Once-in-a-Lifetime Breathtaking Journey through the Majestic Himalayas

Visiting Nepal was life-changing, as cliché, as it sounds. The trek I completed in Nepal, from Lukla to Tengboche, was amazing—crossing suspension bridges, eating amazing meals that were made to order (be patient), meeting the gracious people of Nepal, being removed (at times) from electronics (i.e. no computers, no televisions)—it really reminded me how out of touch I’ve gotten with the world. This journey re-connected me with myself and with basic life, mindfully: eating, sleeping, trekking. I have to advise, it is a good idea to physically train before you embark on a trek, especially, if you normally, don’t hike like myself. I recommend trekking poles—they really helped through some of the steep parts of the trek. I also, recommend wearing a hat, buff, sunglasses, as it can get really dusty, with the dirt trails plus, you’re sharing them with dzos. Also, highly recommended is a small day pack to carry while you hike, for toilet paper, water, and snacks. It was very cold in Tengboche—wearing layers is a must, also, having a warm sleeping bag & headlamp, as the guesthouse room did not have heating or lighting available at night. A good pair of high top hiking shoes is a must & staying hydrated is important, due to the altitude. My analogy on the bathroom situation in the guesthouses is, it is like a slot machine, you do not know, whether if it is going to go down or not, until you hit the flush lever. The outhouses along the trekking trails were actually, more pleasant than the western toilets. What really made the trek though was our trek leader —our leader really educated our group about Nepali culture and had incredible stories to share, so having a good trek leader does make or break the trek. Be aware when you get your visa for Nepal–how long it is valid for. Reason to note this, is that there may be flight delays, due to poor flying visibility, which may leave you stranded for a few more days longer in Nepal than planned—likely, after your visa has expired so be warned. As far as Kathmandu, it was infused with spirituality, with Hinduism and Buddhism co-existing peacefully. Be prepared to bargain for merchandise and note, that sometimes, old, torn rupees may not be accepted by all merchants. Namaste!