יום ראשון, 18 בינואר 2015

Robin Shortt 10 Benefits You Get from Using Trekking Poles For Hiking Fitness Articles

I remember watching my boys growing up. They would go to their Scout meetingsand bring home a pole that they had cut from a sapling. They made it into a poleby stripping the bark and carving diff...
I remember watching my boys growing up. They would go to their Scout meetingsand bring home a pole that they had
cut from a sapling. They made it into a poleby stripping the bark and carving different designs into it. They would talk abouthow they used it for hiking and on campouts.
Today things have changed a lot. The Scoutsstill make their trekking poles, but more hikersare now going high-tech.
Todays poles have much of the samebenefits the scouts used them for.
Hikers also use two of them for hiking. Which double the benefits.
1.This includes pack weight distributionto the arms, thus increasing indurance.
2.Makes keeping your balance easier as you cross rivers and streams as well as rough terrain.
3.Lowers stress on the joints, knees, hipsand lower back.
4.Gives a more upright, hiking posture.This in turn will make breathing more efficient.
5.Helps you go up those steep inclines. Also helps you keep your balance on the declines.
6.Dispite some drawbacks concerningthem, the advantages far outweighthe drawbacks.
7.Trekking poles today are high techin design and with adjustable telescopicfeatures make them ideal for summer and winter. Most are made from materials such as aluminum or titanium.
8.Trekking poles have adjustable wrist strapsand can have plastic or cork handgrips.
9.How to use your trekking poles is done by keeping your forearm parallel toto the ground on flat tarrain. If you're assending the poles will need adjusting. You will need to make them shorter, so you will not over reach. The opposite is also true as well. When going down a hill you will need to lengthenthe poles.
10.Its very easy to use trekking poles. Just walk naturally one arm forward with the opposite leg. The poles will soon become apart of you as you walk.
As you become used to using the poles you'll find how easy it has become to hike and how much faster and farther you can travel.
Check out your local Scout Shop for a good qualityset of poles. You'll also be financially helping out the Scout troops in your area.
Article Tags: Trekking Poles
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Val and Robin Shortt are experienced campers and
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Sofiyam Find the right trekking agency in Nepal before you travel Travel Articles

If there is any place in the world that is worth trekking it would be the mountain ranges in Nepal. The scenic view is said to be one of the best in the world and the trek is said to be unbelievable. 
There are many locations around Nepal that give you such excitement and there is no doubt that Mustang is one of them. The Mustang Mountain is said to give you the thrills of a lifetime when climbing and has been open to people for trekking for years. So if you are an adventure freak, Mustang trekking should be on your bucket list.
Get the right deal when you plan right
There are obviously many operators for tours and travels in this area but not all of them give you the best possible deals. You would be better off talking to a trekking agency in Nepal that will give you better deals with your group size. The smartest thing to do is to choose a package that is for larger groups or people. The advantage is having better deals on a per head basis. You can even try getting discounts because you are taking a bigger booking. You will also be able to get a good deal on the hotel stay and accommodation. Most of the trekking agency in Nepal gives freebies with big packages too. Try to find the best deal.
Research well before you travel
There are many ways for you to complete your travel to Nepal. At the same time, you also want to be double sure on the different practices when you are travelling. So you need to find the right clothes to carryHealth Fitness Articles, the right equipment to have with you and so on. So keep a check on the weather before you travel. It will help you understand get off and arrival points with ease too.
Choose what to wear
With the climate bound to be extremely cold you would be better off wearing sweaters and water proof jackets. Also try to keep warm fitting clothes so it is easy for you to bear the cold temperatures of Nepal. You would also need to choose the right shoes to wear when you are Mustang trekking. Make sure you wear water proof shoes that are at least till the shin. Thick cotton socks would be a good help too when you are climbing the mountains. Keep a few basic supplies when you are travelling like lighters and match boxes. Also keep bottles of water along with energy bars to keep you charged at all points of time.
Keep those insects away
You are bound to get bit by a few insects on the way when you are trekking so make it a point to always carry a tube of mosquito repellent when you are travelling. You also have a lot of creams that will take care of rashes and burns. Make sure you keep them with you too. A few torches and batteries are a must too.
Article Tags: Trekking Agency
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Osho World Adventure Pvt. Ltd. is leading tour and travel company specialized in traveling guide in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet. Click Mustang trekking for more information about Trekking Agency in Nepal

