Treklog

Island Peak is one of Nepal's trekking peaks and sits conveniently just off the main trail that leads to Everest Base Camp (some go there first to acclimatise). At 6189m (just over the magic 20,000' barrier), it represents a formidable challenge not only to cope with the altitude but to cope with an approx 130m near vertical snow and ice wall that stands between you and the summit. Not many companies show you that on their web sites(!), I do.

Sufficient training is given to know how to use the safety equipment (crampons, etc...) so even a complete novice can attempt this, all you need is the will and strength to complete it and stay free of altitude problems. Make no mistake, the physical effort to get to the summit is big, but achievable. Two of this group summitted, 2 did not due to the accumulative effects of altitude over several days emphasizing that this is no sunday stroll. The thrill of scaling the wall with crampons and an ice axe is just awesome as well as the ridge walk that leads to the summit. Vertigo suffers may have a problem, the ridge is quite narrow.

As trekking peaks go, this is more technical than the higher Mera Peak. A great challenge for many, have a go in 2008.

A group of 8 tackled the finest long distance walk in the world during this period and freak weather conditions were experienced early on as heavy rain turned to heavy snow on the higher elevations; confirmed as trekkers were met coming the other way having been unable to cross the Thorung La Pass. After 3 days, the skies turned blue and that is how it stayed for the remainder of the trek.

The Manang side of the Pass can be a harsh environment and whilst it was more difficult to trek in places, the snow made it a winter wonderland for photographers.

My acclimatisation plan worked as we crossed the Pass without any altitude sickness problems. It was cold though, with a recorded still air temperature of -10C, the wind chill would have certainly taken it down to below -15C. Even Yaks were having problems getting to the Pass with the depth of snow. Do not underestimate the trip across the Pass. After we crossed (days later), it was reported that 5 Aussies and their 3 Porters died of hypothermia (not confirmed). A German was certainly confirmed as having frostbite after having to spend the night near the Pass.

The remainder of the trip down the Kali Gandaki valley, through Tatopani (lovely hot springs to sooth any aching muscles) and up to Ghorepani was excellent, if not tiring. We finished the trek in the planned 16 days with 3 of the group leaving the trek at Jomson to fly home early. An excellent and determined group with no major injuries that witnessed the Pass in very deep snow and rare conditions, just fantastic.

"Clear Skies, beautiful scenery, great camaraderie, the stuff dreams are made of. One word to sum it up “Spiritual” an intensely moving, calming experience I didn't want to end. I will be back with Travel and Trek."....Sue, Southampton (Accountant)

"The most challenging, exhilarating, satisfying and absolutely fantastic experience of my life – I thought I was going on holiday!  I achieved things I didn't even know I was capable of. I met amazing people and overcame fears all amidst the most fantastic scenery, in the world. I moved from 'what on earth am I doing here?' on the way up to the Thorung La Pass to planning next year's trip with Travel and Trek.  Thank you Terry and your team for the best 'holiday' of my life.".....
Heather, Durham (Careers Consultant)

A group of 10 including 'Rob the Rubbish' and his film crew of two.

The number of trekkers is noticeably higher now that confidence has returned following the political change that took place back in April 06. Even more progress toward the end of this trip when the Maoists agreed to lay down their arms for good under UN control (by 24 Nov 06). Excellent news indeed, shame it wasn't before we met them on Day 2 and handed over 1000NPR each for their cause! At least they were friendly people!
The weather was predictably crystal clear at this time of year, which gave us fantastic views of all of the great peaks. It was colder at night than in spring.

Only 1 climbing expedition was resident when we made Base Camp by which time only 6 of the group remained and the cloudy weather came in for a few days. Kala Patthar was unfortunately not worth the trip (too much cloud, no views of Everest). Rob the Rubbish, his film crew and an additional injury meant that a smaller sub group of 4 was formed concentrating on the lower end of the trail; they didn't ascend above Pferische (4200m). One other member of the group was diagnosed with the Khumbu cough by a physician but successfully achieved his aim.

