As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the adventures that await in 2024, it’s the perfect time to think about your next travel destination. Our own Adventure Specialist team at Journeys International has curated a list of their top destination choices for 2024. We have balanced consideration for excellent local guiding and charming, culturally-imbued, and environmentally sensitive accommodations with our desire to avoid over-touristed areas. From the hidden valleys of Bhutan to the icy expanses of Spitsbergen, each location promises a journey filled with wonder and discovery. Here are our top 10 destinations to consider for your travels next year:

1. Bhutan – Land of the Dragon:

Bhutan, known as the Land of the Dragon, offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and natural beauty. Discover why this Himalayan paradise measures national success in Gross National Happiness through guided eco-travel and cultural expeditions.

2. Botswana – Wildlife & Wilderness:

Immerse yourself in Botswana’s diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife. The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park await with their breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, offering an unparalleled safari experience.

3. Central Asia – A Tapestry of History:

Venture into the heart of Central Asia, a region overflowing with history, culture, and color. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan each offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations and culturally rich landscapes.

4. Greenland – Arctic Adventure:

Greenland, a destination for the hearty traveler, presents a journey into remote and environmentally sensitive areas. Engage with local indigenous communities and explore the ecosystem of the world’s largest island with the second-largest ice sheet.

5. Madagascar – A Biodiversity Hotspot:

Madagascar is a dream for nature enthusiasts, boasting an incredible array of wildlife, including 110 lemur species, and exotic flora. Experience the island’s unique biodiversity with stays in top ecolodges and nature resorts.

6. Morocco – A Cultural Mosaic:

Travel through Morocco’s imperial cities, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the vast Sahara Desert. Experience the bustling markets, tranquil desert landscapes, and the rich historical tapestry that Morocco has to offer.

7. New Zealand – Landscapes and Heritage:

Journey through New Zealand’s stunning natural scenery, from pristine fjords to rugged mountains. Embrace the rich Maori cultural heritage and explore the great outdoors in this paradise for adventurers and culture seekers.

8. Panama – A Blend of Nature and Culture:

Panama, known for its accessible rainforests and incredible biodiversity, showcases a myriad of ecosystems. The country is also home to seven native tribal groups that continue to thrive alongside modern communities. Explore two ocean coastlines, the jungle between, the Panama Canal, and thriving cultural life.

9. Sri Lanka – Island of Diversity:

Discover the enchanting island of Sri Lanka with its spectacular coastal beaches, mountainous interiors, and Buddhist holy sites. Delve into archaeological wonders, wildlife parks, and tea plantations for a rich blend of nature and culture.

10. Spitsbergen – Polar Wildlife Wonderland:

Embark on an expedition to Spitsbergen, part of the Svalbard archipelago, for a unique polar exploration with a surprising diversity of wildlife. Witness the Arctic wilderness active with birds and mammals, and understand the impacts of climate change in this remote and icy landscape.

Where do you picture yourself next year?

If you’re eager to start planning your 2024 adventures and want more information about these amazing destinations, we invite you to explore further. Each location offers a chance to create stories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to another year of unforgettable journeys, wherever you choose to explore!

The post 10 Destinations to Visit in 2024 appeared first on Journeys International.

More great Bhutan reads:

• HuffPost Travel: Bhutan is The Nature Lover’s Untouched Dream Destination
• New York Times: Bhutan: A Higher State of Being

We have just returned from a wonderful trip to Bhutan: Druk Yul: the land of the thunder dragon, the most isolated and exotic land in the Himalayas. Roughly the size of Switzerland, it is almost entirely mountainous, ranging in altitudes from as low as 350 feet to as high as 24,000 feet. This helps to explain Bhutan’s long-term isolation from the rest of the world until the 1960’s.

A nation of forests

About 70 percent of Bhutan’s 18,000 square miles is forested, and the nation treats nature with admirable respect. The king is young and environmentally sensitive, and many of the country’s higher regions remain nearly free of the footprints of man, untouched examples of the fast-disappearing Himalayan environment.

Buddhism abounds

Bhutan is a very Buddhist country, so it is no surprise to see monasteries everywhere you go throughout the country. They are mostly perched way up high on the mountaintops and hidden deep in the river valleys. It is the intent of the location to give the monks peace and solitude so they may meditate their lives away in trying to achieve the final Nirvana.