Premium Author Lama Dorje Trekking from Kathmandu to Tibet V Travel Articles

Day Five - This not your travel magazine type story. This is about the real experience of trekking in the Himalaya with all the quirky mishaps that could possibly happen on a ten day trek. Here you can read about day five. It is part five of ten parts. Enjoy!
Escaping the Dark Mist

Morning at Lama Hotel held the hope of a fresh beginning after my dramatic escapades of the previous evening. There is such a gratefulness & joy for little things in life after you’ve escaped the big things that can go wrong.

We had alot of walking and climbing ahead of us and were eager to experience our first glimpse of the snow capped peaks. The trail grew more rocky now as we started to climb above the tree line.

Now the valley opened wide to reveal a pasture filled with Yaks. Yes, yaks affectionate looking big hairy cows. They were high altitude beast and could only live comfortably around 10,000 feet.

Showers had not been possible in the cramped Guest Houses with no running water, but to our surprise nature organized one for us. Around mid day we came across the most perfect 15 foot water fall in an isolated spot.

Kirsten decide that icy water was better then no shower at all. With the sun at it apex it was now or literally never. I stood guard, but this area was sparely populated so there was not a soul in site. She stripped down to her natural self and screamed with shock and delight as the frigid water careened over her. It was somehow beautiful and wild, but I wasn’t going to show myself. Call me boring, but her screams and shivers were somewhat convincing. I’ll just stay dirty.

We had left our hiking companions Rob & Julie at Lama Hotel as they preferred a much slow accent. I was a type “A” hiker and loved to charge up the trail as fast as I could walk. Then after some distance, exhausted I would find a place to rest and wait for my tortoise companion Kirsten to arrive. She never stopped. She just padded along at her steady pace with little steps. This balance allowed both of us to feel free along the trail to walk in our own manner. It also gave us some alone time with nature and our thoughts.

Something about spending all day and everyday walking in the mountains rekindles your primal nature. It was as if the modern world had no place here. Only flowers, birds, and sky existed as I meandered along the ever-changing trail.

On the path there were different kinds of peoples. About every 3-4 hours we would go through a small collection of huts that formed a sort of village not on any map. These were populated mostly by Tibetans or Tamang tribal people. All the locals would greet us pleasantly with a smile and a NAMASTE folding their hands in the prayer position. It was inspiring.

I remember around one bend came a group of a few Herdsmen moving at a brisk pace. I said Namaste as they passed by. Since I was walking slightly ahead of Kirsten and I would always drop back to make sure she was safe when we past groups of men.

Just as I came in earshot I heard it! Kirsten said: “Namaste” and one of the Herdsmen said quietly and very shyly: “Namaste Sexy Mama.” It was a total surprise, since these guys typically don’t speak English  at all. We laughed and laughed. I could only imagine that some mischievous trekker had taught him this phrase.

Our next cultural encounter was with a young Tamang boy around 12 years old. He started behind as as we traversed an irrigated field near a few farm huts. He asked: “You want hashish?” I said “No” and walked on. He followed and asked again: “You want hashish?” “No”, I said and walked on. Now the game begins. He thought I was bargaining. Naturally all trekkers want hashish. It is unheard of that they wouldn’t. I must have just been a good bargainer.

We walked. He followed. Only 500 Rupees per tola (10 grams). We ignore him. Only 200 Rupees. We ignore him. “How much you give?” he asks. Finally to get rid of him I say an outrageously small number: “30 Rupees.” “No.”, he continues: “100 Rupees OK?, 50 Rupees, OK 30 Rupees.

Oh my God!!! I have accidentally bought 10 grams of hashish. Oh well, what to do? More surprisingly when he opens his bag he pulls out a chunk of hash weighing about 10 pound. Chop chop swiftly with his knife he takes off a finger size piece and hands it to me. My mouth is gapping. Thing are sure different around here.

We walk along narrow paths through the sparely populated valley around some small planted fields. Then once again the trail evolves into a different venue. It becomes step with a far valley below and our first glimpse at snow capped mountain in the distance.

