World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogGreat Himalaya Trail 2023 - Meet the trekkershttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/5385/two-trekkers-to-point-their-boots-along-the-150-day-great-himalaya-trail-next-monthActivities,Mountaineering,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Himalaya,NepalTue, 21 Feb 2023 05:15:00 GMT<p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>These boots were made for walkin'!</strong></span></p> <p>Fifty-five-year-old Ute Baird, from Staffordshire, aims to join a handful of people from the United Kingdom to complete the 1,700-kilometre-long Great Himalaya Trail in Feburary 2023. The trail is often referred to as “trekking’s holy grail”. It was launched in 2011.</p> <p>The Full Nepal Traverse of the Great Himalaya Trail goes up to 6,190 metres above sea level and offers stunning views, including eight peaks of more than 8,000 metres. An undertaking not for the faint-hearted, it can be broken into seven smaller stages, from 18 to 34 days—however, Ute and Tabea Wagner (<a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/next-great-adventure-great-himalaya-trail">more on Tabea here</a>) have committed to the full trek, which takes five months.</p> <p>An ultra-distance runner, Ute discovered the Great Himalaya Trail recently, when GB Ultra offered it as a virtual challenge. The experience prompted her to look into the route online and she noticed that World Expeditions was the only company offering the Full Traverse in Nepal.</p> <p>Commenting on her decision to join the Great Himalaya Trail, she says:</p> <p>“It will be such an adventure to get off the beaten track into remote areas of Nepal. What is the point to work-work-work and then say ‘it is too late, I should have done this or that’. Do it while you can.”</p> <p>“Trekking every day, experiencing nature and living a relatively simple life will be rewarding and humbling at the same time. Admittedly, trekking the Great Himalaya Trail from east to west in one trip and being among the relatively few having done this has some attraction too… especially if you think that about five times as many people have been in space!”</p> <p>In her adventure of a lifetime, she will be joined by 30-year old Tabea Wagner from Germany. Tabea describes herself as “addicted to long distance hiking trails” and in the last few years she has completed a number of trekking tours, including the GR20 in Corsica, Rando-Lofoten in Norway and crossing the Alps, as well as spending three months on the Te Araroa in New Zealand.</p> <p>Commenting on signing up for this year’s Great Himalaya Trail, she said:</p> <p>“I am excited to be part of this great adventure. Loving the mountains, the Great Himalaya Trail had always been in my mind. After having worked a lot in the last few years and having limited options because of the pandemic, I felt it is time to make my dream come true and registered at World Expeditions for the Full Traverse.”</p> <p>“As I have never been to the Himalaya before it was important for me to join a professional expedition. I am looking forward to seeing the world’s highest mountains, remote landscapes, sleep in a tent and walk on and on every day and I simply can’t wait to meet great people, make new friends and spend an amazing time in Nepal.”</p> <p>The Full Nepal Traverse of the Great Himalaya Trail 2023 starts on 26 February and finishes five months later, on 25 July. There is still time to join one of the smaller sections.</p> <p>The Nepal Traverse of the Great Himalaya Trail – the longest and highest alpine walking track in the world once complete – became first available through World Expeditions in 2011, which remains the only specialist operator to offer the trip commercially.</p> <p>Winding between the largest mountains and remotest communities on the planet, the Great Himalaya Trail will ultimately connect five Asian countries (Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan) but at the moment only the Nepal section (1,700km) is available to traverse, as it is the only part that has been walked and mapped thoroughly.</p> <hr /> <p>Inspired? <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail">View all the Great Himalaya Trail sections</a>.</p> <hr />5385Great Himalaya Trail: World's Most Epic Trek in Numbershttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2278/great-himalaya-trail-mountain-walkingActivities,Mountaineering,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Himalaya,NepalFri, 14 Oct 2022 13:52:00 GMT<p>The Great Himalaya Trail is often described as a “trekking’s holy grail”.</p> <p>It is the longest and highest alpine walking track in the world winding through the tallest mountain ranges and most isolated communities from Tibet to Pakistan. World Expeditions was the first company to offer the Nepal section of the Great Himalaya Trail in its entirety.</p> <p>  <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Gokyo-Lakes-Nepal.jpg"><img alt="Gokyo Lakes Nepal" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Gokyo-Lakes-Nepal-1024x585-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Gokyo-Lakes-Nepal-1024x585-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <p>Available exclusively through World Expeditions, here is the lowdown of what makes <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Great Himalaya Trail – The Full Nepal Traverse</a> so special:</p> <h3>1,700</h3> <p>kilometres is the length of the Full Nepal Traverse, from Mount Kanchenjunga in the east to Yari Valley in the west.</p> <h3>150</h3> <p>days of walking is what it takes to complete the Full Nepal Traverse.</p> <h3>2011</h3> <p>was the year that World Expeditions offered the complete Trail for the first time.</p> <h3>6,190</h3> <p>metres above sea level is the highest part of the Trail you will trek.</p> <h3>8</h3> <p>peaks of more than 8,000m are what you'll get to see along the way.</p> <h3>18</h3> <p>days is what it takes to complete the smallest section of the Great Himalaya Trail; if you do not have 150 days to spare, the Trail can be broken into <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">seven parts</a>, which can be joined separately.</p> <h3>21</h3> <p>people have completed the Trail since it was commercially launched in 2011.</p> <h3>1</h3> <p>tour operator in the world offers this unique experience: The Great Himalaya Trail - The Full Nepal Traverse is available exclusively through adventure holiday specialist World Expeditions</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Manaslu-Nepal-Himalaya.jpg"><img alt="Manaslu, Nepal" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Manaslu-Nepal-Himalaya-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Manaslu-Nepal-Himalaya-###width###px.jpg" width="749" /></a></p> <p>The Nepal section of the <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Great Himalaya Trail</a> offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. The landscape is defined by lush rhododendron and temperate forests, glaciated passes, high arid plateaus scarred by deep canyons, and the largest lake in Nepal, Rara. The people of remote mountain villages of Tamang, Sherpa, and Gurung are very curious and hospitable, and they welcome the very few strangers that have made it to their settlements in the mountains.