International Trips

2012 Trekking Trips

Bhutan

September 26 to October 6, 2012: Bhutan - In Search of the Yeti
The new trekking route into Merak and Sakteng is a truly incredible cultural journey and nature trek into a region closed to foreigners for the past 30 years. Until now only a handful of scientists, researchers and tourists have been granted permission to enter this area. Merak and Sakteng has been closed to protect the unique cultural heritage of the Brokpa people and in part to give the mythical Yeti some peace, whose tales of wandering in the valley is very popular among the locals. The Brokpas (highlanders) of the Merak and Sakten regions of eastern Bhutan are semi-nomadic yak herders who speak a unique dialect and wear clothing unique to this isolated region of Bhutan.
Full Itinerary

Nepal

September 23 to October 19, 2012: Narphu to the Forbidden Kingdom
Hidden by swirls of mountain mist, the magnificent panorama view of Annapurna massif appears remote and forbidding. Our first destination is Naar Village located in the extreme northern reaches of the Manang district. The remote villages of Naar and Phu have about 500 combined permanent inhabitants whose livelihood depends on raising livestock (yak), growing potatoes and barley and trading with villages located in the regions of Lower Manang. The heart and soul of our long and varied route is a spectacular week of trekking through a wild and unpopulated area between the Teri La and the upper Kali Gandaki Valley, with camps at elevations of between 13,000 and 16,500 feet. We enter the Kali Gandaki Valley at the beautiful village of Tangge and spend another delightful week exploring the 'Forbidden Kingdom' of Mustang, including a visit to the walled settlement of Lo Manthang. Join us on this gourmet trek of the Himalayas. 
Full Itinerary

October 7th to October 27, 2012: Exploring the Hidden Tsum Valley
The Tsum Valley is situated in the northern Gorkha district of Nepal, surrounded by the Buddha Himal with Himal Chuli to the west, Ganesh Himal to the south and Sringi Himal to the north. Tsum is one of the eight sacred valleys (called Beyuls) in the inner Himalayas and owes its genesis to the 8th century Buddhist saint Padmasmbhava. Saturated with Buddhist culture, these valleys uphold religious values and help preserve a lost way of life. Tsum valley is inhabited by Tsumbas, an indigenous community and together with the majestic back drops of the famous Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Buddha Himal, this serene valley carries a history of ancient Himalayan civilization styles; culture, art, tradition, religion, customs and thinking. Join us on this trek into the Tsum Valley that takes us through one of the most beautiful and culturally interesting regions of Nepal. 
Full Itinerary

2012 Climbing Expeditions

Argentina

January 29th to February 17, 2012: Aconcagua – Upper Guanacos Traverse
This trip is an adventurous exploration of Aconcagua, 6,963m. Our route takes a little-used traverse of the mountain, allowing us to experience its entire character. The route through the Ameghino and upper Guanacos valley is a new semi wild and pristine alternative to the heavily traveled route of the Horcones valley. Only recently open, the Ameghino & Upper Guanacos traverse offer breath-taking views of the neighboring peaks and glaciers. Our expedition schedule is quite relaxing as we believe that an un-hurried acclimatization will offer a safer and more comfortable climb, and a rate of success not possible on other routes.
Full Itinerary

Switzerland/Italy

Summer 2012: Matterhorn Ascent
The Matterhorn is often considered a pinnacle in mountaineering. During summer 2012, AAG and IMGA guide Jean Pallivard are offering 5 and 7 day ascents of this famous peak. On each trip, you will practice technical mountaineering skills on neighboring peaks in the Swiss Alps and then put those skills to the test on the Matterhorn herself.
5-Day Itinerary
7-day Itinerary