Explore Himlaya

Oh Eun-Sun becomes the first woman to summit the 14 highest peaks

Posted on April 28, 2010 by ehta

South Korean Oh Eun-Sun becomes the first woman to summit the 14 highest peaks

According to latest reports on BBC and Explorersweb.com a South Korean climber, Oh Eun-Sun has reached the summit of Annapurna and is claiming a record for becoming the first woman to scale the world’s 14 highest peaks. Her ascent to the summit was telecast live on KBS TV network yesterday (27th April 2010) at 18:15 Korea time (about 3:00pm, local time). Oh Eun-Sun was accompanied by 3 sherpas and 2 KBS camera men: Mr. Ha-Young Jung and Mr. Kwan-Joo Nha.

Post quake Assessment of Annapurna Trekking Region- Region declared safe

Posted on July 24, 2015 by ehta

After a week-long assessment made by the team comprising structural engineer, engineering geologist, a professional mountain guide and the officer of Annapurna Conservation Area Project – A Report on Post Quake Damage Assessment of Annapurna Trekking Region has been released.

The assessment funded by Samarth-NMDP and supported by UKAID was conducted from 25 June 2015 to 2 July 2015 on behalf of Government of Nepal through Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Civil Aviation. The proposal to conduct the Post Quake Damage Assessment in the most popular trekking region of Nepal was made by Intrepid Travels.

During the assessment of 220km of trails the helicopter flyover and the walking was done. The assessment was in made two levels; structurally & geo-technically. Because of weather constraints the stretch from Thorung Phedi to Thorung La Pass was not assessed.

Here we have the results of both aspects in brief.

Structural Assessment Results

The structural aspect of the assessment included the bridges and the buildings of Annapurna Region that involved the areas of Annapurna Circuit Trek from Bhulbhule to Birethanti & areas of Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pothana to Annapurna Base Camp. Approximately thirty bridges on the trail and 250 accommodations were assessed. Only six accommodations were found structurally damaged during the quake 2015. Majority of minor structural damages in the accommodations were seen in the eastern part of Annapurna Circuit Trail, which lies closer to M 7.8 epicenter. The damages that include stone wall crack and crack in concrete columns can be repaired easily, says the report.

Post quake Assessment on Annapurna Trekking Region

The google map image manifesting level of damages in different areas of Annapurna Trekking Region

In the figure above: The green and the blue lines in the map are the areas with no New Damages and the yellow line manifest moderate New Damages that took place during the quakes 2015.

Overall, only 3% of accommodations in Annapurna region has suffered repairable damages during the quake 2015. The bridges in the Annapurna suffered no damages during the quake.

Geotechnical Assessment

Most of the trails and villages covered in this assessment of the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary Areas are undamaged by landslides following the 2015 earthquakes. However, few areas, which didn’t show damages recently fall under high risky areas because of the geographical locations.

Annapurna Region Assessment after the quake

In the Figure above: The green marks the percentage of undamaged structures and the red marks the
percentage of earthquake-damaged buildings in the 15 villages after the quakes 2015.

Samarth-NMDP says, “In order to manage the risks associated with the hazards identified in the report, we recommend completing a detailed risk-assessment study. This will include assessment of likelihood of failure, occupancy of specific areas of trail and villages and combining these with hazard to assess the risk.”

Photos and News Credit to Samarth-NMDP

Every Nepali there was honored, as on cloud nine an American shouted, “Only paradise on Earth is Nepal.”

Posted on February 11, 2014 by ehta

Towering ice-topped mountains sparkle with the colorful prayer flags, while the fanatical streets of Kathmandu are a ceaseless delirium of honking motorbikes, additionally the historical and religiously important 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered in different corners of Kathmandu: Nepal is thoroughly a vibrant slice of Asia.

If there is a trekkers’ paradise, then beyond doubt Nepal is the first pick. Trials to the base of Himalayas in Nepal offer top-notch trekking terrain – from verdant Annapurna to eminent Everest – sprinkled with rural mountain hamlets, and hundreds of rolling trails that have been trodden upon for centuries.

