Welcome to My Website !
Many people would like to go trekking in Nepal. Most think that it’s beyond their capabilities. You don't have to be very fit; just fit and well. The idea of trekking with me is to take it slowly enough to really see the places you are walking through. Trekking should be enjoyable and stimulating. You don’t need to be so tired you couldn’t care less where you are.
Because our itinerary is slower and more flexible we can afford to be a bit more spontaneous. We can change our plans to suit the weather or even our health.
You need to know that this is not a large trekking company just myself acting as a guide, with a very experienced network of guides, porters and service providers which I have used for years.
It is about half-way between going with an 'organised tour' and 'independent trekking'. More like a group of friends who have clubbed together to go on trek to Nepal.
On a conventional trek your porter may be hours ahead of you setting up tents or cooking. When you trek with me you will have your own porter; he will trek near you in case you need a guiding hand on a wobbly bridge or just to get at your pack for a spare jumper or roll of film.
On a more typical commercial trek, the distance for each day is planned in advance and your tents and western-style toilet are set up in a pre-determined area. When you trek with me you will stay in lodges in the local villages with beds, family cooking and solar hot showers (well, most days anyway). The accommodation varies in quality. Some lodges have spacious double rooms with attached bathrooms but others are quite simple. They all have dry rooms with windows and doors that lock, foam mattresses and pillows, quilts if it is really cold, swept-clean floors and a place to hang washing or sweaty clothes. At higher altitudes the dining room will have heating in the evening and good plain cooking both Nepali and Western. You will meet some lovely Nepali people at these lodges - and their kids as they are usually family-run.
The main characteristic of trekking with me though is our slow pace. Because we travel slowly we have virtually no problems with altitude sickness. By traveling at such a sensible speed, ordinary people, with ordinary levels of fitness, can participate. You don’t need to be Sir Edmund Hillary to trek in Nepal. It certainly helps if you like spending the best part of the day walking.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
We trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area and the Sargamatha National Park so we try to be mindful of environmental issues; favouring places with fuel stoves and solar hot water. We endeavor not to use plastic bottled water too much and to dispose of our rubbish thoughtfully.
We take good care of our porters. We do not overload them - it is no fun to walk with people who are killing themselves to get your gear up the mountain. We make sure they each have a jacket and good footwear. We pay over award wages and insurance in case they get hurt. Your personal porter will carry your rucksack (usually 16-18 kg) you carry only your daypack.
My next major public treks will be in October and November. On October 3 we will gather in Kathmandu for a trip into the Langtang region. This is a very special area, not as well-known in the outside world as Anapurna or Everest but just as beautiful in its own way. The area takes us up into a huge u-shaped glacial valley, abundant with flowers in October. We will trek up to Kyanjin Gomba which is completely surrounded by giant, snow-capped peaks. We will stay there for two nights. We will descend for a few days and then climb up to the Gossainkund Pass. At 4600 metres this one is not as high as some of the better-known trekking passes and therefore a bit more achievable. There will be an option to trek out through the Helambu or backtrack to Sin Gomba and return from Dunche.
The second trek for the season will be to Muktinath. A classic trek (see Trek Reports from 2006 and 2007). This trek will involve a bus journey to Pokhara and two nights before and after trekking at picturesque Lakeside. The trek itself involves a three-day climb (slowly) to Gorepani for stunning views and a chance to climb Pun Hill. Descending through beautiful farmlands during harvest season to Tatopani and its hot springs we will stay there two nights for a bit of a rest. Then we will climb steadily, a bit each day, up to Kalopani. This village is nestled between Daulaghiri and Anapurna 1 so you can imagine the views. From Kalopani the walking is almost flat through Tukche, Marpha, Jomsom and Kagbeni. The Tibetan cultural influence is strong here with several beautiful old gombas and crumbling medieval villages to explore. The climb to Muktinath is a tough one but we will take plodding ponies (jeep option available) and walk back down the gradual trail the next day. This will give us an opportunity to visit the famous site where water and a flame emanate from a cleft in the rock and also catch a glimpse of the famous Thorong La pass. Top height is only 3800 metres. Walking back to Jomsom from Kagbeni will enable us to take an early morning spectacular flight next day. It is a breathtaking flight. There are a couple of recovery days in Pokhara and then a couple more in Kathmandu after trekking.
Flights from Australia are usually via Bangkok (Thai Airways) and Singapore (Singapore Airlines). However, Flight Centres around Australia have been advertising cheap flights to Kathmandu via Delhi in October and November - worth a look. Flying in from UK or Europe then Gulf Air, Qatar Airways or Etihad seem to be the most economical and Lufthansa has a good connection too.
The cost for either of these treks is $2450 AUD which includes almost everything you can think of. Check the Next Trek pages of this website for more details. (Updated very, very soon). Remember when comparing prices with other companies that ALL your meals, internal flights, permits, entrance fees, taxis and hotels and lodges are included. Also included is a Nepali porter for EACH customer. The only thing you need to pay for is alcohol and perhaps a generous tip for your porter. Be warned though, the shopping in Nepal is very tempting indeed.
If this sounds like your kind of trek do get in touch early. We like to take a maximum of ten people on each trek and some places are booked already. I will look forward to hearing from you. YOU CAN DO THIS! "
Trekking is a magical experience but, even with me, it can be challenging. You will find yourself tested at times. Meeting these demands can make you feel very good about yourself. The magnificence of the mountains and the beautiful nature of the people of Nepal will capture your spirit. I guarantee you will never be quite the same again.
Cheers!
TERESA.
Australia
Email to: teresadb@hotmail.com
Now, have a look at the other pages for more specific information and lovely pictures.