</p> <p>The Trail is a fantastic way of sharing the benefit of tourism dollars with isolated mountain communities that currently receive little to no income from this source. Trip gradings for the trail range from 7 to 9 with a <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">duration of 18 to 34 days</a> and of course the ultimate 150-day traverse. So why not set yourself a challenge and experience this challenging and at the same time rewarding trek. <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Walking/Great-Himalaya-Trail-The-Full-Traverse" target="_blank">Call now for pricing and info!</a></p> 22782023 Great Himalaya Trail Full Traverser: “Time for the Next Great Adventure”https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/5364/next-great-adventure-great-himalaya-trailActivities,Trekking/Walking,Community,Traveller Stories,Destinations,Himalaya,NepalTue, 08 Feb 2022 03:52:00 GMT<h3><span style="font-size:18px;">The best trek in the world!</span></h3> <h3><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></h3> <p><em>Editor's note: Tabea Wagner, 30, is about to set off on the best trek on earth. We spoke to her on the eve of her departure for the full traverse of the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail">Great Himalaya Trail</a> in Nepal.</em></p> <p>Since I was a child I loved being in the outdoors. My parents told me that when I was in a bad mood they would just take me outside for a while and I would be cheerful again. When I grew up, I tried different outdoor activities such as kajaking, horse-riding, cycling, hiking, trail running and more.</p> <p>Although I still like all of these activities today, I came to realise that <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Trekking-Walking" target="_blank">trekking</a> opens the opportunity to go wherever you want. You start walking, put up your tent in any place you want, you have the possibility to stay or move on, and you have everything you need in your backpack. Sometimes you end up in an unexpected place. You meet great new people and see places you would not have dreamed of. The weather conditions may be wonderful or awful but you keep going anyway. Sometimes it is hard, but it is always fair. Sometimes you risk going too far or beyond your limits, but only if you do so you know how far you can go.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Archive image of Tabea on one of her previous long-distance treks" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639224" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/TB-1639224-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/TB-1639224-###width###px.jpg" /></div>   <h2><span style="font-size:16px;">"Sometimes it is hard, but it is always fair."</span></h2> <p>So, in the last few years I made sure to do several long-distance trekking tours. Some examples are crossing the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Alpine" target="_blank">European Alps</a>, the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=gr20" target="_blank">GR20 in Corsica</a>, Rando-Lofoten in Norway, and three months on the Te Araroa in New Zealand. It got me more and more addicted to long distance hiking trails.</p> <p>Loving the mountains, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">the Great Himalaya Trail</a> had always been in my mind. After having worked a lot in the last few years and having limited options because of the pandemic, I felt it was time for the next great adventure. I decided to make my dream come true and that’s when I registered at World Expeditions for the Full Traverse of the Great Himalaya Trail.</p> <p>As I have never been to the Himalayas before, it was important for me to join a professional expedition company. World Expeditions was exactly offering what I was looking for. So, now I am excited in a positive way to be part of this great adventure. To see the world`s highest mountains, remote landscapes, sleep in a tent and walk on and on every day. I am looking forward to meeting great people, make new friends and spend an amazing time in Nepal.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639228" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Full-GHT-2018-1639228-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Full-GHT-2018-1639228-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639225" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/tb-archive-1639225-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/tb-archive-1639225-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639226" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/tb-tent-1639226-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/tb-tent-1639226-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639227" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/GHT---Makalu-Sherpani-Col-1639227-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/GHT---Makalu-Sherpani-Col-1639227-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639229" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Great-Himalaya-Trail-in-Upper-Dolpo_-Nepal-1639229-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Great-Himalaya-Trail-in-Upper-Dolpo_-Nepal-1639229-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639230" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Far-Western-Nepal-1639230-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Far-Western-Nepal-1639230-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1639231" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Thame-Monastery-1639231-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Thame-Monastery-1639231-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> <div> </div> <span style="color:#7f8c8d;">Words & non-Nepal images by Tabea Wagner, January 2023 </span> <hr />  <p>The <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Walking/Great-Himalaya-Trail-The-Full-Traverse" target="_blank">Full Nepal Traverse of the Great Himalaya Trail</a> 2023 starts on 26 February and finishes five months later, on 25 July. You can still sign up to join the full length, or a <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">section of your choice</a>.</p> <p> </p> 5364The Great Himalaya Trail: Meet The 2020 Trekkershttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/3302/great-himalaya-trail-meet-the-2020-trekkersActivities,Adventure Travel,Mountaineering,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Himalaya,NepalWed, 12 Feb 2020 09:53:00 GMT<p><strong>It's Himalaya trekking at its best. The epic trail returned for its 10th anniversary</strong></p> <p>The Great Himalaya Trail, <a href="https://www.wiredforadventure.com/best-hikes-in-the-world-the-great-himalaya-trail/" target="_blank">one of the best treks in the world</a>, headed out on Monday 24 February 2020 for its 10-year anniversary.<br /> <br /> Let us introduce you to the 2020 participants who started <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">trekking in Nepal for five months</a>, from east to west – Tania from Australia and Manu from France.