A Trekking Odyssey Begins Picture this: we're about to embark on an epic Himalayan journey, and our next stop is Samdo, a cozy village snuggled up near the Tibetan border. But this trek isn't your ordinary stroll through the park; it's a rollercoaster of adventures, misadventures, and stunning landscapes that will make you want to hug a mountain. Surviving the Himalayan Challenge Now, before you think this trek is a walk in the park, let me set the record straight. Samagaun to Samdo is no Sunday picnic. It's like a mix between 'Survivor' and 'The Amazing Race,' with a dash of 'Ninja Warrior' for good measure. Here, stamina and physical fitness aren't just recommended; they're your VIP tickets to survival. But, hold on to your hiking boots, because this isn't a tale of sweat and suffering – it's a crazy concoction of adventure, culture, and nature, a medley of experiences that'll make you laugh, cry (from laughing too hard), and jump for joy. The Saga of Steve's Shorts Let me transport you to my first-ever Himalayan trek, where I felt like I was one snowball fight away from the Alps. Just two hours into our journey, my buddy Steve had an epiphany: it was laundry time. But hold on – his dirty shorts were the unsuspecting victims. Now, washing your shorts in icy mountain water takes bravery, and let me tell you, Steve's shorts had guts. As we reached teahouses, we were greeted by a sight that would make any laundry detergent commercial jealous – socks hanging everywhere, like a multicolored sock forest, courtesy of our fellow trekkers. Steve, initially reluctant to take the icy plunge, saw the sun shining high and decided to give it a shot. Bad call. Just as he hung his shorts to dry, the skies opened up, and rain poured down like it was auditioning for a monsoon movie. Talk about a laundry day gone A Teahouse Tête-à-tête As the rain ushered us into Samdo, our merry band of soaked trekkers gathered around a heated stove like sopping cats seeking refuge. We might've resembled a troop of drenched kittens, but our spirits were as high as a kite on a windy day. We turned our misadventure into an epic card game showdown, fueled by laughter, and savored a taste of yak cheese – a delightful surprise that tasted more like an exotic delicacy than... well, yak. Austrian Family Reunion in the Himalayas And then, we met an Austrian couple – mom and dad visiting their daughter in Nepal. Their decision to trek together felt like a heartwarming family reunion amidst the rugged Himalayan terrain. Their laughter and the bond they shared were like a warm, snug blanket in the Himalayan cold. Philip's Quest for Rebellion Who could forget Philip, whose feet seemed to have a mind of their own? He and I shared that restless urge to explore. So, we ventured out to discover the village, only to realize it was bigger on the inside than a TARDIS. With a sly grin, Philip confided in me, "Durba, my tour guide told me not to drink, but I want to be a little rebellious." With mischief in our eyes and the thrill of rebellion in our hearts, we set out to find a local pub. Now, don't get any grand ideas; these mountain pubs are more like your aunt's living room with a mini bar. But it was an absolute blast – a welcome deviation from the norm in the heart of the Himalayas. Navigating our way back to the teahouse in the dark, armed with a flashlight and doing our best to avoid donkey 'landmines,' we couldn't help but notice the air getting thinner – both from the altitude and our own laughter. Nepal trekways: Tour Agency @ https://www.nepaltrekways.com/
Tour Guide: Sundeep Kunwar Email:bikashmaharjan46@yahoo.com Whatsapp: +977 984933681 High on Laughter: A Hike to Remember Picture this: we hit a whopping 3,580 meters, and suddenly, we're in Samagaun, a village that defies gravity and makes you feel like you're hanging out in the heavens. It's our "take a break" day, but you know the mountains – they have their own script, and today, it's a comedy, unplanned and under the open sky. Desert Chic: Pine Trees as Nature's Supermodels Up in the high-altitude arena, it's like a magic show. Wind-sculpted pine trees are posing like supermodels fresh off the runway, and the Himalayan yaks? Well, they've got invisible crowns on their heads and are strutting their stuff. Just a stone's throw from Samagaun, nature paints a crazy palette of colors, and in the starring role, there's an abandoned stone house with a flair for drama. And then, ta-da! The elusive Manaslu peak finally makes a cameo appearance. Chilly Reunion: Belgian Girls and Our Icy Odyssey Our trail takes us through these picturesque villages, and what do you know, we bump into our vivacious pals, the Belgian girls, in Shyala. It's freezing, but they're as spirited as ever. Meanwhile, in our teahouse, our very own jester, Steve, decides it's time for an epic "power nap" – and epic it is, lasting a whopping three hours. Temples and Taters: Where Adventures Unearth Laughter Next day, while Steve and our trusty porter, Thakalie, set off on a temple escapade, I decide to