It’s such a wonder to view these enormous mountains with their snowy peaks. I was so exalted that my whole being became an inner smile. It opened me up inside to the simple beauty of life. I felt light. The top of my head seem to lift off with an AH-HA experience. It put things in prospective. In nature, there is no problem seeing the truth. It’s just there in front of you and it’s everything you need or want or could ever want. So simple.

As we wound around the valley we passed small villages. Each had some little guest houses and around 3 PM Kirsten suggested we grab one for the night. The latest you want to hike is about 4 PM, because when the sun goes behind the surrounding mountains it’s gets cold and a thick mist rise up to shroud everything.

On this topic, we had alittle heated debate. I wanted to chance making it to a small Tibetan Temple marked on our map. Kirsten wanted to quit early in one of the villages to savor the Himalayas at a slower pace. An argument insued and I stormed ahead on the trail to walk off my anger.

My anger channeled into a vigorous pace that got me to the remote guest house near the Temple in record time, but I arrive at dusk and my companion was still quite a distance down the mountain.

Ut-Oh, suddenly the argument had transformed into a dangerous situation. As the twilight mist was already floating up the valley I got worried. It would be very dark soon. I ask a Tibetan woman who came up the path if she had seen Kirsten. She understood my concern. I could see in her eyes a compassionate sympathy, but she spoke no english. She could tell me nothing

Against my better judgment, I left my backpack with strangers at the guest house and catapulted down the trail. Dusk was very close and I ran like I’ve never run before. I was lightning. I was a deer or an antelope bouncing from rock to rock. I was racing against time. My heart pounded in my chest. The light got dimmer. The mist was coming.

A couple miles down the bank I found Kirsten somewhat paralyzed and cationic along the trail leaning on an embankment. She had a panic attack with dark approaching and the empty trail. I didn’t have time to feel guilty or apologize. I just put on her backpack and grab her hand to get back to the lodge.

Almost in a dream I towed her along the winding trail in the half light. She was breathing unsteadily. The altitude was difficult for both of us. We stumbled and ran as best we could. The fatigue was overcome by the fear. If darkness came we would be absolutely lost. The cool damp mist was already surrounding us and obscuring the trail ahead.

We made it. In the dimmest of lights we arrived at our shelter. Mist all around now. I could barely see the path we had just arrived from.

Whew. We sat down wheezing and traumatized at the small wood table in the guest house. That desperate run in the thin air had caught up with us. It was hard to breathe.

Our kind Tibetan host brought us in for hot tea by the warm hearth. The Tibetan woman in the guest house sensing what was need started to brush Kristen's hair. She then oiled her hair with yak butter and braided it.

It was such a pleasant domestic activity that we both calmed down into the quite Himalayan evening. The Tibetan host started some Dhal Bhat for dinner and we relaxed in safety and comfort.

Later, our host became quite animated over the offering of a can of peaches. He had apparently saved it for some trekkers, but it was quite expensive. About 50 Rupees (75 cents). Expensive by local standards. So, he would never open it just for his family.

He was so excited about this little can that I agreed to pay for some. They didn’t have a can opener, so I offered my knife. He didn’t seem to quite get the knife opener an broke off the tip of my blade. Oh well, part of the advenuture I suppose. I retrieve the knife and proceeded to open it with the other blade opener.

Mmmmmm,..... not! Those were the worst peaches I have ever eaten, but not for our Tibetan host. They relished their portion as a find delicacy. Oh well, good for them.

Next, our host was showing us some of the fine improvements he had made to the lodge. I didn’t quite get it at first. Their was a plastic bread wrapper covering the one window. Could it be that otherwise the window is always open?

We were at a pretty high altitude now and our host offered us a thick yak wool comforter to go on top of our thin sleeping bags. I looked around and only saw one comforter, so I refused to take it. No I said, you should keep it for your family. Then with his broken english and sign language, he convinced us that they didn’t need it. They would sleep together next to the adobe hearth which was quite toasty. OKFind Article, how could I refuse. We were already freezing and the night had only begun.