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Australian trekker on the 2020 GHT" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="605437" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Tania-Groesslinger_-GHT-2020-trekker-605437-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Tania-Groesslinger_-GHT-2020-trekker-605437-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Makalu Sherpani Col, the second section of the GHT" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="605438" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/GHT---Makalu-Sherpani-Col-605438-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/GHT---Makalu-Sherpani-Col-605438-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="French trekker on the 2020 GHT" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="605439" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Manu-Bourmalo_-GHT-2020-trekker-605439-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Marketing-Images/World-Ex/Manu-Bourmalo_-GHT-2020-trekker-605439-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div>   <h3>When did your love for the mountains and the great outdoors start?</h3> <p><strong>Tania</strong>: Many family holidays as a child involved trekking with a backpack and sleeping outdoors. Fortunately, this appreciation continued throughout the years enabling me the opportunity to dream, contemplate and muse without question whilst interpreting nature in its purest form.<br /> <br /> My introduction to <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal" target="_blank">Nepal</a> and the Himalayas was in 1997 with the successful summit of Mera Peak, inspiring me to seek out similar encounters and igniting a passion for adventure and the mountains.  <br /> <br /> <strong>Manu</strong>: I have been a big fan of mountains since I was eight-years-old. Living in France, my parents used to take me to the Pyrénées or the Alps every year to hike – and I kept doing it ever since! I am going on multi-day hikes twice a year and I often take to the mountains.<br /> <br /> I have completed the Te Araroa Trail, a challenging 3,000-kilometre trek that crosses New Zealand from north to south, walked most of the GR5, the Grand Traverse of the Alps, and last year I hiked in Canada’s Banff and Jasper National Parks for two weeks.</p> <h3><img alt="Mt Everest framed by prayer flags from the summit of Gokyo Ri | <i>Greg Bradley</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="606065" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x7" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Mt-Everest_-Gokyo-Ri_-Nepal-606065-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Mt-Everest_-Gokyo-Ri_-Nepal-606065-###width###px.jpg" /></h3> <h3>How did you first hear about the Great Himalaya Trail?</h3> <p><strong>Tania:</strong> I became aware of the Great Himalaya Trail via social media in 2018. At that time I was unable to explore further due to commitments, however in 2019 <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/GHT-Nepal-The-Full-Traverse" target="_blank">trekking the Great Himalaya Trail</a> became a consideration and here we are today about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.</p> <p><strong>Manu: </strong>Nepal was calling me! I was looking to find a big trek in the Himalaya. It only took one search on Google and I quickly found out about the Great Himalaya Trail.</p> <h3><img alt="The trails of the Annapurna region are dotted with small villages | <i>Peter Walton</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="606063" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x7" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Annapurna-villages-nepal-606063-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Annapurna-villages-nepal-606063-###width###px.jpg" /></h3> <h3>Why did you decide to join such an epic trek?</h3> <p><strong>Tania:</strong> Our day to day happenings can at times seem overwhelming. Trekking for me is taking a moment to pause, to breathe, to be still, to listen and to just live. I chose to undertake the Great Himalaya Trail as a personal journey to quietly reflect upon my recent and incredible 18 months where I had the great honour and privilege of fostering and caring for a precious baby who in now living with family.   </p> <p>This motivated me to reconnect with the stillness, balance and harmony that nature has in abundance and commit to the physical and mental challenge that the Great Himalaya Trail demands.</p> <p><strong>Manu:</strong> When I finished the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand, I knew it wouldn’t be long until I go for another big trek in the future. My only concern was to find one with mountains only.</p> <p>Everest is the mother of all mountains and the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">Great Himalaya Trail</a> is a perfect match for my next adventure because it combines remote backcountry, perfect for disconnection, and human interaction with Nepal’s culture.</p> <p><img alt="A steady incline on the trail above Namche Bazaar | <i>Mark Tipple</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="606067" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x7" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Everest-Himalayan-Region-Nepal-606067-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Everest-Himalayan-Region-Nepal-606067-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <h3>How did your family and friends react when you told them about it?</h3> <p><strong>Tania:</strong> Family, friends and many others that I have met during my training, both in and out of the gym, have been incredibly supportive. The <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/GHT-Nepal-The-Full-Traverse" target="_blank">Great Himalaya Trail</a> is not every person’s journey, and that is totally OK – it is at the present my journey.  </p> <p><strong>Manu:</strong> They were happy but also scared as the high altitude will be a new dimension for me. But they were happy and relieved to find out I am joining a team this time!</p> <h3><img alt="The verdant valleys leading to Rara Lake in Nepal's far western region of Dolpo | <i>Robin Boustead</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="605441" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x7" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Yari-valley-Rara-Nepal-605441-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Yari-valley-Rara-Nepal-605441-###width###px.jpg" /></h3> <h3>How are you preparing for the Great Himalaya Trail?</h3> <p><strong>Tania:</strong> Training has been a combination of cardio, aerobic and free weights.  I have been utilising the local gym (stepper in particular), home gym with my BFF Michelle and local cliff top trails. There have certainly been memorable trekking moments both exhilarating and confronting. During these times I endeavour to focus on what’s right in front of me (mostly my feet) and tell myself to just take one step… and then another… and to keep going one step at a time.  At times we are pushed to challenging our own limits, and yet we don’t really know what they are until we do.</p> <p><strong>Manu:</strong> I’ve been training mainly by doing lots of different sports. For the past year, I have been playing squash 4 to 5 times a week, which is very good cardio exercise. I run 3 times a week and I often go on rides with my bike to build endurance. This month, I am also doing a special training course in the Alps on mountaineering skills.