dive headfirst into the local scene. There, I meet a bunch of lady farmers, all decked out in their work gear. They invite me to join the wacky tradition of potato harvesting. Trust me, it's no picnic, but their humor is as rich as the mountain soil. Donkey Business: The Symphony of Bells and Blunders The day continued to unfold as I pitched in with the grassy tasks, lending a helping hand to a friendly local farmer. Grateful for my assistance, she extended an invitation to her home, and I gladly accepted, eager to experience the warmth of village life. In this charming hamlet, the villagers shouldered bundles of grass on their backs with a mirthful energy that rivaled Santa's reindeer dashing through the snow. It was as if they were orchestrating a lively circus performance for their beloved livestock, transforming their labor into a whimsical spectacle. While the yaks basked in their serene glory, it was the donkeys that truly stole the show. With bells jingling in a merry symphony, they paraded through the village, captivating our hearts much like Santa's reindeer prancing through the night sky. Their antics left us pondering just how far these four-legged comedians would go to spread laughter and merriment throughout the village. Time Travelers: Stories in Old Houses The village? Well, it's like a real-life time machine! Those old-school houses, they're like history's grand storytellers, outshining us modern trekkers with their tales. If walls could talk, these ones would have a lot to say, and they'd do it in whispers that echo through time. Water, water everywhere! Springs and rivers are the lifeblood here. They're like nature's gift to the farmlands. It's a watery symphony, and the land, well, it's the star of the show, producing more goodies than a magician's hat. And then there's Manaslu, that big, mysterious mountain in the distance. It's like the world's best-kept secret, wrapped in clouds and mystery. It's got this "come find me" vibe that's hard to resist, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. But what really makes this place special? The Nubri people! They're like time-traveling guardians, keeping the old ways alive. They've got stories in their eyes and traditions in their hearts. It's like living in a history book, but with real people and maybe a touch of humor. Tamang's Cozy Crib: Where Aromas Give Hugs Entering Tamang's family shack was like stepping into a warm embrace. The moment I crossed the threshold, I was met with an inviting atmosphere, permeated by a comforting, woody scent that felt like an old friend's hug. The central stove, standing resolutely in the heart of the room, served as both the hearth for cooking and a repository of cherished memories. As I took in the cozy scene, the story of this place began to unfold. It was a sanctuary where the flickering flames and the gentle hum of a pot simmering on the stove had borne witness to a myriad of life's moments. The stove, with its well-worn exterior, held the tales of laughter, wisdom, and the unity of a family that had weathered life's storms together. Lake Larks: Moustache-Wielding Sheep and Stupa Shenanigans When Steve and Thakalie get back from the temple quest, we head to Birendra Lake, snuggled up against the Manaslu glacier. But the lake, usually a turquoise gem, decides to be a prankster today. It's more of a faded emerald or a matte petroleum puddle. And if that isn't wild enough, a gang of Himalayan blue sheep, with mustache-like horns, struts in like they're rehearsing for a comedy show. And we decide to join in on the fun, crafting our own stupas. The tallest one? It's crowned the "Lake King." A Comedy of Errors: When Slip-Ups Turn into Side-Splitters What started as a lazy day in Samagaun morphs into a wacky escapade. We collect moments, not just memories. It's like a circus, with stumbles and fumbles that turn into cherished comedy gold. A day where laughter reigns supreme, and missteps become the punchlines in our silly, unforgettable journey. Nepal trekways: Tour Agency @ https://www.nepaltrekways.com/
Tour Guide: Sundeep Kunwar Email:bikashmaharjan46@yahoo.com Whatsapp: +977 984933681 Basking in the Morning Sun As the village rooster announced the arrival of another glorious day, the weather seemed to be in perfect harmony with our trekking ambitions. The sun's golden rays gently warmed the cobblestone houses, coaxing them out of the chilly night's embrace. Meanwhile, villagers in the vicinity had already begun their daily farm routines, setting the stage for yet another adventure. Today, we anticipated a four-hour trek, and our enthusiasm mirrored Sundeep's, our ever-enthusiastic trek leader. The higher we climbed into the mountains, the closer we were to joining the elite club of "Adventurers Living at 3,000 Meters Above Sea Level." Nature's Tapestry Unfolds The landscape along our path was like a vibrant tapestry unfurling before our eyes. Fields of marigolds swayed in the breeze, while mustard and corn plantations extended as far as the eye could see. Verdant rice