GOKYO, KALA PATTAR & EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

The ultimate challenge to the ‘just-do-it’ ambitious trekker. This moderate to challenging graded trek takes to you to the foot of Mt. Everest traversing across the high Cho La pass at an elevation of 5420 m. Also included is the opportunity to trek to the summit of both Gokyo Ri [5340m.] and Kala Pattar [5554m.] for magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. A visit to Everest Base Camp will give you the chance to have a closer look at the spectacular Khumbu Icefall.

Beginners or inexperienced climbers can take this trek, but this trek requires one to be moderately fit. Considering the snow conditions over Cho La Pass, the trek may not be advisable during winter [January & February] and the monsoon season [July & August].

GOKYO, KALA PATTAR & EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

The ultimate challenge to the ‘just-do-it’ ambitious trekker. This moderate to challenging graded trek takes to you to the foot of Mt. Everest traversing across the high Cho La pass at an elevation of 5420 m. Also included is the opportunity to trek to the summit of both Gokyo Ri [5340m.] and Kala Pattar [5554m.] for magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. A visit to Everest Base Camp will give you the chance to have a closer look at the spectacular Khumbu Icefall.

Beginners or inexperienced climbers can take this trek, but this trek requires one to be moderately fit. Considering the snow conditions over Cho La Pass, the trek may not be advisable during winter [January & February] and the monsoon season [July & August].

a week below everest

Enjoy images of most beautiful flowers in the world....

Canna

Cannas not only feature pretty blossoms, but also beautiful leaves 
(often likened to that of the banana plant) that come in a variety of stunning colors. Popularized in Victorian times, Cannas are popular 
garden plants.

Cherry Blossom

The unofficial flower of Japan, the spectacular display of blossoms
 that arrive in the spring are celebrated by festivals both in Japan 
and the U.S. The most popular colors are white and pink.  
They are beautiful while on the trees and remain a stunning sight 
even after carpetingthe ground.

Colorado Columbine































Growing high in the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Columbine is a 
welcome reward for the enterprising climbers of Colorado's 
14,000-foot high mountains. Picking one in the wild carries a fine 
($5-$50 depending on the Ranger who catches you)!

Hydrangea

Magical snowball puffs in fall: gorgeous. The clusters of 
star-shaped blossoms, often found in delicate pastel hues, 
embody innocence.They are popular in wedding bouquets 
and as garden flowers.

Lily of the Valley

A delicate and fragrant sign of spring, the Lily of the Valley 
has inspired a number of legends. One such Christian 
legend explains  that the tears that Mary shed at the cross 
turned to Lilies of the Valley, prompting the flower to sometimes 
be referred to as "Our Lady's Tears." Another legend tells of 
Lilies of the Valley springing from the blood of 
St. George during his battle with the dragon.

Calla Lily

While visually stunning and elegant, this beautiful flower  is actually
a member the poisonous species, Zantedeschia. 
All parts of the plant are highly toxic, with the capability to kill 
livestock and children if ingested. 

Black Eyed Susan

The black eyed susan, a cheerful wildflower, is a perennial that serves
 as a beautiful back drop in any garden. The contrast of the bright 
gold yellow petals and dark middle makes it any easy one to spot
and recognize. This official drink of the Preakness stakes horse
race is named after this flower, consisting of 2 parts Bourbon
whiskey, 1 part citrus vodka, 3 parts sweet & sour mix, 
one part orange juice and garnished with orange and a cocktail cherry.

Bleeding Heart
 

These whimsical, almost fairy-like blossoms are a traditional favorite
in shady gardens. The flowers are either red, pink or white and appear 
in April-June.

Blue Bells

European woods are covered by dense carpets of this flower;  these are 
commonly referred to as "bluebell woods". It is thought that they were
 named by the romantic poets of the 19th century, who felt they 
symbolized solitude and regret.

Lantana

These delicate flowers, with their pink and yellow petals, are butterfly 
magnets. The bush can grow to be quite large and the color of the 
petals change as the plant ages. Beware - Lantana is
considered a weed by many that is quite difficult to get rid of.

