nepal

Nepal's most popular long-distance trek (16-21 days). The route follows two river valleys, the Marsyandi and Kali Gandaki, crossing between them over the Thorung La pass. The trek passes trough a tremendous range of ecological zones from sub-tropical to alpine. It is also culturally diverse. Starting point for the trek is Besisahar.

The attractions of the Khumbu (Everest) region are the majestic mountains, the high mountain villages, the isolated monasteries, and the local peoples. Everest is only one of a myriad of beautiful peaks in the area and there are many other attractions. The Gokyo Valley is particularly beautiful and offers incredible potential for exploration.

A virtual living museum, the Kathmandu Valley is crammed with sights. Popular attractions on the sightseeing trail include Kathmandu's Durbar Square, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Bodhnath, the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath on the banks of the sacred Bagmati river, Patan, and the mediaeval city of Bhaktapur.

The Manaslu Trek (14-16 days) circles the 8th highest peak in the world (8163m). It has become very popular in recent years. Along the trail you encounter an interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages. The trail follows the spectacular Buri Gandaki river all the way from Arughat to its source just below the Larkya La pass (5100 m).

In 2015 Nepal was hit by a massive earthquake. Thousands of people were killed and many of the country's historic sites were destroyed. When I briefly visited the Kathmandu Valley in 2017, the recovery efforts were still underway. The sightseeing included Kathmandu's Durbar Square, Patan, the newly restored Bodhnath stupa and the city of Bhaktapur.