But divinely and naturally blessed Nepal is indeed not only for mountaineers who set off to clamber the higher elevation; from the lime-green grasslands of Chitwan National Park rustling with the dark grey flash of One-horned rhino, to the eclectic cafés and unconventional vibe of Lake-side Pokhara, Nepal is truly an interesting and convivial destination for all.

As a part of company CSR, six Explore Himalayans toured and trekked around few prominent destinations of Nepal which included Chitwan, Pokhara and Poonhill Trek. The FAM trip involved more fun and of course little bit of work. Field work obviously was focused on visiting our service partners so that we could improve the level of our services offered to the clients. Fun part definitely boosted our work efficiency while on work table . Have a look at a photo essay which highlights the prime attractions of the trip.

Day 1: Drive to Chitwan and transfer to Tigerland Safari Resort

166 km South East of Kathmandu lies the first Wildlife Park of Nepal, Chitwan National Park

One of the biggest Ethnical tribes of Terai Lowlands of Nepal, Tharus have unique history and culture. The tharu stick dance at the resort is an insightful opportunity to peep into rich Tharu culture and history.

Day 2: Bird watching tour at the bank of Rapti River, Elephant wildlife Safari at Chitwan National Park and transfer to Hotel Water Front in Pokhara

Boating or Canoeing in Rapti River inside the Park is wonderful chance to spot different species of birds. Chitwan National Park is the home to 543 species of birds including 160 species of migratory birds.

The total area of 932 sq. km, Chitwan National park offers one of the best Wildlife Safaris in the world on the back of giant Asian Elephant. The Park comprises diverse species of floras in the form of wide grasslands and dense deciduous moist forest.

Birds like peacock and Braminhy Duck are easy spotting in the park whereas endangered bird species like Gould’s sunburn and Slaty-breasted Rail among others can also be spotted here which depends on traveler’s luck.

Chitwan National Park is the home to 43 species of mammals which includes one-horned rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger. Varieties of species of reptiles, insects and amphibians also share the wild habitat.

After the safari and lunch with wonderful hospitality at Tigerland Safari Resort, we drive 146km North West of Chitwan and arrive to TripAdvisors’ ranked hotel of Pokhara, Water Front Resort.

Day 3: Drive to Nayapool in a private vehicle, drive to Kimche in a public vehicle and then trek to Tadapani

Initial view of stunning Mt. Fishtail from Pokhara. The view changes as we climb higher.

One and half hour drive to Naya Pool from Pokhara followed by 1 hour drive brings us to our trek starting point Kimche. The massif of Mt. Fishtail at the backdrop.

Two hours long steep uphill climb on the stone staircases from Kimche brings us to wonderful Gurung hamlet, Ghandruk. The first glimpse of rural lifestyle at Ghandruk.

Almost 4 and half hours of ascending climb followed by the final part of the pleasant walk along the rhododendron and bamboo woods takes us to the major stopover point in the region Tadapani. Places to stop for tea and snacks between Ghandruk and Tadapani- Sitkyu and Bhaisi Kharka

Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani via Deurali

The morning view from Tadapani- From right to left- Fishtail, Gangapurna, Hinchuli and Annapurna South

Three hours of walk on the slippery, icy and rolling trial via Banthati brought us to Deurali 3105m. The view of Gurung Hill from Deurali. Gurung Hill is almost 150m steep uphill climb from Deurali.

One hour up and down from Deurali to Gurung Hill rewards with striking view of Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Dhampus Peak

One hour walk from Deurali and just before the final descend to Ghorepani the mountains open up even more. The view from the ridge of a hill between Deurali and Ghorepani. Ghorepani is just 45 minutes walk from this point.

Day 4: Early Morning Trek to Poonhill for the sunrise view, trek back to Ghorepani, and trek to Hille via, Nangethati, Banthati, Ulleri and Thirkedunga. Drive to Nayapool and drive back to Lakeside Retreat in Pokhara.

