Welcome To Himalayan High Treks Trip List For 2009!

2009 Organized Treks & General Information

Our 2009 HHT Catalog
Is Now Available ...

← Download it today
and start planning!

Free Adobe Acrobat Reader
is available below.

Welcome to our alternate trip listing!
This companion site is designed for those
without recent web browsers or with limited connections!
This information is accurate, up–to–date and basic...
The full content of our schedule and company information is available at:
www.hightreks.com
— that is our main website location.
Please check there first if you haven't visited yet!

Think of this as a trekker's self–serve buffet... Our 2009 Organized Trips are listed below.
Each trip has a link to download short versions of each trek itinerary. These Adobe Acrobat
(.pdf format) files will present a comprehensive overview of the daily itinerary
and overall activities planned for each trip.

We also create Custom Treks for individuals, families and organizations to destinations throughout the Himalayan region. These trips are all specifically designed to the interests and schedules of the participants. Due to the nature of these trips, it is best to contact us directly describing your interest and specifics. We can respond right away with preliminary information and start to work with you to create the adventure of your dreams.

Please email us with any questions or comments.
We know where you would like to go
and we have the resources to help you on your way!

A Trek Application is available here.

You may also complete an
Online Registration Form or Mailing List Request.

Just let us know what you'd like to do
and we can make it happen!

Himalayan High Treks
241 Dolores Street
San Francisco, California U. S. A. 94103– 2211

info@hightreks.com
www.hightreks.com

1.800.455.8735 (toll free U. S. A. & Canada)
415.551.1005

Welcome To Our Organized Trip Schedule!

The links below will take you
to detailed descriptions about each trek —
all with an overview, day–by–day itinerary,
photographs and many other specifics.

There are amazing destinations to show you.

We know where we're going,
so grab your boots & sunscreen and come along!

Start planning today
before 2009 slips by...

Just take a look at where you could be this year!

Himalayan High Treks 2009 Organized Treks & Trips:

Trip dates for this year are shown below. Please note them!
If you would like more information or complete itinerary, contact us with questions or for more information!
Select any 2009 trip title below to view a description with a day–by–day itinerary:

Nepal: Everest Spring • Moderate •	March 17 – April 4, 2009 from Kathmandu. An adventure among magnificent mountain scenery, visiting the trekking peaks of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patter. But your journey doesn't end there...	Leader: Amber Tamang Land Cost: $1800USD In–Trip Air: $220USD*
Bhutan: Cholmolhari Trek • Strenuous •	April 5 – 20, 2009 from Bangkok. A rigorous trek past the "Mountain of the Goddess" in mysterious Bhutan. Be on the lookout for Snow Leopard tracks as we explore a pristine alpine wilderness.	Leader: Dorji Tsering Land Cost: $3540USD In–Trip Air: $1100USD*
Tibet: Ganden to Samye • Moderate •	May 3 – 16, 2009 from Beijing or Kathmandu. Challenging trails at high altitudes awaits you — reaching heights of 17,220 feet! Monasteries, herder camps and magical scenes.	Leader: Bhim Pakhrin Land Cost: $1430USD In–Trip Air: $720USD*
Tibet & Nepal: Chasing Buddha • Mild •	May 8 – June 1, 2009 from Kathmandu. A traditional, religious, Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage visiting sacred sites in Nepal & Tibet. A popular trip, it is led by an experienced Western Buddhist teacher.	Leader: Ven. Tsenla Land Cost: $4500USD In–Trip Air: $720USD*
India: Gharwal Himal • Moderate • → Itinerary Under Development ←	June 15 – 27, 2009 from New Delhi. Explore the hidden Himalaya. From historic Mussoorie, our trek reaches 13,654 feet with stunning views of nearby peaks. We encounter the Gujjar nomads and remote villages.	Leader: Effie Fletcher Land Cost: $1430USD In–Trip Air: $None*
Ladakh: Markha Valley • Moderate •	July 13 – 31, 2009 from New Delhi. A lofty trek though "little Tibet" with remote alpine hiking on this high–altitude wonderland north of the Himalaya.	Leader: Marin Johannsson Land Cost: $2300USD In–Trip Air: $300USD*
Tibet: Mount Kailas • Strenuous •	September 4 – 27, 2009 from Kathmandu. From Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse, we'll climb to over 18,000 feet! Meet and join local pilgrims on their spiritual journey around holy Mount Kailas.	Leader: Priscilla McKenney Land Cost: $4550USD In–Trip Air: $800USD*
Nepal: Ultimate Everest • Strenuous •	October 3 – 26, 2009 from Kathmandu. An exciting trek through Nepal's majestic Khumbu region — the ultimate adventure. Mind–boggling mountain scenery, Sherpa villages, forests and glacial lakes up to 18,000 feet!	Leader: Bhim Pakhrin Land Cost: $2300USD In–Trip Air: $220USD*
Sikkim: Kanchenjunga • Moderate •	October 16 – November 1, 2009 from New Delhi. Trek through unspoiled country between Nepal and Tibet. Deep forests, pristine valleys and breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks.	Leader: Marin Johannsson Land Cost: $2800USD In–Trip Air: $400USD*
India & Nepal: Chasing Buddha • Mild •	November 1 – 24, 2009 from Kathmandu. A traditional, religious, Buddhist pilgrimage to sites in India & Nepal. This is a popular trip, led by a popular western Buddhist teacher.	Leader: Ven. Robina Courtin Land Cost: $3600USD In–Trip Air: $200USD*
Bhutan: Bumthang Festival • Moderate •	October 31 – November 15, 2009 from Bangkok. A cultural tour exploring intriguing local festivals, combined with a moderate three day trek reaching a 12,000 foot pass.	Leader: Effie Fletcher Land Cost: $4560USD In–Trip Air: $1100USD*
Nepal: Annapurna Circuit • Strenuous •	November 22 – December 11, 2009 from Kathmandu. Trek through the magical land of fabled mountains and ancient culture to reach 17,770 feet! The trip includes sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu.	Leader: Marin Johannsson Land Cost: $2100USD In–Trip Air: $200USD*