</p> <h3><img alt="Basking in the sun in Lhonak | <i>Michelle Landry</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="606069" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x7" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Lhonak_-Kanchenjunga-Nepal-606069-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Lhonak_-Kanchenjunga-Nepal-606069-###width###px.jpg" /></h3> <h3>Finally, what are you looking forward to the most on the trek? And what the least?</h3> <p><strong>Tania: </strong>My expectations of the Great Himalaya Trail are humble, nonetheless I eagerly look forward to embracing what can only be described as an enriching and unforgettable experience.</p> <p>I am looking forward to <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">all 7 stages</a> of the trail taking me through majestic landscapes and mountains both transparent and unpolluted, matched only by the beauty and nature of the Nepalese themselves. During the more difficult and exhausting periods, I hope to draw strength from every person that has touched my life and take them along with me one step at a time.</p> <p><strong>Manu:</strong> I am looking forward to being amazed with the scenery of Nepal, meeting and interacting with the locals and living simple – going back to the basics, focusing on the vital needs, the remoteness offering a complete disconnection from the world.</p> <p>I can’t wait to meet the team and start the first section of the trek… but I am not looking forward to the cold temperatures. It will be hard being away from all friends and family so when we finish the trail, on 22 July, the first thing I will do is speak with them (and have a hot shower!).</p> <p><strong>The Great Himalaya Trail is the <a href="https://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/outdoorfeatures/the-worlds-most-expensive-trek" target="_blank">ultimate trekking holiday in Nepal</a> and the 2020 trekkers will 'report live' on this experience of a lifetime on <a href="http://www.trekthegreathimalayatrail.com/" target="_blank">the Great Himalaya Trail blog</a>.</strong></p> <p><strong>Find out more about what makes the Great Himalaya Trail <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">one best adventure holidays in the world</a>, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" target="_blank">join one of the seven sections that depart this year</a> or <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/GHT-Nepal-The-Full-Traverse" target="_blank">book the Full Nepal Traverse</a>!</strong></p> <p><strong><img alt="Base camp on Lobuche East with Cholatse towering above | <i>Tina Lacey</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="606060" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x7" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Lobuche-East_-Nepal-606060-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Lobuche-East_-Nepal-606060-###width###px.jpg" /></strong></p> <br />  3302Top gear picks from our Great Himalaya Trail trekkershttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2505/gear-picks-great-himalaya-trail-trekkersActivities,Trekking/Walking,Community,Destinations,Himalaya,Nepal,Gear and Training TipsMon, 22 Oct 2018 21:00:00 GMT<p><strong>They spent 152 days of continuous trekking from Kanchenjunga in the east of Nepal to the Yari Valley into the far west along the world's longest, highest and most diverse alpine walking track.</strong></p> <p>The <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Great Himalaya Trail</a> – often described as trekking's ‘holy grail’ – saw our 2018 GHT trekkers wind through the tallest mountain ranges in the world, where they crossed passes reaching up to 6,000m; encountered nature’s extremes; and overcame challenges on this incredible traverse. So, it's safe to say that Vince Gayman and Ken Harris are well experienced to share some gear must-haves when trekking in the Himalayas.</p> <h2>Vince’s picks</h2> <p><strong>1. Apple iPhone/iPad:</strong> Leaving out his Nikon D7200, which he shoots most of his photos with, Vince is surprised by how much use he's gotten from these gadgets, even though they’re rarely connected to the internet.</p> <p>"I use them for more of my photography than I expected but also for quick editing, posting when I can, listening to podcasts, as well as music, games, books and sharing photos with the rest of the group. I charge them primarily with a solar panel."</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_11450-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_11450-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p><strong>2. Arcteryx Bora AR 50 Backpack:</strong> "I bought this new before I left thinking, I’m going to be wearing this every day for five months and I want a pack that will be comfortable and durable. I read reviews, wore it around the store – REI of course – and decided to go for it. It’s been great. The other morning I put it on and thought, 'I can’t believe how comfortable this still feels', and while it has taken a beating it still looks good. The pocket configuration is just about perfect for me. The capacity is a little large for what I’m carrying, but when we were going over the higher passes in colder weather it was just right."</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_40275-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_40275-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p><strong>3. Salomon GTX 4D Boots:</strong> Days of endless wet snow, rocks, mud and dust have seen these boots pounding out miles.</p> <p>"The route description made me nervous about what to wear on the rugged terrain of snow, scree, rock hopping and long days of walking. On the recommendation of Brant at REI I went with the Salomon. Wow, have they been through a grinder. When this is over, they’ll be done, but my feet are happy and that’s what counts."</p> <h2>Ken’s picks</h2> <p><strong>1. Canon 50D:</strong> You will rarely see Ken without his trusty DSLR either up to his eye or around his neck. He likes it so much he even brought two with him just in case!</p> <p>These cameras have travelled the world with Ken and shot memories to last a lifetime. The most disappointed Ken's been during the GHT trip was when he was waiting for his replacement camera to arrive at one of our stops and it wasn’t there.</p> <p>Nothing like a photographer without his favorite gear. These cameras take a beating and still get the goods.</p> <p><strong>2. Wide brim hat:</strong> It looked worn when he got it, but now it’s the real deal. The wide brimmed canvas hat that has become a signature item.</p> <p><img alt="Photo credit: Ken Harris." class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_9951-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_9951-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p>"It provides protection from sun, rain, and cold and goes well with beard. Wouldn’t trade it for any of those high tech fabrics that can’t hold up to the GHT abuse."</p> <p><strong>3. Trekking poles:</strong> Except for the odd slip here or there, trekking poles have helped keep Ken mostly upright.