Kongma La 18,159ft / 5,535m, Cho La 17,782ft / 5,420m & Renjo La 17,930ft / 5,465m – trekking across three elevated passes is incredibly a challenging and fascinating Himalayan trekking that caters the best of cultural and natural aspects of eminent Everest Region. Three Pass Trek in Everest Region is probably one of the most challenging treks in Nepal that most of the times take you to the region above 4500m in the wilderness of Himalayan Region dominated by the world’s highest peaks including Everest.

Meant for adrenaline hungry experienced trekkers, the Three Pass Trek begins with the thrilling Trans Himalayan flight to the airstrips of Lukla. An alternative but tougher trail that leads trekkers to Everest Base Camp across Kongma La Pass, Three Passes Trek not only highlights the major landmarks that fall in classic Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail; it also caters opportunities to conquer all the major viewpoints of Everest Region like Chukkung Ri, Kalapattar and Gokyo Ri, from where the beauty of Himalayas simply resembles the imaginary snowy land described in fairy tales. The cultural encounters at the villages that has unique and authentic Sherpa culture and the highland monasteries nestling at the foothills of towering Himalayan peaks are the bonus rewards of the trek. The trek that allows opportunities to capture the images of mesmerizing Everest Landscapes also offers chances to sight the endangered floral and faunal species prospering in the ideal habitats inside Sagarmatha National Park.

Recently, a solo trekker Ms. Maria Hendrika Van Horen from Netherlands undertook the challenging Everest Three Passes Trek. A very happy trekker, Hendrika expressed few beautiful lines regarding the trek before she headed off for another intriguing trek to Dolpo in Nepal.

 Eh: Overall Trek experience

“It was very good. I really enjoyed it. It was beautiful; mountains were beautiful, people were beautiful. We had good weather and hence we could do all the passes. We went to different tops like Chhukung Ri, Kalapattar and Gokyo Ri. We were a lot high in the mountains and the experience was wonderful.”

Eh: Best thing about Everest

“I liked the mountains, which were spectacular. The culture in the lower region was great and the facilities catered throughout the trek, were wonderful.”

Eh: Trek safety in Everest Region after the Quake

“It is safe. To me it looked like every trekking trail of Everest Region is safe to trek. All the bridges were okay. There were some damages in the teahouses in certain villages and everybody is repairing them. We could always stay in safe places that had no problem at all.”

Eh: Traveling solo in Nepal

“I didn’t find any sort of challenges traveling solo in Nepal; rather it is easier to travel solo in Nepal than many other countries across the world. However, when trekking higher in the Himalayas, it is more fun to be with other people or join the group undertaking the same trek. Nevertheless, it is hard to find the trekking partner because it low trekking season in Nepal and after the quake not many travelers have visited Nepal.”

Eh: Areas we could improve to cater better services

“I am really happy. I got good information before we started the trek and the briefing was wonderful. The quality of your office is great. The guide to be honest who really makes the difference during the trek, Megh (trek guide) did a great job. He told us a lot about Nepal and Himalayas. He chose a good place to sleep. He made sure we were safe. We could always talk to him about shortening the trip or the day trip or make it bit longer so that we could overnight in a better place. It was always good to negotiate with him. The service was great before and after the trek, though I came back in a very different time. I don’t think the company needs to improve in any area. You people did a great job.”

Eh: Anything you wished had been better

“I wish the flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla had been on the scheduled time. I waited couple of days in Lukla to fly back to Kathmandu because; the weather was not clear enough and hence no flight could fly back to Kathmandu. However, this is understandable.”

Eh: Trekking in Nepal after the quake

“Nepal and Everest Region is safe to trek. It is as beautiful as it was before. Anybody who loves the culture of Nepal in combination with mountains should travel to Nepal. For example, my friends back home think Nepal is not yet safe country to travel. They think roads are unsafe, trekking trails have been hindered heavily and the hotels to accommodate are not in good shape, which are not true at all. People in the west now consider that Nepal is in miserable condition, where people still live in the tents, but I did not see anything like that. My message is that Nepal has become normal and the beautiful country with beautiful people deserves more travelers than ever. Himalayas are the best mountain ranges and if anyone who likes trekking and climbing should travel to Nepal. There is plenty of trekking options hard trek like the one I did or the easy treks for novice trekkers; Nepal caters many easy treks as well.”

The adventurous trail to Langtang

Langtang Trek initiates 19miles away from Kathmandu at Syabru Besi. It is one of the shortest approaches to snowy mountains. One can explore the ethnic Tamang villages, lust green forests and snowy peak surrounded in Kyangjin valley during the trek. Langtang Trek offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of mountains from an elevation of 4350m at Kyangjin Ri.