Silence at the Tiger’s Nest

The most revered and also the most famous monastery—and most famous piece of architecture in the country—is the Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest. It is the destination of all reverent Buddhist pilgrims in Bhutan at some time in their lives. Located about 3,000 feet above Paro Valley in western Bhutan at an elevation of 10,200, it was founded in 747 AD by Guru Rinpoche (previous teacher), the second Buddha. Legend has it that he landed on this spot from neighboring Tibet astride a flying tiger, bringing the tenants of Buddhism with him. The monastery almost defies gravity as it seems to literally hang on the edge of a sheer drop of over 3,000 feet below. Needless to say, it was a bit scary once we got into the structure and looked out and down. The location is startling, with nothing breaking the silence except a waterfall, the call of a raven, the fluttering of prayer flags, and the chanting of a few monks.We started our hike up at the trailhead about 7,500 feet and went up a trail of about 2 miles to the site at 10,200 ft. We were told it would take about 3 hours; we did it in 2.25 hours, but were very winded along the way, as it was only our second day in Bhutan and we had hardly acclimated to the altitude. It was certainly the hardest hike we have ever undertaken. Even in Bolivia and Peru, on hikes over 4,000 feet higher, the trails were never as steep as this. But the end result and views were worth every step. Unfortunately, you are not allowed cameras inside the monastery which would have made for some spectacular shots out across the Paro Valley.

Witnessing the Tschechus

One of the reasons for planning trips to Bhutan in the fall is to experience their traditional festivals, called “tshechus.” These take place in the great dzongs—the fortified monasteries that remain the centers of religion, education and local government in each district of the kingdom. They are not staged for the benefit of visitors, who consider themselves privileged to witness these events, which have remained unchanged for centuries.

Interested in travel to Bhutan?

Let us know and we’ll call or email you to answer all of your questions.

About the Travelers

Rick and Paula Vogel and Larry and Judith Miller met on a Journeys trip and soon realized what great travel companions they were. So, they signed up for more trips together. This particular trip was a customized and private departure of Fall Festivals of Bhutan. Many thanks to the Vogels for sharing their stories for this blog post.

The post Travel to Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon appeared first on Journeys International.

Every once in a while we’ll get a call from someone weary of traveling with a guide. They proudly state that they don’t need their hand held or to be babysat.

Before traveling with Journeys, I was that person.

Having been a wandering backpacker for most of my life, I felt that traveling with a guide would force me to be less adventurous. I worried that I’d be restricted or have to follow a rigid schedule. To me, a guide had the power to dictate what my experience would be, and I was not comfortable giving someone that control.

Furthermore, I’ve always been a fiercely independent traveler. I thought that by reading guidebooks and digging through online travel forums I could fully prepare myself. And if I couldn’t find the information I needed, I’d just wing it. Smart, right?

Fast forward to 2013 when I took my first Journeys trip. My group and I were attempting the infamous Everest Base Camp Trek (not for the faint of heart). We had two guides with us, both of whom were locals and seasoned trekkers.

I’ll never forget on my second day of the trek, en route to Namche, we had to climb over a couple of boulders that blocked the often narrow trail. One of the boulders was only about two feet wide and sloped down to the left toward a massive drop-off into the rocky river. A successful clearance required good shoes, steady legs, and the discipline to not look down. Unfortunately for me, I “glanced” down, and my fear of heights began to manifest in my legs through uncontrollable shaking. Without help from our guide Nima (pictured), there was no way I could have cleared this thing if I tried.

Nima saw my hesitation but didn’t say anything. I could feel his silent encouragement, as he waited patiently for my next move. After my first unsuccessful attempt at making it across, he extended his hand to me and said, “I won’t let you fall.” This small gesture was the reason I didn’t turn back.

Besides that amazing moment, how else would I have known where to spot Everest’s snowy peak for the first time? How else would I have known that it is customary to walk along the left side of prayer rocks? How else would I have met the head monk at Tengboche Monastery? The advantages of seeing your destination through a local’s eyes are many, and frankly, you miss out if you don’t.

It’s been over a year now since that life-changing trip, but I still stay in contact with Nima. I’m beyond grateful for the courage and knowledge he instilled in me, and I’m even more grateful for his friendship.

The post Guides vs. Going it Alone appeared first on Journeys International.

