Traveller Stories: Trekking in Nepal... Again!

This is nothing like the Nepal I remember.

Isn’t Nepal soaring mountains, snow, ice, and rock scree? 

Don’t you ascend slowly over several days? 

Isn’t it trekking above the snow line more than 4500m up, trying to inhale whatever oxygen you can get into your lungs, while your legs burn from lack of said oxygen? And isn’t it bloody cold? 

Not this time. 

We are scooting up and down steep tracks and rough-hewn steps through red and green forests and farmland. The colours are so vibrant, like “turning up the saturation in Lightroom” vibrant and the verdant green vegetation is reminiscent of a scene from The Hobbit, or even the dark forest in Harry Potter.

And yet, we ARE in Nepal. This is the Annapurna side of the Himalaya, a completely different beast to the Everest side. I was promised a different side of Nepal, and I surely got it. 

My second time in Nepal delivered all the wonderful parts of Nepal that I do remember. Lovely villages, incredibly nice people, shopping in Thamel (and didn’t we overdo that!), and those monster mountains we all adore. 

It showed us a much more subtle blend of scenery, rather than the stark beauty of the high altitudes. It also supplied Pokhara, the 2nd largest city in Nepal and a sparkling gem on the banks of Fewa Lake. 

Going in April (as opposed to October) also meant the Rhododendron was out in full force - and we saw forests of them! 

Our trek to Khayer Lake gave us a wonderful variety of scenery and experiences. Loads of flora for the botanists, animals, and plenty of birds, Nepal’s amazing rivers and some of the towering mountains we all love to see. But the lower altitude meant the temps were higher and for anyone who prefers trekking in the warm over the cold, this was perfect. Plus, altitude sickness was less of an issue. 

Kathmandu is of course amazing every time, though this time round we also had Pokhara! 

What a town. What a gem of a place. Everything Kathmandu has to offer in a compact 4 miles stretch, and a slew of restaurants and cafes perched on the lakefront, ready to satiate any palate. Do I hear 2 for 1 beers? 

Oh, and did I mention the spa day?  

So, Everest or Annapurna?

C’mon, that’s like asking which of my kids I prefer! The differences meant both were amazing. Everest Himalaya is more physically challenging, but for those looking for some tough terrain, the nature of the steep climbs up and down on this hike still made it a tough one. There are no free rides in Nepal, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Nepal is such a country of contrasts; each time you go back, it draws you in just a little tighter. You can’t help but wonder what else is in store for you the next time you come back. 

And come back you will!

What's Next?

I worked out that my motivation for wanting to go in the first place was the physical challenge - so the next option is to climb. During an information night at the World Expeditions office, pre-covid of course, I discovered Cholo!

Soren’s photos made me want to jump on a plane right then and there.

My god that was what I wanted to do. Unfortunately, covid got in the way, so I’m gradually easing my way back in. Climbing is still on the radar, though I'm running out of time.

Feeling inspired? Check out our Nepal trips here.

 

Patrick Oshea

Patrick is a Travel Advisor/Writer from NSW, Australia. To follow along with his journey and see all the incredible places he's already been, follow him on Instagram @anunfinishedjourney.