You need to know that this is not a large trekking company just myself acting as a guide, with a very experienced network of guides, porters and service providers which I have used for years.

It is about half-way between going with an 'organised tour' and 'independent trekking'. More like a group of friends who have clubbed together to go on trek to Nepal.

On a conventional trek your porter may be hours ahead of you setting up tents or cooking. When you trek with me you will have your own porter; he will trek near you in case you need a guiding hand on a wobbly bridge or just to get at your pack for a spare jumper or roll of film.

The main characteristic of trekking with me though is our slow pace. Because we travel slowly we have virtually no problems with altitude sickness. By traveling at such a sensible speed, ordinary people, with ordinary levels of fitness, can participate. You don’t need to be Sir Edmund Hillary to trek in Nepal. It certainly helps if you like spending the best part of the day walking.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

My next major public trek will be on February 21st when we gather in Kathmandu for a trek to Manang, high in the Anapurna region. This trek was great in November (see Trek Report section "MANANG'). This trip runs to 14th March. The next trek will be the much easier Kali Gandaki Trek (see Trek Report section KALI GANDAKI). This one begins on 17 March and runs till 1st April. There is plenty of room on this easy one. The last trek is Everest - all the way to Base Camp this season. It begins on 4 April and runs to 24th. with a full 16 days on trek. Two major treks are planned for October and November 2009 as well, one to the Langtang and over Gossainkund Pass and one to the Anapurna region, including crossing the Thorong La Pass and making the circuit.

People who wish to stay on for a couple of days to go rafting or visit Royal Chitwan or even connect to India are welcome to do so and I’m happy to give you a hand organizing additional activities.
 

Thai airways has a fairly direct flight via Bangkok for a five-hour stopover. Alternatives are Singapore airlines, Silk Air and Dragon Air via such places as Singapore and Malaysia. Of course, if you are flying in from places outside Australia you may have even more options. Qattar and Gulf are both reasonably priced options from Europe.

The Land cost for Manang or Kali Gandaki (including internal flights) was $1950 but I've had to ask for another $200 per person because of the World Economic Meltdown Thingy which has wreaked havoc on the Australian dollar. The Everest Trek was priced at $2200 but the same thing applies. Sorry about that. This covers almost everything, including Food, Accommodation, Internal Flights, Transfers, Porters, Trekking Permits, Trekking Registration Certificate,  Entry Fees, Taxis and Tips. I can give advice on a personal basis regarding equipment. It is quite inexpensive to kit yourself out in Nepal, e.g. fake ‘ North Face’ shell parka is about $30 and will do the job. It is best to take good boots you know will fit you but a cheap down jacket or sleeping bag could be purchased up there (or hired if you like). Fleece clothing and accessories are available very cheaply as are gloves, high-tech walking sticks and sunglasses - not the very best quality but good enough for a one-off trek.