Nepal
Nepal has been a magnet for mountaineers, adventurers and travellers ever since its opening to foreigners in the 1950's. It's a country of friendly people, spectacular natural beauty and a fascinating variety of cultures. Popular trekking areas in Nepal are the Annapurna region, north of Pokhara, and the Solu Khumbu (Everest) region in eastern Nepal. In 1998 I spent two months in the country trekking in both areas.
Gallery: Nepal - Annapurna Circuit
Nepal's most popular long-distance trek (16-21 days). The route follows two river valleys, the Marsyandi and Kali Gandaki, crossing between them over the Thorung La pass. The trek passes trough a tremendous range of ecological zones from sub-tropical to alpine. It is also culturally diverse. Starting point for the trek is Besisahar.
Gallery: Nepal - Solu Khumbu Trek
The attractions of the Solu Khumbu region are the majestic mountains, the high mountain villages, the isolated monasteries, and the local peoples. Everest is only one of a myriad of beautiful peaks in the area and there are many other attractions. The Gokyo Valley is particularly beautiful and offers incredible potential for exploration.
Gallery: Nepal - Kathmandu Valley
A virtual living museum, the Kathmandu Valley is crammed with sights. Popular attractions on the sightseeing trail include the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Bodhnath, the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath on the banks of the sacred Bagmati river, Patan, and the mediaeval city of Bhaktapur.
Satellite Maps
Make yourself familiar with the geography of the trekking area and check out an illustrated and/or a region. The illustrations show the location of important mountains, valleys and glaciers.
Mountain Facts
Eight of the world's fourteen can be found in Nepal. Check out a list of important above 6000m.
Glossary
To help you understand the meaning of Nepali and Tibetan terms, I have provided a .
Quote
"Because it was there", George Lee Mallory, when asked why anyone would want to climb Mount Everest
Tour operator
The Annapurna Circuit trek was organized by Hauser Exkursionen, Germany, and led by two English-speaking Sherpa guides. In the Solu Khumbu I hired a local guide - Nima Tendi Sherpa.
Links
National Geographic: Everest - Articles and photos from several recent expeditions to Everest, including the 'Millennium Expedition' which used GPS technology to obtain the most accurate measurements of Everest to date.
Everest News - Up-to-date information about what's going on at Everest and on other mountains around the world, as well as facts and details about high-altitude climbing.