Any trip into the Himalaya in Nepal will be extraordinary. After all–the scenery is unbelievable, there are religious sites to rival any in the world, there are great cultural experiences to be discovered around every corner, and the people are among the most affable and selfless you will find anywhere. You could just take a tour from one of the large multi-national corporations, and you will have a great time—but do yourself a favour and consider Sherpa Holidays! You will get more for your money (more inclusions, better accommodations and a higher level of service), and you will also do more to support the local economy and people. Compare prices, and you will see that that comparable treks cost less with Sherpa Holidays—then look closer and realize that all the meals and hot drinks while trekking are included, as is a great Kathmandu city tour and dinner, local flights and transportation. Also, that a very high degree of trip customization is available. You want coat or walking poles rental, extra days in Pokhara or Kathmandu, trip add-ons, or extra acclimatization days?—yes this is possible. Oh, and so are little things that they don’t tell you about—like snacks all along the way, and boiled/purified water to drink several times a day (and also can be used to keep you warm at night). The treks are led by local Sherpa guides who have vast mountain climbing experience and safety/rescue training.
In January 2014, I took the ‘Annapurna Circuit’ trek, led by Passang Geljen Sherpa. This was my second trip to Nepal—the first was in 2010 to do the ‘Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar’ trek—which was also led by Passang. The previous trip was amazing, and is also highly recommended. Nothing has prepared you to walk among the tallest mountains on earth, and to witness the sunrise over Mount Everest! Passang has since summited Everest, and is the best guide we have ever had for any trip. When my wife booked us a trip to India, I knew that I could not be that close to the Himalaya without returning to do another trek—and it had to be with Passang. Sherpa Holidays did a completely private tour, just for me (at no additional cost). I wanted a good challenge—and I had heard that Annapurna Circuit in winter might not even be possible due to weather. I asked Passang about this, and he said “the high pass for this trek will likely be closed due to weather, and few people would attempt it in the winter, but we can still do it if you want.” Music to my ears. In hindsight, maybe doing the trek a bit later in the winter, after the heavy snow, would have been a better idea. But I wanted a challenge, and I certainly got one. With about a foot and a half of snow for much of the trek, it was fairly exhausting. But going slowly, and walking in my Guide’s and Porter’s footsteps, I was able to complete it. We met very few other trekkers, and most of these (including one of the large multi-national tour groups) turned back before the high pass at Thorung La. Passang timed our crossing of the pass perfectly with the weather reports, so that we could cross in good weather and with as little snow accumulation as possible. The other groups…well, they paid good money for their trips, and must have been disappointed.
From the minute you land in Kathmandu, and are greeted by your smiling Sherpa guide, you will know that you are in good hands. Accommodations, service, food, and transportation are all impeccable. Sherpa Holidays has treks and sightseeing trips for all budgets and levels of difficulty. Just pick the one that calls to you—and prepare to have your life changed forever!