Rose    

Roses are one of the most romantic and wonderfully scented of flowers. 
The giving of roses is steeped in tradition and cultural meaning,
 from the yellow rose of friendship to the deep red rose of true love.

Oriental Poppy 

This perennial poppy has a delicate and striking color. 
After flowering in the spring, their foliage dies back entirely, only to  
grow new leaves once again with the autumn rains. The Oriental 
Poppy is the flower of The Wizard of Oz.

Mussaenda erythrophylla (Ashanti Blood, Red Flag Bush, Tropical Dogwood)

These plants are native to the Old World tropics, from West Africa through 
the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia and into southern China. 
The beautiful red and yellow petals are a real showstopper. 
A favorite of not only of gardeners, but also butterflies, bees and 
hummingbirds.

Begoni

The first Begonia was introduced into England in 1777. Now one of the most 
popular flowers grown in the United States, Begonias are prized for 
their flowers as well as their leaves. This versatile plant can be grown 
either inside or out.

Ixora

Ixora flowers, also commonly called West Indian Jasmine, 
are often used in Hindu worship, as well as in Indian folk medicine.
This plant has traditionally been associated with enhanced sexuality 
and the re-kindling of passion. Who wouldn't want that as a gift!

Interview with Kari Post: Award winning American photographer

A magnificent view of Fishtail, Annapurna and other Himalayan ranges from Pokhara.

Kari Post is an award winning photographer, compassionate educator, free spirited adventurer, and dedicated environmentalist. Driven by her love for the natural world, Kari has traveled extensively throughout the United States and beyond, exploring, photographing, and teaching about the environment. Her journeys have taken her from the the frigid summits of Mount Washington to the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica and across the United States by bicycle. Kari has spent more than one hundred nights sleeping in tents or camping under the open sky, and logged countless miles on trails and rivers by canoe, kayak, bike, or foot, accumulating tens of thousands of images in the process. She has more than a decade of experience teaching children and young adults, and earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Education, where her final project focused on using participatory photography as a tool to connect people to nature and teach them about the environment.

As a photographer, Kari’s goal is to use photography to engage people with nature, teach them about the environment, and inspire them to value and protect the natural world. Her photographs have been honored worldwide by the International Conservation Photography Awards, and she has worked and collaborated with a number of well respected photographers on various conservation and education projects. Kari is the editor of NatureScapes.Net and currently serves the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) as the New England Regional Ambassador and member of the College Scholarship Program Committee.

Hindu Sanyasi at Pashupatinath Temple.

Ms. Kari was on Photography FAM Tour to the different places of Nepal this February which was organized by Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure. During the tour she explored Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and even trekked to Poonhill. Explore Himalaya interviewed her on 21^st February, the day before her departure regarding her FAM Tour.

EH: First of all, what do feel about Nepal, do you like Nepal?

Kari: I think Nepal is a wonderful country. It has lots of diversities, very beautiful culture, lot of history, incredible landscapes and the people here are very warm nice and friendly. It feels very safe to be here in Nepal. I must say Nepal is one of my favorite countries after this visit.

EH: As you are here for the Photography FAM Tour, do you really think your tour has become worthwhile?

Kari: Yes, absolutely. I have been able to see lots of things in very short period of time. I am kind of in love with Nepal and want to explore more of Nepal. This FAM Tour did a really nice job giving me a huge opportunity to get introduced to Nepal. It was very much worthwhile capturing the lots of very beautiful and diversified photographs in Nepal.

EH: As a visitor what is the best part you found in Nepal?

Kari: Do I have to pick one?

EH: No, I mean but yes!

Kari: I t is pretty hard, but I will go with Pokhara. Pokhara is a small city without hustles and bustles. I found Pokhara to be more expressible and the sceneries viewable from the city are extra-ordinary. The interesting people with interesting cultures and easy access to everything you need make Pokhara a great city.  I also loved trekking as well. It was great to be with the nature during the trek. The landscapes on the trial were breathtaking. I enjoyed meeting the travelers along the way and the people of different villages. The culture in those villages was so different to the culture in cities.

