One more night!

Well I have less than 15 minutes to type & post.

Kathmandu is a different city than we arrived. Due to the Maoists and the strike there are no vehicles on the street and no shops open. Only people and bikes. It is very quiet without all the honking and the air is definitely easier to breathe. From some sources, it does not sound like that the strike will end in the near future. It is too bad as the people need to get to work, sell things, provide services so they can make money as they have so little to begin with. Some shops risk doing business but most are closed. There is no school. We had to walk over an hour to get to the airport in Pokhara yesterday. We sent our bags by bikes and went later on foot. It has been around 30C temperature so it is quite hot. We have had thunderstorms so it is quite humid.

I leave for home tomorrow and am looking forward to it. I think we have a way to the airport as tourist buses are allowed to operate. Very interesting times. Hope it stays non-violent and that a resolution can be made.

Looking forward to home...

Linda

Rock climbing and strikes...

Pokhara is a wonderful city. Quite different than Kathmandu. Wonderful places to eat and some good hiking. Yesterday we went on a boat ride around Fewa Lake and it was quite hot out on the water. Walking back to the 3 Sisters Guest House we stopped at a great restaurant. There were demonstrations in the city yesterday with the Maoists. Today all shops etc are supposed to be closed but if you look hard enough it is possible to find the odd internet cafe that lets you through a side door!

Today we were taken to the 3 Sisters "Empowering Women of Nepal" (EWN) building where they train women to become guides, porters, office workers etc. so they have opportunities in Nepal. It is quite impressive. They also support 20 children who do not have the opportunity to go to school in their current situation. Parents are unable to work due to disabilities etc. These children are treated as family and it is wonderful. Due to the strikes, the schools are closed so I am not sure if I am able to visit any more schools while in Nepal. I will leave the last of my donations towards this children's home that is providing the chance for children who would otherwise be working in the fields or at home. And the supplies I have I will leave with Dikki of the 3 sisters to make sure it gets to the two schools that these children attend. It is very heartwarming. We were able to meet some of the children today.

We also met some of the young women who are training to be guides. After the presentation of EWN and the children's home, we went on what we thought was a short hike but my definition of short is a little different than our leaders!! We were treated to a rock climbing demonstration where these three women showed us their abilities on the flat face of rock. Then our group was asked if we wanted to try it. So....... the opportunity was there and I seized it. I could not make it to the top but I was able to climb higher than what I ever imagined. When I came back down, I was on top of the world. It was the most amazing thing to do something that I thought was way out of my league. Pam took some pictures for me so I do have proof!! It is harder than it looks. My legs were shaking and when I could not find the next two hand and leg spots I did not want to go further. Coming down was a lot of fun and doing that would spur me to go further next time!!

Well, we should be heading back to Kathmandu tomorrow if all goes well. I think things are able to be open and run between 6 and 8 both morning and evening. But maybe these are just rumours.

I am starting to think of home more and more as the time draws nearer. Trees budding, perennials popping up, tulips blooming, soccer games going on in the parks. Soon...

Linda

Namaste!!

Hello again!!
The trek was absolutely fantastic. It was wonderful to get out of Kathmandu and get into the quieter parts of Nepal. We had a two day delay in starting out so we stayed in Nepalgunj for those days. One day we just experienced the city and the next day we went to Dardia National Park. Both great experiences. The first delay was due to rain in Juphal. The runway there is dirt so with rain planes are unable to land! The second day was delayed due to the Minister of Tourism needing the plane to go elsewhere... However, we did make it to Juphal and was able to continue on our trek as was originally planned - some changes in camping sites.

