2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Trek to Everest Base Camp, the renowned climbers’ camp below the icy majesty of Mt. Everest (29,035')! Our perfectly paced trek includes special Exploration Days along the way that add adventure as they help you acclimatize. Atop the trekkers’ peak of Kala Patar (18,365'), you’ll have epic views of Everest’s Southwest Face and the 10-mile-long Khumbu Glacier (the world’s highest glacier), and you’ll hike right to Everest Base Camp at 17,600 feet, where the steep Khumbu Icefall makes a spectacular backdrop. Our Trek Leaders, who were born in this celebrated region, bring us into the heart of Sherpa culture, and our private cook staff keeps us well fueled for the adventure. This is the way to experience the top of the world! Everest Base Camp ONE OF THE GREAT TREKS OF THE WORLD

TIM DRAPER

Exploration Days bring us to Ama Dablam Base Camp (15,400'), nestled beneath one of the most photogenic mountains in the world, and to the small settlement of Chukhung (15,584'), surrounded by massive glaciers. We also explore on hikes to Island Peak Base Camp (16,690') or even as far as the peak of Chukhung Ri (17,772'). Days 12-13 Kala Patar / Everest Base Camp From the summit ridge of Kala Patar (18,365'), we are rewarded by uninterrupted views of the highest mountain on Earth and the magnificent Himalayan giants that surround it. Those who wish to can also hike beside the Khumbu Glacier up to Everest Base Camp itself. Days 14-20 Lukla / Kathmandu Our descent brings us to Phortse, home of the Khumbu Climbing School for Sherpas, founded by mountaineer Conrad Anker, which WT proudly supports. Continue to Namche and down to Lukla, fly to Kathmandu on Day 18, and depart on Day 20. ON OUR WEBSITE ULTIMATE EVEREST Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar, plus the Gokyo Valley, with its show-stopping views from Gokyo Ri (17,500'). Mar 24-Apr 17, Oct 12-Nov 5, 2020, Mar 9-Apr 2, 2021. $5995.

Days 1-2 Kathmandu We explore some of the most fascinating sites of the city, including Bodhnath, the 1,400-year-old Buddhist stupa that attracts pilgrims from across Asia. Days 3-6 Lukla / Namche / Tengboche A mountain flight brings us to Lukla (9,350'), and we hike through the classic villages of Namche Bazaar, Khunde, and Khumjung, exploring Sherpa culture and enjoying Himalayan panoramas at every turn. Trails through rhododendron and juniper forests lead us to Tengboche Monastery (12,650'), spiritual center of the Sherpa people, where the unrivaled backdrop is the spire of Ama Dablam. Overnights are in Sherpa lodges.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike to famed Everest Base Camp, launching site of climbing expeditions • Exploration Days with fantastic hikes to Ama Dablam Base Camp and the Chukhung Valley • Paced for maximum acclimatization and led by the Khumbu’s most experienced Sherpa Trek Leaders • Overnights in Sherpa lodges (no camping) and we have our own private cook crew! DETAILS • 20-day trip begins and ends in Kathmandu • 4 nights first-class hotel, 15 nights family- owned Sherpa lodges • All meals included except 3 lunches and 3 dinners DATES Nov 8-27, 2019 Mani Rimdu Festival Mar 3-22, 2020 Oct 6-25 Oct 27-Nov 15 Mani Rimdu Festival Mar 23-Apr 11, 2021 TRIP COST $5395 (10-12 members) $5695 (6-9 members) $5995 (3-5 members) Single supplement: $720 Internal airfare: $415 (subject to change) TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 15-day trek on moderate to steep trails, 4-8 hours a day, altitudes between 9,000-18,365 feet

Days 7-11 Pangboche / Ama Dablam Base Camp / Chukhung Valley As we trek higher, our special

We have over 30 years of experience in bringing travelers to the base camp below the highest mountain in the world. PHOTO: DMITRI ALEXANDER

LEILA THOMPSON

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL ASIA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 92