A native awaits to welcome

Recently, a student group of 15 from Hong Kong, Great Britain and Canada led by their tutors Ms. Donna Gee and Mr. David Ensor were with us for the Volunteering Holiday in Nepal. The holiday that took them to Langtang Valley supported schools and a health post of the trail. Here we have a trip report on the group’s Langtang Trek.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Khamjing

The first day’s schedule was a drive to Khamjing via Syabru Besi. After the breakfast, the team exit out of Kathmandu along the serpentine Highway.  After a long drive of almost a whole day, the team was tired. So without any further activities on that day, the day was concluded. They spent the night camping at a local school premises at Khamjing.

Beautiful kids of Langtang Region, yet underprivilged

Day 2: Khamjing to Lama Hotel

After the breakfast, the team donated NRS 75, 000 to repair the water tank pipes and paint the school to Shree Nepal Rastriya Prathamik School. Receiving the donation amount the principal of the school Mr. Temba Tamang was delighted and thankful to our valued guests. The team also contributed some sports items and stationeries to the school. The team was also involved in some sort games with the students of the school. This school currently has 16 students.

After 2 hours of program in the school, the team started their trekking again. On the way, at Sherpagaun, the team had their lunch. After the lunch, the team hiked to Lama Hotel where they spent the night after a long tiring day of walking.

Helping others always brings the smile that worths millions

 Day 3: Lama Hotel to Langtang

After the breakfast, the team continued their Langtang trekking towards Ghode tabela. The team had to walk all over the day as they only rested on Ghode Tabela where they had their lunch. At the end of Day 3 the student group arrived at Langtang .

Walking along the shadows of Himalayas- to Mundu

Donating life-saving medical equipments in Langtang

Day 4: Morning hike to Mundu and trek to Ghumti

After the breakfast, the students on volunteering tour to Nepal donated medical equipments worth Rs.40000 to a local health post in Langtang. They also donated sports equipment to a local school- Shree Nepal Rastriya School. After the program, except three members of the group others had short hiking of 2 hours to Mundu and back to Langtang. Because of the altitude sickness few students suffered, the group had to abandon their plans of trekking to Kyangjin Gompa. Hence, after the hike to Mundu the student group had their lunch at Langtang and began their trek on the retracing trail towards Ghumti. Ghumti is a beautiful riverside spot on the Langtang Trekking trail, where the group spent a night.

Playground in the Himalayas

Day 5: Ghumti to Syabru Besi

This day was all scheduled for walking. The team hiked all day until they reached Syabru Besi. They had their lunch at Bamboo on the way. After a tiring day, they spent the night at Syabru Besi.

The following day they drove back to Kathmandu and enjoyed the cultural farewell dinner at Hotel Shangri-La and the day after they departed back home.

Langtang Trek- the camera does not rest

After the conclusion of the trek in Nepal, Ms. Donna Gee the group leader said few beautiful lines about their trek to Langtang.

The best memory of my trip was Langtang village. It has been a remarkable trekking alongside the most unique opportunity to connect with very memorable and inspiring people.

Explore Himalaya’s meeting and handling was perfect and timely. I feel it was well taken care of. The hotel were all fantastic with good food. The guide was very helpful. The staffs were remarkable. The transport was excellent even during in rough conditions.

Without a doubt, I would recommend this trip and the service of Explore Himalaya. Thank you for this unforgettable experience.

 

The group poses for the group photo

Lesley Magill, writer and photographer of the article

Seven years ago I traveled to the most foreign country I have ever visited.  I was a stranger to it with no idea what to expect or how it would make me feel.  I confess that on arrival at the chaotic airport and during the frenzied drive to the hotel, I wondered if I had made a mistake.  I stayed for only three weeks yet seven years on I still feel a tug in my heart and sense of longing whenever I think of it.  That foreign place made its way into my heart. That place is Nepal.

To hear of the devastating earthquakes, with implications that will last for years to come, was to worry and to grieve for those who have lost all, for those who must struggle on, and for those who must pull together to rebuild the unique nation. But rebuild it they will.

 You don’t need to look far to see the resilience in the Nepalese people.  Numerous live in remote villages accessible only by walking trails as narrow, rocky and steep as goat’s tracks.  To get anything and everything to their villages it must be carried. 

Sometimes a sturdy-footed animal can make the trip, other times a human has to carry the load.  Seeing a stooped-over man carrying a solid wood dining table on his back up an endlessly steep, rocky, winding track for hours on end is a sight to behold, and one of many similar sights on any given day.

 The Nepalese are hardworking and they have an honesty, generosity, happiness and simplicity (in the kindest of respects) that stays with you.

Whether working in a shop in the heart of the bustling city, guiding me safely along my trek, welcoming me into their homes or accommodating me in tea-houses in the highest passes of the Himalayas, the people made me feel very welcome and never failed to bring a smile to my face.

 Visiting Nepal is about much more than ticking off the tourist attractions – simply being there is an experience in itself.

