Trekkers in Nepal who don’t have the luxury of time—or the luxury of a budget that allows them to charter a helicopter deep into the mountains—have many options for shorter Himalayan treks that get right into the mountains and off the beaten path. However, finding information on these can be

The bus ran along the route between Kathmandu and Syabru Besi, the starting point for several treks in the Langtang region. I could see bottomless ravines that opened deep down the valley, while the rudimentary coach we were traveling in slowly braved the tight bends of the road. At one

The crystal clear still water of Gosaikunda Lake in Langtang National Park is a well known destination in Rasuwa District for trekkers and pilgrims alike. Gosaikunda, “Holy Lake of the Lord of Senses.” A ‘kunda’ is not any kind of lake, but actually refers to the holy dipping tank at

I couldn’t sleep at all. It often happened before a big ascent. I was too excited. Only about a year earlier I was summiting my first 4000 metre peak, and learned that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. I decided to push them further every time.

An acclimatization day on the Everest Base Camp Trek, as on any trek at high altitude, is essential for a successful trip. Even physically fit people must ascend slowly, so as not to risk getting altitude sickness. On the Everest Base Camp trek, two to three acclimatization days are factored

A little bit up. A little bit down. A little bit over past that town. This is, in its simplest form, an explanation of what it is like to trek in Nepal. Not only are you walking a little bit up and a little bit down, but your emotions will

Not everyone is lucky enough to see the Valley of Flowers in full bloom. First of all, as a high-altitude inner Himalayan valley, it remains inaccessible and under snow for most of the year. Second, it is not an easy trek—not just because of its altitude (around 3,500 metres above

“Alright, 50 more steps and then you can rest. 1, 2, 3…” For the past 4 hours, my thoughts have been dominated by counting my steps and controlling my breathing. Every time my legs get too tired to go further, I pause, look around, and enjoy the view. The sun

Arunachal Pradesh, a state in India’s far east, is one of the least explored regions of India. There are only 11 marked tourist trails in Arunachal Pradesh, places where tourists are allowed to venture. Everyone, including Indians from other parts of the country, must have entry permits to travel here. But

Early on a summer morning, I woke up from my bed in Sauraha, a village on the edge of the Chitwan National Park. Eight of us, all slightly petrified, all majorly excited, were headed out on a walking safari experience in the core jungle area of Chitwan. We walked past a sleeping Tharu