farms completed the picture, enticing grain enthusiasts to break into a spontaneous happy dance. Above, the sky was a stage for avian acrobatics, with crows and falcons performing an aerial duet that rivaled the songs of the mountain waterfalls. Buddhist Stupas and Their Quirks Adding to the intrigue of our trek were the Buddhist stupas that graced every village along the way. These architectural wonders were akin to open invitations. Once inside, the intricate paintings adorning the stupa ceilings narrated the life and times of Buddha. It was like stepping into a free art gallery, and I couldn't help but marvel at the exquisite artwork. Notably, the Nepali tradition guided us to the right side of the stupas when entering a village, a polite way of saying, "Welcome, traveler, to Stupa Town!" The Trek's Gentle Stride The trek, while not exactly a walk in the park, was far from brutal. It seemed like either my knees had miraculously decided to stop complaining, or the terrain was feeling especially generous. Whichever the case, I found myself immersed in the natural wonders around us. It was as if Mother Nature had organized a spa day for our senses, complete with stunning sights, intoxicating scents, and an overall sense of tranquility. A Journey of Endless Wonders If I thought the previous day was good, I was in for a delightful surprise. As each day passed, the transition of seasons, landscapes, and teahouses felt like a script written to make our journey more enchanting. It was as if the mountains, trees, and teahouses were competing in a contest called "Who Can Wow the Trekkers More." Spoiler alert: They all won. Lho: Meeting the Belgian Sunshine Our destination for the day was Lho, and it was here that we had the pleasure of encountering Marie and Sophie, two Belgian girls who were nothing short of human embodiments of sunshine. Steve had often regaled me with stories about them, and our meeting in the hotel corridor felt like a reunion with old friends. Over coffee, we swapped stories and laughter that could have awakened the mountain spirits from their slumber. Acclimatization with a View To acclimatize further, Steve and I embarked on a short hike to a Buddhist monastery perched atop a hill. The view from there, as Steve eloquently described, was like gazing upon Switzerland. I'll take his word for it, never having been to Switzerland myself, but I can safely assume it was a view worth writing home about. Supana: The Monastery's Not-So-Monastic Inhabitant As we explored the intricate decorations and religious artifacts within the monastery, we stumbled upon an unexpected delight. Supana, a 16-year-old dynamo, brought a burst of vivacity to a room otherwise occupied by monks. Her exuberance was infectious as she shared her story. She was studying there and happened to be the only girl in a school filled with 25 boys. It was like a subplot from a teen drama, but set amidst the Himalayas. Dreams as Vast as the Mountains Supana harbored dreams as vast as the mountains surrounding us, yet doubts and uncertainties occasionally clouded her aspirations. Steve, our resident motivational guru, offered her words of encouragement, leaving us in awe of her spirit and her dreams. Who wouldn't cheer for a young girl with such a twinkle in her eyes and a heart brimming with ambition? Deeper Conversations and Shared Journeys Amid the camaraderie, our conversations delved into life's deeper questions. It was remarkable to discover that most of us shared a common purpose for embarking on this trek. Some sought to prevent life from slipping through their fingers, while others needed a break. Some were on a quest to explore the intricate paths of self-discovery. In that moment, we realized that whether it's the Himalayas or a quaint coffee shop back home, we're all on a journey to find our unique place in this beautifully bewildering world. Nepal trekways: Tour Agency @ https://www.nepaltrekways.com/
Tour Guide: Sundeep Kunwar Email:bikashmaharjan46@yahoo.com Whatsapp: +977 984933681 A Promise in the Morning Sun As the golden sun extended its warm embrace, the magnificent mountains beckoned me to yet another day of adventure. Surprisingly, my knees decided to be kind, setting the stage for an unforgettable trek. Nature's canvas unfolded before my eyes, adorned with towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. But there's more to this tale, as we ventured into the heart of villages, and their charismatic inhabitants, where simplicity and authenticity reigned. In the Heart of Village Life The villages along the trail bustled with life, where the extraordinary unfolded within the mundane. From the world of farming, as they toiled with hay, to the art of drying crops for the impending winter, these villagers were the unsung heroes of the mountains. A Chance Encounter with Simplicity Picture this: a quaint house, a diligent woman meticulously drying corn, and an atmosphere perfumed with incense. This cozy abode doubled as her kitchen, adorned with artfully displayed utensils. In the center, a