Nepal – 2016

Seduwa Water Project

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Jumping on board to join in this life changing adventure with a group of women was something that I would never had imaged doing. With the efforts of Souper Nepal ( which has been running since 2006) in raising funds to supply the village of Seduwa with clean running water. In 2016 funds raised was $8000.00 with the help of the generous people from Nanaimo , Port Alberni and beyond.

Journey into Seduwa Village – 1430 Meters – North East Nepal

My journey began with a 40 minute flight into Tumblingtar, 8 hour jeep ride ( with flats and stops included) Overnight tea house in Num Village. My first glimpse of Mt Everest from my window seat had me in tears. Everest Base camp and Nepal have been on my Wendy list for the last 8 years. We are travelling with the Rai family ( Tek, Ashok and Shrijana)Seduwa was Tek’s village growing up. It’s always nice to have a friend as your guide and interpreter.

The trek into Seduwa Village – 5 hours of down to the Arun River and 7 hours of up up up. Such an amazing way to travel, as for the people this is the only way they travel between villages, with the help of mules to carry supplies. Beautiful lush green forests and stone steps placed in the ground by hand.

Once arriving in Seduwa we were met by the community of elders and children. There are not many foriengers that stay in the village, so we were all quite out of the ordinary. Friendships were quickly made with laughter and candies. I made a special bond with one of the elders , whom I lovingly call Grandma. We sure did have plenty of laughs, even though we couldn’t speak each others language.

The community held a celebration of thanks for the support that we have given to the village. This year funds were put toward new washrooms for the Seduwa Primary School that was damaged in the earthquake April 2015. We were blessed with Tika on our foreheads and marigolds around our necks. Followed by another celebration at the local school with the kids. So grateful to this community of beautiful souls for the joy they have brought to my heart.

Trek into Kophra Danda

Kathmandu – Pokhara – Birethanti -Ghandruk – 1940 Meters

Beautiful 45 flight from Kathmandu over the Langtang mountains and into Pokhara. After a bumpy 1.5 hour jeep ride we stopped for lunch at Birethanti. Lots of trekkers starting their journey towards Annapurna. Then back into the jeep for an off road trip to the end of the track…. Time to trek. Meet up with our 4 porters , Don ,Buddha,Siranda , Pisco and our friend guide Ashok. Our trek took 2 hours ( all up ) into Ghandruk our first stop for the night. Settled into our Tea House and took a tour of Old Ghandruk. So much culture and history. Awoke to the beautiful sunrise over Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ( Fish Tail) mountains.

Ghandruk to Tarapani – 2630 Meters

After a huge breakfast ( they sure serve LARGE portions here) we headed out off the beaten track ( secret trail – good have friends as guides) as we saw no other trekkers. A very hot day of all up hill trail with herders and their livestock. After lunch a scenic hike through the rhodo forests. These trees are huge and would be so beautiful to see in the spring in full bloom. Reached our destination of Tadapani for the night along with so many other trekkers. Nice afternoon exploring , the super moon was incredible. The Tea House has a community washroom, which was right next door to our room. Note for next time…. Get a room far away from the washroom… Far Far away….

Tadapani to Dobate – Mulde View 3420 Meters

Another stellar sunrise in the Himalaya… Beautiful trek through more Rhodo forests and a lunch stop at Heaven View, and it sure was. Visited with the owners and their daughter. We had packed along with us gifts for the Nepalese women, stocked with all the goodies a girl would love. They were all well received. After lunch was a long climb into Dobato, there is only enough room on the trail for one person, donkey or water buffalo, and its you that has to give way to the live stock… We had a little mishap where one of the girls got squashed between the donkey and the building. No one was hurt, in the process…Lesson learned. Settled into our tea house at Dobato with the most spectacluar view of Annapurna South and Fish Tail , with the super moon and sunset.

Dobate to Bayele 3437 Meters

Rise and shine at 5.00am for a hike and morning tea at Mulde View for sunrise. Did not disappoint .. Nothing beats morning tea with the Yaks. Not a hard trek into Bayele , watched some Nepalese TV ( yaks being herdered into the sheds) a little fun night photography and touching the Himalaya…

Bayeli toChhistibang – 3026 Meters

3 hour trek into Chhistibang, crossed a few streams. we are now heading into the Alpine Tundra. Such a variety of trails and fauna. Our tea house is cozy and we are the only occupants… Got to like that!

