Dear friends,
I wish you a Healthy, Prosperous and Happy New Year 2013!!!!
Asian Trekking’s Celebration of 30th Anniversary:
Completing the year 2012, was a landmark for Asian Trekking. It marked the completion of our 30 year journey since being established in 1982.
To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Asian Trekking in adventure tourism, we organised a tree plantation programme followed by a picnic on 30th Dec 2012 at Lakhuri Bhanjyang, above Kathmandu Valley. Among our 122 staffs (office and permanent field staff) most of them were present on the occasion.
On the occasion we felicitated, with certificates and rewards, our staffs who have been with us since the beginning in 1982. I feel proud to mention that these loyal and hard working staff are Suk Bahadur Ale (Sukre), Kali Bahadur Basnet (Kalu), Mingmar Tamang, Bhai Kaji Tamang (Maila Tamang) and Bala Bahadur Magar (Maila Magar). And, to my great surprise and honour, the field staff presented me with a mini stupa as a “token of love.” It is because of our staffs’ hard work, honesty, passion and dedication that Asian Trekking is where it is today.
An interaction program between office staff and field staffs were also held on that day. Various topics were discussed such as improvement in Asian Trekking’s services, welfare of the staffs, upgrading equipment to meet the existing requirement, required training for the climbing guide as well as trekking guides, cooks, kitchen boy etc. Though we completed 30 years, we are excitedly looking forward to the next 30 years.
Joint Tourism Coordination Meeting Between Nepal And China
On 17th and 18th December I attended the Sixth Meeting of the Joint Tourism Coordination Committee between the Government of Nepal and the People’s Government of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) which was held in Lhasa. I was a member of the Nepalese delegation, in the capacity Mountaineering and Adventure Tourism Expert.
The meeting was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere. The 17 member Nepalese delegation was headed by Mr. Mohan Krishna Sapkota, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Government of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region delegation was led by Mr. Yu Yun Gui, Director of Tibet Tourism Administration of the People’s Government of Tibet Autonomous Region.
The purpose of the meeting was to promote and expand cooperation in the areas of tourism and trade to the mutual benefits of both Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region.
Meeting With China Tibet Mountaineering Association
Also, on 19th December 2012 I had a meeting with China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA) general secretary including other authorities of CTMA over the Tibet Expedition. We discussed about the cooperation of future expeditions and how to run the expeditions smoothly without disruptions, visa issues and border closures. We also discussed over the issues of rope fixing, route making and permit fees on Mt. Everest, Mt. Ch-oyu, Mt.. Shishapangma and other mountains inTibet. CTMA assured me that the future expedition will run smoothly. I firmly believe that our mutual cooperation and our frequent dialogue will bring fruitful results in the development of mountain tourism both in Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region. I will continue to voice our concerns with the authorities for the betterment of mountaineering and tourism in the Himalayas.
First Aid And Medical Training:
Continuing our committment of safety in the mountains, this year again Asian Trekking organized first aid and medical training for the staff. A total of 40 staff participated in a two day training program.
The course focused on First Aid,·Patient Stabilization, CPR,·High Altitude Sickness and Response, etc.
Our sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Pranav Koirala, Dr. Kamal Thapa and Dr. Simant Thapa of the Mountain Medicine Society for conducting the training.
Maurice Herzog, French Mountain Climber, Dies At 93:
I also have sad news to share. Legendary French mountaineer and author Maurice Herzog, died at the age of 93 on 13th the December 2012. Maurice and his climbing partner, Louis Lachenal ascended Annapurna I, the 10th-highest mountain in the world, on June 3, 1950. Doing so, they became the first person in history to successfully climb to the top of an eight thousand m peak.
Following this feat, Maurice wrote the hugely popular book, Annapurna, which has been translated into dozens of languages and estimated to have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. First published in 1951, Maurice’s book put Nepal on the world map ‘for the first time’ and greatly promoted Nepal as a mountaineering and tourism destination.