Thinking back over my many Journeys trips, often the most memorable have been treks. Leaving roads, vehicles and utilities behind, joining local people on their own pedestrian travel terms, and finding a physical rhythm of travel creates indelible and positive memories. These are five of my favorite treks.

Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek

My first treks in Nepal more than 40 years ago are still vivid. Looking over pictures from the early trips is re-tasting the joy of great times. I have made the trek to Khumbu and Mt Everest seven times. Each time I promise myself that if I only do one more trek to Nepal it will be this one, where you are so close to such immense Himalayan peaks and where the Sherpa culture, omnipresent sounds and symbolism of Buddhism and resurgent wildlife populations fill the experience with an echoing wonder and promise.

Ladakh

Ladakh Trek

The Western Himalayas of extreme northern India meet the Tibetan Plateau in the isolated Buddhist valleys of Ladakh. My first and most memorable Ladakh trek traversed the high meadows of Nymaling and wound through the deep canyons past isolated monasteries of the Markha Valley. Mules carry your gear over 14,000’ passes. The warmth of Buddhist hospitality and the inspiration to snowy peaks poking through puffy clouds across the distant Tibetan Plateau provide soul filling inspiration.

Bhutan

Black Mountain Trek

You don’t have to deal with high altitude and austere conditions to have a great Himalayan trekking experience. My favorite hike in Bhutan is our Black Mountain Trek. The beginning and end of the trip are briefly steep, but relatively gentle ups and down through the rest of the trip traverse exceptionally scenic landscapes. You will meet Bhutanese in isolated villages, including the friends and family of your guide. Hike through wildlife-rich virgin forests and feel very much like you are walking back in time. This a trip you can make in late fall and winter, when the trails through higher mountain are closed by snow. Some of my favorite Bhutan pictures were from the Black Mountain trek.

Peru

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The most famous trek in the Andes is harder than many imagine. The highest, steepest, most oxygen-depleted part of the trip comes at the beginning. As you come closer to the sacred sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the air thickens and the environment grows greener. If you shorten the trek by a day or two, the reward you have inevitably seen a hundred times in travel publications still arouses profound wonder and appreciation. This trek is a world classic for good reasons.

Tanzania

Kilimanjaro Climb

Volcanoes can seem visually and geologically simple, but the non-technical trekking climb of Kilimanjaro is physically challenging and complex. You have lots of route choices. I have climbed the peak twice covering four different routes and they are all significantly different. The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular. I suggest considering the Shira Plateau or Rongai Routes for better scenery and fewer other trekkers. This is the most difficult trek of the five mentioned here. Everyone feels short of breath and possibly chilled during the final pre-dawn climb to the summit. But experienced guides, good equipment, and your own good conditioning before you arrive greatly increase the likelihood of summiting success and lifelong positive memories

The post Five Great Treks appeared first on Journeys International.

The tragic death of fifteen Nepalese Sherpa mountaineers on Mount Everest this month brought shock and sadness to all of us who have traveled in the Himalayas with the aid of Sherpa leaders and staff. The dangers of high altitude mountaineering are embraced by foreigner climbers, but represent a profound and always imminent occupational risk to the hired staff who fix ropes, pitch the tents, and minimize the hazards for climbing guests. We send our condolences to all who lost friends and family members in this tragedy.

We are relieved to report that none of our Journeys Nepal staff nor any of their family members were among the lost or missing, though in the relatively small Sherpa guiding community, everyone felt close to the tragedy. Death in the high mountains is never a surprise, but always feared.

While Journeys does not offer mountaineering, ironically, Journeys’ origins trace to an avalanche. Our co-founder, Pemba Tsering Sherpa, was among the high altitude Sherpa support group of a German mountaineering expedition in April 1978. Forced to bivouac in a dangerously exposed location, Pemba and his Sherpa companion were buried in an avalanche at 7,000 meters and left for dead as the foreigner climbers, who were camped outside of the avalanche zone, quickly retreated without searching for the missing Sherpas. Miraculously, Pemba and his companion were able to dig out and struggle down the mountain. We met Pemba two days later in Kathmandu and he was more than ready to make the switch from climbing to trekking. Pemba often reflected on the wisdom of his decision. There is a clear line between trekking and mountaineering which is usually drawn at ‘base camp” where the rules and risks change dramatically. Journeys International does not offer, endorse, or support high altitude mountaineering. On our trips, neither you nor our staff will be placed at risk of avalanches or landslide.

