xHLhko-zllt0fARZ0kJ-E4NZs_ARkjrNC8Ht27A93i40dEwbWhpC2/s1600/Phoksumdo1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPG_cgtpe10Em55MnVw5IvMsAAdbkuFW1uSF4UqElO7rN5jzGZdws5qnNlzaSS-PZF-yp6O4-8JpmwLSekhK2MSK0xHLhko-zllt0fARZ0kJ-E4NZs_ARkjrNC8Ht27A93i40dEwbWhpC2/s1600/Phoksumdo1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Phoksumdo Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
Our <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/trips/upper-dolpo-to-jomsom-ght">Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT Trek</a> in May 2018 was led by Almas Khan and our Nepali Sirdar was Chandra Rai. Our cook was Sangram.<br />
<br />
We have run this trip at the end of the spring season (May) since 2010. This is the optimal time of year to complete the traverse as the window between the end of the winter snows melting on the passes and the onset of monsoon is quite short. Now five of our groups have successfully completed the traverse since 2010. To see how our previous Upper Dolpo treks did please take a look at Trip Reports for Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT.<br />
<br />
This group had ten trekkers: from New Zealand, UK and Canada. The first day was May 6th and they met in the morning for the trip briefing from Almas. In the afternoon they took the flight to Nepalgunj and stayed the night at the Soaltee Westend Hotel. The following morning they flew on a twin otter plane to Juphal. This was a change in itinerary from last year when we chartered a plane from Phokhara to Juphal. The runway at Juphal was blacktopped in June 2017 making scheduled flights from Nepalgunj more reliable as a result. Upon arrival in Juphal and after sorting their bags and porters the team trekked to Dunai for their first night of camping. <br />
<br />
The trip went well and all clients completed the itinerary with spare days for resting and that also allowed for bad weather. After reaching Dunai on the first night of the trek the group heard on the grapevine there was considerable snow on the passes and it was still snowing. The following day it snowed down to 2700m. For the first five days of the trek it rained or snowed at night, though luckily the weather was good while walking during the day. This weather pattern took them to Phoksumdo Lake and after a rest day there, they were ready to make their way towards the first high pass of the trek - The Kang La.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSmVR5U_OjXLXMnFFJEAG3X-Ae4MuU4uUUIEvosFHXGMmomQzU80VPE2naZqLDndoaxZIDr3UhC2eZiXirzSOt7-lp5k6qmpLR0LKCvwdQ_r_EpS926FYgSZ0EcmXa6i7pGabMEsJ1qJF/s1600/LarTsaCamp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSmVR5U_OjXLXMnFFJEAG3X-Ae4MuU4uUUIEvosFHXGMmomQzU80VPE2naZqLDndoaxZIDr3UhC2eZiXirzSOt7-lp5k6qmpLR0LKCvwdQ_r_EpS926FYgSZ0EcmXa6i7pGabMEsJ1qJF/s1600/LarTsaCamp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Lar Tsa Camp before Kang La</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
As they went up to the higher camps, the group discovered the left hand side of the valleys had significantly less snow on it due to the sun melting what snow had fallen on that side. Moving up the valley, after the Lar Tsa Camp they went up to the high camp (Snowfields) from the left side of the valley instead of the right hand side and encountered no snow. This high camp was the coldest the group experienced during the trip, with temperatures down to about -5°C.<br />
<br />
As this is the fifth time we have run the Upper Dolpo to Jomson trip, we are developing very good knowledge and understanding of the various routes across the passes and their alternatives. Crossing the Kang La to Shey Gompa is the crux of the trek and last year when the team reached Snowfields Camp there was too much snow to cross this Pass. As a result we descended back into the valley and camped, before heading towards another route over Pass B.<br />
<br />
