30 Download holiday itineraries from www. mountainkingdoms. com e: info@ mountainkingdoms. com The Everest Region The Himalaya T he Everest region is justifiably popular, but we take you off the beaten track through the remote Bhote Khosi valley and over two little- trekked passes - the Renjo La ( 5,340m/ 17,521ft), and the Kongma La ( 5,545m/ 18,188ft). This provides fantastic views of well known 7,000 and 8,000m peaks in a region with few western trekkers. We have the superb classic objectives of ascending Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri, offering panoramic views of Cho Oyo, Mount Everest, Cholatse and many more Himalayan giants. We cross our third pass, the challenging and often snow covered Cho La, which links these valleys. There is also the option to trek to Everest Base Camp. This is the ultimate high altitude trek, in the world's most spectacular mountain terrain. It's undoubtedly tough - but the scenery provides more than ample reward. T his longer variant of the classic trek to Everest Base Camp offers more gradual acclimatisation than the standard option of flying into Lukla. The trail crosses the grain of the country and we trek over many prayer-flagged passes before we turn up the Dudh Kosi valley towards Everest Base Camp. Just when you think it can't get any better, we cross the Cho La, ( 5,420m/ 17,782ft), and make our way to the brilliant blue lakes of Gokyo. The Sir Edmund Hillary Trust has built health clinics and schools across the Khumbu region and we will visit several Trust projects en route. Mountain Kingdoms will make a £ 50 contribution to the Trust for every booking received on this trek and we hope that clients will be encouraged to match this donation. Three High Passes to Everest This challenging high level trek takes in Everest Base Camp and three spectacular high passes. The Pioneers' Trail to Everest Base Camp Support the local community and follow in the footsteps of the early Everest expeditions. Crossing the Renjo La, Three High Passes to Everest, David Barraclough Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients £ 1,795 £ 1,845 £ 2,595 £ 2,625 Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Fri 19 Mar - Fri 16 Apr Fri 01 Oct - Fri 29 Oct Fri 25 Mar 11 - Fri 22 Apr 11 On Trek: 23 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 3 Tea Houses: 24 Optional: Single Room £ 75 Kathmandu Insurance: £ 109 1- 3 Fly Kathmandu, drive Jiri 4- 11 Trek Namche Bazaar 12- 26 Trek Kala Pattar, overview Everest Base Camp, cross the Cho La and return to Lukla. Includes rest days 27- 29 Fly Kathmandu, at leisure, fly London Trek | Duration: 29 Days Trek | Duration: 23 Days £ 1,565£ 2,365 Land OnlyFlight Included Sat 27 Mar - Sun 18 Apr Sat 02 Oct - Sun 24 Oct Sat 30 Oct - Sun 21 Nov Grade: Strenuous Grade: Strenuous Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients On Trek: 18 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 3 Tea Houses: 18 Optional: Single Room £ 75 Kathmandu Insurance: £ 99 1- 2 Fly Kathmandu 3 Fly Lukla 4- 20 Trek Renjo La, Gokyo, Cho La, Kala Pattar and Kongma La 21- 23 Fly Kathmandu, at leisure, fly London

telephone: 0845 330 8579 ( local call rate, UK only) international telephone: + 44 1453 844 400 www. mountainkingdoms. com 31 The Himalaya Trekking Peaks Why choose Mountain Kingdoms? ? Led by experienced mountaineers appointed by Mountain Kingdoms ? Top Sherpa guides who have previously summited these peaks ? Top- quality equipment ? Full camping service ? 4- star hotel in Kathmandu ? Best acclimatisation programme possible ? Ground handling by established trekking companies in Nepal ? No load carrying - trek to the summit with just a day sack ? Different return route to Lukla on Mera Peak trek ? Trek to Island Peak via Everest Base Camp Other Trekking Peaks - pages 39, 47, 63, 64, 67. See also page 4 for more information M era is technically straightforward, but as Nepal's highest trekking peak, it is very demanding. The walk in, initially through the virgin forest of the Hinku Valley, is incredibly beautiful and provides excellent acclimatisation. Further on, walking along the glacier with glorious panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nupste, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu and other 7- 8,000m giants, is an unforgettable experience. Our return trek, over the Zetra La, means we don't retrace our steps and enjoy new vistas from start to finish. Mountain Kingdoms provide an unrivalled service on this trek. Top quality equipment and experienced leadership all maximise the chance of summit success. A t 6,189m/ 20,306ft, impressive Island Peak is not the highest trekking peak in Nepal, but it provides a great deal of technical interest. We are treated to a varied feast of rock scrambling, roped glacier travel, a steep snow/ ice wall on fixed ropes, and an exposed summit ridge for an exciting finale. The two- week walk- in is a world class trek in its own right. It provides optimum acclimatisation including an early morning ascent of Kala Pattar ( 5,545m) or the trek up to Everest Base Camp. At every twist and turn we are rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views of 7,000 and 8,000m Himalayan giants. As Island Peak is graded Alpine PD, suitable mountaineering experience is necessary. Mera Peak 6,476m/ 21,246ft A scenically stunning mountain that provides a superb challenge for the very fit, keen trekker. Island Peak ( Imja Tse) 6,189m/ 20,305ft A high altitude treat! Combine a trek to Everest Base Camp with the ultimate trekking peak challenge. Trekking Peaks On the way to high camp, Mera Peak, Dave Pickford Colourful Mani stone, Alan Fox Trekking Peak | Duration: 22 Days £ 2,125 £ tbc £ 2,895 £ tbc Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Sat 27 Mar - Sat 17 Apr ? Sat 26 Mar 11 - Sat 16 Apr 11 Sat 02 Oct - Sat 23 Oct ? Sat 09 Oct - Sat 30 Oct ? Grade: Strenuous ( Expedition Grade) Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients On Trek: 17 days Appointed Leader Ian Coxan ? Stef Economides ? Stephen Goodwin ? Accommodation: Hotels: 3 Tea Houses: 1 Camping: 16 Optional: Single Room £ 75 Single Tent £ 100 Insurance: £ 149 1- 3 Fly Kathmandu, at leisure, fly Lukla 4- 13 Trek Mera High Camp 14 Summit day - Mera Peak 6,476m/ 21,246ft 15- 19 Trek Lukla via Zetra La 20- 22 Fly Kathmandu, at leisure, fly London Grade: Strenuous ( Expedition Grade) Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clients £ 1,975£ 2,765 Land OnlyFlight Included Fri 26 Mar - Sun 18 Apr ? Fri 01 Oct - Sun 24 Oct ? On Trek: 19 days Appointed Leader Dave Pickford ? John Shipton ? Accommodation: Hotels: 3 Tea Houses: 16 Camping: 3 Optional: Single Room £ 75 Single Tent £ 125 Insurance: £ 149 1- 3 Fly Kathmandu, fly Lukla 4- 11 Trek Lobuche 12 Trek Kala Pattar or Everest Base Camp 13- 17 Ascend Island Peak 18- 22 Trek Lukla, fly Kathmandu 23- 24 At leisure, fly London Trekking Peak | Duration: 24 Days