We support the Nepalese guides and support staff who are demanding better compensation, rescue services, regulations, and insurance against such tragedies. Your decision to trek rather than climb in the Himalayas reduces the risk for not only yourself, but those who support your trip.

Namaste.

The post Condolences for Everest Tragedy Victims appeared first on Journeys International.

Journeys Director Will Weber describes a handful of priceless cross-cultural experiences available to you on our trips.

At Journeys we have always felt that making authentic connections and even friendships with local people who are culturally different from ourselves is an important goal and reward of our travels. Accompanied by a local guide, we try to find our common humanity in appreciating how we are different and how we are the same.

The opportunities for this kind of traveler exchange are unlimited, but here are a few of our favorite and most dramatic cross cultural experiences that are an integral part of our worldwide travel programs.

1) Himba of Namibia

The Himba are indigenous people living in the Kunene region of northern Namibia. Himba are a semi-nomadic, pastoral tribe which boasts a population of roughly 30,000-50,000. One of the distinguishing characteristics among this tribe is that women cover their bodies and parts of their hair in “otijze,” a mixture of butter fat and ochre, beginning in puberty. This substance gives their skin a rust-colored stain. Visit the Himba people with Best of Namibia Camping Safari or Classic Nambia Under Canvas.

2) Huli Wigmen of Papua New Guinea (PNG)

The Huli reside in the Southern Highlands of PNG. They number approximately 150,000 members. The Huli are recognized by their elaborate and colorful Bird-of-Paradise feather headdresses, yellow clay used to decorate their bodies, and flourishes of fluorescent accents of face and body. They are noted for their drumming and dancing sing-sing festivals. Visit the Huli with all PNG trips.

3) Dong people of China

The Dong people are one of 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People’s Republic of China. They reside in mostly eastern Guizhou, western Hunan, and northern Guangzi. The Dong are best known for their specialty Kam Sweet Rice, carpentry skills, and unique architecture – covered bridges, in particular. With the modernization of China, few young people are remaining in villages and this trend threatens the Dong, as it does other ethnic groups. Visit the Dong people on Finding Forgotten China.

4) Ladakhi people of India

Residing in the extreme northern area of India on the Tiibtan Plateau, Ladakhis are extraordinarily hospitable Tibetan Buddhists who revere the Dalai Lama and have practiced their religion as a culture for thousands of years uninterrupted by the political regimes of India or China. You are welcome in their houses, monasteries and villages and will certainly be impressed by their kindness, gentle manner and the strength of their traditional culture. Visit Ladakh with some of our longest serving guides on our summer treks and odysseys.

5) Wahadzabe of Tanzania

There are few hunter gatherers left on the planet but the Wahadzabe are among the most interesting. Due to their nomadic lifestyle, it is difficult to predict where you will find them, but your guide will know where to look. The Wahadzabe tend to shadow the movements of the wildlife and rely upon the migrations as their food source. Spend two days learning about their lifestyles and traditions, and possibly visiting the caves where they often spend their nights while hunting. The Wahadzabe are of Cushitic background, and are very similar to their Kalahari Bushmen relatives. They still use bows and arrows for hunting and speak a click-based language. Meet them on our Tanzania Culture and Wildlife trip.

The post Five Astounding Cultural Encounters appeared first on Journeys International.

For over twenty years I have wanted to see Everest in person, to personally experience an area I’d immersed myself in through books, documentaries and films. Twice before I had signed up with other trekking companies, only to bail for one reason or another. When I first saw JOURNEYS 35th Everest Anniversary trek I thought, “This is it…This is your big chance to realize your dream before time runs out.”

November arrived. On the 5th I found myself in Kathmandu. I couldn’t believe it! I saw sites I had only seen in travel logs. “Pinch me, is this real?” It was sensational seeing the Himalayas awaiting our arrival as we made the flight to Lukla, our trailhead.

A few hours into the trek I realized that I should have grabbed my poles from my duffel as we began the ups and downs which became the norm. In Nepal, in order to gain altitude, one frequently must descend, then ascend to a higher point. The second day’s trek made it abundantly clear just how rocky and steep the trekking route was. Although a bit demoralized by the strenuous nature of the trails, and being separated from the group due to being slower, my wonderful guide Nima kept surprising me with breath-taking views of of various mega peaks, and then the big moment… Everest. I referred to these viewings as “recharging my batteries”…and did I ever need those moments!

