Tag Archives: trek

Upper Mustang Valley – NEPAL

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.

Continue reading

Loading

The Annapurna Circuit – NEPAL

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

Continue reading

Loading

Kipu Himal and Churke Himal from Milarepa Cave

Manaslu Circuit – Tsum Valley – NEPAL

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.

Continue reading

Loading

Rifugio Stoppani – Rifugio Pedrotti

11/07/2017 – 12/07/2017   Rifugio Pedrotti, Bocca di Brenta

                                                 Madonna di Campiglio, ITALY

Distance: 64km   Total Ascent: 2620m   Total Descent: 2620m   Time: 15 hours

Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)

This fantastic two day walk starts and ends at the lovely alpine town of Madonna di Campiglio, a summer and winter resort. Expect to be totally immersed and up close to the mighty Brenta Dolomite group, the Italian “Rocky Mountains”.  This is one of the most scenic walks we have ever done. Continue reading

Loading

Velika Zelnarica (2310m) from Rjavo jezero

Lake Bohinjsko – Krn – Trenta – Triglav region

4/09/2014 – 11/09/2014     Lake Bohinjsko – Krn

                                                Trenta and Triglav region,  Julian Alps, SLOVENIA

Distance: 88km   Total Ascent: 5600 m   Total Descent: 5200m   Time: 41 hours

Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies

This eight day trip through the Julian Alps allows a great overview of this scenic area. Lake Bohinjsko is accessible from Bled by bus but the frequency of these drops off outside of the summer season. Features include beautiful forests, crystal clear streams and waterfalls and majestic mountain views. The Doms (usually larger) or Kocas (offering seasonal bunk style accommodation) provide hearty food and welcoming hosts. Continue reading

Loading

Mt Ngauruhoe and Red Crater

Whakapapa Village – Waihohonu Hut – Oturere Hut – Mount Ngauruhoe – Mangatepopo Hut – Tongariro Northern Crossing

23/02/2015 – 26/02/2015   Whakapapa Village – Waihohonu Hut – Oturere Hut – Mount Ngauruhoe Summit – Mangatepopo Hut – Mangatepopo Hut – Whakapapa

                                                Mount Ngauruhoe Circuit, NEW ZEALAND

Distance: 57.7km   Total Ascent: 2760m   Total Descent: 2760m   Time: 21 hours 30 minutes

Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Leader, Report)

Three fabulous nights and four glorious days” Lisa from Melbourne

Continue reading

Loading