Hey all:
I spoke to Kim about what to do with some information
I came up with - and I'll post here and see what everyone
thinks.
Here goes:
A couple of things that may be of interest:
1) I have 2 quotes from guide companies that are both
cheaper than the one from NAVO.
They are cheaper by about $50 - $170 per person.
They also include accommodation in those lower prices.
At $40 / night (4 nights) that is $200 - $300 cheaper per
person, based on 4 people. At 6 people it is even cheaper
2) I am interested in taking a side trip out to Shipton Arch,
which is apparently the worlds largest arch, about 40 km from
Kashgar for a day hike. This would be optional:
Tushuk Tash (Shipton's Arch) - Images
Shipton's Arch - Wiki
We can set up the same 5 day crossing, but do Shipton Arch
on one of the days - for about an additional $80 per person
(for 4 people). That is with a vehicle to take us there
and back.
Another thought was to camp there overnight, if it works.
3) As the group is getting pretty large (about 15+ at last
count) I would prefer a smaller group.
To break off a smaller group, we could either:
a) split some people into a different group. With
a different company and guide we would move faster
through the process - even on the same dates
b) do a group a few days, or even a week earlier
Options for that would be:
- 7 days earlier (c/w the same Thurs -> Mon)
- 4 days earlier (Mon -> Fri)
Let me know if any of this of interest...
Cheers !