– Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the wonder and majesty of the mountain landscapes I often admired but took for granted. Despite my adventures in the airline industry, it wasn’t until I became a parent living along the scenic border between Oregon and Washington, that I came to fully appreciate these rocky giants. When I felt isolated as a brand new mom, quietly gazing out at the mountains as I soothed my son, it was the view of Mt. St. Helens from my bedroom window and a towering Mt. Hood on journeys from home that filled me with a sense of peace and groundedness amidst the chaos. Hiking with my bundle of joy in a carrier helped me reconnect with nature, myself, and the world around me as I navigated matrescence.

Despite countless journeys through and around mountain ranges, it is in this phase of my life that I now truly appreciate how each new experience continues to evoke a profound sense of awe and connection with the world, echoing the timeless allure of these natural wonders. I know that no matter where I end up adventuring, just about any mountainous destination will leave me awestruck, grateful, and with stories for years to come. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what draws us as humans to mountain landscapes around the world and diving into some of the breathtaking adventures we offer at Journeys for enthusiastic explorers like me.

What Draws Us to Mountain Destinations?

They Evoke Awe & Wonder

Mountains are symbols of existential quests, challenges to overcome, and places of profound peace and spiritual solace. Their presence is commanding, and their historical and cultural significance is rich. Mountains invoke awe, a powerful emotion that diminishes ego and enhances our connection to something larger than ourselves. Research suggests that regular exposure to awe-inspiring landscapes can boost life satisfaction and decrease stress – which has been my experience. This emotional response is often accompanied by increased feelings of generosity and a sense of being part of a greater whole.

Physical Challenges & Rewards

Mountaineering, trekking, and hiking are activities that demand mental agility and physical endurance. The challenges presented by mountainous terrains encourage a state of flow—where skills are used to their utmost in response to immediate challenges, leading to heightened states of consciousness and clarity. In a flow state, individuals experience a deep focus that temporarily diminishes awareness of other needs and the passage of time. People feel fully involved and lose their sense of self-consciousness, contributing to a state of peak performance and heightened satisfaction. Flow is a powerful state for enhancing performance, reducing anxiety, and improving emotional regulation. A mountain terrain is the perfect place to find flow, and even in those years when I had a baby on my chest, a good hike could get me into that flow state.

Mountains Host Essential Ecosystems

It’s no secret that mountain landscapes are critical for their biodiversity, climate regulation, and water resources, making them vital areas for ecological and geological study. The wildlife in mountain ecosystems is highly adapted to the terrain and conditions and can teach us a lot about our world, even if our animal encounters may be fleeting. For the plant-lover, sustainable foraging opportunities are often abundant and may boast several surprises and learning opportunities.

Historical Cultural Significance & Inspiration

Mountains hold sacred status in many cultures and can be steeped in rich folklore and mythology. For many indigenous communities, mountains are not just landforms but are living entities with spirits. They play central roles in narratives and ceremonies, serving as places of worship, sources of sustenance, and symbols of identity. The reverence for mountains can be seen in practices such as the Incan worship of Apus (mountain spirits) or the Japanese tradition of Yamabushi, who view mountains as places to seek spiritual solace. The stark beauty of mountains also inherently stimulates the aesthetic senses, inspiring artists, poets, and travelers alike.

The spark that started Journeys International was an adventure in the Himalayan mountain range in Nepal (read our story here), where Will & Joan Weber were first inspired to organize a small group trip led by a local Sherpa guide. From that one mountain adventure sprang 45+ years of building local relationships around the globe to facilitate connection & sustainable exploration.

Where to Go for “Peak” Adventure

Today, Journeys International reaches into the far corners of the globe, offering mountain adventures for a range of activity preferences and comfort levels. If you’re looking for an adventure that may get you out of your head, something to challenge and inspire you, one of our premier mountain destination itineraries might do the trick.

The Himalayas

The Himalayas stand as a symbol of awe and spiritual depth, stretching across five nations and home to the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. This vast mountain range is not just a destination for trekkers and climbers; it’s a profound cultural heartland, rich with centuries-old monasteries and the mystic traditions of the Sherpa and other indigenous peoples. The Himalayas offer a journey through dramatic landscapes, from lush valleys and dense forests to the stark beauty of its towering, snow-capped peaks. Here, each step brings a new revelation, offering not only a physical challenge but also a profound personal transformation amidst some of the most spectacular vistas on earth.