I am very proud to have known him as a close friend. His passing is a great loss, though his legacy survives in all the mountaineers and adventurers he inspired. Asian Trekking and I express our heartfelt condolences to his family and pray for his peaceful eternal journey.
Thank You For Your Support:
Lastly, it is my pleasure to keep you all up to date as to our activities here in the Himalaya. If you have any questions please do let me know. I thank you for your support in the past and look forward to our cooperation in the future.
Ang Tshering Sherpa
Asian Trekking (P) Ltd
www.asian-trekking.com
Asian Trekking’s Mountaineering Expeditions, Peak Climbing And Trekking Program For 2013:
In Nepal
Eco Everest Expedition 3 April – 30 May 2013
Once again Asian Trekking will be organizing the acclaimed Eco Everest expedition under the leadership of Dawa Steven Sherpa Managing Director of Asian Trekking and Two Times Mt. Everest Summiteer, Mr. Pertemba Sherpa World Renowned climber as Base Camp Manager and Nanga Dorje Sherpa as the Climbing Sirdar. Each year since 2008, the Eco Everest Expeditions have been cleaning the slopes of Mt. Everest, while at the same organizing expeditions to the summit for our clients. Till Date, the expedition has collected more than 14,000 Kgs of old garbage on Mt. Everest.
Astrek Mt. Makalu Exedition (07 April – 03 June And 01 September – 28 October 2013)
I believe that it is very important to make the more remote mountains more accessible to climbers. Our expeditions on peaks like Mt. Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world, not only captures the imagination of the next generation of climbers, but also plays a very important role for the local people by providing jobs and income opportunities. Our expedition is organized on the Normal North Col route, which was first climbed by the french mountaineers in 1955.
Astrek Mt. Manaslu Expedition (09 April – 27 May And 02 September – 20 October 2013)
Manaslu is the 8th highest peak in the world and is gaining increasing popularity over the last 5 years. This is because the approach trek is now logistically easier to manage and the peak is technically easy to climb. Asian Trekking organises the Astrek Manaslu Expedition on the normal route which was first climbed by Japanese mountaineers in 1956.
Astrek Mt. Ama Dablam Expedition (15 April -14 May/ 25 April – 24 May/ 01 May – 30 May / 03 October – 01 November/ 15 October – 13 November/ 25 October – 23 November 2013)
Considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Ama Dablam is a prominent icon of the Himalayas. It sits in the center of the Khumbu Valley and offers immense views of Mt Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Nuptse. Asian Trekking organizes multiple expeditions to Mt. Amadablam throughout the spring and autumn climbing season.
In Tibet
International Mt. Cho-Oyu Expedition (10 April – 21 May And 01 September – 12 October)
Cho Oyu is the 6th highest mountain in the world and possibly the most popular 8000m peak for climbers. We are climbing on the normal which was first climbed by Austrian and Sherpa Climbers in 1954. The route is straight forward, non technical and has almost no avalanche risk with plenty of space in each camp for numerous tents. The summit is wide plateau featuring views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Shishpagma and Mt. Nuptse.
International Mt. Shishapangma Expedition (10 April – 21 May And 01 September – 12 October)
Shisha Pagma is the lowest of the fourteen 8000m peaks. In 1964 Chinese climbers reached the top making it also the last of all the 8000m peaks to be scaled. Asian Trekking organises the expedition along the normal route every climbing season. On request we are also able to organise an expedition from the technical South Face route.
Treks
Great Himalayan Trail – Fixed Departure Trek – 2013
Earlier this year, Apa Sherpa and my son Dawa Steven Sherpa walked the entire length of Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail in 99 days, covering 1555 Km. This trek takes the trekker along the entire length of the Nepal Himalaya where they can meet a multitude of peoples and cultures as well as see nine of the fourteen 8000m mountains, including of course Mt. Everest.