regal dog presided over the household's operations. Here's the twist—it was my inaugural visit to a Nubri house, a cozy, dim-lit world steeped in tradition. The room was perfumed with incense, and the walls held stories untold. The villagers' trust was a warmer welcome than any red-carpet reception. A Glimpse into the Past This, dear reader, was the trek's pièce de résistance. I've always been a culture enthusiast, and the indigenous folks had me spellbound. The walls, the doors, and the colorful attire were like portals to a bygone era. The vibrant outfits and weathered hands painted a picture of resilience. The well-fed dog was living proof of adaptability, surrounded by a wealth of resources. And, incredibly, they were practically neighbors with the clouds. It was like stepping into a fairy tale. Nature's Whims and the Trek's Heartbeat Our trek was nothing short of a rollercoaster, all thanks to Mother Nature's playful whims. But no complaints here—it was an immersive journey filled with nature's quirks, energy, and unparalleled beauty. Trying to put it into words was like trying to catch a shooting star. A Refreshing Pause on the Journey And, along the trek, we made a delightful stop at an apple farm. The crisp, refreshing apple juice was a rejuvenating pause, like a sweet symphony in the midst of nature's grand overture. The Enchanted Village of Namrung As we rolled into Namrung, I was head over heels for this charming village. Sundeep, our trekking virtuoso, had secured a room in a wooden cabin hotel. The cherry on top? A luxurious hot shower. To sweeten the pot, he served us steaming cups of milk coffee and a mouthwatering dinner. The restaurant was a hive of camaraderie, with fellow travelers huddled around a heater stove, sharing stories to ward off the evening chill. A Moonlit Stroll and Unforeseen Encounters Later, Steve and I embarked on a leisurely village jaunt. And what do you know? We stumbled upon not one but two lovely ladies with the same name, Favru, a nod to their Thursday births. After dinner, I decided to take a solo stroll and discovered the Favru’s restaurant. She owned a charming little eatery. To my surprise, I found Sundeep sipping local rice wine. So, I dragged Steve from the hotel, and we gathered for a rendezvous of chatter and laughter. The evening may have been frosty, but our hearts? They were on fire, courtesy of the day's enchanting adventures. A Village Near Heaven
Namrung, as we discovered, was nothing short of paradise. Nestled amidst lush forests and surrounded by towering mountains, the village felt as if it was on the doorstep to heaven itself. It was a breathtaking culmination of our trek, and the adventure had only just begun. Nepal trekways: Tour Agency @ https://www.nepaltrekways.com/ Tour Guide: Sundeep Kunwar Email:bikashmaharjan46@yahoo.com Whatsapp: +977 984933681 The Sky's Big Reveal After a relentless day of navigating steep slopes and facing downpour after downpour, our next trekking endeavor felt like a complete reset. Imagine this: the azure sky stretched out as far as the eye could see, and the morning sun burst forth with warmth and cheer. It was as though Mother Nature herself decided to don her best outfit and join us for a delightful hike. But before we could revel in the day's adventures, we knew a hearty breakfast by our unsung hero, Sundeep, was in order. My knees, however, had their own plans. The Knees Go on Strike My knees, after playing along with our trekking plans for so long, had decided it was high time they staged a little rebellion. They'd had enough of the steep terrain and the seemingly never-ending ascents and descents. So, what was my solution? I did what any seasoned trekker would do – I passed on my drone to Thakalie, our trusted smiling porter. Meanwhile, the weather was on our side, and the path ahead seemed to be drying up. A Dash of Nature's Playfulness Yet, let's not forget that Mother Nature can be quite the prankster. We soon found ourselves navigating through fresh landslides, which were less than ideal companions for our hike. But, at least the skies decided to give us a reprieve from the rain. We trekked through breathtaking vistas and were welcomed by friendly villagers, especially the children. If you're looking for the happiest mountain dwellers, look no further. Inhaling the Essence of the Himalayas As we walked, the scent of fresh grass mingled with the aroma of donkeys and livestock. Leaves rustled beneath our boots, and the ground squelched underfoot. The scent of the earth was almost intoxicating, and I could hear the sound of the mighty river, always there to guide us. As we journeyed on, there was no shortage of muddy trails left by the rain from the night before. Our shoes, unfortunately, weren't exactly waterproof. But who can resist a good laugh at our expense? After all, we knew those shoes would dry off faster than you could say "wet feet." The Spiritual Playground Once more among the mountains, we stumbled upon Buddhist stupas, prayer flags, and the ever-spinning prayer