Nepal & Bhutan: Gateways to the Himalayas

Nepal and Bhutan offer access to high altitudes and the high spirits of local cultures and communities along the Himalayan mountains. This is just a taste of a few of the trip itineraries Journeys offers to travelers:

• Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Lodge Trek (Nepal): These treks are cultural immersions as much as they are physical challenges, offering an intimate look at the Sherpa community and the diverse ecosystems of the region. Mount Everest, or Mount Chomolungma, is the world’s highest mountain above sea level (29,029 ft) and a bucket-list adventure for explorers of many backgrounds and abilities. The Annapurna Lodge Trek is a great way to explore the Himalayas if you’ve already explored Everest or prefer to explore at lower altitudes.
• Black Mountain Trek (Bhutan): This journey traverses ancient landscapes filled with sacred monasteries, pristine forests, and high-altitude lakes, offering a serene experience deeply rooted in Bhutanese spiritual traditions.
• Festivals of Happiness Rare Journey (Bhutan): Explore what happiness means in Bhutanese culture and how Bhutan’s Nine Pillars of Happiness are woven throughout their lives.

The Andes

The Andes stretch majestically through seven South American countries, with Peru and Ecuador at the heart of its cultural and natural heritage. In Peru, the ancient Inca Trail weaves through cloud forests and past stunning archaeological sites, culminating at the world-renowned ruins of Machu Picchu. This path is a journey back in time, where each stone and passageway tells the story of a bygone civilization. Ecuador offers its own Andean marvels, most notably the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Here, adventurers can traverse the landscapes dominated by towering peaks such as Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, each offering challenging climbs and breathtaking views. These volcanic giants stand sentinel over rich valleys and traditional Andean villages, where life pulses to the rhythm of indigenous cultures unchanged by time. South of these vibrant cultural epicenters, Patagonia’s wild, untamed landscapes provide a stark contrast with its wind-swept steppes, massive ice fields, and the iconic jagged peaks of Torres del Paine in Chile, which continue to attract hearty travelers from around the globe.

Chilean Patagonia, Peru and Ecuador: Gateways to the Andes

Journeys has several exceptional treks across the Andes, each infused with rich cultural history and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Explore the northern part of the Andes to appreciate famous wonders like Macchu Picchu. Or explore further south, where Patagonia offers a dramatic contrast with its remote, wind-swept landscapes.

• Mountain Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Peru): This world-renowned trek takes you through the heart of the former Inca Empire, culminating at the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes. Experience the ancient pathways where every step tells a story of the past, set against the breathtaking backdrop of rugged mountain scenery.
• Ecuador Highlands Explorer (Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ecuador): Explore the scenic avenue lined with some of the world’s highest volcanoes. This route offers more than just trekking—it’s an immersion into the vibrant cultures of the Andean highlands. Each volcano presents a unique challenge and a story, revealing the dynamic nature of this land.
• Patagonia Discovery Safari (Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia): Journey through southern Chile to the most scenic and exhilarating places in the Lake District and Torres del Paine National Park. Known for its iconic “W” trek, this park encompasses massive glaciers, bright blue icebergs, and dark granite peaks. It’s a place where the wild landscape alters your sense of scale and where every view is more arresting than the last.

These are just a sampling of some of the itineraries our team has put together for custom adventures.  There are many possibilities for any journey you have on your mind, so schedule a chat with an Adventure Specialist to plan anything from mountain trekking adventures to more low-key opportunities to appreciate these phenomenal destinations.

The Timeless Lure of Mountains

Mountains inspire a journey like no other—a journey into the self and beyond.  As someone who has experienced the intangible gifts these titans of nature have to offer in my own life, I have several spectacular mountain vistas on my travel bucket list, and I will forever encourage fellow travelers to consider new mountain adventures of their own. Journeys International is happy to help travelers delve deep into these monumental landscapes, equipped with expert guidance and supported by sustainable travel practices. Whether scaling the snowy expanses of the Himalayas or tracing the rugged paths of Patagonia, these mountain adventures promise to renew our awe and respect for the natural world with each step.

The post Magnificent Mountain Destinations to Inspire You 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.

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.

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Journeys International Director Will Weber knows where to go to find a different perspective.

Travelers set out to plan adventures for varied reasons. I hear from people who are focused on their ideal destinations, and others who choose trips based on the guide or the right season to go. Sometimes, it’s about needing a new vantage point on the world. There are times when the best routes to fresh thinking, creative problem-solving, and escape from the confines of chronic, everyday routine is an imaginative trip.

If you’re seeking inspiration, don’t just leave your own familiar surround. In my experience, the most eye-opening experiences take place far off the tourist-trodden path. Here are a handful of experiences that have given me new eyes.