The trek features many impressive highlights like the ancient juniper forests in the Kanchenjunga region in the eastern frontier with Sikkim, the high altitude Tashi Lapsa pass connecting the Everest and Rolwaling regions, the multicultural villages in central Nepal, the traditional Gurung villages at the base of the Annapurna range, the rugged and unpopulated expanses of the Dhorpatan hunting reserve and the shimmering torquoise Phoksundo lake in the barren mountains of Dolpo just to name a few.
Asian Trekking provided the logistical support for their epic trek. Upon their return they created an itinerary that would be manageable for all trekkers. Broken up into sections of 2 to 3 weeks, the Great Himalaya trail can be completed in multiple visits.
60th Anniversary Of First Ascent Of Mt. Everest Celebration Trek – 2013
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (15 Days): 18 May to 01 June, 2013 To commemorate the the 60th anniversary of the first Ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, Asian Trekking is organsing the Mt. Everest Base Camp Diamond Jubilee trek. the highlight trek is a celebration program on 29th May organsied by the Sherpa communities in Khumjung School, which was the first school built Sir Edmund Hillary’s own hands. The program is sponsored by Asian Trekking.
Climbing Peaks
Nepal has 33 mountains ranging from 5587m to 6654m and of various difficulties, classified as trekking peaks. Asian Trekking organizes fixed expeditions to these peaks for aspiring mountaineers. To climb these peaks requires no more than three weeks at most but offers climbers the same experiences as the big mountains. Each peak has its own unique features and breathtaking views. We provide trained and experienced Sherpa guides and is achievable for climbers of all abilities.
Island Peak (6160m)
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (16 Days) – Spring 2013
Departure Date: 15 March-30 March / 04 April-19 April / 22 April-07 May / 19 April-04 May / 05 May – 20 May
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (16 Days) – Autumn 2013
Departure Date: 16 September-01 October / 05 October-20 October / 22 October-06 November 08 November-23 November.
Lobuche East Peak (6119m)
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (16 Days) – Spring 2013
Departure Date: 18 March-02 April / 05 April-20 April / 24 April-09 May / 12 May-27 May
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (16 Days) – Autumn 2013
Departure Date: 20 September-05 October / 07 October-22 October / 24 October-08 November 10 November-25 November
Kyazo Ri (6186m)
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (14 Days) – Spring 2013
Departure Date: 20 March-02 April / 04 April-17 April / 20 April-03 May / 06 May-19 May
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (14 Days) – Autumn 2013
Departure Date: 15 September-28 September / 02 October-15 October / 18 October-31 October / 03 November-16 November.
Pisang Peak (6091m)
Kathmandu-Besisahar-Bulbulle & Fly out Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu (16 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 15 March-30 March / 02 April – 17 April / 06 April-21 April / 24 April-09 May / 12 May-27 May
Kathmandu-Besisahar-Bulbulle & Fly out Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu (16 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 12 September-27 September / 28 September-13 October / 16 October-31 October 04 November-19 November
Other Trek Dates:
Everest Base Camp Trek
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (13 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 05 March-17 March / 20 March-01 April / 04 April-16 April / 19 April-01 May / 05 May – 17 May
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (13 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 08 September-20 September / 25 September-07 October / 10 October-22 October
25 October-06 November / 09 November-21 November.
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (12 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 08 March-19 March / 22 March-02 April / 06 April-17 April / 20 April-01 May / 04 May – 15 May
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (12 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 11 September-22 September / 26 September-07 October / 11 October-22 October
26 October-06 November / 10 November-21 November
Gokyo Ri – Chola Pass Trek
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (15 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 15 March-29 March / 02 April-16 April / 18 April-02 May / 04 May-18 May
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (15 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 14 September-28 September / 01 October-15 October / 18 October-01 November
04 November-18 November
Everest – Gokyo Lake Trek
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (12 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 06 March-17 March / 21 March-01 April / 05 April-16 April / 18 April-29 April / 03 May – 14 May
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu (12 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 16 September-27 September / 29 September-10 October / 13 October-24 October
