Community Action Treks

Website: http://www.catreks.com/
E-mail: info@catreks.com
Phone: +44 017687 71890

Who they are

“When the man (sic) who feeds the world by toiling in the fields is himself deprived of the basic rights of feeding, sheltering and caring for his own families, the whole community of man is sick”

Community Action Treks (CAT) was born out of concern of the above statement. Doug Scott was the first British climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and is one of the world’s best known and most successful Himalayan mountaineers. He could not have achieved this success without the help, support and expertise of the Nepalese porters and the high altitude Sherpa guides. He wanted to give something back to the Nepalese people that would involve developing self-determination and improve the quality of life for these mountain village communities.

As a result CAT was formed and works alongside its sister charity, Community Action Nepal, where all profits are directed to help sustain health, education and community strengthening projects in the areas where they take trekkers.

This means that all trekkers, climbers and other groups who decide to come with CAT will know that what they leave behind is as important as what they take home. That’s why when CAT show you some of the most awe inspiring scenery and places in the world, the local people also get something life-changing as well; schools, health posts, clean water systems, and other community strengthening initiatives.

What they do

Working closely with the local people, who always contribute to the funding and construction work, CAT support projects such as:
- Schools
- Health posts
- Clean water supplies
- Income generating schemes for the benefit of whole communities.

What they offer

Annapurna & Manaslu
Famed for its superb mountain scenery, the Annapurnas are a favourite with independent trekkers on the classic tea house routes. CAT treks in the region go off the beaten track on quiet trails, where you’ll still get the views but not the crowds, and the local people are tremendously welcoming. CAT offer several shorter treks, which conveniently combine to make a splendid longer traverse of this spectacular region.

Treks in this region:
- The Nepal Explorer
- Bara Phokari Lakes & Chitwan National Park
- Korchen Trek
- Korchen & Siklis Combination Trek
- The Ultimate Himalayan Panorama Trek
- Around Manaslu
- The Magnificent Annapurna Circuit
- Naar Phu (new variation to the Annapurna Circuit)
- Annapurna Sanctuary
- Poon Hill Scenic Trek

Mustang
Though part of Nepal, the landscapes and people of Mustang have more in common with Tibet. Lying behind the rain shadow of the Himalaya, the arid mountains and valleys of this once forbidden Kingdom have only been open to trekkers since 1992.
Special permits are needed, which makes trekking here more costly, however the rewards are great.

Treks in this region:
- Mustang – The Hidden Kingdom

The Langtang Region
A beautiful valley, lying north of Kathmandu on the Tibetan border, Langtang is inhabited by people of Tibetan descent and ringed by high mountains and glaciers.
The choice of treks includes a walk through the lush lower valley to its wild upper reaches, where the views are hauntingly beautiful, also visiting our school projects in the area. Yala Peak and the Ganja La Pass combine to offer more challenging trekking and a link with the valleys and ridges of Helambu, while the sacred lakes of Gosainkund and Laurebina Pass offer some of the most inspiring views in Nepal.

Treks in this region:
- Langtang Valley
- Langtang and Gosainkind
- Lantang, Yala Peak and Ganja La Trek

Everest Region
With its awesome scenery, Nepal’s best known trekking region is justly popular. The appeal lies in the chance to get right in among the highest peaks in the world and visit the homelands of the Sherpa people. CAT offer the classic Base Camp and Kala Pattar trek, plus the option of an easy trekking peak, Pokalde.
For more challenging trekking and climbing, the high valleys of Gokyo and summits of Mera, Island and Lobuje peaks are unsurpassed. For quieter trails, CAT recommend Dudh Kund and Numbur base camp, a moderate trek in the lower Everest region that also visits some of our project sites, with a warm welcome from the villagers.

Treks in this region:
- Everest, Kalar Pattar & Base camp Trek
- The Ultimate Everest Circuit: Peaks and Passes
- The Khumbu Explorer, including Lobuje East, Island Peak & Everest Base Camp
- The Gompa and Sherpa Trail to Khumbu
- The Dudh Kund Trek
- Pokalde Peak and Everest Trek
- Island Peak
- Island Peak, Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp

Makalu and Arun Valley
In eastern Nepal, the Arun Valley cuts a deep gorge through the heart of the Himalaya. In the remote high mountain region of its tributary, the Barun, glaciers spill off mighty Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world. CAT offer the chance to trek to Makalu base camp, crossing the Shipton Pass to isolated valleys nestled in among these awe-inspiring mountains. The shorter Arun Valley trek includes a classic ridge walk with wonderful views, a visit to our monastery project, and an ascent into the wilderness of the Makalu-Barun conservation area, returning along the lush and tropical valley floor.

Treks in this region:
- Arun Valley Trek
- Makalu Low Base Camp Trek

Kangchenjunga
Astride Nepal’s eastern border with Sikkim, the remote mountains and valleys leading to Kangchenjunga see few trekkers, yet offer some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in the country.

Treks in this region:
- Kangchenjunga North & South Base Camps Treks
- Kangchenjunga North Base Camp plus Teng Kongma Peak

Short Visits and Extensions
There are great ways to relax after a Himalayan trekking, and here are some suggestions which can be added on to any of the Nepalese destinations offered by CAT.
- The Himalayan Panorama Mountain Flight offers a unique opportunity for viewing the majestic peaks of the Himalaya.
- The Nepal Discovery Tour is conveniently based in the Kathmandu Valley, and offers guided tours of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, with their wealth of architectural gems, beautiful temples and vibrant markets.
- The Chitwan National Park offers an exciting opportunity to see some of the world’s endangered species while staying in jungle lodges on the edge of the jungle. Whether relaxing on the veranda with a cocktail or riding an elephant in search of rhino or tigers, this is a great contrast from trekking.
- A popular add-on to a Chitwan visit is River Rafting, a thrill where spills are just wet. While most do this for the adrenaline rush, there is no doubt that the quiet intervals offer stunning scenery.
- A little more ambitious are the excursions CAT offers to Bhutan and Tibet. Both offer a rare treat in visiting remote and exciting centres of Buddhism. The Tibet tour features the famed Potala, whilst the unspoiled mountain Kingdom of Bhutan is seemingly a step back in time.
- The latest activity offered by CAT is motorbiking on the remote and rugged tracks of Nepal and Tibet, a bit like you might have seen on television recently. CAT use 500cc Royal Enfields, still built in India, for a true adventure on wheels.
For those with limited time in Nepal, these can be used or even combined as a total holiday.

Tour Opportunities:
- Himalayan Panorama Mountain Flight
- Nepal Discovery Tour
- Chitwan National Park
- River Rafting
- Motorcycling
- A Taste of Bhutan
- A Taste of Tibet

Location

Community Action Treks Ltd,
Unit 7, Sunset Hill, Keswick,
Cumbria, CA12 4RN

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