Treks

Embark considers treks to Ladakh in northern India

Embark is exploring trip options to Ladakh, a trekking region in northern India that borders Tibet and Pakistan. Ladakh plays peaceful host to Indians, Pakistanis, and such a great number of Tibetans that the region, so strongly influenced by Tibetan culture and religion, is called “Little Tibet.”

Embark adventurer Ken is currently reporting from the city of Leh in the Ladakh region, which is surrounded by the giant Himalayas. His colorful blog includes great photos and personal observations, including: You land at 11,580 feet and the affects of the altitude are immediate (headaches, chills); every other bag at baggage claim on arrival is a 50-pound bag of rice brought in by locals returning after a bitter winter; and the hotel provides a hand bucket for the toilet and a red bucket for bathing.

Clearly Ladakh is no tourist trap–in fact it is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Kashmir–which makes traveling there both hard (not as many restaurants, easy-to-read maps, etc.) and luxurious (no tourists). Embark is excited to continue to explore this rugged terrain in the hopes of offering up an affordable but breathtaking step off the beaten path.

{ 0 comments }

Trekking far off the beaten path in Nepal

Of the 120,000 or so trekkers who visit Nepal every year, only 5 percent go beyond the Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest regions. That’s just 6,000 trekkers actually trekking off the beaten path.

Since we at Embark are always seeking out the path less traveled (i.e. we climb the least-traveled Lemosho Route up Mt. Kilimanjaro), we are thrilled to announce that Nepal is about to open both the world’s longest and highest alpine trekking route as part of their Nepal Tourism Year 2011 initiative.

Called the Great Himalayan Trail, this route–officially opening in January 2011–will spread out across 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers), allowing adventurers to explore the far reaches of the Himalayan region. Eventually, this trail will connect several countries:

“The long-term aim is to connect the six Asian countries of Pakistan, China (Tibet Autonomous Region), India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar via a route covering more than 4,500 km of the Great Himalaya range,” said Lisa Choegyal, consultant to the project and Honorary Consul designate for New Zealand in Nepal.

Highlights of the route include views of the world’s 14 highest peaks, winding along the sacred headwaters of the Ganges in India, traversing the entire length of Nepal in the shadows of Annapurna, Everest, and Kanchenjunga, and dabbling in Myanmar and Tibet as well.

Technically the GHT, as it is being called, already exists in the form of several old and new routes. This recent unveiling and naming is the result of better connecting and mapping these routes for the world’s most ambitious trekkers.

See pics and stories from various portions of the trail here, and learn more about the Nepal section through trekker Robin Boustead’s stunning documentation of his journey in 2008, when he covered an upper section of 1,000 miles, a high-altitude portion that mixes high passes with alpine valleys. His guidebook is set for a 15 November 2010 release.

{ 2 comments }

Embark’s Upcoming Adventures – Join Us!

Each year, Embark has a handful of adventure trips that are looking for extra adventurers.

One of our most popular treks continues to be Kilimanjaro as it has several departure dates this summer and fall: July 5, August 16, September 6 and a New Year’s eve summit. Find out more details about our climb up Kilimanjaro. We are looking for more people for all the departure dates – but are trying extra hard for the Sept departure!

Climbing and trekking continues in Asia as well. October 16 is the start date for the 19 to 23 day Island Peak/Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Climb Island Peak and explore Everest Base Camp in the best time of year to visit the country. Nepal is a great, affordable country for trekking, climbing and exotic culture

Embark is fortunate enough to be leading a group through Bhutan, a country that only allows a very limited number tourists in per year. Bhutan’s self-enforced isolation and contrasts never disappoint. Explore Bhutan on the Chomolhari Trek. The Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan departs October 31 and should not be missed.

Embark’s newest venture is into the world of adventure yoga holidays. Beginners, experts and complete novices can benefit from a practice while traveling. Our 14 day Nepal Yoga Trek offers trekkers the option to open mind and body on the Annapurna range and departs October 23.

And, as always, Embark has other adventure trips around the world: Uganda, Costa Rica, Tibet, Morocco and other destinations.

If you are interested in a company that offers Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Tours, please contact Embark, or visit our Kilimanjaro Tours section for more information.

If you have any questions, send us an email to inquire about any of our expeditions or adventures.