Outside the icy Himalayan wind began to howl as it penetrated the wood and stone hut were we stayed. Snuggling under the yak wool and our sleeping bags the evening faded into silence.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


I am just a Spiritual Traveler trying to find my way back hOMe. In order to pay for the journey I have picked up a few items to trade in the Himalaya. I guess that's what makes me The Himalayan Trader (www.himalayantraders.com) Come visit.

יום חמישי, 15 בינואר 2015

Nepal - The Ultimate Destination for Trekking and Adventures By Noorul Islam

Nepal is a beautiful country in the Himalayan Region that could be a tourist's delight. This country has a vibrant culture and a rich tradition of arts and crafts. Rightly termed as the 'Land of Paradise', Nepal could be an ideal choice for a tourist for trekking and mountaineering expeditions. Tourists who choose reputed and dependable tour operators would be delighted with unforgettable sightseeing experience, safety and pleasant travel.
Close encounters with Nepal's Flora and Wildlife
Ever since 1960 most of the tourists landing in Nepal include a trekking expedition in their itinerary. It is indeed a great pleasure to go on a Nepal Trekking Tour as the country's great culture, customs and traditions could be understood better while taking a walk through the country and mingling with the local people. The trekking expedition would provide a spectacular view of this beautiful country nestled among the Himalayan peaks. The picturesque villages on the trekking route would provide an insight into the lifestyle of the people, wildlife and the flora of the terrain. It is a wonderful opportunity to see and interact with diverse ethnic groups like Sherpas, Gurkhas and Chetri farmers. People who are reasonably fit and enjoy walking and adventure would find trekking suitable for them.
The tour operator would take care of air tickets, camping, government permits, equipments, tents and food. Many trekkers enjoy eating and staying at the wonderful lodges on the trekking trails. Every day a trekking expedition would involve 4 to 5 hours of leisurely walking through the breathtakingly beautiful countryside. The scenery and the wildlife on the trail would be a photographer's delight. The experts would caution the trekkers not to go up the mountain too fast as it the body would require some time to get used to the climate and thin mountain air.
Nepal for the Adventurous tourist
Adventurous people with a penchant for mountain climbing could climb the minor peaks in the Himalayas. The trust worthy tour operators who provide the Nepal Adventure Tour would ensure that the rules and regulations of the Nepal Mountaineering Association are followed. Experienced Sherpas would accompany the tourists as guides during mountain climbing to ensure safety and to reach the target area in time. For a nine member climbing team a royalty of $150 to $300 would be charged depending upon the peak chosen for climbing. Tourists could also go on a bicycle trip around the country and see more places in a week. It would include jungle adventure and wildlife viewing. Cycling tour for 25 days would help a tourist understand the terrain and people better than any mode of travel. For tourists who do not have much time the tour operators offer cycling tours that last 9 days.
Cultural tours
A tourist could select an appropriate Nepal Cultural Tour depending upon his tastes and budget from a wide variety of package tours. Cultural tour would cover places like Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Pokharna, Chitwan and Lumbini. These places offer an insight into the culture, music, religious celebrations and artistic skills of the local people. It is a rare opportunity to see the 2000 years old Swayambunath which a Buddhist Chaitya. In Kathmandu tourists could also visit the Taleju temple constructed 500 years ago.
Author of this article owns a website called "VisitToNepal.Net", which is great place to book Nepal Trekking Tour, if you are looking for a Nepal Adventure Tour then this is right place for you. Visit us now for more information on Nepal Cultural Tour.
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Nepal Sightseeing and Trekking Tour - Enjoy the Nature By Terence Lewis