Bhutan – Black Mountain Trek: Few tourists get to Bhutan despite its Gross National Happiness fame. Even fewer go trekking, and almost no one treks to Black Mountain. You will find rare Golden Langurs, Great Hornbills, virgin forests and friendly local people who will be surprised, but pleased to see you.

Burma – Trek to the Last Village: Northern Myanmar has been off limits to recreational travel for most of the past seven decades. Here at the eastern end of the Himalayas there are still tigers, vast uninhabited forests, and tribal villages thriving outside the reaches of media, electricity and motor vehicles. Four days of trekking take you back four centuries in time.

Ladakh— In Search of the Snow Leopard: Snow Leopards are the most elusive, rarest, and most majestic of the large cats. Few people have seen them in the wild, but our guides in Ladakh have been very successful finding snow leopards for our clients capable of handling the high altitude and harsh climate where they live. For many, the sighting of a snow leopard in the wild is the ultimate wildlife experience. We can’t promise a sighting, but we can promise unforgettable Himalayan immersion.

Arctic – Three Arctic Islands: This trip is a 14-day expedition cruise that puts you in contact with Arctic wildlife, fjords, volcanoes and spectacular icescapes of Greenland, Norway and Iceland. Expect to see Musk Oxen, walrus, several species of whales, seals, thousands of nesting sea birds and polar bears. Five days of the cruise explore the very seldom visited east coast of Greenland. You will feel like a modern day Viking, but travel with a spirit of appreciation and discovery rather than conquest. Exploring the wildlife and cultures of the Arctic still tops my own travel wish list.

Indonesia – Savoring Sumatra: Sumatra is Indonesia’s least touristed large island. A land of volcanoes, ancient cultures and extensive forests. You can meditate on an island in the caldera of the largest known volcano, raft through tropical jungles or be the only occupant of tropical beaches. Elephant treks are optional. I’m looking forward to my own exploration of Sumatra in July.

Nepal— Fall Festivals East of Everest: Nepal is well known as the most popular Himalayan trekking destination, but western hikers never travel most of the trails east of Mount Everest. Follow an abandoned Tibet trade route with evolving views of four of the five highest peaks in the world and visit isolated tribal villages during the fall festival season. Here the pace of life invites reflection, contemplation and appreciation for natural beauty and the virtues of lifestyles very different from your own.

Nicaragua – Three Gems of Nicaragua: Rejuvenate in comfortable, contemplative accommodations in choice locations, including the volcanic island of Ometepe in the middle of enormous Lake Nicaragua. There are small towns and only a few adventurous travelers on the island, but dozen of trails, miles of beaches and thousands of acres of forest invite your quest for a connection to the primal forces of nature.

See you on the trail.

The post Getting Off the Beaten Path 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.

Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary first climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest 60 years ago today. The date is fresh in our minds because this also marked the 35th anniversary of our first Journeys trip – a trek to the base of Mt Everest a quarter century after that 1953 successful climb. Everest today is almost as famous for melting glaciers and contentious climbing crowds, as for that first climb of the world’s highest peak. At Journeys we don’t climb mountains, we revere them. Contemplation is preferable to conquest. The villages, wildlife, and natural history of the high Himalayas can be even more compelling than standing in frozen, lifeless, oxygen-deprived terrain.

One of the common misconceptions of the Nepal Himalayas is that you must be super fit and trained in mountaineering to venture among the peaks. This is not true. Anyone who exercises regularly and can hike over hilly trails can trek in Nepal. If you don’t like hiking and camping, you can still enjoy the Himalayas with no loss of creature comfort and very modest physical effort.

The current issue of National Geographic features an article titled “Maxed Out on Everest: How to Fix the Mess at the Top of the World”. We are also seeing similar stores on CNN and other media outlets on this anniversary. If you are a mountain climber, you are in a different world – well described in these articles. But if you are a trekker, or a traveler who appreciates friendly cultures, beautiful environments and exotic wildlife, none of the issues facing climbers on Everest applies to you. You can still find peace and solitude in the Everest area. You can admire inspiring views of the world’s highest peaks without fear of avalanches, ice falls or disgruntled and disoriented hypoxic (oxygen deprived) mountaineers.

In some ways the area within Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park is more attractive than when Tenzing and Hillary first climbed Everest and when JOURNEYS made its first trek there in 1978. That was before the National Park brought reforestation efforts, managed overgrazing and protected wildlife in the area. Now there is less firewood being burned, better sanitation and much improved agricultural practices.

Still unsure about visiting the Everest area? Call me and I’ll personally speak with you about the spectacular environment and cultural experiences of one of my favorite places on earth.

The post Everest Awaits Non-Climbers 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.

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