Other “recharging” elements were the lodging accommodations (far better than what I had anticipated), the food (excellent…and I never became ill), and more than anything, the Sherpa guides and inhabitants of the Khumbu region. I’ve never come across such warmth and caring. I was a stranger to the area but never felt unwelcome.

Long before I left for the trek I felt that the town of Tengboche would probably be my turnaround point simply because I didn’t feel I had trained adequately. By day 4 of the trek, my knees began to holler, so my decision stuck. Additionally, winter was arriving early, the temperatures dipped easily into the teens or lower at night. I was told that the trail continuing ultimately to Everest Base Camp was two to three times as difficult and the temperatures would plummet. I deeply appreciated the honesty of the Sherpa guides. Whereas I might have made it at least to Lobuche (the camp after Tengboche), odds are I would have had to be carried out… and to me, that defeated the entire point of the trip.

If I were planning to trek in Nepal again, knowing what I know today, I would:

1. Do a considerable amount of stair work (with a pack) and cycle at least 4 months in advance.
2. Try to hike anywhere above sea level, just to get more accustomed to thinner air.
3. Learn about altitude sickness: do’s, don’ts, preventives.
4. Invest in quality layered clothing and gear designed for bitterly cold temperatures.
5. Don’t overpack! My duffel was appallingly large and a bit too heavy. The guilt I felt for the porter was considerable, and anyway, lodging in Namche offers laundry service if you stay multiple nights.
6. Drink plenty of water, and be prepared to pay the equivalent of USD $4.00 if you want bottled water as you get higher.

All logistics aside, the Nepal I encountered was a place of extremes: extraordinary beauty and environment. Intense warmth of the people countered by intense cold weather at night. As you ascend higher it becomes evident that however alluring, this region is challenging in its steepness, rockiness, altitude and weather. The best planning is to prepare for all possibilities you can think of, train thoroughly and consistently, and know your limits.

What I gained from this trek is indescribable. It wasn’t just one epiphany but several. The fact that the goal of the trek became far different than trying to make it to Kalapathar changed my life. I experienced a totally different Nepal than I had read about. Trekking up the Thame Valley, visiting monasteries, meeting monks, farmers, artists, lodge-keepers, aunts, grandmothers, and kids playing cricket are among some of the highlights that will stick with me forever. This trip touched me on a profoundly deep level.

Will I return? I may. I am considering Gokyo, west of Everest, but I need my knees to heal first!

The post Realizing My Dream in Nepal appeared first on Journeys International.

Three weeks in Nepal, and here’s what I realized you need to consider before you sign on for this trip:

1. Get excited about really small airplane rides. The airplane ride from Kathmandu to Lukla is definitely one of the highlights of this trip, affording you indescribable views of the Himalayan mountain range. Unfortunately, for some it can be a scary experience – likened to flying around in a tin can. I admit I was a little nervous at first but once I caught my first glimpse of the sun hitting the mountains I forgot to be freaked out.

2. Develop an affinity for the Stairmaster prior to departure. Not joking about this one. There is a lot of stair climbing on this trek. You don’t have to have legs of steel or anything, but I highly recommend some aerobic preparation so you’re not taken by surprise. I’m twenty-five years old, reasonably healthy, and there were times that I wanted to curl up in the fetal position along the trail. So, be sure to pack some extra endurance in your suitcase.

3. Understand and embrace the concept of mega layering. This trip is all about layering! The mornings and evenings are significantly cooler than the daytime, and depending on the season, they might even be freezing at night (your water bottles might literally freeze like mine did). On the other hand, you’ll be working up a sweat during the daytime while traversing the makeshift, yak-trodden trails, so that base layer tank top or t-shirt might save your life. Basically, you may be dressed like everything from an Eskimo to a yoga instructor on this trip. Cold is an understatement.

4. Plan on sleeping when you get home. One of the not-so-wonderful things about sleeping at a higher altitude is that sometimes you don’t sleep at all. Not to say this will be your experience, but our entire group suffered from sleeplessness at some point. My own “sleep schedule” went something like this: Face plant at the dinner table or drag myself to bed at 8:30pm. Roll around and stare at the ceiling until I couldn’t stand it anymore. Wake up feeling strangely rested (adrenaline?). Repeat.