Nepal is rich in natural beauty. It is one of the best destinations for sightseeing in the world. Sightseeing in Nepal is one of the popular tourist activities for travelers and adventure seekers. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is perfect sightseeing spot in Nepal. There are many historical monuments, World Heritage Sites and natural sight seeing spots. The panoramic mountain scenery and diversity of landscape are known for grabbing the imagination of the tourists. The beauty of nature and the ambience of the surrounding enchant the tourists and make their visit most romantic and memorable.
Patan and Bhaktapur are also famous for offering sightseeing opportunities. Tourists can see ancient Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage spots, numerous temples, monasteries and pagodas. All the monasteries, temples and pagodas are decorated by enormous arts and architectures. The presence of so many religious spots makes it perfect for Nepal pilgrimage tours. Some of the popular pilgrimage spots are Pashupatinath Temple, Hanuman Dhoka, Mahadev Mandir, Swayambhunath Stupa, Bhairavnath Temple, Surya Vinak Temple, Lumbini, etc.
There are many old royal palaces and historically old museums. Some of the prominent sights often visited by the tourists are Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath, Patan City, Bhaktapur City, Changunarayan, Nagarkot, etc. Natural sightseeing can be enjoyed in the popular trekking routes.
Nepal is the home to some of the world's highest mountain peaks and most beautiful mountains. It is the best trekking spot in the world. People from different corners of the world visit Nepal to enjoy ultimate trekking experience. Trekking in Nepal is the best way the best way to experience the natural beauty and cultural amalgamation of the place. Thousands of trekkers visit Nepal every year to capture the spirit of adventure. Some of the rewarding trekking trails are Himalaya, Annapurna, Langtang, Makalu, Dolpo, Mustang trekking trails and many others. Among these regions Himalayan trekking tours give the most adventurous feeling. Himalayan region allow you to trek at high altitude sharp mountain trails. Also you see the verdant beauty of nature in the trekking route to Himalaya. It gives the tourist wonderful opportunities to enjoy the nature in its best form.
Nepal treks do not simply mean walking in the trails of mountains but it is gradual way of experiencing the diversity of Nepal's geography, culture, religion and its people. You can plan trekking tours of few months long duration to truly get the adventure of the nature. Visit the natural land, experience the nature and get the adventure.
This article is written by Terence Lewis an eminent writer of travel and tourism related topics. Know more about Nepal treks and adventurous Himalayan trekking tours
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Popular Annapurna Trekking Tourist Place in Nepal By Larry Ghomes

Nepal is one of the most famous tourists destinations in the world and no Nepal tour can be complete without the trekking in Nepal. Nepal offers some of the best trekking facilities and opportunities in the world and the most famous spot is the Annapurna. Both the Annapurna base camp as well as the Annapurna Circuit trek offer incomparable adventure opportunities for Nepal Treks.
Annapurna base camp trek is a moderate type of trekking. It is a combination of easy walking and majestic scenery which includes a 4200m route to the Annapurna sanctuary. It is one of the most scenic treks in Nepal. The Annapurna base camp is a highly glacial basin located to the north of the Pokhara. It gets its name from the local Hindu goddess which is worshipped by the local population of the region. The isolated peaks are accessible only through one route which goes through the deep gorges among the Machchapucchre and Hiunchuli. The peaks in the region is at least 7000m high. The gangapurna and glacier dome is visible on route. The Annapurna trek in Nepal is 16 days from the capital Kathmandu and can be combined with other adventure activities like paragliding nd white water rafting at Pokhara.
It is one of the longest mountain treks in the world and this makes is really challenging and exciting. The full circuit trek is 20 days walking business and if starting from Kathmandu it takes 24 days on an average. The modern facilities in the region allows the trek to be shortened for those tourists who do not have too much time. There are options available for the half Annapurna Trek which must includes the Tilicho lake at the foothill of Tichilo Mountain with a fly out from Manang. Following the Annapurna trekking circuit, extra adventure can be added to the trek by crossing the Thorung la pas which are 5000m high. Mukinath and Jarakot are two more destinations that offer Buddhist monasteries and temples along with their peaceful and charming Tibetan character.
For those who wish to explore this beautiful region with patience, there are chances for visiting the deepest valley in Nepal called by the name of Kali Gandak valley which carves its way in among peaks of height more than 8000m. This is also the deepest valley in the world and is located among the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna peaks of Nepal.
Trans India holidays offer Packages for Popular Annapurna Trekking tourist place in Nepal at very low budget cost. For more details: Click Here Trekking in Nepal and Nepal Treks
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Walking Between Kathmandu & Tibet - Day Four By Lama Dorje