In the knowledge that there was a lot of snow this year as well, the team still headed up towards Snowfields knowing that they might have to retreat to Pass B. This decision was made because camping at Snowfields allows for better acclimatization than going directly for Pass B. This time there was snow on the Kang La but the guides found if they stuck to the left of the pass, there was an alternative route with only a small amount of shallow snow on each side of the trail. This gives us three options for crossing this pass, which has in the past been problematic under snowy conditions.<br />
<br />
After successfully crossing the Kang La pass the weather improved and they had little precipitation but strong winds. The group arrived at Shey Gompa where they spent two nights. They had the opportunity to explore the area, visit the Gompa and enjoy views of the sacred Crystal Mountain.<br />
<br />
This far into the Upper Dolpo trek, it is very remote and arid and there is no fresh food to resupply along the way. On the early treks to this region our groups found a deficiency in fruit and vegetables in their diet, which can have health consequences due to a lack of vitamins and moral consequences due to uninspiring food. For this reason we bought a dehydrator last year and have started dehydrating fresh fruit and vegetables in Kathmandu to take on trek. This provides a wide variety of lightweight food which are rehydrated by the chef. It has become an important element of food provision on treks like this one in Upper Dolpo and we have received good feedback from both the group and crew on the taste and quality. <br />
<br />
The windy, arid climate in this area can cause some problems along the way. We use Mountain Hardware tents as they are very sturdy and can withstand most things they could encounter. On this trip however, dust was a particular problem, causing issues with some of the zips. We send a ‘leader kit’ of repair items on all our trips which include items such as duct tape, tent repair kit and zip lube. We are currently looking at new options for better types of zip lube as despite constant reapplying, the dust still crept into the zips and caused problems. We hope to have a better solution for next year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mU8UM2i9z3QcMpwBpmF-HzKqmor99hcQGDGUGqAVWyF-hNL20RbTypAAg6iCVmVx-8zWoF74N0VxM7TBhB04Rgx_hedIuZ1CIdpRiyt7uXD39ZZ6ioOE82xSbCjOXpp6IiWpHCQXX5Sf/s1600/ViewMuriLa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mU8UM2i9z3QcMpwBpmF-HzKqmor99hcQGDGUGqAVWyF-hNL20RbTypAAg6iCVmVx-8zWoF74N0VxM7TBhB04Rgx_hedIuZ1CIdpRiyt7uXD39ZZ6ioOE82xSbCjOXpp6IiWpHCQXX5Sf/s1600/ViewMuriLa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Upper Dolpo on trail to Shimen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
With a day in hand the group were planning to rest at Chharka Village. However, with a weather forecast from Michael Fagin (<a href="http://everestweather.com/">everest weather.com</a>) which was sent by text to Almas’ satellite phone they decided that they should keep moving to avoid some incoming bad weather on the Sangda La. Having professional weather forecasts like this is essential for safety on this remote trek with numerous high passes. The second coldest camp was the camp between the two Sangda passes - mainly because of the wind chill. The temperatures went down to about -3 at night.<br />
<br />
Having crossed the two passes the group were on their final few days towards Jomson. They decided to spend their extra day in Kagbeni relaxing before arriving in Jomson on May 31st as planned. They enjoyed having the opportunity to spend an extra day exploring Kagbeni near the end of the trek. They were lucky enough to have this time as the group experienced no delays earlier in the trip either on flights or passes. However it is important to have these buffer days in the itinerary in case of delays such as flying in to Juphar or weather and allowing for porter time. <br />
<br />
