Trekking and Backpacking – HIKES & HAMSTRINGS

Recommendation: Nepal Eco Adventure

Interested in booking a trekking tour in Nepal? Perhaps the majesty of Everest Base Camp calls your name, or the Annapurna Circuit has always been on your bucket list. If you’re looking for prompt and attentive correspondence; very experienced and personable guides; and a team with a high level of service who makes your health and safety their main priority, then I definitely recommend booking with Nepal Eco Adventure. You will not be disappointed.

I only have great things to say about Nepal Eco Adventure. I posted the following review on tripadvisor and trekbooking.com, so I thought I’d include it here on my blog:

Me and two friends decided to trek to Everest Base Camp over Christmas. I contacted Chhatra and he was professional, knowledgeable, and very quick to respond. He was able to accommodate our group for the dates we wanted at a great price, and was able to advise on logistics and gear. All safety concerns were addressed beforehand, so we arrived in Nepal ready for an amazing adventure.

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Everest Base Camp: Time to Look Forward

This trek was not a failure. I have to remember that.

Post written December 29: I’m particularly hard on myself.

I’ve gone thorough the range of emotions, from elation to utter dissatisfaction. I recently saw EBC photos from the group. The scenery was incredible in the ways I had hoped and expected. I was super thrilled that they had accomplished that feat. But then I felt beside myself again, saddened by the fact that I needed to turn back. Dan had left a University of Guelph Alumni t-shirt with the words “Ricky and the Sparkling Momos”. It’s so cool that the shirt now hangs in Gorakshep… but not cool that I never reached base camp.

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An Unexpected Christmas

My fancy room at the Royal Penguin Boutique Hotel and Spa

Post written December 25: Well Merry Christmas to all.

Today I awoke after a really nice sleep. A light breakfast of toast and jam was served, and my daily medications were brought to me. I had a “Merry Christmas” chat with my family via Skype, which was really nice and needed. I was feeling much better today and ended up being discharged in the morning. I can honestly say that it was a great 2+ days in the hospital. In fact, it was similar to a hotel. I can’t say enough good things about the doctor, nurses and staff at Swacon International. They were so caring, attentive, and the service was great. I do have to return for a follow-up appointment, but until then, I was off to be my old self.

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Why Travel Insurance is a Must

Post written December 24: When I booked the trip to Nepal, the tour company, Nepal Eco Adventure, mentioned it was mandatory to have travel insurance. Of course I would ensure that I was fully covered because that’s just smart travel… but usually with travel insurance, you never think you’re going to need it.

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To Dengboche: Time to Turn Back

"Sometimes being awesome means knowing when to turn back..." — “Sometimes being awesome means knowing when to turn back…”

Post written December 23: The past night has been the coldest so far. I’m pretty sure I was wearing most of what I own: a baselayer and fleece-lined windproof pants. Underlayers on top, with fleece and a heavy down jacket. Then I shimmied into my fleece sleeping bag liner, into a heavy sleeping bag, followed by a heavy blanket on top. And I was still cold. When Dan and I awoke, a layer of ice covered the windows.

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