</p> <p>"They provide extra strength on the way up and mostly balance on the way down. They have taken abuse on the trail and, although missing the odd part, are still intact and mostly straight."</p> <p><strong>4. Polarised sunglasses: </strong>Ken stresses the importance of a quality pair of sunglasses which completely cover your eyes to protect your eyes from UV rays and to reduce glare, especially when in snowy conditions.</p> <p><img alt="Photo credit: Ken Harris" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_25050-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_25050-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p><em>Images supplied by Ken Harris.</em></p> <p><span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Follow the <a href="http://www.trekthegreathimalayatrail.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">latest news from our 2019 GHT trekkers. Read the blog ></a></strong></span></p> <p><em><strong>What's a gear favourite you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below.</strong></em></p> 2505Beyond Everest Base Camp: 5 sublime treks to get you off the beaten pathhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2452/5-remote-treks-beyond-everest-base-campActivities,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,Himalaya,Indian Himalaya,NepalMon, 12 Feb 2018 04:19:00 GMT<p>From the pahar (mid-hills) to the himal (high ranges), the Nepalese Himalaya has been attracting travellers since the early 1950s who are charmed by the unique isolation and the opportunity to trek among the most stunning peaks in the world. The Everest and Annapurna regions have evolved to become the most popular to trek.</p> <p>While the famous trail to <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Walking/Everest-Base-Camp-Trek-in-Comfort" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Everest Base Camp</a> is the first trek that comes to most people’s minds when they think about a trek in Nepal, there are many other routes that get away from the well-trodden tourist trails to showcase the region’s cultural and geographical diversity.</p> <p>Over several decades, World Expeditions has finessed the most comprehensive and exciting selection of treks in Nepal. Our passion has been to design treks that venture into areas of the country where mass tourism is absent and where our trekkers find total inspiration in having these small wedges of the Himalaya virtually to themselves. These five special treks highlight that philosophy perfectly.</p> <h2><strong>Gokyo and the Renjo La </strong></h2> <p><strong>Grade: moderate to challenging</strong></p> <p>The traditional Everest Base Camp trekking route is as popular as ever and although a fantastic trek, its popularity can make it quite busy at times. The <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/Gokyo-the-Renjo-La?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Gokyo_Renjo_La" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gokyo and Renjo La route</a> is the perfect trail for those wanting to trek the unhindered trails of the Everest region. Less than ten percent of Everest region trekkers decide to hike up the Gokyo Valley, a high alpine area that delivers alternative angles of the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest. But it isn’t until you reach Gokyo Ri, where you are greeted with probably with not one, not two, but four of the world's 14 8,000 metre peaks that you realise why many people consider it to be Nepal's best trekking destination.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Everest_Circuit_and_Cho_La_Pass-medium.jpg"><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Everest_Circuit_and_Cho_La_Pass-medium-1024x769-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Everest_Circuit_and_Cho_La_Pass-medium-1024x769-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <p>From north to south, you can look out to a vista of summits, including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse and Cho Oyu – just to name a few. Marvel at Nepal’s longest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier, which sits beneath your feet and stretches far and wide across the valley, while pockets of azure lakes complete the picture.</p> <p>The day long trek crossing the Renjo La is both exciting and challenging. You’ll be sharing the trails of an ancient trading route, meaning you may have the chance to meet Tibetan traders on the journey – many of whom travel with caravans of woolly laden yaks. Yet, the experience is not complete until your descent to a sanctuary of natural beauty and peacefulness in the Thame Valley, which feature remarkable monasteries and jagged peaks.</p> <p>This <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/Gokyo-the-Renjo-La?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Gokyo_Renjo_La" rel="noopener" target="_blank">17-day expedition</a> will bring you to a world away from home, only to leave you wanting to return for more.</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/uncategorized/best-treks-in-nepal-our-team-favourite-trekking-trips/?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Top_of_Nepal" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Top of Nepal: The Favourite Trips of Our Team</span></a></strong></p> <h2><strong>Best of Annapurna Dhaulagiri</strong></h2> <p><strong>Grade: moderate</strong></p> <p>The Annapurna Circuit trek is a popular pick for trekkers mainly for the great viewpoints throughout the journey. While still delving into the heart of the region, the <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/Ultimate-Annapurna-Dhaulagiri?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Annapurna_Dhaulagiri" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Annapurna Dhaulagiri route</a> is an alternative way to enjoy the beauty of the area at a relatively close range, yet at a distance from other trekkers.</p> <p>Traverse the high pastures above Kopra Ridge beneath Annapurna South, where ancient pilgrim trails lead to the sacred Khayer Lake. The views of the world’s seventh highest mountain, Dhaulagiri, are uninterrupted from Kopra Ridge, and the descent route is one of the most exquisite trails in the region dotted with small authentic villages visited by few others.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Annapurna_Mountain_Range_Himalaya_Nepal-original.jpg"><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Annapurna_Mountain_Range_Himalaya_Nepal-original-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Annapurna_Mountain_Range_Himalaya_Nepal-original-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <p>The itinerary is created to avoid crowds, so rather than rising before the sun to make the hike to the populous viewpoint of Poon Hill, the adjacent location of our eco lodge allows you to sleep soundly and awake in the morning to dramatic views of Dhaulagiri before ascending to a secluded view point that rival those from Poon Hill. Travellers will still head to the summit of Poon Hill during the afternoon where there are less people, so you get the best of both worlds.</p> <p>Another highlight is the trek along the ridge of Bharmakot Dhanda, which affords spellbinding views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and the Manaslu ranges. Our private eco camps give trekkers the chance to enter memorable villages, such as Ghibrang, which is largely untouched by western influences – a great opportunity to meet locals and experience a genuine cultural exchange.