The fortunate part of being a PCV in Nepal is the overabundance, diversity, and access to nature. Nepal has one the most varied climates in one country ranging from tropical to arctic. The landscape in Nepal has helped me through the rough times. Instead of writing about this trek, I'd like to illustrate the trek through photographs.
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| We took a jeep from Pokhara to Kimchi. Besides breaking down and searching for an engine part for over an hour, the ride was really smooth. |
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| AHHH Leaches!! Once we arrived at the lodge, we discovered more leaches and lots of blood on our feet. Sneaky little shits! |
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| The first tea house/ lodge we saw a long the trail. These are where trekkers typically eat and sleep while trekking. I like trekking more than backpacking because after a long day of hiking it's wonderful to have a hot meal made for you and a bed to crash in. . |
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| The trail to ABC descends and ascends along the Kali Gandaki river. I love listening to rushing water while hiking. |
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| Our first glimpse of the mountains on the trail, but we still had two days to go. I believe this is Annapurna South. |
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| Many of the lodges have small gardens. This was a nice patch of cabbage. |
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| The lodges also provide maps providing distances in hours. These could be greatly improved on as the times differ from lodge to lodge. Many listed times that were way longer than what it really took. Seems like a good project for a PCV if we had a tourism program. |
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| We came across many small wooden bridges. Crossing them was a little nerve racking. |
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| Foot bridges like this one are a popular way of crossing rivers in Nepal. See video below. |
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| For Dahsain wheat is grown in a bowl made of leaves as on offering. |
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| Buddhist prayer flags. |
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| We walked through so many different types of vegetation. This section reminded me of a few hikes I've done on the coast of Oregon. |
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| Porters carrying supplies and goods on their back. This guy is carrying a traditional dhoko basket. |
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| We finally get a glimpse of Machhapuchhre up close. |
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| Breaking just outside of a cave. |
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| Beautiful valley and view of the river. |
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| Whoot we made it to 3200M about 10,500 ft. |
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| Resting at a beautiful tea house. |
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| Just WOW. |
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| We are getting closer to base camp. You can see the definite change in scenery. |
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| A glacier. |
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| And you can walk through the center. |
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| Last stop before Annapurnna base camp. |
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| Everyday the clouds would roll in around 3pm. Right on schedule in this photo. It felt like Halloween. |
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| They can still grow a few veggies at this elevation, 3700M about 12,200 ft. |
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| Mustard and mint. |
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| No trees = No fire wood = Cold days/nights |
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| Buuurrrrr...pour the coffee!!! |
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| whoot we go this way in the AM. |
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| Early morning hike to ABC. So surreal. |
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| Just getting the first glimpse of the mountain in the early morning light. |
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| Yep it's cold here. |
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| The north side of Machhapuchhre. |
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| Annapurnna South |
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| We made it! 4130M! About 12,500ft. |
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| Memorial for climbers that passed away climbing here. |
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| The landscape is still beautiful! |
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| One last look up close. Good bye mountains. |
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| Mules carrying supplies in Chamrong. |
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| Cutie German tourist we met along the way. He's taking a gap year aget high school. |
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| HOT SPRINGS!! SO refreshing. This pic should be on a brochure. |
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| The loooong walk to Gundruk. |
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| Enjoying a cold beer after a long few days of hiking. |
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| On the bus back home. Bittersweet. |
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| Enjoying well deserved milkshakes at the end of a FANTASTIC trip. Best group. Best Trek. Ever. |
Hello Katie,
ReplyDeleteKonnichiwa from Japan!
We are Rich and Joan Bailey, RPCVs and current English teachers at Tokai University in Kanagawa, Japan. I was a PCV in Fiji as a high school science teacher from 1991-1993. We served together as English teachers in Kazakhstan from 1997-1999. We have been living and teaching in Japan since 2009.
We are coming to Kathmandu on March 2nd, primarily for me to attend and present at the Nepal English Language Teachers Association (NELTA) 21st annual conference, March 7-9. I will also be presenting at Tribhuvan University and participating in a Teachers Helping Teachers mini-conference/workshop outside of Kathmandu the following weekend for teachers who cannot attend the NELTA conference.
Joan is also writer (and gardener/farmer) about farmers markets, organic farming, permaculture and other related topics. (http://www.japanfarmersmarkets.com/) Her main goal one our first trip to Nepal is to meet people involved in farming, permaculture, etc.. During our time in Kathmandu, we will be staying for part of the time at Sunrise farm (http://www.himalayanpermaculture.com/#/sunrise-farm/4532754592) - part of the Himalayan Permaculture Center.
After the conference, we have approximately a week of free time and are hoping to connect with people outside Kathmandu that are working in similar areas.
In researching about Nepal, we read about Peace Corps Nepal and the Food Security program. We are hoping to connect with and perhaps visit PCVs in the field to learn about their projects and how we could support them. Our time in the Peace Corps was an amazing experience, and we are hopeful to see how other PCVs are continuing the good work in other lands and other ways. We also remember how nice it was to have someone come to understand and appreciate our work. We can bring Japanese treats! Sorry, the sushi wouldn't stay fresh, so it will have to be something else...
We reached out to the PC office in Nepal and have plans to meet with them when we are in Kathmandu. In terms of contacting PCVs directly, they understandably do not want to give out personal contact information. They did suggest that we reach out to PCVs via their own websites.
So, I have written this (form) letter and am emailing it to and posting it on blogs and websites of Nepal Peace Corps Volunteers. If you are interesting in meeting with us and sharing your experiences, we would love to talk to you about the details. And if you know of any other PCVs that might be interested, please share this message from us.
I really like your pictures of your trek. Joan and I are hoping to do a three or four day trek near Pohkara after our time in Kathmandu.
Namaste,
Rich and Joan Bailey