DAY FOUR: FINDING THE LAMA HOTEL
Our night visitor was back the next day and once again imploring me to take a walk with him and help in some manner. I couldn't refuse his pleas and besides I was stone out of my mind and paranoid. Whew. What a relief.
It seem that the whole village had gathered in the room of the farm house where I was lead to see the poor woman who indeed had a nasty gash in her head.
I asked how it had happened and they told me they throw stones at a barking dog. Seemed reasonable enough, but what a tragic result.
No soon had I look at the wound (what the hell was I doing here?) and turned to give my same advise,.... that it happened. Almost on cue, as is orchestrated and choreographed by a great directed,..... the man who had taken me to the poor women looked me in the eye and said: "We need money to go to hospital in Kathmandu. Can you help?" Simultaneously every doe eyed, tearful, and desperate looking villager looked at me in concert. I was alone in this small room as everyone waited for my reply.
Was I on the spot??? This seemed a little too well timed, so I used a time honored excuse,..."Let me ask my wife." Although Kirsten and I were not married, for simplicity we pretended to be when traveling in traditional cultures. It saved a lot of explaining and made them feel better.
The entire village followed me back to the tea house. Rob & Julie had already come down to join Kirsten and I for breakfast. I must have looked like quite a site arriving with the entire village at my elbow.
We made a little conference. Rob rationalized that even if it was a scam you could in good conscience not help out. It was possible that that woman really need emergency care and we were her only hope. As an experienced Asian traveler, I took a harder line, but in the end relented. Everything seemed a bit suspicious.
In the end we decided to help. I asked what they needed and they told me 400 Rupees. This amount was about $8. at the time. I was shocked. I was expecting a very high figure and realized that the economic disparity between us and villagers was vast. It was a humbling experience. I only hoped that this small amount would really be used for the injured lady.
A heavy breakfast was enjoyed of Tibetan bread which is like as very dense pancake. Ordinarily that dense of food would give me wicked indigestion, but with 6 hours of hiking ahead it would all be burned up for fuel.
We saddled up with our back packs and bid farewell to our hosts and the dramatic events of that village. The ridge was a great choice as the views were outstanding.
As I stuffed my things into the backpack a young village boy stuck his head in to watch. I was compelled to take a picture looking at his silhouette in the doorway. He invibbed the village watching silently, an aura of innocence and curiosity with his hat and smock on. I didn't have much in the way of gifts, but gave him a stick of Nag Champa incense to reward him for the photo.
Standing behind in the road his father jumped up for a gift also. In these telling moments you begin to grasp the poverty of such a village. It's not that they are suffering from it. It's just the stark realization that they have nothing extra, not even a stick of incense. In times like this your realize what you have and what you don't need.
We were going to try to make it down through Chongong Village to pick up the main trail and then up the mountain valley to a guest house called Lama Hotel to spend the night.
Lama Hotel was a famous stopping point and naturally the name held some fascination. It was a long walk, but we could make it by dark if we moved steadily. Also, on these treks you don't stop for lunch. There's no time really. The big breakfast is meant to last you until dinner.
One of the facts of life in these villages is that meals are all made on a one burner propane stove. They are simple and they take about two hours to make. There is no one cooking in the midday. It is not their tradition. The most you can get is tea and some bland biscuits when you take a break at a tea house.
Also, you can only hike about six hours a day so you have to make the most of it. As it is, at that high elevation it is bitter cold in the mornings and evenings. On the ridge, we had plenty of light, but the rest of the journey would be along the Langtang Khole (river) and in the valley you can only hike between 10 AM and 4 PM. After that the sun is behind the mountain.
The Himalayan Villages are connected by paths that are the equivalent to roads in the Kathmandu valley. Everything is traveling on those roads. Goods and supplies are hauled by men and women who hold enormous woven reed baskets on their back with a strap to their forehead. It looks uncomfortable and yet they have smiling eyes and greet you cheerfully with "Namaste" when you pass.
Namaste is the traditional greeting of Nepal and translates to mean: "I salute the God within you." It is all said with hands in prayer position and a slight bow. What a wonderful tradition. I enjoyed greeting people like this very much. It was a great cultural traditions.
