Heading back toward Thimphu we stopped for tea at the 108 stupas, sporting some 10,000 feet above sea level. We keep hoping our bodies adjust to the daily ups and downs in altitude but still some of us struggle, feeling nauseous, winded or fatigued after walking just a few meters to the cafe. There is…
After three weeks, three countries, 40 miles of trekking through the Himalayas, and being on the go sunup to sundown, I decided some self care was in order so I stayed at the hotel to rest today while the group went on their excursion. Our lodging, Hotel Pema Karpo in Wangdue, was a lovely respite…
On your way from Thimphu to Punakha, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you will see the world’s tallest (169 feet) Buddha statue. Made of bronze, the Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha sits high on the hill, is visible from the valley, and contains a monastery inside. It has taken 10 years to build and…
This hotel, Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, is fabulous. I woke to a sunrise from the balcony, softened with smog and what seems like a new mountain view with huge new hills in the distance (video) and eagles gliding on updrafts. Hotel halls are filled with wafting incense and, like everywhere in Nepal, you greet and are…
I have some recommendations for you if you’re in the Pokhara area: Tashiling Tibetan Refugee camp, World Peace Stupa, and Sarangkot Mountain Lodge. Let me explain. The nights are cool and the days can be hot here. Today was hot and glorious (if you’re one of us who loves the heat) and a sightseeing one…
We woke up to birds calling in the day while the valley was still shrouded in shadows of sleepiness. A tiny light glowed from a tiny home on the opposing mountain side, a slope so steep it seems uninhabitable. Jordana led a satisfying and much needed yoga session on the grass patio looking across the…
Our accommodations last night were in a newer Nepali mountain hotel which provides fun group meals, great views, and real toilets (squat toilets are common here), but no heat. At elevation it gets cold when the sun goes down so down jackets are needed sundown to sun up and bringing your own linens means a…
It’s been sheer pleasure getting to know the amazing members of this group. In between our morning and afternoon meditation sessions with two wonderful teachers, we had the day to explore this little town called Pokhara. Folks picked up supplies for the hike like poles, rain gear, cold weather gear, headlamps, duffles, etc; others went…
If you visit Nepal, you will need a visa on arrival. Choose 15, 30, or 90 day durations. I highly recommend completing your application online in advance. The line can be long and you’ll be ready to not be in an airport longer than necessary. Print the completed application or take a photo of the…
The Mekong is the world’s 15th longest river, originating in Tibet and cutting from China to Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos). I can’t get enough of this river and it’s magical energy. So we set off early for a sunrise boat ride upriver, seeing hardworking fishermen pulling in their nets, huge fish leaping…
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