TreknMike

“Mysterious and Exotic, Nepal holds prime position in the imagination of every mountain lover and trekker in the world. It is home to the bulk of the Himalaya and, of course, Mt. Everest, planet Earth’s highest peak. In fact, of the world’s 14 highest peaks, 8 are in Nepal. It is also the birthplace of Buddha and home of the famed porters and mountain climbing Sherpa. This mixture of mountains and ancient culture make Nepal a magical land of superlatives and an absolute delight for trekkers.”

Pictures

Here is a link to pictures… Click here for pictures.

Great Flight

I flew out of Sacramento to Los Angeles on March 20 where I met up with Terry at LAX. We caught an 18-hour flight on Thai Airlines to Bangkok, Thailand. After a 5-hour layover, we continued on to Kathmandu, Nepal arriving in the afternoon of March 22. Kathmandu is the gateway for most Himalayan Treks.

Our flight was pleasant. Asian airline carriers rock! “Economy” on Thai Airlines is leaps and bounds above economy on American airline carriers. The spotless Airbus had plenty of leg room (at least 1-foot wider) allowing me to straighten my legs. Well-dressed attendants delivered steaming hot hand towels for washing before meals, menus with a couple of meal choices, real silverware, tasty food, and unlimited drinks.

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Spent 5 unforgettable nights in Kathmandu. I didn’t think I’d enjoy the dirty city, but it is a very fine place to visit. Had a ball! Lots of stories and pictures to follow. Heading to Bangkok in 5 hours.

A first… 4 days of kayaking on the Seti River in Class 2+/3 rapids. Camping on the beach at night was peaceful. Good times. A little bruised and scraped up. Thinking about pursuing this new sport at home.

Just completed the Annapurna Circuit (AC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek in 15 days. Approx. 200 miles with a high point of 18,000 feet. From 15,000 to 18,000, we knocked off 1500 feet/hr. Not sure most can do that at sea level. Just arrived in Pokhara, Nepal to RELAX! Hope I don’t regain all the weight I lost. Many stories and pictures to come in a few weeks.

In Bangkok now at airport after 18 hour flight from LA. Thai Airlines rocks with GREAT service.  Left Friday night and here it is Sunday morning (it’s March 22).  Lost a day.  Have a 5 hour layover, then on to Kathmandu. Met 2 guides leading climbs on Everest. Discovery Channel is filming them, so I’ll look for them on TV this Fall. Terry and I may climb the 6th highest mountain in the world next year, Cho Oyu (Nepal/Tibet), and the guides offered to answer questions we might have. But, due to the cost, may have to sacrafice and head to New Zealand instead. Bummer. Having a good time with little sleep. The whole story and pics after the trip.