Nepal!

Never ending peace and love: Nepal!

As you must all be aware, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake devastated Nepal on April 26. This quake has killed over 5000 people and affected over 8 million. As Nepal is not a first world country, they do not possess the infrastructure to get up and start again without foreign aid. It is heart warming to see many countries coming to their rescue with both physical and financial assistance. We are gladden to hear that all our intrepid guides from our recent trip are safe but heart broken to think of the many locals and villagers whom we met, may have lost their lives, loved ones and livelihood.


 Every little cent is of benefit.


Here is a small list of charities, if you would like to help!

Friends of Himalayan Children:  www.f-hc.org
Intrepid foundation : www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/emergency-earthquake-appeal/

Disaster Emergency Committte : www.dec.org.uk

Planeterra : www.planeterra.org

Nameste.

Reminiscence! Indian and Nepal!

For our Indian and Nepal adventure, we again chose Intrepid. "Highlights of India and Nepal" and "Inside out Kathmandu" In countries such as these it is easier and safer to travel with a tour group.  The tour traveled from Delhi, all around the North of India to Kathmandu in Nepal. In Kathmandu we joined another tour to hike around the spectacular Himalayas.  We stayed in luxury and squalor (by Western standards) and tried a variety of transport; train, tuk tuk, camel cart, car, push bike, bus, canoe, safari jeep, boat, house boat ( just to name a few). And of course, we ate all the foods!


Helpful Hints!

- Our highlights of India tour was 19 days. We felt it was just a tad too long. A fortnight is a good length of time.
- Don't feel you have to do every activity offered. If you are not interested, don't do it.
- In Delhi, we were offered an optional half day tour to see the sights. Cost was $40 US per person and we did not get to see all. It would have worked out better to hire a taxi for 4 hours ( $20 ) and visit what is of interest yourself.
- You do not have to go with the group to every group meal.
-  Give the Radisson in Varansi a wide berth. " The Great Kabab factory" is over priced and not very nice.
- Try all the traditional foods on offer. The guides know what is safe in relation to street foods. We had fabulous samosa, masala tea, momos and lassi from street vendors and lived to tell the tale.
- If decanting vodka into a water bottle ensure you mark the bottle. A good swig of vodka when brushing your teeth goes down a treat.
- Gin and rum are the spirits of choice in that part of the world. Old Monk Rum very nice indeed.
- Organise a tip kitty. Each member of the tour pays an agreed amount into the kitty to be used by guide to pay tips along the way.

In summation, the tours were excellent. They offer a great assortment of activities and immerse you in the culture and lifestyle of India and Nepal.
Nameste!

Trekking the Nagarkot trail! Chisapani, Nagarkot and Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Muscles burnt, sweat cascaded across our faces. With each laborious breath, we climbed upwards. All conversation within the group disappeared as we concentrated on foot placement as well as the 60 km hike ahead of us. As the saying goes, 'there is no gain without pain'.  God, it hurt!

Up and down through the valleys and villages, we trekked. Rewarded for our efforts with spectacular views at every turn. The mountains roared across the horizon and the snow drenched peaks turned red as the sun circled the earth. Each evening after a couple of drinks, we collapsed into our beds with weary eyes and body. Each morning, invigorated, we set off again in awe of the power and beauty of nature.

This 4 day adventure trek from Shivapuri through Nagarkot & Chisapani to the Medieval township of Bhaktapur was truly amazing. It was a pleasure to share our experience with a great crew. Thanks to Lisa, Steve, Lauren, Austin, Erin, Cassie, Marion and Niall. A big word up to our fabulous guides and porters for their expert assistance. Extra special mention to our back stop, Jordie for keeping an eye on Brad's shoe laces.

                                   

                                                              

   

Lovely Lumbini!

We arrive in Lumbini after negotiating the India/Nepal border and a 14 hour bus trip from Varanasi. Here the tree of enlightenment awaits; the holy birth place of Buddha. History has it that as Buddha was expelled from the womb, he landed on his feet, took seven steps and for each step Lotus flowers grew.

All around the sound of chanting is omnipresent, robed monks meditate,  smoke from burning incense rises to meet a landscape of prayer flags and pilgrims pay homage.

Nepal is totally different to what we have encountered in India, there is a sense of tranquility,  a oneness with the mighty landscape that dominates and smiling faces greet us at every turn.  As we soon discover, Nepal stands for Never, Ending, Peace and Love.