* This is an estimated "In–Trip" airfare — necessary and separate from the Land Cost. Your total trek expense is the sum of both.
Airline fares fluctuate wildly and daily! We always get the lowest prices possible from our local "in–country" agents.
Airfare from your home to the starting point and back is not included!

Short "Add-On" Excursions Enhance Any Trip To The Himalaya!

Himalayan High Treks has developed several excellent short trips you should consider.

Whether you want to extend and enhance your main HHT trek
or even if you happen to be in Kathmandu on a business trip,
a short safari, rafting or adventure trip can add an exciting dimension to your visit.

How about a wildlife safari in Nepal or a short trek through mysterious Bhutan?

We can do that!

We know the sights and you know the dates...
it's easy to add to your experience!

Select any trip to see a full description and suggested itinerary:

Tibet Adventure • Mild •	Generally from Kathmandu on your schedule. This is an eight day and seven night adventure in Lhasa and at high altitude in the Tibetan Plateau. No camping required! Travel by car and enjoy short day hikes.	English–Speaking Guide Land Cost: $XXXXUSD In–Trip Air: $XXXUSD*
Nepal Safari Adventure • Mild •	Generally from Kathmandu on your schedule. Four days and three nights of guided wildlife observing near and in Royal Chitwan National Park. Evenings at a jungle lodge. Ride the elephants! A wealth of nature to explore.	English–Speaking Guide Land Cost: $300–600USD In–Trip Air: None*

Want To Make Your Own Custom Trip? You Can & We Can Help!

Keeping with a notion of independence, we custom-create each Custom Trip itinerary — for you — based on your own specific needs. For those with unique schedule requirements, interests, goals, routes, physical needs or for folks who just like to travel independently, HHT will create your perfect itinerary. We can organize your specific logistical requirements as well as supply each piece of the puzzle so all you have to do is enjoy the whole picture. If you can think it... we can make it happen! Explore some of the following suggested itineraries we can offer to you or your group or create your own.

Each Custom Trip is a unique combination of schedule, route and amenities that are custom–made to your specifications. They are planned for the time you decide and go where you want to go for as long as you desire. You can carry your own gear or be accompanied by an entourage of support crew and beasts. Every aspect of your Custom Trip is a result of your choices and our experience! HHT supplies the knowledge, guidance and logistical support to make your trip a worry-free success. We turn your dream trip to reality!

Each Custom Trip can include:

Pre-trip consultations and extensive print information and resource packages to ensure you get the most from your trip.

An Engligh-speaking local guide (born and living where you travel) who is an expert in local traditions and current conditions.

Support crew of Sherpas, Porters, Cooks, Horsemen and Packers are provided as preferred — you only need to carry what you wish!

Support crew managed and coordinated by your guide

Yaks, porters and horses to carry gear.

Non-personal trekking equipment: tents, tables, stoves, latrine and their supplies.

Safe ground transportation and driver for touring and covering longer distances.

Help with air bookings from home to your destination and back.

Help with air bookings on small regional carriers (usually impossible to accomplish back home).

Reserved accommodations in guest houses or camping if on the trail.

Cooked meals as desired.

We design Custom Trips for individuals, families, groups and organizations.

