The Nepal report 2007

The body roams the mountains and the soul is set free

I saw this quote on my last day in Kathmandu. It sums up perfectly how I felt during my trip to Nepal.

I struggle to describe my trip to Nepal as a holiday. It was - by far - the hardest thing I have ever done (both physically & mentally) – ultimately we trekked somewhere around 250km. But it has been more than a holiday for me – more like a life changing experience. It taught me a lot about myself, how strong I am, how blessed I am & about the type of life I want for myself. As incredible as the scenery was, it was the people of Nepal who truly touched my heart with their generosity, compassion & passion for life.

A 'few' photos - first we spent a few days in Kathmandu….

Downtown Kathmandu – being a Hindu country, cows are sacred in Nepal - you can serve jail time for killing one - so they basically have right of way & can often be found walking or laying down in the middle of major roads, completely oblivious to the traffic.

The first time I saw the recluse Chomolungma – Everest - on the trek from our camp to Namche Bazaar (el.3446m ) As I said, she was being a bit shy that day.


Our hotel at Namche Bazaar. The helicopter crashed there about 2 years ago but it is too expensive to remove it (it would need to be broken down into parts & carried out by porters) so it’s stayed.

Our campsite at Dole (el.4200m). False advertising I think 'cause I was looking but didn't find any yetis...


The view back down to the village of Gokyo - and our camp - el. 4790m, from the 'hill' known as Gokyo Ri (el. 5360m) which took us 3 very long hours to walk up. By far the hardest single thing - physically & mentally - I have ever done. I suppose the fact that at 5,500m there is only 50% of the oxygen at sea level didn't help either....

Still climbing...

Finally! On the top of Gokyo Ri (el. 5360). Everest is the peak over my left shoulder. And yes, it is as cold as it appears...

Contemplating Everest.

Snow climbing my way up to the Cho La pass (el.5420m). Yes, it is as steep as it appears!

On Cho La pass. I’d made the mistake of skipping through the snow to get in position for this photo. As I discovered, not an easy thing to do at that altitude...

At the top of Cho La, about the drop down into the next valley. Ama Dadham is at the head of the valley. Our next campsite is the dot of orange near my right hand.

At the top of Kala Pattar (el.5550m) Everest is trying to hide in the cloud immediately above my left shoulder. Everest Base Camp can just be seen to the left of the photo.

Everest poking her head out to say hello (over Nuptse) on the walk to Everest Base Camp

At Base Camp (el. 5364m)

Couldn't resist !

The view from our tent back at Namche Bazaar!

As I said, just a 'few' photos. If anyone wants to see a "few" more, email or PM me...

Righto, 'bout time this blog resumed its normal transmissions I suppose...