Oh where do I start? I am sitting at Kathmandu airport reflecting on so many wonderful experiences we have had whilst in Nepal. Steve and I had booked this trip as our annual honeymoon.

Being very much a people’s person I am struck by the genuine and happy Nepalese people. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world – well in wealth terms. They are very rich in culture, have great family values, are very warm and everyone’s smiles radiate sunshine.

Our journey began by white water rafting on the Seti river grade 2 rapids, and the first day was not fast enough for me. A wonderful night at Seti tented camp followed by more white water rafting. We went to a wonderful lodge called Tiger Tops in the heart of Chitwan to commence a 2 day safari – a mix of going on the river to spot crocodiles, walking and jeep safaris and my own personal favourite elephant safaris, going through tall reeds called elephant grass, There were many Rhinos, wild boar, deer and abundant bird life. I became cynical about the elusive tiger – believing that the tiger footprints were a set up. Joy of joys on the last morning we saw a Tiger, resplendent in status and colour King of the Nepalese jungle. It wasn’t a glimpse either, we observed him/her for over 10 minutes. Bjay our agent in Nepal had to have photographic proof as he has been 30 times to Chitwan and never seen a Tiger.

If a safari in Nepal appeals to you I would really recommend that you do it in 2011. All the lodges within the park are planned to close in 2012 and whilst you will still be able to come into the park each day there is something very special about staying overnight in the heart of the jungle.

It was with some trepidation that we commenced our trek. Had the 3 months of training paid off? We were told that the second day we would climb some 8000 steps – a real nuisance if you loose count at 7500 and have to start walking and counting all over again! The first day is a breeze – a 3 hour stroll and I think a chance for the guide to assess your ability. Apparently after a wonderful night at the first lodge – Sanctuary lodge, Robin our guide saw my nervousness about the 8000 steps and decided to take me up a different route to Gangtok and to our second night stay at the Himalaya Lodge. It was such a wonderful trek – we saw only the village people and no other trekkers. We had such a diversity of different terrains to walk on and could just enjoy the wonderful scenery around. I had warned Robin at our trek briefing that I wanted to do it really slowly. I think an all time record of being the slowest trekker they had ever had but it didn’t matter to me as it was the way I knew I would most enjoy doing it. Anyway for those that know me I wasn’t build for speed! As if we hadn’t had enough highlights already – after dinner at Gangtok we came outside to see the Annapurna Mountain illuminated by the full moon. A view and a moment I will never forget.

Our trek finished in the morning of the 4^th day, and it was with great sadness we left.  There is such a draw to the majestic hills and mountains. I will be back to do the Annapurna Base camp, the trekking bug is there now! Our journey ended at the most unique and beautiful Dwaikas Hotel in Kathmandu was where we ended our trip.

If you love nature and activity this is the perfect holiday for you. A 10 day trip; a life time of memories. We saw a great variety of people and ages doing this from a 6 year old boy to a woman who was 80!

My personal preference would be to trek independently and not with a group. I think people have varied abilities and interests whilst trekking. The freedom to trek at our own speed, stop when we wanted and not feel any concerns of going too fast or in my case too slow adds immensely to the pleasure. Oh my gosh, I have gone on, there is just so much I want to tell you but more so would hope that you have a taste of what Nepal offers and that we at Bales and Nepal can welcome you on your 2011 holiday

Speak again soon

Mandy

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Mandy endeavours to share her travel experiences (where she will 'tell it like it is') and also detail the latest exciting projects that she is involved in. Mandy welcomes your feedback - please feel free to submit your thoughts, queries, comments and theories below.