Fog on a forest Trial in Pokhara

EH: In terms of Photography did the places you visited exactly meet your expectations?

Kari: Yes, every place I went I found totally different things. Culture and history in Kathmandu is so inspirational and artistic, I was impressed. The wildlife at Chitwan National Park is a great treasure. Pokhara is an ideal city naturally blessed and the landscapes and views during the trek are awesome. Overall, the diverse culture of Nepal is a worthwhile observation. In the photography perspective every places I visited were like the seas of pictorial affluence.

EH: Once you go back to your country, have you thought something about promoting the photography tours to Nepal?

Kari: Yes, the first I will do once I go back to my home is starting to research about the places I have explored during this tour. I will also research about the interesting places I missed out. Then I will come up with the potential workshop allowing the Americans to get access with the good photos of Nepal. Once this begins I am sure people will get interested towards Nepal. I am going back with the very positive perspective. I will share the photos and experience in Nepal with my friends and other travelers who are willing to travel to a new place.

EH: Do you think Nepal can be the next potential destination for photography tours to the American as well the other international visitors?

Kari: Yes, there are lots of people willing to photograph in the very new destination. Nepal has lots of natural and cultural charms. The landscapes and views are naturally photogenic .The country is full of diversities naturally and culturally. This is a wonderful land with very friendly and wonderful people. It is very easy to travel photographing. Together we need to work on letting the more visitors know about Nepal who are planning their vacations.

EH: Thank you so much for appreciating Nepal so much. Lastly how do define Nepal in one word?

Kari: Awesome.

EH: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It was great talking to you.

Kari: It is my pleasure. Thank you so much for arranging such a lovely trip.

Canoes at Fewa Lake Pokhara

Team Explore Himalaya attends ‘Success Mantra’

Team members from Explore Himalaya and Fishtail Air participated at the recently held one day workshop entitled “Success Mantra” conducted by management guru Mr. Ranjit Acharya at Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu on 20th January, 2012. Organized by Merojob.com (a career management site), the personality development workshop enlightened participants on how a positive attitude and an open mind could help one see an opportunity in every obstacle. Interspersed with personal anecdotes, examples from lives of iconic personalities, life changing tips, team games and interactive sessions, the workshop proved to be rather an eye opener and quite fruitful for most of the participants attending it. Participants included, besides the team from Explore Himalaya and Fishtal Air, professionals from banking sector, INGOs, private firms, media etc.
Mr. Suman Pandey, President of Explore Himalaya and CEO of Fishtail Air,who also attended the workshop was presented a special prize by the organizer for being the role model/ inspirational figure for most of the participants present at the workshop.

'Success Mantra' at Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu

Conquering fear by eating a 'ball of fire' -  Krishna Aryal, Coordinator, Speicial Adventure, Explore Himalaya

Sharing his 'mantra' for success to a rapt audience – Mr. Ranjit Acharya

Team building game

A success icon  for most of the participants – Mr. Suman Pandey

Mr. Suman Pandey recieving a special prize from Mr. Ranjit Acharya for being an inspirational figure

Group Photo – Team Explore Himalaya & Fishtail Air with Mr. Ranjit Acharya

Tengboche Monastery Tengboche is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalaya.   This sacred site was founded in a stunning location overlooked by Everest and other towering Himalayan peaks.  Buddhist monks at Tengboche draw much of their tradition from Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet on the north side of Everest.

Give me a home where the snow leopards roam

Na

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The lush vegetation of the Tamur Kosi valley in Nepal's Kanchenjunga region. (Richard I'Anson/LPI)

From a vantage point below Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, it was difficult to focus. The view -- a visual feast of azure sky reflecting in the Tamur River’s glacial waters, framed by the rock-hewn tsunami of the Kanchenjunga massif – competed with the heady aroma of cardamom-filled sacks, as trains of Limbu traders sung their way down to the lowland markets of the Terai.