I loved being in the Dolpo region. Not a lot of tourists/trekkers. We definitely were a curiosity to some of the people. We were invited into some of the homes to experience their most generous hospitality by making/serving tea or chang (spelling?) which is a very potent local beer made from scratch and tested right in front of us. I acquired a taste for yak butter tea!! Yes I am sure I will need my cholesterol level checked once I get home. For those who know of my "little" appetite, you will know it definitely was with me for the entire trek. I now need to watch what I eat as I am not as active and can imagine how easy it will be to gain weight! Our cook, Sengey was fantastic. He sure could teach me a thing or two about making meals. Dikki was our guide and she was training Lalu during this trek. Then we had Shantaram and Ita who made sure we were up each morning with our tea and basin of hot water and made sure our tents were set up each night. They were so important in making sure we all made it to our destination by helping out in such big ways to support fellow trekkers. Then we had our porters - Mr. X, Sargen, Anil. I think I have everyone. We had a jobba train which are a cross between a cow and a yak so we had a jobba master as well. All these people made our trek run as smoothly as possible. We trekked to 3800m and stayed one day at Phoksundo Lake (3600m). We all made it. I notice someone asking about the food. I did have an adjustment period which thankfully lasted only about 2 days. I was always hungry - surprise surprise!! - so even during this time it was so hard to only eat the more bland foods. I definitely can eat spicier foods than what I had in the past and quite enjoy them. There was mostly vegetarian foods so when I get home I think a steak sandwich may hit the spot!

I was able to visit four schools so far and leave donations/supplies. I hope to visit two schools while in Pokhara. Today is Saturday - Holy Day - so there is no school today. We will be heading out on a hike later this morning and have lunch by the lake.

It is time to sign off - I found a nice internet cafe where I don't have to watch the minutes but breakfast is in about 15 minutes so I better head back.

There is some activity with the Maoists going on in Nepal right now so going back to Kathmandu could be interesting. We are here in Pokhara for two more nights. I'll see what happens and keep you posted.

Linda

Pre-Trek Check In

Namaste!
I am now more rested and definitely feeling more at ease on the streets of Nepal. I went out today to find a skirt and must have looked like I belong as I did not get approached very often for buying things or to go in a rickshaw or for a taxi. When I said no thanks, they left me alone. Much different experience the last couple days! Even going into shops. If I did not find what I wanted all was good. I did not feel the pressure of buying something just because I picked it up.

Yesterday morning I went for a rickshaw ride - all by myself. This is an open little two wheeled carriage pulled by a man on a bicycle. First the price for the services was negotiated then began the interesting ride. As I mentioned before, the streets are very busy. I did a little video of my ride so I can show my boys a little of what it is like. I was taken around where there were temples and all through where there were shops. The children do not go to school on Saturday (the only day) so there were lots of children out and about also. And again, horns were honking and vehicles and motorcycles scooting in and out. I did get used to it and enjoy the action in the streets. Late morning, our group - Sharon, Joyce, Bev, Pam, Rod and myself - went to Bhaktapur. This is an ancient site and there is an 8th (if I remember correctly) century castle plus temples. There was a downpour just as we were leaving which cooled down the air. It is very hot and muggy in Kathmandu. Very smoggy. So anytime it rains it feels good.

Last night we were taken for dinner by Dicky and her nieces. Dicky is one of the sisters who is part of 3sister trekking company. It was a fantastic Nepalese meal. I enjoyed it very much. I have been a little sick but I believe it is mostly due to my body getting used to the spices. I guess I am a very bland cook!! My stomach is more settled now which is good since we are heading out on our flight to Nepalganj this afternoon. We will leave for Juphal tomorrow and trek to Dunai. It will be great to get into the country where it will be quieter and there will be fresher air. I love it here. The people are very warm. Some parts will get a little more time to get used to - it is not the cleanest and along the river it is very disgusting - the sights and smells...

I am thinking my internet time is almost up and will shut down on me so I will post. I will not have access now for about 10 days.

It is good to hear from you those who are able to post a message!! Just a note that Saskatchewan is 12 hours less 15 minutes behind Nepal time.

Linda

Hello from Nepal!!

We are here in Kathmandu and the streets are always busy. There are dogs, cows, motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, trucks and of course people everywhere. It is amazing. Ducks in houses! Horns are honking all the time, the driving absolutely crazy!! There is noise and action at all hours of the day & night. You can not go anywhere without being approached to buy this or that but after awhile you get used to it and decide if you want to go out there or stay within the gardens of the Kathmandu Guesthouse! I am loving my time so far.

We went to see the sun rise over Everest today but it was cloudy so no sighting of the highest mountain in the world. After that we hiked for about 12 km through various villages in the country side from Nagarkot to Sanku. In between these two places I found a school and was able to go into the classrooms. The children are very welcoming and when I took pictures the students did the bunny ear thing that happens at home. The school is K to 8 with 250 students and only 2 teachers!! I was able to leave a donation at this school which hopefully will help them out as they are having some financial difficulties. I did not notice paper or pencils on the students desks. Rooms are small and the students side by side. Children are happy and in great spirits and very polite to the stranger from Canada...