28 October-08 November / 13 November-24 November.
Everest – Heli Trek (10 Days)
Spring 2013
Schedule Flight: Kathmandu-Lukla
Charter Helicopter Flight: Lubuche-Lukla
Schedule Flight: Lukla-Kathmandu
Departure Date: 25 March-03 April / 08 April-17 April / 20 April-29 April / 02 May-11 May / 15 May – 24 May
Autumn 2013
Schedule Flight: Kathmandu-Lukla
Charter Helicopter Flight: Lubuche-Lukla
Schedule Flight: Lukla-Kathmandu
Departure Date: 02 October-11 October / 15 October-24 October / 28 October-06 November
Everest – Heli Trek (09 Days)
Spring 2013
Schedule Flight: Kathmandu-Lukla
Charter Helicopter Flight: Lubuche-Kathmandu
Departure Date: 20 March-28 March / 04 April-12 April / 15 April-23 April / 26 April-04 May / 08 May – 16 May
Autumn 2013
Schedule Flight: Kathmandu-Lukla
Charter Helicopter Flight: Lubuche-Kathmandu
Departure Date: 05 October-13 October / 20 October-28 October / 02 November-10 November
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu (13 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 10 March-22 March / 25 March-06 April / 12 April-24 April / 26 April-08 May / 16 May – 28 May
Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu (13 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 14 September-26 September / 29 September-11 October / 14 October-26 October 29 October-10 November / 13 November-25 November.
Around Annapurna Trek
Kathmandu-Besisahar-Bulbulle & Nayapul-Pokhara-Kathmandu (17 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 15 March-31 March / 02 April-18 April / 20 April-06 May / 08 May-24 May
Kathmandu-Besisahar-Bulbulle & Nayapul-Pokhara-Kathmandu (17 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 10 September-26 September / 28 September-14 October / 15 October-31 October
02 November -18 November
Around Annapurna Trek – Walk In Bulbulle
Kathmandu-Besisahar-Bulbulle & Fly out Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu (13 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 08 March-20 March / 23 March-04 April / 06 April-18 April / 21 April-03 May / 05 May-17 May
Kathmandu-Besisahar-Bulbulle & Fly out Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu (13 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 12 September-24 September / 26 September-08 October / 10 October-22 October 24 October -05 November
Langtang-Gosaikunda-Helambu Trek
Kathmandu-Syabrubesi & Melamchi Bazar-Kathmandu (14 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 14 March-27 March / 29 March-11 April / 14 April-27 April / 29 April-12 May / 15 May – 28 May
Kathmandu-Syabrubesi & Melamchi Bazar-Kathmandu (14 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 10 September-23 September / 25 September-08 October / 10 October-23 October 25 October-07 November / 09 November-22 November.
Bhairab Kunda Trek
Kathmandu-Jalbire & Bhote Khosi-Kathmandu (10 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 20 March-29 March / 01 April-10 April / 12 April-21 April / 03 May-12 May / 17 May – 26 May
Kathmandu-Jalbire & Bhote Khosi-Kathmandu (10 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 14 September-23 September / 28 September-07 October / 09 October-18 October 20 October-29 October / 01 November-10 November.
Tingsang La – Kalinchok Trek
Kathmandu-Barabise & Kharidunga-Kathmandu (06 Days) – Spring 2013:
Departure Date: 18 March-23 March / 02 April-07 April / 15 April-20 April / 26 April-01 May / 10 May – 15 May
Kathmandu-Barabise & Kharidunga-Kathmandu (06 Days) – Autumn 2013:
Departure Date: 20 September-25 September / 02 October-07 October / 10 October-15 October 20 October-25 October / 03 November-08 November.
Asian Trekking’s Trek and Tours in Tibet
Kharta Valley Trek: Duration 23 Days
Kharta Valley trek is absolutely worth doing in life where you can find some of the grandest Himalayan sceneries on this spectacular walk, which takes you along steep-sided valleys and glacial lakes. In the summer the valley is covered with the magnificent grassland colorful wild flowers. The highest point on this trek is the Langma La Pass (5,320m), which offers outstanding views on a clear day. Towards the south you will see stunning views of Makalu including Everest.
