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Join The Mountain Zone on the Trek to Everest
Simonson and his team of world-class Himalayan climbers will search high on Everest's North Ridge for clues to the fate of mountaineering's infamous early explorers, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. How high did these men climb on their summit day before mysteriously disappearing into history? Were they in fact the first to summit Everest? Mountain Zone readers will be able to follow right here all the excitement as it happens.
This rare adventure begins in Kathmandu, where we make final preparations and get entry visas for Tibet. Staying near the bustling Thamel district of the city, trekkers can visit the many spiritual centers within the city, including the ancient Buddhist stupas at Swayambunath and Bodhnath, or the sacred Hindu temple at Pashpatineth.
Then we hit the Friendship Highway, traveling overland discovering more of the richness of Tibet. We stay in Shigatse (12,800 ft.), where our hosts provide an outstanding tour of the Tashilhunpo monastery, home of the famous Panchen Lama. After more acclimatization in Shegar (14,400 ft.), also called New Tingri, we head over the spectacular Pang-La Pass (16,800 ft.), with Everest now dominating the Himalayan horizon beyond. We camp at the Rongbuk Monastery, highest in the world at 16,350 ft., where we begin our walk to the flanks of Everest.
Descent is soon welcome, and we retrace our steps to Base Camp, feeling a lot better within hours. Our overland return to Kathmandu includes an overnight in Nyalam, spectacular vistas of Shishapangma from 17,977 ft. Tsong-La Pass, and a crazy border crossing in Zhangmu. Back in Kathmandu, we enjoy another full day of opportunity for shopping, site-seeing, or just plain R and R before our flight back to the USA via Bangkok.
$6,000 includes everything Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Expenses not included are international airfare, hotels, and meals in route to/from Kathmandu, Kathmandu airport entry/exit fees, meals while in Kathmandu before/after climb, satellite charges for personal use of the Base Camp e-mail system, and personal beverages during the expedition.
Travel Dates Join The Mountain Zone and Expedition 8000 for the adventure of a lifetime.
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