Thailand: Trekking Rain Forest



We arrived in Bangkok and stayed overnight with Dave Khanijou and his family. The next day, we flew to Chiang Mai and were driven two hours to Chiang Dao Nest. From there, we continued one hour to the rain forest village of Lisu Ban Nalao Mai and stayed overnight in Lisu Ban Pha Suay (Beautiful Sky Village). The following day, we made a lengthy trek to the Lisu village to explore the rain forest and were blessed by a local witch doctor. We continued to the spiritual Khun Khong Cave. We had lunch in the jungle and continued to overnight in Karen village. The next day, we returned to overnight at Chiang Dao Nest. The following day, we experienced an elephant ride and floated down the Ping River on a bamboo raft. We then flew back to Bangkok and from there on to Kathmandu.



Nepal: Trekking Annapurna



Annapurna contains the most popular trekking trails in Nepal. “Annapurna” is a Sanskrit name meaning “Goddess of the Harvests." Annapurna offers splendid varieties of natural and cultural diversity with spectacular Himalayan views of Mt. Annapurna, Annapurna South, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu and Fishtail mountain (Machhapuchhre). There is a combination of a long arrangement of snow-capped peaks, chaotic rivers with deep gorges, sacred Hindu temples along with Buddhist monasteries, hot springs, and picturesque villages inhabited by friendly and diverse ethnic groups.



We arrived in Kathmandu and stayed overnight with Maheswor Shrestha and his family. The next day, we flew from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then had a wild bus ride to Birethanti village. The following day we signed in to the Annapurna conservation area and continued (Day 1) trek to Kimche and overnight at Ghandruk. 6-7hrs. (Day 2) Climb to Kimrong Danda and overnight at Chhomrong. 6hrs. Staying on the correct side of the Modi Khola River when ascending to Annapurna Base Camp and descending to reach Phedi kept us on the right trail. (Day 3) Descend and then climb to Sinwa, lunch at Bambo and overnight Himalaya Hotel 6-7hrs. (Day 4) Climb to Deoraili for lunch and then climb to Machhapuchhare base camp. 6hrs. Overnight in tent. (Day 5) Early morning (4 am) MBC to Annapurna Base camp 3hrs. Return to ABC then back to Deorali and Himalay Hotel 6hrs. (Day 6) Himalaya Hotel to Sinwa for lunch and overnight returning to Chhomrong. 6hrs. (Day 7) Chhomrong to Jhinnu with lunch in Landruk and enjoyed their Honey Festival. Then climbed to Tolka and overnight. 5hrs. (Day 8) lunch in Deurali and then continue to Pothana and Dhampus. Spent last night on trail. 5hrs. (Day 9) Descend to Phedi, continue to Pokhara, parasail over Fewa Lake and fly back to Kathmandu.