What to do?
Send an email inquiry to us (here or here) and propose your trip idea by giving as much information as you know. The purpose of this email is to define right away if we are able help you with the trip you have in mind. We can also give you a general cost estimate, based on the specifics and information you provide.

Contact us today and we'll design the trip of a lifetime. Let's Go!

Himalayan High Treks "Trip Difficulty" Ratings:

Can you do it? How Hard Can It Be?

Here's The Key!

Mild: Little to no camping. Accommodations are most often in comfortable guest houses or small hotels. Hiking is usually mild and can include day hikes of less than four hours in length, which may or may not be at high altitude — depending on the trip. Vehicle time can become long with some fatigue on rough roads.

Moderate: Usually involves hiking an average of four to six hours each day — with some time being spent at high altitude. Accommodations are generally a combination of evenings spent at tea or guest houses, as well as tent camping.

Strenuous: Usually involves high-altitude hiking, crossing passes and/or climbing peaks as high as 18,000 feet. Daily hiking is extensive — sometimes for as much as eight or nine hours. These trips are also longer in overall duration and are designed for experienced hikers who want to be challenged. Organized treks do not require technical climbing skills and include days for rest, but overall these trips are arduous and are meant for hearty hikers.

Keep in mind the primary differences between 'trekking' and 'backpacking':
On all of our Organized Treks, you never carry more than a day pack with your personal belongings. Regardless of the trip difficulty level, meals and accommodation are provided. Horses, yaks or porters carry the bulk of your trip load along the trail during the trek.

Some Notes For All Himalayan High Treks Organized Trips:

Our organized trips take the guesswork out of a complicated journey to 'the roof of the world'.
We've been guiding people here for nearly two decades, so we know our way around!
Our organized trips are designed around our own personal experiences to provide you with
the best highlights and trail routes. The difficulty rating for each trip is based on
the realities of high mountain trekking for those with limited high-altitude experience.

We have visited and inspected camping areas, guesthouses and lodges — with an eye for
cleanliness, safety and price (lodgings can often be rustic but represent the best value for the area).

An English-speaking Trip Leader accompanies all of our organized treks to maximize your enrichment,
safety and communication throughout the trekking journey. In addition, a local guide and crew
(including their ponies or yaks) accompanies your trip to serve as liaisons, cooks, porters and support crew.

Our detailed planning and enthusiastic staff ensure that you have
an inspirational and unique trip filled with surprises, wonder and fond memories!

While each trek is a unique program,
every Organized Trek is carefully designed to give you
a comprehensive and tested travel experience...
from the time you start at the meeting point until you return.

All organized trips include:

Pre-trip consultations

Extensive print information and resource packages to ensure you get the most
from your trek.

A qualified trip leader (generally from the U. S.), experienced and knowledgeable in the natural history
and culture of the area you travel.

Each leader is also trained and certified in first aid and emergency
procedures and has responsibility for each group.

A local guide (born and living where you travel) who is an expert in local traditions and current conditions,
who also manages the local staff.

Support crew of Sherpas, Porters, Cooks, Horsemen and Packers are provided as necessary —
you only carry a day pack with your essentials!

Yaks, porters or horses are provided as necessary to carry gear.

Group trekking equipment: tents, tables, stoves, latrine and group supplies.

Safe ground transportation and driver are provided as needed for touring and covering longer distances.

Accommodations are shared and based on double occupancy.
Single accommodations are an additional cost and subject to availability.

Three daily meals are generally provided throughout the trek unless otherwise specified in the trip description.

If you would like more information or complete itinerary, contact us with questions or for more details!

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Updated: HHT December 2008

	Mild: Little to no camping. Accommodations are most often in comfortable guest houses or small hotels. Hiking is usually mild and can include day hikes of less than four hours in length, which may or may not be at high altitude — depending on the trip. Vehicle time can become long with some fatigue on rough roads.
	Moderate: Usually involves hiking an average of four to six hours each day — with some time being spent at high altitude. Accommodations are generally a combination of evenings spent at tea or guest houses, as well as tent camping.
	Strenuous: Usually involves high-altitude hiking, crossing passes and/or climbing peaks as high as 18,000 feet. Daily hiking is extensive — sometimes for as much as eight or nine hours. These trips are also longer in overall duration and are designed for experienced hikers who want to be challenged. Organized treks do not require technical climbing skills and include days for rest, but overall these trips are arduous and are meant for hearty hikers.
	Keep in mind the primary differences between 'trekking' and 'backpacking': On all of our Organized Treks, you never carry more than a day pack with your personal belongings. Regardless of the trip difficulty level, meals and accommodation are provided. Horses, yaks or porters carry the bulk of your trip load along the trail during the trek.