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="embed-responsive-item" frameborder="0" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MUtFMQKEw_s" width="560"></iframe></div> <h2><strong>Annapurna, Nar & Tilicho Lake</strong></h2> <p><strong>Grade: moderate</strong></p> <p>Another way to explore the Annapurna region is via the seldom-travelled trail to the rugged heart of the Annapurna range, which will take you down quieter trails.</p> <p>The villages we pass are enriched with influence from Tibetan Buddhist culture, a stark contrast to the Hindu villages dotted throughout the lower foothills.</p> <p>As you trek through the rhododendron forests, make sure to greet villagers with <em>“Namaste”</em>. But what makes this trek most memorable is the fact that our travellers are camping alongside the impressive sacred Tilicho Lake (4900m), the highest lake for its size in the world.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Machapuchare_Nepal_Himalaya-original.jpg"><img alt="Stunning turquoise waters of Tilicho Lake" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3004091" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Tilicho-Lake-3004091-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Tilicho-Lake-3004091-###width###px.jpg" /></a></p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><strong>RELATED: <a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/activities/trekking-walking/when-to-go-trekking-in-nepal/?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Trekking_Nepal" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">When to go trekking in Nepal</span></a></strong></p> <h2><strong>Ama Dablam Base Camp</strong></h2> <p><strong>Grade: moderate</strong></p> <p>Set your sights high and wide on a pioneering route that takes you to 360-degree views of Everest and surrounding peaks. With that in mind, it’s hard to argue the fact that the <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/Ama-Dablam-Base-Camp-Trek?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Ama_Dablam" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek</a> is one of our most popular introductory treks in the Sagarmartha National Park.</p> <p>What makes this trek rewarding is that it gives you the chance to immerse in the Sherpa culture, and there is no better place to do this than at the Sherpa's vibrant 'capital', Namche Bazaar. As you head to Namche Bazaar along the route that trekkers to Everest Base Camp will also take, the steep ascent through pine forests is rewarded with vantage points and your first view of Mt Everest.</p> <p>Our route follows a sheltered valley leading to Base Camp for commanding views of the sacred Ama Dablam – one to add to the photo albums. The mountain itself means “mother’s necklace” where the long ridges of the peak's sides resemble that of a mother’s arm protecting her child, and the hanging glacier is like the double-pendant (containing pictures of the gods) traditionally worn by Sherpa women.</p> <p>Resting at our overnight private eco campsite in Deboche will ready you for a comfortable day’s walk to Portse Tenga, which offer outstanding views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse at the head of the valley. Explore the stunningly situated monastery of Thyangboche, and a visit to the Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung – where some of Sir Edmund Hillary's projects were established through the Himalayan Trust – adds further dimensions to this fantastic trek.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Thyangboche_Ama_Dablam_Nepal-original.jpg"><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Thyangboche_Ama_Dablam_Nepal-original-1024x618-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Thyangboche_Ama_Dablam_Nepal-original-1024x618-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <h2><strong>The Great Himalaya Trail</strong></h2> <p><strong>Grade: intermediate mountaineering expedition (the full traverse), smaller stages can vary from entry level mountaineering to challenging</strong></p> <p>As one of the most challenging yet inspiring alpine walking tracks in the world, the <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/GHT-Nepal-The-Full-Traverse?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=GHT_full_traverse" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Great Himalaya Trail</a> (GHT) is a once in a lifetime experience, and one that very few have undertaken. The full 152-day traverse, exclusive to World Expeditions, explores the hidden gems of the Himalaya region for sublime, unparalleled views.</p> <p>The first stage of the GHT begins at Kanchengjunga then westward to Makalu where you will cross the West Col (6,190m). Trekkers then follow the traditional approach to Everest from Lukla and Namche Bazaar where you will set your eyes on unsurpassed views of a panorama of peaks.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Cho_La_Pass-_Dzongla-_Nepal-original.jpg"><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Cho_La_Pass-_Dzongla-_Nepal-original-1024x576-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Cho_La_Pass-_Dzongla-_Nepal-original-1024x576-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <p>Following the Rolwaling traverse, trekkers trace the popular pilgrim trail to Panch Pokhari Lakes where a vista of peaks and glacial lakes await. The next stage of the trail takes explorers through Langtang, to the largely untrekked area of Manaslu as well as the popular Annapurna region; and then, staying relatively high in altitude, you enter the heart of Dolpo – close to Tibet – toward the turquoise blue Phoksumdo Lake.</p> <p>At the final stages, visit Rara National Park home to the largest lake in the Himalaya, Rara Lake. Sit in awe of the area’s natural beauty where the lake reflects mountainous backdrops to deliver remarkable views for the ultimate selfie, one that you can almost bet none of your friends will have.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="embed-responsive-item" frameborder="0" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VKcJtM5xfZQ" width="560"></iframe></div> <p>After crossing the Great Himalaya Range, this trail takes travellers to Nepal’s far west where they step back in time in the idyllic areas of the Yari Valley. It’s clear that the 1,700km traverse from the east to west of Nepal is one epic journey and only an impressive 18 World Expedition trekkers have completed the full GHT!</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><strong>READ MORE: <a href="http://www.trekthegreathimalayatrail.com/blog/taking-on-the-full-traverse-meet-the-trekkers?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=GHT_2018_trekkers" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Meet the 2018 GHT trekkers</span></a></strong></p> <p>Entering high altitudes; progressing through cold, winter conditions; and crossing rough, high passes means that to take on the full GHT you'll require intermediate mountaineering experience. However, you can still experience the GHT in <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?pageSize=6&sortMethod=durationLowToHigh&searchKeywords=GHT&utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=GHT_sections" rel="noopener" target="_blank">shorter sections</a> with World Expeditions offering treks to each of the GHT’s seven stages, varying between 18 to 34 days. Perhaps enlist on easier, more manageable routes at first, such as the <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Hiking/GHT-Upper-Dolpo-Traverse?