5. Prepare for the unexpected, unusual, and sometimes unpleasant. You are in a different country, so things operate differently, right? Also, things that might not be acceptable or seem sane in our country are perfectly normal in another. For instance, it might seem weird to share a hiking path with a pack of yaks or donkeys (Note: you need to accept that you will step in dung at some point on this trip). But I think the biggest wake up call for me wasn’t cultural – it was seeing people get sick either from the altitude or simply from catching a bad cold. Your body is under stress from the foreign conditions, as well as from trekking 3, 4, or sometimes 10 hours a day. When our group was trekking in November, an early winter had fallen upon the region. So, it was considerably colder than it normally is at that time, and as a result, people were getting some pretty nasty coughs and all the other fun symptoms that come with it.

6. Can you handle the epic awesomeness? I’ll admit, I thought I could handle how amazing Nepal is, but… I was pretty speechless. This blog could never convey to you how unreal the surroundings, the views, and the people are. You won’t even get a decent glimpse from watching a documentary and seeing actual footage of the area. Part of what makes it so amazing, of course, is how small you feel against the towering mountains. I wish I could have bottled up that feeling and taken it home with me. It’s truly the most sobering slap of reality that everyone should experience once in their lifetime.

7) The biggest thing you’ll take home with you. It’s funny… Tens of thousands of people come to Nepal each year for one thing: Everest. When I first knew I was joining this trip, my initial thought was, “I’m going to see Everest! Woohoo!” Now, post-trip, I’ll tell you that was not the highlight for me, and after talking with various people along the trail, many would agree. Yes, Everest is amazing. Yes, I am so happy I can say I saw it with my own eyes. But the biggest thing I took away from Nepal was my warm and wonderful experience with the people. For me, their generous, helpful, gentle, and honest spirits will always trump the tallest mountain on earth – and for them, I would return.

The post Things You Should Know Before Trekking in the Everest Region appeared first on Journeys International.

In April 2008, Journeys Client Services Director Florine Herendeen traveled to Nepal with her then-14-year-old daughter, Kellyn, and 3 other Journeys travelers. Florine wrote this post about her visit to Everest Namche Lodge Base. Visiting Everest Namche Lodge Base is one way that Journeys recommends to experience Mt. Everest while avoiding the risks associated with a technical, mountaineering ascent. 

We arrived at Lukla airstrip at an elevation of 9,000’ in the region called Khumbu. Our guides and porters gathered our gear, including our personal packs, the kitchen equipment and tents. It was going to be a day and a half trek to Namche, and once we arrived there, we were going to base ourselves in a lodge, but we had chosen to include some camping as well and our first night was to be in tents. We carried only our day packs and the porters carried the loads on their backs with a support strap over the top of their heads. I felt guilty bringing more stuff than I would likely need, but the porters did not mind.

Sherpa porters make a living transporting goods along the trail. The trekking guides were referred to as “sherpas” as their job description, and most of them were also of the Sherpa ethnic group, with families who are from this high part of Nepal. Sherpas are Tibetan Buddhists. At the entrance to every small Sherpa village we found walls of large “mani” stones, carved with Tibetanprayers. We learned to keep them on our right as we passed so we could touch with our right hands. As the left hand is considered unclean. These were a continual reminder that we had entered a different world.

We trekked about five hours and arrived at our campsite in the late afternoon. The cook used the kitchen of the nearby lodge to prepare the first of the many wonderful meals we’d be enjoying on this trip. I have to admit, even though we were camping, we dined on better food than I will ever cook at home. We had the best porridge for breakfast every morning and we also had eggs, coffee, hot chocolate and toast. Lunch was typically a packed lunch consisting of a sandwich, hard- boiled egg, fruit and cheese. Dinners ranged from familiar spaghetti to local noodle soups to chicken with rice and tasty vegetables and dal (lentils.) One night dessert was homemade apple pie still warm from the oven (or whatever it was they cooked it in!). Along the way, there were snacks to be found for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up — tea, cookies and yogurt, or Snickers bars and Coca Cola, or beer and Pringles, for a range of preferences.