From the sites of the majestic mountains and crystal clear lakes to the chaotic sounds of the city, to the ancient history, deep-felt culture, wonderful people and more, Nepal is one of those unique destinations that can offer travellers a trip of a lifetime.

 In a country that depends heavily on tourism, one of the simplest ways to help get them back on their feet is to let your feet do the walking.

Travel Nepal after the earthquake so that you bring new money into a country that needs it. You give people the chance to go back to work. You give businesses the chance to rebuild.  You give a country the chance to show that its doors are open and that it will rise again.

Of course, be sure to do your research before travelling and book through a reputable agency that has a good handle on the most up to date information and advice. While there are damaged areas that should be avoided, many places including some of the main tourist attractions and regions remain intact, safe and as beautiful as before.

Lesley Magill, Adelaide, Australia

Travel Directors, “An Adventure Tour Specialist” ,which is an Australian based company and Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure , one of the leading travel agent in Nepal had a tour to inspect the status of UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu.

Mr. Tony Evans- the representative of Travel Directors expresses on Nepal after the exploration:

Tony Evans an experienced tour leader and a close friend to Explore Himalaya in Nepal after the quake, Holding the Nepalese flag….

 I am very  closer to Nepal in many ways, I give my heartfelt condolence to all the people who have lost their life and personally will do everything possible to help and rebuild Nepal.

I think with every destruction like this comes a great opportunity to rebuild and create a new foundation for something much more greater.

Nepal has always been a peaceful country  and the people have always been kind to me, i would be very happy to see “Nepal Rise Again”.

Mr. Evans with Mr. Suman Pandey and his team of Explore Himalaya

Recently, Mr. Sudeep Pagedar from Mumbai volunteered in Nepal as a research & documentation officer at Panchakanya V.D.C., Nuwakot. He’s done his Masters of Arts in Disaster management. After the quake hit on Nepal, he somehow managed to come to Nepal to contribute his disaster management skills through an organization “Doctors for You” which was supported by “PATA Nepal Chapter”. Here he shares his first ever international disaster response experience.

“Overcoming all the challenges to serve the community that was in need was the only factor that boosted me continuously to undertake this rare opportunity.”

A guy like me living in Mumbai coming to Nepal in this situation was a huge decision. Before coming to Nepal I knew Kathmandu and Mt. Everest which was the whole picture of Nepal for me. I had lived in a village before but not for 10 continuous days in a disaster condition. Everything was a challenge. Getting to an isolated village across devastated mountainous roads, being cut off with all technology that connected me to my home and the uncertainty of disaster that could hit back any time were nerve racking experiences. However, overcoming all the challenges to serve the community that was in need was the only factor that boosted me continuously to undertake this rare opportunity.

“The best thing about Nepalese is that they dare to cater extraordinary hospitality to visitors of any sorts despite the awful conditions they are in.”

During the time I worked at Panchakanya I got inter-connected with the place and people over there. We were outsiders still we never felt that. The best thing about Nepalese is that they dare to cater extraordinary hospitality to visitors of any sorts despite the awful conditions they are in.

“When needed you need to give up everything that’s been your life and do something. But one thing is for sure it will give you that satisfaction which you won’t be finding anywhere else, not even in the most luxurious clubs of Mumbai, Delhi or Kathmandu.”

The most important thing I’d like to say to any potential volunteer: “When needed you need to give up everything that’s been your life and do something. But one thing is for sure it will give you that satisfaction which you won’t be finding anywhere else, not even in the most luxurious clubs of Mumbai, Delhi or Kathmandu. That’s the kind of high you get! But you’re not doing it for the high, you’re doing it because it needs to be done and the high is just the side effect.” IT’S NOT EASY BUT IT’S WORTH IT!  But before coming you need to have some genuine skills to offer and I believe everyone has something to offer.

“When you start volunteering you move beyond your organization and yourself and then you become a part of the community.”

This is a message to all the people “if you want to do something you can always find the ways to do it. Volunteering might not be paid. For a guy like me if I do the same thing elsewhere I’ll make some money. But this volunteering itself is a payment. I can use this experience in future which will be beneficial for me. While you are working you need to have the sense of ownership. When you start volunteering you move beyond your organization and yourself and then you become a part of the community.

“So if you want to do it- do it! If you can do it- do it! Just don’t think you can’t do it!”

At last, It’s not an easy decision to come to a disaster zone to volunteer, but at the end when you’re done with it and you go back, you realize that you small role you  has made a big difference. Plus, whoever comes to Nepal right now, they’ve got a huge opportunity. They will be in the frontline of building an entire nation in every way. Nepal is an ideal place to work, especially in the development sectors where you will get to learn a lot of things. So if you want to do it- do it! If you can do it- do it! Just don’t think you can’t do it!

A random guy from Mumbai did it; I urge every professionals of Nepal and around the world, give it a try. Trust me the happiness you see in the faces of the survivors is the priceless payment that values more than anything else.