Another feature of these Himalayan highways were the unbelievable quantity and variety of animal excretions (a nice way of saying shit). Oh well, I tried. My God, it was a challenge to walk on the paths between the Yaks, Cows, Dzo (half yak & cow), horses, sheep, goats, and unknown do-do makers littering the path. Sorry to ruin the romance, but really this is what a Himalayan trek is like! Better that I tell you now before you find out at the beginning of a month long trek in the Himalayan mountains!
Small obstacles aside, the trek was unfolding into a wonderland of delight. The were rows of Mani stones with carved mantras on them marking different holy sites. These stones were carved as gesture to the Gods to gain merit for a future rebirth.
I don't know if the God's were impressed, but for me the added a magic that was immeasurable. Imagine, every trail adorned with ancient art to bring you to higher consciousness. It kinda made up for all the do-do. Also, it was a perfect illustration of the balance of all things. Such beauty along side of it's opposite.
The trail was by no means tame. Sometimes the path narrowed with sharp inclines and other times narrow rope & plank bridges crossed deep valleys. It took some steady nerves at times. Rule number one: Don't look down! The vegetation was lush with unusual flora and fauna.
Various small no name villages were scattered along the way. Many of these were primitive tea house for travelers to take a break. At midday we stopped at one of these to have some Chia (milk-spice-tea) and simple sweet biscuits. The ridge trail we had chosen was so rarely traveled that a foreigner was too much temptation.
We weren't so sure about the whole rock episode the night before. Was it for real or a scam? Now comes the tea episode.
It typically takes about 10 minutes to make Chai. In a sad rude gesture the man at the tea house decided to delay the tea and send his son out to beg for one rupee during the entire time we waited.
It's frustrating sometimes. You have sympathy for the poverty in Nepal and disdain for the manipulation and tricks that are often used just to milk alittle more money out of you. The problem is you have to go through alittle soul searching with each event to try and figure out if it's a real need or a scam and you know,..... it's impossible to know.
Onward and upward. We left the teahouse with a bad taste in out mouths. Teahouses are generally sanctuaries of peace and shelter. This one was just an emotional drain. Ah, more fodder for practice of Buddhist non-attachment. Not all of the Himalayas is a Tibetan fantasy. Sometimes reality intrudes.
At one point, we were crossing an entire mountain of marijuana plants. I was stunned. There was a billion dollar crop growing wild without inspiring any harvest. Things were different up here.
Another big surprise as we hiked out of the Sherpa tribal area and into the Tamang Tribe were the difference in dress. The Tamang shepherds wore a red turban like head dress and a thick wool lungi (wrap for pants) with a red sash and long machete.
The first time we came across one of these sheep herders rounding a a switch back tail I was shocked. One look at that long machete in his belt and I thought: "Oh no! We're Dead!" With almost perfect delivery of comic relief the Tamang man asks: "You want hashish?"
Oh my God, what a relief I felt. I thanked him and said no. My last foray into getting high had unexpected results and I didn't feel a need to liven up my evenings any more.
He moved on down the trail with a dozen or so sheep. As we encountered more people here and there it became evident that selling hashish was lively cottage industries for the locals. A lot of trekkers like to mellow out this way on a long hike.
It was also legal in Kathmandu until 1975 and there were many hashish and ganja (marijuana) shops in an area of town called "Freak Street". (You can guess how it got it's name.)
Eventually, we got to the main trail in a place called Chongong. One lone Guest House was at the junction with quite noble Tibetan family. The friendly host offered us lodging, but we had been eager to stay in the Lama Hotel not far ahead. He shrugged his shoulders and pointed the direction. He had a simple resolve of mountain nobility or Buddhist acceptance. I'm not sure which.
We arrived in a narrow valley by a stream to discover a dozen small rock and log shacks with various homemade signs saying: "Lama Hotel". Apparently word had gotten out and in typical Asian style everybody had cooped the same name.
With alittle scouting we settled for the Lama Hotel that had a pot bellied stove. As we had gained altitude the nights had decreased in temperature. What was bitter cold before was now decidedly frigid!
Everything seemed to be going well. We made it to a decent lodge with a warm fire. Our nourishing meal of Dhal Bhat was heartily consumed and we were now surrounded with interesting fellow travelers from all over the world.
While listening to stories and adventures around the wood plank table near the warm hearth it hit me with a great suddenness. A sharp cramp gripped my abdomen. It was like getting punched in the stomach.
I gingerly started to stand weak from the wrenching in my gut. Oh my God, I needed to get to a toilet and in a hurry!