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=GHT_Upper_Dolpo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Upper Dolpo Traverse</a>, before moving up to more advanced treks that take you to more challenging areas.</p> <p><strong>Be inspired by the greatest mountain sceneries in the world and<a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal?utm_source=Beyond%20EBC%20Blog&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=Nepal_treks" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> journey on our many Himalayan treks</span></a> to take the path less travelled that's rare to explore.</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Which part of Nepal are you keen to explore on foot? Let us know in the comments below.</em></strong></p> 2452Traveller Stories: Florian’s Experience of A Lifetime on the Great Himalaya Trailhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2359/trekking-great-himalaya-trail-review-florianActivities,Mountaineering,Trekking/Walking,Community,Traveller Stories,Destinations,Himalaya,Nepal,NewsThu, 29 Sep 2016 08:25:00 GMT<p><strong>Florian, a 31-year-old attorney from Zurich, Switzerland, likes being in the mountains. So much, that he spontaneously decided to do the full 152-day Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) in Nepal with us earlier this year. His advice for anybody contemplating to join this trek: “Don’t overthink it, just book!”.</strong></p> <p>Here’s a unique insight into life on the (Great Himalaya) Trail brought to you by Florian.</p> <blockquote> <p>When I got back from the GHT, I went to climb some 4,000ers in Switzerland. Everything felt so small, almost like a miniature model!</p> </blockquote> <h2>You live in Switzerland, have you always been drawn to trekking in the mountains?</h2> <p>I always liked the mountains and started to hike and ski at an early age. I wouldn't say that I do much sport, I just like being in the mountains, I also like photography and going trekking is a great combination of these hobbies. In Switzerland, I do mostly day trips or stay in a hut one or two nights, but I haven’t done longer treks. The first serious trekking was 10 years ago, when I hiked up Kilimanjaro. Since then, I have been to Nepal, Tibet and Ecuador. Having the Alps close by is nice, but of the course the Himalayas are a totally different dimension. When I got back from the GHT, I went to climb some 4,000ers in Switzerland. Everything felt so small, almost like a miniature model!</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Panorama-Honku-Basin_klein-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055.jpg"><img alt="Honku Basin - Great Himalaya Trail - Nepal" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Panorama-Honku-Basin_klein-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1024x232-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Panorama-Honku-Basin_klein-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1024x232-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <h2>A trip like the Great Himalaya Trail isn’t something that you’d do every year, what’s the story behind you taking up this adventure?</h2> <p>I only learned about the Great Himalaya Trail last October on a trip to Tibet. One of the participants and our guide had done the GHT in 2013 and talked about it. When I got back to Kathmandu, I bought some literature and maps and decided that 2016 would be the perfect opportunity for a longer trip. I had been to Nepal twice before and knew that I was going to come back to this beautiful country anyway some day. So I figured, why not do the GHT before I have seen too much of Nepal to make it a "new" experience. Also, I'm glad that we could help employ at least some people after last year's earthquake and show that it's possible to trek through Nepal despite the damage (which is quite devastating in some places, but also very concentrated).</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Great Himalaya Trail - Stars | <i>Florian Wegmann</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1515762" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Stars-in-the-sky-on-the-GHT-1515762-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Stars-in-the-sky-on-the-GHT-1515762-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Great Himalaya Trail - Thame Monastery | <i>Florian Wegmann</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1515763" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Thame-Monastery-1515763-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Thame-Monastery-1515763-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Specify Alternate Text | <i>Florian Wegmann</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1515765" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Blogs/WEX/Molun-Pokhari-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1.jpg-1515765-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Blogs/WEX/Molun-Pokhari-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1.jpg-1515765-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div>   <blockquote> <p>World Expeditions has a lot of experience with this trip and the crew will go to a super-human effort to make everything work!</p> </blockquote> <h2>What were your expectations of this Himalaya trekking trip?</h2> <p>As I booked rather spontaneously, I didn't think about it too much beforehand. I expected to spend time among the really high Himalayan mountains of Nepal and I didn't get disappointed there. I was a bit surprised about section 7, which at times is almost tropical (hot and humid even above 2,000m).</p> <h2>What surprised you the most on the Great Himalaya Trail?</h2> <p>Since I had been to Nepal before, I had an idea of what to expect and didn't really get surprised. But what surprised most people I have talked to since getting back, is that such a long trek does not get boring, even though the days all look almost the same: Wake-up tea, breakfast, walking, lunch, walking, setting up camp, washing, afternoon tea, dinner. But the scenery offers something new on most days and even though <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/index.php?section=trips&id=251555" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hilsa, on the Tibetan border</a>, seems a long way at the beginning, you have a clear goal.</p> <h2 data-wpview-marker="http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldexpeditions.com%2Findex.php%3Fsection%3Dtrips%26id%3D251555">What is the most memorable moment you had on the GHT?</h2> <p>It's impossible to identify a single moment. Every time I think about it, a different moment comes to mind. It's such a long trip and you experience so many great things along the way... Be it a spectacular view of 8,000ers, a magnificent camping spot, a clear night with countless stars (something you really don't get to see in a densely populated country such as Switzerland). When I selected the pictures for this interview, I thought a few times: I want to see or do that again.