Tour Nepal and Tibet with Nepal RPCV

Don Messerschmidt (anthropologist, writer, Himalayan tour leader and RPCV Nepal 1963–65) has announced that he has openings for travelers wishing to join two of his up-coming tours: (1) a trek in the shadow of Mt Everest, (2) a cross-Tibet tour by vehicle — each having the option of a  post-trip Nepal Jungle Adventure.

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Nepal Tour, October 21 to November 3, 2009 (17 days)
Sacred Sites Trail, Khumbu (Mt. Everest) Region, Nepal

The trek, which starts and ends in Kathmandu, includes a 13-day trek among Sherpa villages and monasteries plus an optional visit to an high mountaineering camp:

• Arrive in Kathmandu.
• Fly to Lukla (c. 9,000 ft).
• Trek to Namché Bazaar (11,319 ft, in time for you to see the famous Saturday market).
• The trek then continues to monasteries and sacred sites on a Buddhist pilgrimage trail through Thamé, Khumjung, Phortsé, Pangboché and Dingboché (the highest village: 14,272 ft).
• At Dingboche, you may rest for the day or take the optional day-hike to visit Ama Dablam Peak base camp (15,092 ft).
• Spend the next 2 days at Tengboché (12,677 ft) where you can view the renowned Mani Rimdu dance-drama festival.
• Trek out to Lukla
• Fly back to Kathmandul.

* Approximately $2500 per person

Optional Add-on — Lowland Nepal Jungle Adventure (3 days)

Join us on a visit a park/wildlife sanctuary in the Terai lowlands — this can be a relaxing “come-down” from the high altitude on the Sacred Sites Trail. We will see rhinos and other critters — a tiger (if we’re lucky) . . .

• 3 nights at a fine jungle lodge.
• Elephant rides — optional.
• Nature hikes — optional.
• Boating — optional.
• Wildlife spotting — optional.
• Bird-watching — optional.

* Approx. $600 per person

Camping in Tengboché (12,677 ft)

Buddhist prayer stone and trekkers on Everest Sacred Sites Trek

Ama Dablam in background, trekker and chorten on Everest Sacred Sites Trek

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Tibet Cross-Country, April 2010 (17–19 days — dates being negotiated)

The tour will start in Lhasa and end in Kathmandu, and will be done entirely via vehicle.

• Spend three days in Lhasa while becoming acclimatized to the altitude  (c.12,000 ft). While there we will visit the weekend Big Dog Market. Tibetan mastiff pups are adorable in April! (Don’s latest book, Discovering the Big Dogs of Tibet & the Himalayas, will also be out by then.)..
• Drive across the Tibetan Plateau (no trekking) to famous historic and religious sites at Gyantsé, Shigatsé, Dingri (northern gateway to Everest) and west to Mt Kailash and sacred Lake Manasarovar (pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains).
• Then out south across the Himalayas to Kathmandu.

* Approx. $3000-3500 each.

Optional Add-on — Lowland Nepal Jungle Adventure (3 days)

Join us on a visit a park/wildlife sanctuary in the Terai lowlands — this can be a relaxing “come-down” from the high altitude of the Tibet Cross-Country tour. We will see rhinos and other critters — a tiger (if we’re lucky) . . .

• 3 nights at a fine jungle lodge.
• Elephant rides — optional.
• Nature hikes — optional.
• Boating — optional.
• Wildlife spotting — optional.
• Bird-watching — optional.

* Approx. $600 per person

Tibetan mastiff with wool ruff at Lhasa Dog Market

Old Tibetan with maniwheel

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* All costs are approximate.
Costs will vary by number of clients, and are still under negotiation with the agent in Kathmandu. All fees have gone up, but we are doing our best to keep them low.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICES:  Local transportation, lodging, meals, guides, park fees, and porters.
NOT INCLUDED: Air travel to/from Asia; Kathmandu guesthouse lodging; personal travel insurance; drinks, tips.

For more details contact Don at dmesserschmidt@gmail.com (daytime phone: 1.360.256.8596).

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