why Nepal?

My romance and fascination with mountains began back in 2009, when I was invited to climb Kilimanjaro with an old and dear friend from Cape Town. What an experience! On the way down, I jokingly said "that was amazing-what next?" It was suggested that I do Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Andes

At just under 7000m, it is a further 1000m up in the sky. So, in 2011, I set off to Argentina, to climb it. The weather had other ideas and when we were only one day off the summit, we were forced back down to base camp and then ran out of time, never making it to the top. 

I was in awe of this incredible mountain- it is the highest mountain in the world, outside of Asia! Top 20, surely. Nope, not even close! it is number 189. 

And that is why I simply had to see the Himalayas. The 188 highest mountains are all in this region, (including the Karakoram ).

And when I got to Nepal, they did not disappoint. I was blown away. That first time, hiking up to Everest Base Camp, is also where I struck up my friendship with Bikash and Kami. I knew I would be back. I simply had to.

I loved the challenge of EBC, so varied and dramatic. In 2022, I returned to Nepal and trekked  the Langtang valley- wow oh wow! More pretty than EBC and engenders a feeling of being somewhere really special.

In 2023, I went back, and this time, trekked up to Annapurna base camp. Another incredible route.

It's clear to see that I am hooked. Each trip has been epic in its own unique

way and I have no doubt that the others will be just as special.

I don't know what it is, but something draws you back here time and again. Maybe it's the mountain peaks- so high up in the sky, it strains your neck to look at them. Or maybe it's the fact that I can throw my camera up in the air and it will capture something amazing. Or maybe it's the people, so easy-going and happy and warm, always smiling, never moaning. 

I don't know-come see for yourself.

Paul