Articles

2008 New Expeditions & Treks

Written by Tom Briggs, November 2007

Here is an overview of our new trips for 2008:

Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Glades Trek - grade 'T1'
Since 1994 we have been organising expeditions to Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe and Western Breach routes. Two years ago, we decided to offer a more relaxed, trekking ascent of Kilimanjaro, via the Rongai Route. Frequently described as the 'quietest route on the mountain', the Rongai has in fact become much busier in the last couple of years. So we have switched from the Rongai to the Lemosho Glades route from the Londorossi Park Gate on the western side of the volcano. On this itinerary, instead of climbing Mount Meru first (which we have always done as acclimatisation), we spend 8 days on the mountain, making a very gradual traverse of the southern slopes, to summit via the Barafu Route. This trek is suitable for fit walkers and can be completed in 10 days from the UK, by flying direct to Kilimanjaro International Airport... read more.

High Passes to Everest - grade 'T2'
This 24-day trek flies into Lukla in Nepal's Khumbu Valley, before trekking up to Namche Bazaar and then breaking off the main valley to head up to Thame and towards the border with Tibet. From a base camp, we cross the Renjo La (5,388m). The top of this pass provides some of the best views of Everest - arguably better than from Gokyo Ri or Kala Patar. After descending down to Gokyo Lakes, the trek then crosses the Cho La (5,380m) to access the upper Khumbu Valley and trek into base camp on Everest. Next spring, you will get the chance to meet our climbing team in base camp. We descend back down the Khumbu Valley through via Thyangboche and its famous monastery. We stay in lodges througout the trek, apart from one night camping below the Renjo La - essential to reduce the length of the ascent the following day... read more.

Everest Base Camp & Island Peak - grade '2B'
Plugging the gap between our Mera Peak expedition and Mera & Island Peak/Khumbu Climber, this 25-day expedition is suitable for those with some previous British or Alpine mountaineering experience, who are able to abseil. We trek to base camp by the normal route up the Khumbu Valley, then cross the Kongma La (5,535m) to access the Imja Valley and Island Peak base camp. Island Peak is one of Nepal's most popular 6,000m trekking peaks. The route follows scrambling up a rocky gully and ridge to reach the glacier. From here, we don crampons and rope up to cross the glacier and climb a 100 metre 45 degree snow slope up onto a spectacular ridge, which leads to the summit. We include a spare summit day in case of bad weather, before descending back down the Khumbu Valley and flying from Lukla to Kathmandu... read more.

Everest Team Trek - grade 'T1'
Next spring, we are running one trek alongside our climbing team, as they approach base camp. It departs the UK at the end of March and spends a little longer getting to base camp. The price is the same as our 20-day trek, but places are limited, so get in there quickly!... read more.

Rush Peak & The Hunza Valley - grade 'T2'
In our opinion, this is the best short trek in the Karakoram. In 16 days from the UK, we trek through some absolutely fabulous mountain scenery in the Hunza Valley, visiting the base camp below the 'Golden Pillar' of Spantik, and climbing Rush Peak (5,098m). This superb view point offers one of the best mountain panoramas in the Karakoram... read more.

Greenland Icecap Crossing - grade '2D'
A 550Km crossing of Greenland from east to west following the line of the arctic circle. The expedition should take between 24 and 30 days as it is a 'full crossing' from coast to coast, starting at sea level on the east coast and finishing on the shores of the fjord in Kangerlussuaq. The crossing has become more popular in recent years, but it is still a remote journey and is only suitable for those with previous skiing/sled hauling experience, who have a proven high-level of endurance, motivation and ability to work as a team. The crossing will take place in April/May and will be led by leaders who have completed it in 2007. Look out for details on the website soon and contact us to register your interest.

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