Have you conquered the American Southeast’s 5,000-ft-plus peaks and are looking to test yourself at greater altitudes? Are you an Appalachian Trail section hiker hungry for new adventures and a breathtaking change of scenery. Or are you relatively new to the outdoors and simply want to start off your backpacking career with a bang?
Hike with Embark Adventures to the doorstep of the world’s highest mountain in what is arguably the highlight of any journey to South Asia. This trekking trip takes even the most novice climber on a strenuous but friendly exploration of Nepal’s magical Khumbu region, allowing for close-up views of dozens of Himalayan giants without the dangers and technical requirements of an actual summit. Sleeping mainly in tea houses along the path, ease into the vibrant Sherpa culture, pose alongside friendly herds of yaks and run your fingertips through the rush of glacial water as you approach that most illustrious of giants, Mt Everest.
Trip Highlights
- Hike to one of the most famous base camps in the world
- Feel what it’s like to stand at the doorstep of Everest in a safe environment
- Trek for days through remote villages full of old-world, Buddhist culture
- Spend Christmas Day at Everest Base Camp and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Kathmandu!
Group Leader
Erik Jones is a Lexington, VA, resident and an experienced adventure traveler and trekker. In 2001 and 2002, he backpacked around the world for twelve months, visiting the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, North Africa and Europe. He’s a veteran of the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks in Nepal as well as multi-day hikes in New Zealand and Malaysia. In addition, Erik has summited a number of technical peaks in his native Pacific Northwest and, in 2010, celebrated his 40th birthday by climbing with Embark Adventures and three Washington & Lee classmates to the top of Tanzania’s Mt Kilimanjaro via the remote, less-traveled Lemosho route and Western Breach. He is a member of the Portland, Oregon-based Mazamas, a mountaineering education organization.
Email Erik at christmasinthekhumbu@gmail.com