Unfortunately, the Himalayan adventure does not end with the daily hike. There is always the challenge of the toilet. It is a concept that Western travelers have taken for granted and that many Himalayan villages have never heard of.
For example, we were passing through one village and asked for a toilet. The man we ask kept pointing over there,.... the only problem is that there was nothing "over there". Eventually we figured it out. People just went in the field. More or less in plain view. This prompted an immediate lifestyle change for my traveling companion Kirsten. She adopted a long skirt for attire and privacy from then on.
All of the Tibetan women wore long skirts and thus afforded a certain amount of privacy when doing their duty. Naturally building a separate little smelly structure had never been necessary for toilet.
On the other extreme some industrious villagers had built a toilet just for westerners to us at the price of 5 Rupees. The price wasn't the problem. It was the view. The toilet was built overhanging a thousand foot drop on the side of a cliff, in order not to have to clean up the mess. This might sound exciting if you are imagining something built in the west, but in the Himalayas carpenters did not have to build to code. Hence these little hanging out houses felt as if could at any moment become airborne.
Now back to my predicament. First I was in an extreme hurry without a moment to spare to get my bearings. Second it was pitch black and snowing outside and my flashlight had no batteries. Third the was only one outhouse for the whole village around Lama Hotel and it was some distance away. If that were not enough, there was the fact that no one maintained this little shit shack and it has long since deteriorated into something that I won't describe here.
In a moment of luck Rob was coming in as I was exiting the guesthouse and I tensely asked to borrow his flashlight. He also pointed me in the direction of the outhouse with and odd grimace on his face of dark resolve. I expected the worst and was not disappointed.
To my utter horror, I did not make it to the out house at all. My GI track fired away mercilessly and left my long underwear coated with warm mud. This was a moment of desperation and my survivor mind just had to deal with it.
I went to the stream slightly downhill from the outhouse and took off my clothes in the frigid icy wind. There in the dark with the flashlight in my mouth I pealed away the disgusting mess while shivering violently.
To complicate my problem I had to perch on a rock out in the stream as I still having a bad case of the runs. It was here while trying to wash my long underwear in the dark naked in the cold Himalayan night that on a rock that the fun escalated even further.
Everything I had, my money, my passport and my clothes were hastily strew around a disgusting outhouse in the dark as I had run for the stream in desperation. Now as fait would have it a group of people with flashlights were headed my way.
God what could be worse. Being discovered naked on a rock in a stream during a snowstorm at night or losing all my worldly possession on a turdy bank near an outhouse. I was time for action. I leaped off the rock and hastily tried to reassemble my belongings.
My mind goes blank at this point. I remember only later sitting by the fire and drying off my stream washed long underwear. It was a blazing fire, but still inadequate to keep out the nights frigid winds.
The guess house owner filled our canteens with hot water that we used for bed warmers in the night. I slept the deep exhausted sleep of a survivor and put the night events behind me. It's all just a dream within a dream as the philosophers say. A dream. Just a dream,......
Look for day five, coming soon!
I am the original Himalayan Trader. I go to Asia for adventure travel, meditation, & trading. The Himalayan Traders is from the 'Small Is Beautiful' lifestyle philosophy. In Buddhist thought, Right Livelihood is considered essential for the layman's spiritual path. As a Buddhist layperson, I have tried to embody this ideal through The Himalayan Traders.
To support the intrepid spiritual wandering I have created The Himalayan Traders http://www.himalayantraders.com Our goods come from the Royal Kingdom of Nepal. In ancient times, large parts of Nepal were Tibetan territories, so the cultures are blended quite a lot. The mountain people are generally Buddhist while the people of Kathmandu valley are a mix of Buddhist & Hindu. We buy from local crafts people and small family businesses to support the culture of Nepal and Tibet.
I am fascinated by world culture. I guess I'm sorta an amateur sociologist. Have traveled around the world over a dozen times. Naturally this led to my import business: THE HIMALAYAN TRADERS. Have also studied world history. Very influenced by those who came before. I particularly like to read about beats, bohemians, and 60's subculture. Love ethnic world beat music. Used to DJ and still explore new music all the time. Have started writing again regularly. Was a screen writer in Hollywood for awhile and now I'm getting back into it!
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