• Related slideshow: Nepal's rocky mountain highs

Hidden deep in a remote corner of eastern Nepal, Kanchenjunga rises to 8,586m and encompasses a conservation area and ecological hotspot the size of Mauritius. If you are lucky, you will spot musk deer, a red panda, signs of the snow leopard and fiery rhododendron blooms among the bearded lichen.  

Diversity is also echoed in the clans, costumes and castes of the locals, with Gurungs, Chhetris, Limbus, Rais and Sherpas all living in a vast complex of plunging valleys and soaring peaks, most of which is untouched wilderness straddling the Sino-Tibetan and Sikkim-Indian borders  -- no wonder it is a favourite spot for many seasoned Himalayan trekking leaders. 

The most rewarding goal is a three- to four-week trek from the one-yak town of Taplejung to the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga. Translated, the peak’s name means “five treasures of the snows” – referring to its crenulated summits. The journey is a gift of isolation; there are no roads and therefore, the locals are not jaded by the hordes of tourists that mill around Annapurna and Everest, roughly 160 kilometres away.

A “namaste” salutation greets trekkers around every corner; each village is a fresh encounter of friendliness and endless, yet fruitful explanations of where you are from and what you are doing there. A local guide acts as an indispensible translator and a social catalyst for laughter between the infrequent visitor and the hardy mountain folk. 

These meetings are the tonic needed after two bumpy flights or two days on a gut wrenching bus from Kathmandu. All visitors must be on a group tour to enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which means that only a few visitors make it as far as the town of Taplejung, the last point of civilization (which itself is gradually recovering from a deadly and destructive earthquake that hit in September 2011). Earthquake-induced cracks appeared in the runway at the nearby airport, so it is now being expanded and may be ready for larger planes and better access this year.

The long, arduous journey from Kathmandu is worth it, if only to observe Kanchenjunga sights like Limbu shamans offering pujas (Buddhist prayers) to expunge their straw and mud huts of evil spirits or to indulge in the drink known as tongba  – a warm, alcoholic millet brew doled out in wooden mugs, sipped through bamboo straws and served up with local song.

It is not only your post-tongba head that can get hazy here – so do the mountain top–vistas, which are generally obscured by mist and fog from late February to the start of the monsoon season in June. But these are the best months for seeing spring flowers – especially rhododendrons. Kanchenjunga has a bewildering number of flowering plants – approximately 2,000 species.

At the end of October, on the other hand, the skies can be crystal clear (minus the perishing cold), and the blood-sucking leeches that infest the moist post-monsoon forest have disappeared. The maple trees, berberis bushes and larch have fiery autumn leaves, and the cardamom harvest is in full bustle.

Compared to other regions, this eastern corner is as off the beaten track as Nepal gets. Each year, fewer than 500 trekkers make it to Kanchenjunga, compared with an annual influx of more than 31,000 to Everest and the more than 74,000 that walk around Annapurna, according to 2010 figures from Nepal’s National Park department.  

And once past Kanchenjunga’s foothills, settlements are sparse. The only company I found here were yak herders, bearded vulture and a host of 8,000m peaks. No wonder it is one of the few areas left in Nepal where snow leopards still roam undisturbed. Spotting their tracks, where they have fed, their spore (fecal pellets) or maybe a very rare glimpse of them on the skyline, is enough to excite even the most half-hearted naturalist.

Be warned, the trekking on Kanchenjunga is tough. There is little basic infrastructure, and Mirgin La – the major pass at 4,800m  – is a rock scramble scarred by last year’s earthquake, located at laboured breathing altitude. Yet it is a rare chance to see some of the longest glaciers in the Himalayas and stand at the base of a formidable mountain that you can brag is more difficult to climb – largely due to a lack of infrastructure – than Everest.

But who needs a flush toilet when you have wild open yak pastures and alpine meadows? The only onlooker might be a yeti – and yes they have been spotted up there.