I don't have too many minutes left for internet use plus we were up at 4am to go to see the sunrise that did not happen so I will sign off shortly. However, the trekking in the mountains that we did do was the best experience and is just a little insight as to what to expect in my days to come. Aside from being tired from the early morning, my body is ready for the next part of my journey.

Good night! It is almost 10p here so my 18 hour day needs to come to a close.
Linda

Check, Check

Sleeping bag check
Thermarest check
First Aid Kit check
Clothes check
Passport check
Nerves of steel hmmmmm
Tax returns done? just printed off
Last minute instructions for pet & plants so they survive while I am away... on deaf ears (plants will come back and pet will make noise so all should be good on return!)

The list could go on and on but I have to say I made a list tonight for purchasing three (only three!!! Possibly only two) more items and I will be ready to head out. I have to admit I was quite anxious two weeks ago but in the midst of all the things that needed to get checked off my lists, I took two hours to watch "Mr. Holland's Opus" (I loved this movie) right after lunch then went out for dinner with some wonderful friends that night. That settled me down even when I was worried about the wrong title on my airline ticket (fixed very easily by my travel agent) and about the weight of my pack and having all necessary items (all worked out) plus making the "to do" list smaller (some things will just have to wait). Since that fantastic Friday, I have been as cool as a cucumber (mostly) and I have actually been enjoying my preparation - even teaching the boys how to budget at the grocery store (just in case) and picking up all the mail (personal, company, hockey, soccer)! They will be fine (even if things are not done my way!) and this will be such a good experience for me to really let go. And things will get done (or maybe not); who knows? maybe our home will be in better order and cleaner upon my return... When I am in Nepal among the Nepalese and the mountains, I will hopefully learn there are more important things to dwell on. To take each moment as it comes. To live in the moment here and now...

Well, two more sleeps so I better sign off and let the first of those sleeps begin.

Linda

Spot Tracker

If you check out the blog link on the left (under "My Blog List") it will take you to another blog that will update our location during our time in Nepal. For more information, click on the link.

Linda

Map of Nepal

The trek will be in Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Kathmandu is the red circle with star in it and Pokhara is north west of Kathmandu.

TECHNICAL BITS

Here is the itinerary:

Ø April 12 fly out of Vancouver to Kathmandu, Nepal via Hong Kong
Ø April 14 arrive in Kathmandu; stay 3 days
Ø April 15 day in Kathmandu
Ø April 16 day trip to Baktaphur (ancient site)
Ø April 17 day trip to Nagarot (sunrise over Everest)
Ø April 18 leave Kathmandu for Trekking Destination
Ø April 19 – 26 Trekking
Ø April 27 return to Kathmandu
Ø April 28 rest
Ø April 29 travel by bus to Pokhara
Ø April 30, May 1 & 2 Pokhara
Ø May 3 return to Kathmandu
Ø May 4 Kathmandu
Ø May 5 leave for home
Ø May 6 arrive home

Itinerary for the Shey Phoksumdo Lake Circuit (Dolpa) Camping Trek:

Ø April 18 Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (by flight); stay in guest house or hotel
Ø April 19 Fly to Dolpa (Juphal) trek to Dunai, exploring/acclimatization day
Ø April 20 Dunai to Chepka (2670m)
Ø April 21 Chepka to Renje (3010m)
Ø April 22 Renje to Phoksumdo Lake
Ø April 23 rest day at Phoksumdo Lake (3600m)
Ø April 24 Phoksumdo Lake to Samduwa
Ø April 25 Samduwa to Hanke (2660m)
Ø April 26 Hanke to Juphal
Ø April 27 Juphal to Nepalganj to Kathmandu (by flights)

This is only a guideline and may change due to local conditions but it will give a good idea of our whereabouts. I am estimating that it is 18 – 20 km one way (hard to tell with the twists & turns) then we go back on the same route and stop at different places for our campsite. I believe the highest altitude we will be reaching is about 4400m by Phoksumdo Lake. We are camping (tenting) along the way and have porters to carry our large packs. This is for safety reasons and also it provides much needed employment for the Nepalese.