The second day was our toughest hiking day of the entire trip. We trekked to an altitude of about 11300 feet and arrived at our base in Namche. It was pretty much an up-hill climb with none of the occasional downhill relief of the previous day. We took it slowly, but steadily, aware of the altitude. Kellyn often got ahead of the pack but one of the guides stayed right with her. At the time it seemed to be a really tough day but, in hindsight, I realize we could have relaxed. There was plenty of time and we could go as slowly as we wanted. Also, locals or visitors who have difficulty with the hiking can ride horses.

I enjoyed the people-watching along the trail, including trekkers that visit here from all over the globe, and local children going to and from school. We observed a group of teen girls huddling together in a group as they walked and talked and giggled. Kellyn said they could have been her friends.

We were tired as we covered the final stretch to Namche but as we rounded the corner and saw the stunning village we felt it was all worth it. It appeared almost with no warning, and it was storybook perfect, a collection of white houses with colorful trim, built into the side of the mountain, backed by higher snow-capped peaks. We were overwhelmed by the beauty and by the awareness of the legendary history of the place as the staging ground for so many famous expeditions to Mount Everest.

Namche is a busy little town full of Sherpa life. There are homes, fields, a school, a small monastery and also plenty of shops and restaurants. Here you can rent the best possible equipment one might need for trekking or camping. Cell phone service and internet are available. The headquarters for Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park is on the outskirts of town. Electricity came to Namche only recently but great care was taken to try and put many of the wires underground. There’s a kerosene depot so that locals do not rely on wood for cooking (and visitors do not rely on wood for their hot showers!).

View from the lodge in Namche.

Our guesthouse – Moonlight Lodge – sat above the town center, almost at the top of the ridge. The advantage is the magnificent view, but it does take just a bit more trekking to get there. The lodge was an addition to the home of Natang Sherpa and his wife Pemba, brother-in-law and sister-in-law of Journeys co-founder Pemba Tsering Sherpa. Natang spent many years working for climbing expeditions and then as a senior guide for our trekking groups and he welcomes all Journeys trekkers as old friends.

Moonlight Lodge is simple, welcoming, clean and comfortable. As in all Sherpa homes and lodges, there is a large common room warmed by a central stove and rimmed with carpet-covered seating. And, as in the home of any Sherpa family that can afford it, the most special room is the prayer room, painted in colorful and intricate detail with Tibetan Buddhist imagery, with an altar along one wall that holds butter lamps, statues and holy books. Some of the guest rooms have their own bathrooms, and others share. Meals were prepared by the cooking staff who fed us so well on our trek up from Lukla.

Kellyn played ball games and Nintendo with local kids. Our guides and cooking staff joined us for picnics and started spontaneous drumming and dancing parties. We were offered blessings by Buddhist monks.

On our first morning in Namche, we climbed over the ridge above Moonlight Lodge and then made our way up to the famous Everest View Hotel where we relaxed and sipped hot lemon drinks on the terrace cradled by the very high peaks around us. The next day we made our way to the Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung- larger, quieter, and more traditional than Namche. We visited the famous school and hospital, both established by The Himalayan Trust, a foundation created by New Zealand climber Edmund Hillary. We camped overnight on the property of a Sherpa family in Khum- jung, right by their fields of potatoes, then returned to the now familiar village of Namche.

On the third day we hiked to Thame, a smaller and less wealthy village, a few easy hours away. We walked through forests of exquisite blooming rhododendron, and the large red and pink flowers seemed almost unreal against the mountain backdrop. JOURNEYS Nepal founder, Pemba Tsering Sherpa, was born in Thame. There are people there who were very proud of Pemba, but their most famous hometown heroes are Appa Sherpa, who holds the world record for summitting Everest 17 times, and Tenzing Norgay, who along with Edmund Hillary completed the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.

The monasteries in Thame and Tengboche are the most important to Sherpa Buddhists. Monasteries are the center of spiritual life in Khumbu and many families still send at least one son to study with the lamas in hopes he will become a monk. The most famous and picturesque monastery in Khumbu, Tengboche, is one day’s walk from Namche on the path to Mt Everest. Visitors are usually welcome to enter Khumbu monasteries, except during special ceremonies. With our guide acting as an interpreter we were able to converse with the monks about their lives and the services they perform for their communities.

We returned to Lukla on the same route that brought us to Namche. Surprise, surprise — getting down was quick and easy! We spent the night in Lukla at a nice guesthouse with a great shower before the following
morning’s flight back to Kathmandu Airport.