This Kharta valley trekking is also combined with sightseeing visit into main cultural heart of Lhasa in Tibet. In Lhasa you will explore many of the most popular attractions ranging from The Potala Palace to bustling market streets and other cultural and Buddhist religion sites.
Nepal And Central Tibet Tour With Everest Base Camp: Duration 17 Days
After taking the flight from Kathmandu to Gongar airport, visit various religious and cultural places of Tsedang, Lhasa and Ganden. Then drive south through Tibetan villages visiting mystical Buddhist monasteries of Tashilunpo at Shigatse, the Kumbum Stupa at Gyantse and beautiful turquoise lakes crossing some of the challenging passes.
Drive Old Tingri to Rongbuk Monastery and hike up to the North Everest Base Camp and explore the Rongbuk glacier lies directly below the massive north face of Mount Everest.
Mt. Kailash And Manasarovar Overland: Duration 20 Days
Mt.Kailash (6714 m), Asia’s most sacred mountain, is located in a high and isolated enclave of West Tibet.It is one of three pilgrimage sites in the area, known collectively as Kangri Tsosum; the other two are Lake Manasarovar and Ponri Ngaden. The circuit around the holy mountain-clockwise for the Buddhists, counter-clockwise for Bon adherents is known as a Kora or Parikrama and normally takes three days. Pilgrimage to this great sacred mountain and magical scenery is the most precious of pilgrimage for both Tibetan and Indian people, a journey they hope to experience at least once in a lifetime.
Lake Manasarovar lies about 20 km (12.43 mi.) southeast of Mt. Kailash. The altitude of the lake is about 4,588 meters (15,052.49 ft.), making it one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world.
Trek And Tour In Bhutan
Bhutan often revered as the ‘Land of Peaceful Dragon’ is still regarded as one of the last ‘Shangri-La’s the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries.
The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight a first hand close up view of Mt.Everest, Mt.Kanchanjunga and other famous peaks become a reality.
Central Bhutan Tour: Duration 8 Night 9 Days
Places to visit: Paro valley; Thimphu; Punakha; Wangdiphodrang; Bumthang.
Unbeatable Snowman Trek: Duration 26 Nights 27 Days
This trek leads you to the seldom visited region of Lunana, passing some of the last virgin peaks of the Himalayas offering you great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forest to alpine pastureland. This trek will take you close to the huge snow, ice and rock faces of the mountains where most of the Himalayan peaks towering to the north are unnamed and unclimbed. The only inhabitants are rare species such as bharal, or blue sheep, takin and the snow leopard. During the spring, summer and autumn, the alpine meadows are filled with countless varieties of flowers.
Trek And Tour In Sikkim
This Kingdom of Flowers is situated in the eastern Himalayas. It is spread below Mount Khanchendzonga (8586 meters), the third highest mountain peak in the world. One can ease oneself from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged snow capped mountain slopes. Sikkim is a land rich in culture, tradition and steeped in religion. One cannot help but marvel at the numerous stupas, monasteries and temples. It is a perfect destination providing enchantment, tranquility and adventure. The nearest gateway airport for the entire state is at Bagdogra in West Bengal which is approximately 124 kilometers away. The drive from the airport to Gangtok takes approximately 3 ½ – 4 hours with a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges, the Teesta Valley and the tea estates. Sikkim offers a wide range of sightseeing opportunities. These include local sightseeing within and around the capital city – Gangtok, visits to monasteries, tea plantations and estates, adventure tours including, treks, walks, cycling trips, white water rafting etc.
East, West, South Cultural Tour: Duration 10 Days
Places to visit: Gangtok sightseeing; Namchi; Pelling sightseeing; Tashiding; Ravongla
Dzongri Trek: Duration 17 Days
Places to visit:Gangtok; Pelling: view of Mt.Pandim & Mt.Kanchenjunga,visit Khecheopalri Lake; Yuksom; Tsokha; Dzongri; Thangsing; Samitte lake; Goechala Pass.
