Blogs from Asia - page 142

I always said "Why go to Everest Base Camp if you were not going to climb the mountain ?" I had previoulsy visited Nepal in the late 1970's when I had completed the Overland or Hippie Trail from the UK to Nepal on public transport, going through such places as Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India and finishing in Nepal. I had seen the incredible scenery of the Himalayas, having driven from Pokhara to Kathmandu and gone up into the mountains around Kathmandu. So, in April 2018, I decided to change my mind and head to Everest Base Camp, or EBC, having booked a trek again with World Expeditions. The trek was for 17 days and after checking the sizes of their tents, decided not to pay the single tent supplement. So I arrive in Kathmandu and after ... read more

Hiking is becoming very popular in recent times and trekking/hiking in the Himalayan ranges in unparalleled. The beauty of the snow-capped ranges, quietness, peace, serene surroundings, peaceful villages and villagers in those areas is addictive for most trekkers. If one is looking for a good beginners’ trek with incredible spiritual significance as well – one of my favourite one is the Chopta-Chandrashila 5-day trek. The trekking path is easy for reasonably fit people and has absolutely gorgeous beauty – where you get to camp beside lakes and on lush green meadows overlooking the mighty Himalayan ranges. How do you get there? Day1 You can start your trek at Rishikesh (which is my all-time favourite location for a trek start due to its spiritual + modern atmosphere – Yoga and Aarthi by the Ganga and at the ... read more

ishikesh HotelsMap This holy town got its name from the Sanskrit name Hrishikesha – which means “Lord of the senses”. Several rishis and saints have lived here due to its aura and spiritual significance. The holy Ganga flows through the entire town purifying the entire town. There are temples which are hundreds of years old and yoga centers throughout the town. Apart from being a spiritual town it is also the “International Yoga capital of the world”. Being the Yoga capital, the town is filled with multinational people and yogis, and thus wonderful international food joints. ... read more

Baduy village was on my "to go destinations" for a long time. It's an Indonesian version of the Amish people given the similarity of their concept of living: community based living, no modern technology and being self reliant. Located 120 km from Jakarta, there are a few Baduy villages in the area, consisting of Baduy Dalam (Inner Baduy) and Baduy Luar (outer Baduy). The Baduy Dalam tribes are not allowed to wear footwear and only wear white color clothing, while their kin at Baduy Luar wear black clothing. All clothings were hand sewn. The Baduy Luar people are those who have left Baduy Dalam, and once left, they are not allowed to return. The Baduy Luar have the benefits of using technologies but remained strict in following other traditions. Up to a few years ago, Baduy ... read more

YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE IT - RECOMMENDED - THEN GO BACK TO THE BLOG OR GO THROUGH THE 67 PHOTOS - CLICK ON NEXT OR PREVIOUS IN THAT ENLARGED FORMAT. I PUT LOTS OF INFORMATION IN THE PHOTO CAPTIONS SO YOU CAN SKIP THE NARRATIVE, JUST LOOK AT THE ENLARGED PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS AND YOU'LL STILL GET MORE INFORMATION THAN YOU EVER WANTED. TO RETURN TO THE BLOG ENTRY, CLICK YOUR BACK BUTTON OR ON THE NAME OF THE BLOG - BELOW THE NUMBERS ON THE LEFT. As you have probably figured out, these travel blogs are a way for Bernard and me to keep track of our adventures. I can't tell you how many times we've referred to one of our over 70 travel blogs looking for various details, maps, dates, ... read more