Colorful Nature- Dark Hills, silvern Himalayas, aureate sky and nigrescent cloud during the emerging new sun somewhere in the horizon- a striking view from Poonhill

Color changes in a flash at Poonhill. Wide Himalayan range sprawls right before the eyes.

The section of hills swarming to the wide Range of Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range, yet another contrast view from Poonhill- Anyone would call this place a paradise

Dhaulagiri witnesses the expression of love! Where else in the world people can find such a romantic place?

Day 6: Boating at Fewa Lake in Pokhara

A sacred Hindu shrine, Taal Barahi Temple in the middle of Fewa Lake

Tranquil Fewa Lake, colorful boats and sacred small island- A place to enjoy serenity in Pokhara

Flying to face the beautiful Fishtail- Pokhara is also an adventurous flying hub of Nepal

Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu

Explore Himalayans during the FAM Trip with their guide/porter Mr. Phool Man Kafle

Poonhill Trek: The most beautiful trekking trial

Posted on December 4, 2013 by ehta

Poonhill, the most frequented trekking destination in Nepal offers diverse highlights of nature and culture. Panoramic views of Himalayas including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges adorned with the matchless Fishtail, awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset and the cultural paramount of ethnical Gurung tribe are the major highlights of Poonhill Trek. Mr. John Kammersgaard and Ms. Anne Nielsen from Denmark through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel shared their Poonhill Trek experience in the below mentioned way.

Trek to Poonhill and the guide on the trek Lama Babu Sherpa is what we will remember rest of our lives. Wonderful guide on the breathtakingly outstanding trial made the trek one of our best memories.

The service of Explore Himalaya was great. On the arrival day to Kathmandu we knew we are in the safe hands of professionals.

For the fellow travelers we recommend Thamel House for the authentic Nepalese food and for the coffee Himalayan Java has no match in the city.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek: Annapurna and its siblings at its best

Posted on November 14, 2013 by ehta

The soft trek to Ghorepani Poonhill is full with scenic Himalayan views along the dense tropical vegetation and the best cultural display of Gurung ethnics which is specially designed for the families. The itinerary slots in enough time for cultural outlook in the traditional villages dominated by the brave British Gurkha Armies, Gurungs. Every campsite on the trek is full of life; trekkers can join the crew and the villagers in fun activities like dancing, singing and playing. The trial on the trek goes through the magnificent oak and rhododendron forests and slides up to alpine meadows that offer the feast to the eyes with the stunning views of the Annapurna Range. Poonhill, itself is the destination full of amazing things. The wide range of Mountain views including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Twache and many more from Poonhill are exceedingly beautiful during the sunrise.

Ms. Melanie Morillon from Denmark through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel had to say few lines on Poonhill Trek she had with us this autumn.

Every moment I spent in Pokhara, the trial highlights on the trek to Poonhill and the cultural and natural aspects I got to see in Tadapani and Ghandruk are the best memories of this trip.

The operation of Explore Himalaya throughout the trip was excellent and the staffs and guides were very professional.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek- Expression of Nature itself

Posted on October 27, 2013 by ehta

Malaysian group with Adinath on Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Thousands of people throng from all corners of the globe, to see the remarkable miracle of nature, in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas. Andrey Avtukh (Adinath) from Russia and the group of trekkers from Malaysia were not exception. This autumn, they decided to trek to Annapurna Base Camp for captivating close-up view of this colossal mountain and its siblings. “Anna” in Nepali refers to food and “Purna” refers to full. So, Annapurna means fullness of food. Religious trekkers like Adinath believe that people who trek in the region will never suffer the scarcity of food. Annapurna Base Camp Trek was new to everyone in the group. However, Mr. Song Poh, Ms. Sitta V. Kanagasabai and Ms. Yogaranee Balaratnam had the trekking experiences in the Everest Region.

Breakfast in a tea-house during the trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna is one of the most extreme Mountains in the world. But glory to the group, they succeeded. Trek took place along the classical route to the Annapurna Base Camp 4200m from where the incredible views of high-altitude points on the earth (Annapurna 1, 2, Machapuchare (Mt. Fishtail), etc are visible. Trek lasted 9 days. 5 days of the trek to the base camp and 4 days of walk back to Pokhara was wonderful. Steep Mountain lifts, stony stairs, majestic waterfalls, passages through the bamboo and rhododendron forests and virgin beauty of Himalayan apexes – made everyone spellbound!!! In the course of the trek the group perceived the entire spectrum of natural and weather sensations.

