Category Archives: Nepal

Upper Mustang Valley – NEPAL

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2/5/2019 – 11/5/2019  Kagbeni – Chele – Syanboche (Shyangbochen) – Ghami (Ghemi) – Chrang (Tsarang) – Lo Manthang – Choser – Ghami (Ghemi) – Samar – Kagbeni

                                         Upper Mustang Valley, NEPAL

Distance: 177 km   Total Ascent: 10,050m   Total Descent: 10,050m   Time: 46 hours

Participants: Subin Basnet (Porter), Pawan Dai (Assistant Guide), Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Giorakh “Kaka” Dulal (Porter), Prabin Karki  (Guide), Saideh Kent, Ralston Keyt, Sarah Keyt, Mohan Khaimrange (Porter),  Ravi lal Phuyal (Porter), Kerrie Stewart, Lisa Stewart

Mustang, formerly the ancient Kingdom of Lo is a remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Himalayas. The Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarised area until 1992 and is one of the most preserved regions of the world with a predominantly Tibetan culture. It’s status as a kingdom ceased in 2008. The influence of the outside world, especially China is leading to changes in the lives of these previously isolated inhabitants. 

The region is cool and semi-arid being in the Himalayan rain shadow. Tourists have been allowed in the region since 1992 but visits remain highly regulated. It is considered a rare privilege to trek in this region and to experience the way of life of the true mountain people.

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The Annapurna Circuit – NEPAL

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22/04/2019 – 1/05/2019   Jagat – Dharapani – Chame – Upper Pisang – Manang – Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi – Thorong La Pass – Muktinath – Kagbeni

                                             Annapurna Circuit, NEPAL

Distance: 172km   Total Ascent: 10,400m   Total Descent: 8,670m   Time: 68 hours

Participants: Subin Basnet (Porter), Pawan Dai (Assistant Guide), Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Giorakh “Kaka” Dulal (Porter), Prabin Karki  (Guide), Ralston Keyt, Sarah Keyt, Mohan Khaimrange (Porter), Sonaiya Magear (Assistant Guide), Amanda “Mandy” Menheere, Ravi lal Phuyal (Porter), Kerrie Stewart, Lisa Stewart, Kaitlin “Kitty” Travers

The Annapurna Circuit is considered one of the world’s best long distance treks. It is located within the mountain ranges of central Nepal and it encircles the Annapurna Massif. It offers a wide variety of climatic zones from tropical vegetation at 600m to the chilling alpine conditions of Thorong La pass at over 5,400m. There are cultural varieties from the Hindu villages at the lower elevations to the Tibetan culture of the Manang valley. 

We travelled with the assistance of guides and porters from Himalayan Encounters, a company based in Kathmandu. 

Expect stunning high altitude scenery, comfortable tea houses and delicious (mainly vegetarian) freshly cooked food.

Map of our planned trek from Jagat to Jomsom at Tilicho Hotel & Restaurant

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Kipu Himal and Churke Himal from Milarepa Cave

Manaslu Circuit – Tsum Valley – NEPAL

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18/4/2018 – 5/5/2018     Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley

                                            NEPAL

Distance: 362km   Total Ascent: 35,900m   Total Descent: 34,800m   Time: 123 hours                                               

NB: The GPS tracking results of distance, ascents and descents on this trek with its very deep valleys and surrounding high peaks is highly exaggerated, see my Track Info!

Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Kaka Dural (Porter), Emily Jayne, Prabin Kumar Karki (Guide), Ralston Keyt, Sarah Keyt, Pawan Nepali (Porter), Ravi Phuyal (Porter), Rosan Rai (Assistant Guide), Wendy Young

At 8,163m the impressive Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Meaning “mountain of the spirit” it’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “intellect” or “soul”. This trek is considered to a less crowded alternative to the more popular Everest Base camp or Annapurna circuit treks.

As with most treks in Nepal, it starts and finishes in Kathmandu. It is mandatory to have a guide on the Manaslu circuit, we had a very positive experience with Kathmandu based Himilayan Encounters.

This trek provides geographical and cultural diversity and when also completing the Tsum valley, provides an insight into remote Nepali village life. 

The diversity of the scenery was remarkable over the 18 days of the walk, from subtropical jungle to the desolate and cold Larkya La pass at 5,160m. Stunning alpine scenery, unique remote villages and beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monasteries all combine to make this one of the best treks in Nepal.

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Annapurna Base Camp 10/1/1986 (24mm)

Annapurna Sanctuary – Poon Hill

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5/1/1986 – 15/1/1986   Pokhara – Annapurna Sanctuary – Poon Hill

                                          NEPAL

Participants: Peter Davies, Stephen Davies (Report, Photos), Ram Hari Kndel (Porter), Ram Karki (Guide)

Following our aborted attempt at completing the Annapurna Circuit due to excessive snow fall above Manang we decided to attempt the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, which should take us between 7 and 10 days. Continue reading →

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28/12/1985

Annapurna “Circuit”

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18/12/1985 – 4/1/1986     Annapurna “Circuit” 

                                               NEPAL

Participants: Peter Davies, Stephen Davies (Report, Photos), Ram Hari Kndel (Porter), Ram Karki (Guide), John Meehan (1 day)

Steve and Pete’s tale of their 1985 trek from Dumre to Manang on which they encountered an overnight snowfall of about 1 metre at Hongde. We had arrived at Hongde where we encountered a very significant snowfall which forced us to abandon our plan to complete the Annapurna Circuit. As the weather improved and after some retreating parties set tracks in the snow we managed to get a little way up past Manang to check the scenery before turning back. Continue reading →

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