Chhistibang to Kophra – 3660 Meters

Heading up to our highest point of the trek today Khopra Danda. All of the hike was in the open tundra, so sunny with a light cool breeze. After 3 hours we reached our Tea house, with most amazing views of Annapurna South & Dhlargahri. After lunch we took ourselves up a little higher , I have no words for the majestic beauty that was surrounding me. It was nice to just sit and listen and take it all in. Shed a tear or two ..of complete happiness. Heard the rumble of an avalanche and could see the white puff of snow in the distance. As darkness fell I went outside to set up for some night photography, I was the only one out there, with Ashok coming outside to check up on me. It was so cold and so so so worth it. Oh yes heating of the common dining room is by Yak dung and kerosene … Ick… bedtime with heated water bottles…

Khopra to Chistibang – Swanta – 2214 meters

A lazy morning as its all downhill today , our destination is Swanta. Trekking through the valleys , the green is a beautiful sight for my eyes. Arrive at our teahouse, the laundry is on the line drying through the buzz of the bee’s in the marigolds. So peaceful here, its not crowded with trekkers. Go for a walk through the rice fields, to the monsetary . Had the pleasure of a visit from old nepalese soul, chanting mantra’s and giving blessings to our group. Oh yes my first shower in 8 days was a blessing as well!!!

Swanta to Chitre – 2390 Meters

Another beautiful sunny up hill trek in Chitre. I have the best room in our Tea House with Dhaulagiri Mountain watching over me. Walked around the village, it was buzzing with bee hives, mules and trekkers. Sat and visited with the owners father, he reminded me of my dad.. Always smiling and laughing.

Chitre to Ghorepani – 2860 Meters – Poon Hill – 3193 Meters

Uphill trek into Ghorepani… Lots and lots of steps today. We are now seeing a load more of trekkers as Poon Hill is a very popular area. The village is massive compared to where we have come from. Takes time to adjust to being around so many people. Took a trek up to Poon Hill, it was clouded in and so reminded me of our West Coast hikes. Made the most of the view point, always remember to have fun!!!!

Ghorepani to Tikedhungga – 1540 meters

All a downhill 3200 step day… Watching the poor trekkers heading up was painful… Beautiful trek through the monkey forests, following the river, along with the mules, buffalo’s and ponies. We arrive at our tea house, its dumpy, ate dinner and had our farewell night with our porters. They sang and danced for us to the trekkers song Risham Fer ri ri. It was so lovely and heartfelt. Well i got food posioning, so very sick all night. That was the end of my trek. I had to walk out for an hour before the jeep could pick me up. Met up with the others in Birethanti , then into Pokhara we jeeped. So happy for a shower and comfy bed .. when your sick……

Pokhara – Lake Fewa

Nice to be feeling better, and to call home after 4 weeks. Something really comforting in hearing a loved one’s voice. Pokhara is one of my favourite cities in Nepal, its clean, friendly and so much to see and do. We took a row boat across the lake to hike up to the Peace Stupa. Amazing view and very beautiful. Lots of people. Meet and sat with a Tibetian Refugee couple. They have been in Nepal since 1959. Interesting stories on how the escaped from Tibet and now call Nepal home.

Kathmandu – Boudhanath – Bhaktapur

Last few days in the big city of Kathmandu, lots of shopping sightseeing. So much to see here. Loud, crazy, and so amazing!!! Headed over to Boudhanath for the afternoon. Sure is a sight to be seen with your own eyes, from the Buddhist’s walking clockwise around the Stupa, saying mantra’s and spinning the prayer wheels. I would love to stay here for a couple of nights to take it all in. So very spritiual . Next day we visited Bhaktapur, so much history in the ancient temples. You could see the 2015 earthquake damage to the buildings, repairs are going on very slowly. Nepal has limited funds and man power for these repairs. Well it has been the most amazing journey of 5 weeks, and its time to go home. Namaste Nepal, I will be back……..Thank you to our incredible friends and guides the Rai Family… Love you!