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Traveller Ian Wright starts his journey in the bustling
and expanding modern day capital of Nepal, Kathmandu.
He visits the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath
Temple  and the home of the young princess
goddess.
Whilst in Kathmandu Ian takes the opportunity to sample
some Nepalese food, and has a night out Kathmandu style.
He then hitches south to the Royal Badia National
Park where he goes looking for Bengal tigers
with a local guide, astride an Indian Elephant. Unfortunately
the rare and reclusive tiger is not spotted that day
by anybody. Ian spends the evening in a small village
nearby where he is introduced to some of the local families
and witnesses a local celebration.
From the Terai region Ian flies to the Lukla,
in the eastern Himalayas. Here he plans to make his
way to the popular bazaar at Namche,  before
trekking along a section of the Everest highway.
At Pangboche monastery Ian also catches
a glimpse of what is alleged to be a Yeti skull. Avoiding
the Yaks on the pathways, Ian continues his trek to
Tengpoche Monastery where he witnesses
a traditional Buddhist celebration.
Ian joins up with a sherpa guide who has been up Everest
twice, and can offer Ian some insight into the nature
of trekking in the heights of the Himalayas.
Together they make a simple offering to the gods that
are said to protect trekkers and climbers.
On the last leg of his journey Ian flies to Humla.
This town is well off the trekkers track, and his four
hour horse ride takes him even further into an area
of Nepal seldom visited by tourists. Ian's last night
is spent at a local wedding celebration. To Ian's surprise
the wedding involves five grooms and one bride. Ian
enjoys the ensuing party, which involves a fair bit
of barley wine. |