wheels. It was like stumbling into a spiritual playground. As if that weren't enough, the landscape revealed stone tablets adorned with intricate carvings of prayers. It left me wondering about the stories and experiences of trekkers who'd passed by these very stones over the years. While we're on the subject, the landscape showed off an expanse of mustard plantations. The countryside was painted in brilliant green, a sight to behold. Lunch Reunions and Chuckles Our lunch break turned into a lively reunion. Familiar faces greeted us with warm smiles, and the Bananarama girls and friends like Chris and Philip (affectionately known as "Biden" and "Spock") joined in the merriment. It was a proper gathering, with food and laughter flowing freely – much like the river that had been our constant companion. While our merry group chatted away, I seized the opportunity to dry my shoes and socks under the benevolent gaze of the sun. Deng's Delights and a Soggy Surprise Finally reaching Deng, I looked every bit the picture of exhaustion. My knees were staging a sit-in protest, and my socks were the proof of a hard day's work. The trekking life, it seemed, wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. And just when I thought we'd found our night's lodgings, I found Steve waiting for me at a teahouse. But lo and behold, it wasn't our final stop; Steve and Sundeep had briefly parted ways. With Thakalie as my steadfast companion, We set off on a mission to locate Sundeep. Cozy Wooden Cabins and A Shower Conundrum Deng welcomed us with cozy wooden cabins that made it feel like we'd stepped into a log cabin fairy tale. Eager for a warm shower, I dashed straight to the bathroom. Little did I know, the hot water puzzle awaited me. There I was, trying to decipher which knob would summon the elusive hot water, as if I'd stumbled into a game show challenge. After some comical fumbling, I finally succeeded in persuading the hot water to grace me with its presence – a triumph! Steve, on the other hand, had his own aquatic enigma to solve, wrestling with water pressure that barely qualified as lukewarm. With the night growing colder, lukewarm water was far from ideal. Stargazing and a Cosmic Comedy After dinner, I decided to indulge in a bit of stargazing. The evening sky was a masterpiece, a canvas adorned with stars that seemed to be showing off their celestial dance. I found myself utterly mesmerized by the cosmic spectacle. There I was, lost in the celestial ballet above, in quiet contemplation of the universe's wry sense of humor. If the stars had a laugh track, I swear I heard it that night. Poetic Perspective On the path from Jagat to Deng, our tale unfolds, A trekkers' journey, with stories untold. The sky, a revelation, a canvas so blue, Nature's finest attire, a splendid debut. The sun in its glory, warm, kind, and bright, A day full of promise, a radiant light. Sundeep, our hero, to breakfast did tend, While my knees voiced protests, they couldn't pretend. They rebelled against slopes, both steep and profound, No longer companions on this hilly ground. So, like a true trekker, my drone found its flight, In the hands of Thakalie, a trusted delight. Nature, the prankster, played tricks on our way, With landslides and downpours, making it a tough day. But the skies gave respite, the rain took a break, As we journeyed through villages, for new friends to make. The scent of fresh grass, donkeys, and more, Mingled with leaves, a symphony to adore. The earth's sweet aroma, intoxicating and neat, Despite soggy shoes, we found laughter and heat. Buddhist stupas and prayers filled the air, A spiritual playground, a place free from care. Intricate stone tablets told tales of the past, As mustard plantations in green did cast. Lunch became a reunion with laughter and grins, With friends named Chris, Philip, and other chums and kins. The river flowed nearby, much like our delight, As I dried my soaked shoes, the future looked bright. Deng awaited with cabins, so cozy and snug, A shower conundrum, like a game show, a shrug. Hot water, elusive, but I solved its grand scheme, While Steve's struggle with pressure was part of the theme. Under the starry canvas, a celestial ballet, I gazed in amazement, lost in the Milky Way. The universe's humor, a silent encore, As the stars seemed to laugh, and I wanted for more. Nepal trekways: Tour Agency @ https://www.nepaltrekways.com/
Tour Guide: Sundeep Kunwar Email:bikashmaharjan46@yahoo.com Whatsapp: +977 9849336815 |
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It's me, Melissa fox - a free spirited photographer, who likes to work from everywhere with internet. I'm home grown in the Philippines, traveled south east Asian countries, and a sucker for coffee! I do sustain my digital nomad life being a social media manager and a content creator, I've written several blogs and made documented my travels on Youtube. One thing I'm passionate about is writing, from my personal thoughts to my musings. If you're like me, welcome to my interweb page! and cheers! |