Generally, the trip went to plan, Kathmandu is buzzing with trekkers and happy with the future of tourism now that the Maoists have agreed to a 'permanent' cessation of their activities.

5 customers, this is a great short trip but no stroll in the park!

The small number meant that a hire car could be used, which gave us great flexibility of movement outside of the trek phase.
Day 1 up to the Refuge is an 8 hour endurance day and despite warnings, can easily catch the inexperienced out. It is through a cracking gorge and should be attempted if you feel up to it (there is an option to miss out the first 4 hrs). 1 person did struggle from the beginning to handle the undulating trek through the Gorge and the subsequent unrelenting climb up to the Refuge. It is achievable but a tiring day.

On Day 2, the ascent up to Scala is easy enough from where you can see Mitikas (highest point in Greece). The ascent of Mitikas is a different issue as it is a good grade of scrambling. From Scala (access point), it looks fearsome! Anyone with vertigo will probably not go up it. That said, once on the route, it is not as bad as it first looks. It is perfectly achievable without ropes but can be a bit scary. I am happy to lead and nurture or kick you up!!

Three long days but a good trek backed up by a good few hours on a good, local and uncrowded beach as well as good Greek Taverna food in a local village.

We also have 24hrs in Thessaloniki, Greece's 2nd largest city. The weather was very hot, no rain. A few blisters but no major injuries.

If you want a short trip and to see Greece in a different light, this could be it.

6 customers, weather superb (no rain). Used a new support company, which performed so well that I have secured a vast array of different treks with them.

The trekking was in excellent terrain including the formidable Mt Toubkal (4165m). The ascent/descent of Toubkal can cause problems if you are not confident and steady on your feet. The underfoot conditions can be slippy due to scree and dry, fine, dusty ground. 1 person did require a signifcant amount of assistance on the decent and even then managed to incur some minor injuries but nothing that prevented further trekking. A doggy rope and /or poles can help those not so confident and do not let this put you off; well worth the trip up. The food produced on this trek (largely due to the chef of course!) is excellent and highly recommended. Don't expect to lose weight!

The trek finished in the ski resort of Outkamden (stayed overnight) before going back to Marrakech and a great night out, eating in a French restaurant. Morocco is an under rated country as far as trekking is concerned. This is probably the most popular area but there are many others equally as good.

As this trip approached, Nepal and Kathmandu specifically were in political turmoil. Demonstrations were taking place on the streets and it was being covered on the world news channels.

By early April 06 most UK Trekking Companies had already cancelled their Nepal trips due to Foreign and Commonwealth Office warnings on the website. Whilst not ignoring these warning, my contacts on the ground in Kathmandu were reporting a slightly different (and more realistic) story of the situation.
I therefore remained in constant contact with my customers, remained steadfast until the 24th April (2 days before we were due to fly) when I had no choice but to formally cancel due to the demonstrations. When it became clear that the situation had resolved itself 1 day later, I resurrected it and of the 11 customers, 4 were able to go and we therefore flew out on 26th April (the beauty of a small company!). Ironically, on arrival Kathmandu appeared as if nothing had happened.

A good walking group of 4 ladies, there were minor cases of altitude sickness (AMS) from 4200m upwards but it did not progress beyond mild headaches and they did subside. The weather was superb with typical cloud moving in most late afternoons beyond 4200m.

All made the Base Camp with the added bonus of meeting Apa Sherpa, who has now summitted Everest no less than 16 times. He was acting as an advisor to a company when we were there. There were approx 200 tents in the Camp with many climbing expeditions going on including the British Army's attempt to summit via the West Ridge (which came very close to suceeding).
2 of the ladies also made a successful assault of Kala Patthar (5500m) - fantastic views.
Trekkers in this area should be aware that the facilites in Tea Houses do get more basic as the altitude rises but still prefectly manageable, indeed some would say adds to the charm! The trek back to Lukla is much quicker of course but can it can cause blisters (different style of walking) as it did with 1 person.
All in all, a very successful trip, elation all round.