We currently send a SPOT on all of our remote treks and as you can see from this <a href="https://www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=354715">SPOT Adventure track</a> which was recorded whilst were in the mountains, Upper Dolpo to Jomson is one of the most remote regions in Nepal. It is logistically challenging to support and we use the SPOT along with satellite phones to monitor the progress and safety of the team. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi915f_iqKDx6r3Zv2LhcXpC0i0KAmhASCEK_ZNMxEqtE3LXUGEUvppRgzjZ6SBKH5pfbaRfJKAWBoUswYZjmRw2egwfBupQP5Jh7CrJ_99xh-16TfZ_gbWnqvl9sDQOXsWfGPTrK5V23E4/s1600/SheyGompa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi915f_iqKDx6r3Zv2LhcXpC0i0KAmhASCEK_ZNMxEqtE3LXUGEUvppRgzjZ6SBKH5pfbaRfJKAWBoUswYZjmRw2egwfBupQP5Jh7CrJ_99xh-16TfZ_gbWnqvl9sDQOXsWfGPTrK5V23E4/s1600/SheyGompa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Bonpo monastery near Phoksumdo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
It is these logistical challenges that we are continually working to overcome to improve our service. Next year we are considering a plan to change our logistics to resupply in Tinje (Day 17 of the trek) so that the food does not need to be carried over all of the passes before that. This would also give us the opportunity to send out our collected rubbish from this point.<br />
<br />
This year we have continued with the collection of rubbish as part of our <a href="http://themountaincompany.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-mountain-company-pledge-for-aito.html">AITO project</a>. In addition to carrying out our own rubbish, 3kg of additional rubbish was collected on this trek. The guides reported that there was not too much rubbish on the trail and around campgrounds and most of this was from local herders.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6-OLH3bhEHJPh746vnOGnLIdfA8YvojMJjZjZOCmrc7yeMluAqZ-0NqaQ15I5ouVnzkbereo95TNzygnlp_HIGoyTwQ2LDd_oI5zDPPWCUILzruLaNe7rdjKo7MpKD_OsofFhy3IthHu/s1600/RingmoVillage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6-OLH3bhEHJPh746vnOGnLIdfA8YvojMJjZjZOCmrc7yeMluAqZ-0NqaQ15I5ouVnzkbereo95TNzygnlp_HIGoyTwQ2LDd_oI5zDPPWCUILzruLaNe7rdjKo7MpKD_OsofFhy3IthHu/s1600/RingmoVillage.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Ringmo village near Phoksumdo Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>
The Mountain Company would like to thank Almas, Chandra and the other guides for their leadership of this group and Sangram and the rest of the Nepalese crew, who as ever worked exceptionally hard throughout this expedition.<br />
<br />
Below is a review we received from a member of this trek. For more AITO reviews on our Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT trek, check out the <a href="https://www.aito.com/nepal/upper-dolpo-to-jomsom-ght-nepal/reviews/1">AITO website</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>“Upper Dolpo to Jomsom trek in a seldom visited part of Nepal close to the China/Tibet border. A 25 day trek camping near remote villages in astonishing scenery and seeing a very different way of life. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Their pre-trip information was excellent-both accurate and detailed. All my advance enquiries were answered fully and promptly. The trek itself was very well organised and every effort was made to ensure our group (10 in number) got the maximum enjoyment from the trip (in sometimes very difficult conditions both in terms of remoteness and climate).”</i><br />
<br />Take a look at our Blog article <a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/blog/is-upper-dolpo-one-of-the-most-remote-treks-in-nepal">Is Upper Dolpo one of the most remote treks in Nepal?</a></div><div><br /></div><div>
Our next treks to Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT will be in October 2018 and then May 2019 and both of these departures are nearly guaranteed to run. Please get in touch soon if you would like to join one of these groups.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Jo Clark</b></div>
<div>
<b>Nepal Operations Manager</b></div>
<div>
www.themountaincompany.co.uk<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6C5yyRHfsGENShpd6Xy_IO3f8D8WBddYo8vFeLrlQ5WVrb5d9nE_pCMw7eG2H1isW2u_ymDk_-D4bPpyoKLqB7v4sw_JaJSLfmYVpUvQZUo0N8V5w-hvan2vRMBGXhLBJyTQ662HxZgl/s1600/TMCLogo200.gif" /><a href="https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/">https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/</a></div>
<br /></div>
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0