Nepal Journals

Trekking Words

Best of IgoUgo

A travel journal to Nepal by SeenThat

Chai at Pakhding Photo - Mount Everest, Nepal

Quote: On the lingo of trekking and other important issues while visiting the world’s roof.

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Trekking Words

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One of the problems of traveling in foreign cultures is the difficulty of remembering truly odd names. Often, these include words describing geographical characteristics or manmade landmarks, but that doesn’t help if the traveler doesn’t speak the local language. In one of my first solo-trips abroad, I reached a country which is characterized by very long names; these are made up by gluing together shorter words. Names containing over twenty letters are common there. In the early afternoon of my first day I left the hotel after having memorized the route to the first attraction I wanted to see; a well-known museum which occupies a house in a residential area. Considering this an orienteering practice ...Read More

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Why Nepal?

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Why Nepal? After all one could trek the Himalayas from India, China or any other of several other options. If willing to reach by land the highest mountain n the planet, then China is by far the most comfortable option. If wanting to see the origin of Buddhism, then, Nepal is not predominantly Buddhist, Hindu is the main culture. Several other countries, especially in ...Read More

Why Nepal? After all one could trek the Himalayas from India, China or any other of several other options. If willing to reach by land the highest mountain n the planet, then China is by far the most comfortable option. If wanting to see the origin of Buddhism, then, Nepal is not predominantly Buddhist, Hindu is the main culture. Several other countries, especially in Southeast Asia offer better encounters with Buddhism. The same holds for the Hindu culture; India is probably a better choice.

Yet, Nepal defeats all these objections. It is by far the preferred destination of trekkers in the Himalayas. In one of those strange shifts in history, Tibetan Buddhists escaped from the 1950s onwards to Nepal and populated the highlands with magnificent temples. Then, the Hindu culture is flourishing, with the royal citadels and the wonderful Newari craftsmanship being carefully restored back to their full splendor. Nature also gave a hand. The northern side of the Himalayas is a brownish plateau, while the southern slopes – the Nepali side – enjoys plenty of water brought by the monsoons and stopped by the mighty mountains. Nepal is wonderfully green.

Culture is an important part of travel; a positive local attitude to foreigners is thus crucial for the success of a trip. Despite most of them not being Buddhists, Nepalis display the broad mindset and tolerance of Hindus, offering a safe and pleasant environment for travelers. Not once during my treks there I felt threatened, despite having visited during a prolonged period of political upheaval. Foreigners were left out of the struggle by all sides involved.

Placed along old trade routes, Nepal was never a key thread on the Silk Road. The mountain passes next to the Himalayas highest peaks were never neither popular nor easy. Despite being tolerant and curious toward travelers (what did they bring? Would they exchange that shiny knickknack?), it never became a cosmopolitan place. Its traditional culture survives for the joy of modern visitors.

Yet, this isn’t paradise. Unlike Thailand, you can’t just drop by whenever you wish so. The winters are harsh in the highlands; the summers are very hot and humid. There are only two short seasons suitable for enjoyable visit; but if wishing to witness the main festivals – Indra Jatra and Dashain – then there is only one option. Miscalculate the trek – or meet an early winter – and the trip is ruined. Add to these strict visa policies limiting the number of days allowed on every year and you end up with a relatively restricted destination. However, after all this is part of this altitude bastion’s charm, the knowledge of having ventured into the real – and often harsh – world.

Then, there is Thamel, a dilapidated – but no less charming – version of Khaosan Road. Regardless the season and weather, it provides a truly cosmopolitan meeting place, with travelers from all over trying to decide between a custard apple strudel and a chili flavored coffee for dessert; futuristic fusions announcing new hopes.
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Altitude Navigation

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On Altitude NavigationNavigating on mountainous terrain is very different from doing so on flat ground. In the last, a compass is very important because usually few landmarks are visible. Knowing the path, directions and distances becomes then crucial. On the mountains, the situation is different. Navigation in the Everest region is not very difficult. The trekker can always climb to the nearest ridge and get views of vast territories that would usually contain many landmarks. The higher the trekker is, the higher peaks he’ll see; most of these have very well known features. This makes finding the correct path a breeze.Direction and distances are less important and less...Read More

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On the Art of Bag Packing

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What could be simpler? A bag with a trillion items surrounding it; just throw everything in and go trekking. Mountains, skies, freedom. A few days later it becomes clear most of the items were not necessary, and that the extra towel left behind was essential. Moreover, your back is in pain because the items were distributed in the wrong way. Bag packing is an unusual form of art, but it is one nonetheless.I do recommend splitting the equipment in two backpacks. The big one should be carried on the back and would contain items not needed on a short notice. The second should be small and contain items that may be needed in a hurry. The best is if the small one can be attached to the bigger o...Read More

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Salt-Butter Tea and Altitude Food

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If asked, most Westerners would acknowledge at least a basic acquaintance with the Chinese cuisine, unaware that what is usually served at Western Chinese restaurants is not representative of the original gastronomic feast. If reaching China, a different world is revealed to them, with hundreds of dumpling types and not even one of them labeled "vegan."Nepal is even more complicated. Landlocked between China and India, it offers bits and bites from both giants as well as a rich cuisine of its own. Most of the food and its consumption methods are Indian, but Chinese treats abound, especially i...Read More