Adventure travel specialist World Expeditions has announced plans to launch its first-ever self-guided itinerary in the Himalaya. A new concept of trekking for the region, the introductory-level Self-Guided Everest Trek launches in October.

Appealing to groups of friends, families or even couples – the minimum number is two, who can set their own departure date – the itinerary provides an independent, adaptable and price-driven option for trekking the iconic Everest region supported by World Expeditions' quality services and sustainable infrastructure.

Staying at World Expeditions' exclusive eco-campsites (with standing height tents, flushing western-style toilets and many also fitted with hot showers) and with porters carrying the luggage to the next night's camp, the trek route follows established trails and is the ideal introduction to trekking in the Everest region and the culture of its Sherpa people.

The carefully-developed itinerary allows for maximum acclimatisation and offers access to World Expeditions' safety network that verifies arrival to each camp.

Highlights of the 11-day trip include: viewing many of the world's highest peaks, including the emblematic summit of Everest; exploring the colourful markets of Namche Bazaar, the so-called Sherpa capital of Nepal; marvelling at the famous Thyangboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region; and visiting the villages of Khunde and Khumjung, where Sir Edmund Hillary established the region's first hospital and school through the Himalayan Trust.

Gordon Steer, UK Manager for World Expeditions, said:

“World Expeditions has been pushing the boundaries in the Himalayas since the company began operations in 1975. Today there is an enormous appetite for self-guided treks universally as they cater to friends, couples or families who prefer to travel more independently while still enjoying the support services that go on in the background.

They offer trekkers the peace of mind that our 40-plus years' of expertise is available if the need arises – but, just as importantly, especially for the British, oft-price driven market, allow to keep costs to a bare minimum.

With stunning views of Mount Everest on the trail, spending time in Namche Bazaar and Thyangboche Monastery, opportunities to interact with the locals and visit the Himalayan Trust projects, the new self-guided option is an innovative way for travellers to have the experience of a lifetime in the Himalaya”.

Additional benefits of travelling with World Expeditions include its commitment to responsible travel. The adventure holiday specialist ensures the highest standards of working conditions for its local staff, while the campsites' minimal impact on the environment (e.g. using environmentally friendly materials for cooking and heating and collecting rainwater in tanks) makes them the most sustainable programme in the market.

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE WITH WORLD EXPEDITIONS - Self-Guided Everest Trek: Introductory level. Departs daily from 1 October – 20 May (11 days). From £1,050 per person, including accommodation on a B&B basis, internal flights, airport transfers, park entrance fees, trekking permits and porter to carry personal equipment. Minimum 2 persons per booking. Joining in Kathmandu – international flights extra. Option to add meal package (lunches and dinners) also available.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions' policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

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Notes for editors:
- One of the very first operators in what is now becoming a very popular area in travel, since its inception in 1975 World Expeditions has earned itself an outstanding reputation as a world leader in small group adventure holidays and cultural journeys.
- The two factors that distinguish World Expeditions from its competitors, the number of inclusions and the exceptional value of its trips, can be found today in more than 500 stand-alone itineraries, escorted by expert leaders and meticulously designed for those travellers who want to take the 'paths less travelled'.
- Always innovative, it was, among others, the first operator to offer cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980) and Tibet (1981). In 2013 it launched a dedicated 'World Cycle Journeys' programme, while as of 2011 it is the only company to offer the newly mapped Great Himalaya Trail.
- World Expeditions is independently owned and a truly global company, with seven offices around the world, including the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

For high-res images and PR/media enquiries:
World Expeditions | UTracks | Sherpa Expeditions
020 8875 5060
Tom Panagos pr@worldexpeditions.co.uk
Gordon Steer gordon@worldexpeditions.co.uk