Landscape on the trial to Base Camp

Weather was not that favorable during the trek. Three days of continuously pouring rain and the leeches that bred after the rain made the trek challenging. To step back was not at all a solution. The group accepted the challenge as they knew nothing could prevent them in reaching to Annapurna Base Camp. As the group was approaching nearer and nearer to the Annapurna Base Camp rain continued. The group arrived to their destination but every effort put to get there seemed to be futile. It was still raining. But the miracle happened: next day during dawn rain unexpectedly stopped. Sky was clear and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Annapurna was just before their eyes. All trekkers ran out of their tea houses and began to photograph and capture videos of majestic Annapurna. Happiness and admiration dominated the atmosphere. After all, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp succeeded.

Traditional Gurung hamlet on the way to ABC

The group also enjoyed the cultural aspect of Nepal in the Gurung hamlets of the region during the trek. At Landruk, the group enjoyed the traditional dance performed by the native Gurungs of the village.

Despite of rain group arrives to ABC

Celebration time at ABC

Standing (L-R): Mohd. Shahrul Mohana Dass, Tan Kim Chan, Wong Kok Seong, Lim Min Heng, Lim Ka Tin, Song Poh, Datin Yogaranee Balaratnam, Sitta V. Kanagasabai, Andrey Avtukh (Russia), Ching Neng Bin,

In front: Chief Guide Lamababu Pinasha Sherpa and 2 assistant guides – Bikas Tamang and Pemba Sherpa

Credits: Adinath (Russia)

Poonhill Ghorepani Trek- shortest trial for close-up view of Annapurna Range

Posted on October 22, 2013 by ehta

Soft and adventurous Poonhill Ghorepani Trek brings you very close to Annapurna Range. Children above 10 years old and Senior citizens can also easily enjoy the beauties of this trek. Walk through the dense rhododendron forests, prosperous culture in the frequent Gurung hamlets and panoramic Himalayan view from Poonhill during the sunrise are the major highlights of the trek. Good food and accommodation facilities are available throughout the trial.

Despite of limited time, this autumn Mr. Bent Andersen and Ms. Margit Andersen from Denmark, through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel had a great trek to Poonhill.

They had something to say about the trek and company’s service.

“On our arrival to Nepal,we knew that we chose a very good travel company for our holiday. The meeting and handling was welcoming, timely and informative. Food and accommodation were outstanding throughout.”

“Mr. Rupchan was very informative, competent and supportive trek guide. He gave us a very good service all the time.”

“The first three days of the trek of were fantastic. The last three days were little bit short. However, we had a wonderful holiday. Thank you so much.”

Trekking in Annapurna region to Tatopani.

Posted on January 17, 2013 by ehta

Ms. Elizabeth Ford from England had Muktinath to Tatopani trek and sightseeing tour around beautiful lake city Pokhara with Explore Himalaya during her Nepal tour from December 24, 2012 to January 9, 2013. She covered places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Marpha, Kobang, Ghasa and Tatopani during her stay in Nepal. She was back in our office on January 9 to share her travel experience in Nepal.

“Meeting and handling was welcoming and efficient. I felt great”.

“My guide was very well known with the mountains in the region. I especially enjoyed spotting birds during the trek. As I twisted my knees during the trek, I was very slow since then. Despite of my slow pace, my guide without any hesitation coped with my pace”.

“Hotels and meals during the trek were excellent and very delicious respectively. The hotels in the city, I stayed in; Annapurna Fishtail had exceptionally fine services. Fishtail is one of my favorites after the trip. Hope to stay there again. The transportation facility was great”.

“The itinerary was very good. I enjoyed it, but days seemed to be much longer than four hours that I asked for. Probably, my injury and other things made them longer”.

Tag: annapurna