I have posted a map in the previous entry. If you click on the map, it zooms in pretty good. The red trail is what we will be on from Juphal (lower left part of the map) to the point by Phoksumdo Lake then we loop back. I have been finding out that spelling of words varies so you may see Phoksundo Lake, also. Or Dolpa instead of Dolpo. The elevation is marked on some of the hamlets/villages/peaks.

I am part of a group organized by Sharon F.; there will be five women and one man on this trek plus a guide, Sherpa, chef, porters. Three sisters have formed a company in Pokhara called “3 Sisters Adventure Trekking” and will be leading this trek. They also run a guesthouse with a restaurant which is where we will be staying after the trek. I have been emailing these women to get information in regards to the needs of school children in Pokhara, where their guesthouse is located.

I appreciate all the well wishes, thoughts, prayers, excitement, concerns and support so many have conveyed to me. There are many risks with this type of quest but there are more rewards. I have just read about avalanches that have occurred close to the Tapriza School in early March, one of which has killed a student and many yak. We may be trekking in some snow but the weather will be much milder so it should be better while we are there. Monsoon season is later as summer arrives. There are food concerns, also but the best defence is being informed and being prepared. Helicopter rescue insurance is a requirement to be able to join the trekking group. High altitude sickness is a major factor due to the lack of oxygen as we ascend. From my reading I have learned that there is half as much oxygen at Everest base camp (5380m) than at sea level. At the top of Everest (8840m), there is one-third the oxygen than at sea level. There is nothing that can predetermine if the higher altitude will affect someone. The best thing is to ascend slowly. Some people take medication that helps with lower oxygen levels at high altitude. We are trekking to about 4400m maximum.

I am trying to be more practical as to my approach on helping out the schools and I am getting as much information ahead of time on how supplies are transported, since the hardest part will be getting the supplies to where I would love to see them go. I will take what I can in my daypack without compromising the necessary items I must take and if there is room in my large pack with my clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc, I will put as much as I can up to the weight restrictions. I will most likely take limited supplies, purchase some while in Pokhara and give a cash donation to the organizers of the schools so they can purchase the supplies that they need. Getting supplies to Nepal is easy; the difficult part for me would be on the buses, planes and trek within the country. The Tapriza School is located very close to Phoksumdo Lake, which is the furthest point we trek before looping back.

I will have access to computers in Kathmandu and Pokhara so I hope to update my journey during those times before and after my trek. I have been warned that there are frequent power outages so it could be an adventure in itself!

Linda

Lower Dolpo Map

REACHING OUT
Namaste.

I started on a journey about a year ago when I made a decision to go on a pilgrimage in the Himalayas in Nepal – the Dolpo region. I have been training by taking exercise classes, going to boot camps, reading about Nepal & the Himalayas and being active with my family, Lyle, Jesse and Colin. It is my goal to be physically fit so I can take in everything each step of the way without being left behind!! While this is something for “me”, I would like to reach out and help others since I am going to one of the poorest countries in the world. Jesse and Colin thought we could help out other children. I have been emailing a woman in Pokhara, Nepal and she said not all children go to school as they stay at home helping their parents take care of younger brothers and sisters or they have to work hard in the fields. And they need the courage to go. It is our goal to give them a boost by providing some much needed supplies to the school when I get the opportunity to spend a few days in Pokhara after the trek. We believe this will give them some encouragement that people halfway around the world are thinking of them. We are now finding information on the Tapriza School that is in the northwestern part of Nepal in the remote Dolpo region where I will be trekking. This school provides education from Kindergarten to Class 10 for children from hamlets in the area. It is a long way to walk each day, so the children actually live at the school. It is my goal to seek out this school, as they are very welcoming of trekkers, and give a donation to assist these children as well. I will be leaving on April 12 and returning May 6 so I will be immersed in the culture and people of Nepal for a few weeks.

My boys and I have decided to let others know that they are welcome to make any contribution to this mission and then in April we will purchase some supplies for the Nepalese school children. I will also be able to purchase supplies while in Pokhara as I can only take so much on the plane plus it will contribute to their economy. We have decided that I would take only basic supplies, as the “fancier” items would only be able to be used by a few children and we want honour their approach of preventing inequality.


This is a very exciting opportunity for me and I appreciate all the moral support I am receiving.

Thank you!!


Linda, Lyle, Jesse & Colin