Day Four - Tadapani to Chomrong - 780 metre descent, 280 metre ascent. [View Full Entry]

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We started our day at the unsociable hour of 5am to climb to Poon Hill (a steep ascent of around 400 metres) which we were assured would be worth the effort. It was freezing when we set off by torch light in the pitch black with hundreds of stars above us. Dan saw a shooting star and he wished we make it up and back in one piece. We slowly started to pass other groups who had left earlier as they stopped for a breather. Our competitive streak came out and we declined any breaks in the hope of getting to [View Full Entry]

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Today we have a big day ahead of us with a huge climb from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,750 metres) which passes through Ulleri (2,070 metres). There is a ascent of 1000 metres which is mostly uneven stones steps which have been laid by the conservation trust. We have found that climbing these stone stairs is much harder than standard hill walking and were cursing the ‘steps of hell’ as we went. Bicky gave us a tip that walking diagonally whilst climbing helps to ease the strain, it seems to work but looks quite funny as you zig-zag up the mountain. The [View Full Entry]

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The short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara was great as we managed to get some amazing views of the Himalayas including Everest... see attached photos! Today we embark on an 11 day trek into the Annapurna Range. During the trek we will start in Nayapul and visit many different villages along the way to Annapurna Base Camp, which is 4,100 metres above sea level, before returning via a slightly different route. When booking our trek, instead of going with a fixed and rigid itinerary and large group, we went for a local company who organises tailored small treks. Choosing such a [View Full Entry]

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Our travels from India to Nepal started at 7am with a flight from Pune to Delhi and then Delhi to Kathmandu. We were met at the airport by Thakur, our local contact, who organised our accommodation and trek. He gave us a Marigold garland - a traditional Nepalese greeting which is supposed to bring good luck... let’s hope that means we make it to the end of the trek in one piece! After leaving the bustling and crazy streets of India, we thought that Kathmandu would be slightly different... how wrong we were! The streets are jammed with cars, buses, trucks, [View Full Entry]

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Just a quick post to say that we arrived in Nepal with no problems. We spent a couple of days in Kathmandu before flying to Pokhara to start our trek. We are in the second day and so far it has been amazing. Tomorrow morning we get up early (5am) to climb for views of the entire Annapurna range. So far we have survived the drop hole toilets, cold nights and having one shower every two days! We are currently at 2,800 metres, our final height will be 4,200 metres at Annapurna Base Camp... fingers crossed our legs and lungs hold [View Full Entry]

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On Thursday we travelled from Mumbai to Pune (pronounced Poona) by train. We opted for 2nd class air conditioned for our first experience of Indian trains, just to be on the safe side. The 4.5 hour, 100 mile journey cost us less than £4 each - a real bargain. We had spacious seats and the 2nd class area was mainly filled with business types and families. Men constantly came through the carriage offering chai tea and food which we didn’t expect, but didn’t try since we brought food. As the journey went on, more people started appearing selling everything from sweets [View Full Entry]

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We have completed the first leg of our journey so thought it was time to update everyone on our experiences thus far. After a very busy last few days catching up with friends and family we flew to Mumbai. We spent the first day doing a walking tour of the city following our maps and guidebook as best we could. The weather was a balmy 29 with 90% humidity so quite different to England at this time of year! We saw the Gateway to India, Taj Mahal Hotel (which was undergoing restoration work after the terrorist attack earlier in the year), [View Full Entry]

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Well it's my last day at work and I thought I should post a blog just to gloat on that fact as I'm sure some of my work mates will check this at some stage. Thanks to Fred for this great picture of what we have to look forward to when we get to Australia... [View Full Entry]

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With only two weeks to go before we set off, the final preparations are falling into place. This week will be my last of work at HP for many months while Nat will still be working for a few days the following week (unlucky). I would love to say that I will miss it... but who really misses work when you are on holidays! Whilst I was willing to be available should work need to contact me, unfortunately I had to return my mobile phone and other assets. Guess this is best for everyone :) We still have a few more [View Full Entry]

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