</p> <blockquote> <p>While I don't really miss the tent now, it was always nice to see our little yellow houses at the end of the day.</p> </blockquote> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Great Himalaya Trail - Camp West Col | <i>Florian Wegmann</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1515766" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Camp-West-Col-1515766-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Camp-West-Col-1515766-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Great Himalaya Trail - Camp Amjilosa | <i>Florian Wegmann</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1515767" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Camp-Amjilosa-1515767-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Camp-Amjilosa-1515767-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="Verdant scenery while trekking towards Makalu Barun National Park | <i>Ray Mustey</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="1515768" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Himalayas-Nepal-1515768-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Great-Himalaya-Trail/Himalayas-Nepal-1515768-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> </div> <h2>What was the group spirit like?</h2> <p>Luckily, we were a rather big group of "full traversers" this year. So when somebody had a bad day, there were other people in a better mood to put things into perspective. Trekking in a bigger group also helps you avoid getting tired of each other on those long link sections where it's just the full traversers. And of course there's the Nepali crew who are always cheerful, no matter what the conditions. It was also great to get new group members every couple of weeks who joined us for just one section of the Great Himalaya Trail [red. there are <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/index.php?module=we_trip_search_results&keyword=ght&x=0&y=0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">7 sections on the Great Himalaya Trail</a> in total]. I think this sort of adventure tends to attract people who can handle the occasionally adverse conditions on a trekking, so we didn't have any real dramas...</p> <h2>What was it like to be camping for 5 months?</h2> <p>Since I've only been on one (short) camping trip before the GHT, I was a bit worried about the camping. It's important to bring a thick, robust mat (more than once, we had to camp on rocks.). But you get quickly used to it and the different challenges the weather brings (frozen zippers, broken tent poles, sauna-like temperatures, etc.). I never had any problems sleeping, but you want to bring good earplugs or listen to music in the evening. Many nights were rather loud due to howling and barking dogs... On the first few sections of the trail, you are pretty much limited to the bowl of warm water you get twice a day for washing. Towards summer, it was also possible to jump into a river a couple of times. While I don't really miss the tent now, it was always nice to see our little yellow houses at the end of the day.</p> <h2>How tough is the Great Himalaya Trail?</h2> <p>I actually expected much worse! Out of the 140 days or so of hiking, maybe 10 were tough with regard to distance, terrain, etc. Another 10 were tough in terms of weather (rain, hot, cold, etc.). The rest of the time, the daily walks were not too challenging, perhaps 3 hours in the morning and another 2 after lunch. The bigger challenge is on a mental level: Dealing with the fact that you have to continue walking the next day, no matter what the weather. And accepting that there will be no hot shower and dry bed once you reach camp. We were a bit surprised that the sections at the beginning were "easier" than sections 4-7 in terms of walking time. The less challenging the terrain, the longer you walk (and we thought after section 2 that the worst was over now...). It's amazing to see how fit you get over time. First, you can't even keep up with the porters. After some sections, you often reach camp before them. And towards the end you might even be able to catch up with the kitchen crew, the fastest of the fast! So if you're reasonably fit and don't get injured on the trail, the GHT is an achievable goal. On a technical level, it certainly helps if you have some experience with climbing and abseiling, preferably also in cold conditions. This will take a lot of stress off the high pass-crossings. And be prepared for a lot of rock-hopping and balancing...</p> <h2>If you would do a similar trek like this again and could only choose one item to bring, what would it be?</h2> <p>Probably my warm sleeping bag. No matter how tough the day was, once you're all warm in your sleeping bag, everything is forgotten.</p> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Rara-Lake-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055.jpg"><img alt="A rainbow over Rara Lake seen while trekking the Great Himalaya Trail" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Rara-Lake-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1024x637-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Rara-Lake-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1024x637-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p>While selecting the pictures for this interview, I thought a few times: I want to see or do that again.</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Lhotse-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055.jpg"><img alt="Stunning Lhotse while trekking the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Lhotse-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1024x586-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Lhotse-cFlorian-Wegmann-1055-1024x586-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></a></p> <h2>How would you describe the GHT in 5 words?</h2> <p>The experience of a lifetime!</p> <h2>If there was one advice that you could give to people who are considering doing this 150-day trek in the Himalayas of Nepal as well, what would it be?</h2> <p>Don't overthink it, just book. Theoretically, very many things could go wrong. But World Expeditions has a lot of experience with this trip in Nepal’s Himalaya and the crew will go to a super-human effort to make everything work!</p> <p>Want to have the same adventure of a lifetime as Florian had? You can! The 150-day Great Himalaya Trail departs each year in February. For dates and details, why not have a look at the <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal-Regions/Great-Himalaya-Trail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Himalaya trekking adventure’s page</a>. And if you like to get more details on the Great Himalaya Trail full traverse, our adventure travel consultants are on hand to give you all the information you require. You can find them in our <a href="http://worldexpeditions.com/Contact-Us" rel="noopener" target="_blank">travel offices around the world</a> and reach them by phone or email.</p> <p><em><span style="color: #999999;">©Text & Images by Florian Wegmann</span></em></p> 2359