It is hard for me to identify one favorite part of this trip. I’ve had many wonderful trips with Journeys over the years but there was something unique and extra special for me about this one. I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the beauty of Nepal. I found the Himalayas to be awesome. I was touched by the kindness and friendliness of the people. I think what meant the most to me was the remoteness and the difference from my home and my everyday routine. I loved sharing this with appreciative clients, with the Journeys Nepal staff, and most preciously, with my daughter. We were both sad to leave and we promised to return one day.

Journeys International offers group and custom trekking in Nepal. Florine says that it feels like only yesterday that she and Kellyn had such a great mother-daughter trekking experience.

The post Namche: Gateway to Everest appeared first on Journeys International.

Journeys International has a long history of advising travelers in the Everest region, beginning in the early 1970s when Journeys founder, Dr. Will Weber, worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal. Will first worked as a high school science teacher in a Sherpa village just east of Everest. Later, Will worked in the Nepal National Parks office where he was involved in the planning and creation of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park. After his Peace Corps term, Will returned to the United States to complete his education and founded JOURNEYS to share the world’s natural beauty with adventurous travelers. In May 1978, Will made a return trip to the Himalayas escorting the company’s inaugural trek to the base of Everest in Nepal.

Here are Journeys International founder Dr. Will Weber’s 6 strategies for a personal Everest encounter:

1. Trek to the Everest base camp in Nepal. You will require a minimum of 8 days of hiking to get a solid glimpse, and 15 days to reach the pinnacle viewpoint of the peak from an 18,200′ non-climbing vantage point. You should have a knowledgeable guide, a high level of personal fitness and good hiking and camping gear for this route. Trekkers will come to understand that Everest is not only a peak but also a culture, a unique natural environment and one of hundreds of gigantic, soaring Himalayan peaks.

2. Drive to the north slope of Everest in Tibet. This is a side trip from the overland route between Lhasa, Tibet, and Kathmandu, Nepal. Spend a night at the Rongbuk Monastery at the base of what is known locally as Chomolungmo, “Mother Goddess of the World.” The drive from Lhasa to Kathmandu normally takes 3 days and the Everest diversion adds 2 additional days for a total of 5 days. This route requires less physical exertion than trekking, but be aware that traveling in Tibet requires a special permit.

3. Trek to the Arun Valley of East Nepal. From a high ridge between Everest and Kangchenjunga you will have breathtaking views of four of the five highest mountains in the world, including especially impressive views of 28,169′ Kangchenjunga and 27,838′ Makalu. The best viewing seasons are October-November and March-April. Plan for at least 12 days. You will see the fewest other tourists and experience the greatest natural and cultural diversity on this route.

4. Fly the Everest Flightseeing trip from Kathmandu. The encounter is brief but undemanding, as you are in a comfortable pressurized aircraft and you are virtually guaranteed a peak-level view of Everest and many other high Himalayan peaks on the Nepal-Tibet border. Anyone who makes it to Kathmandu can add this experience as a comfortable round-trip morning experience on a clear day.
5. Fly on commercial, scheduled jet aircraft service between Kathmandu and Paro, Bhutan; Lhasa, Tibet; or Bangkok, Thailand. Your pilot may or may not point out Everest so you should bring a peak profile image to identify the mountain for yourself and your seatmates. Views are brief and usually only available on one side of the plane. Try to get the right-side window seat from Bhutan or Bangkok to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Choose the left window in the opposite directions. Some times the Lhasa to Kathmandu flights fly almost directly over the peak of Everest. A view of Everest is not assured, but if you catch a glimpse from a large jet, you will be inspired to want to see Everest much closer.

6. Hire a helicopter from Kathmandu, fly to the Khumbu area of Nepal, and have tea on the veranda of the Everest View Hotel, which offers a superb view of Everest. Return an hour later. By several measures the experience will be astounding, but it is one of the more costly options.

If you have the time and ability, hiking-in gives the best experience of Sherpa culture, wildlife, active glaciers, waterfalls and a taste of the mountaineering perspective, but with much less of the risk associated with a technical mountaineering summit attempt. Whatever your choice, any approach to Mt. Everest will be mesmerizing. Call the JOURNEYS International worldwide headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for personalized suggestions for group or private Everest exploration tailored to your dreams and preferences.

The post Top 6 Strategies for Non-Climbers to Explore Mt. Everest appeared first on Journeys International.