|
|
 |
 |
home »
testimonials |
|
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Adam and Group Singapore: |
Finding
a proper reliable tour operator can be a daunting
tasking. Especially when you have 12 people coming for
various reason to have a great time in the mountain. For
nearly a month I did my research and chanced upon Peak
Endeavour Nepal Trek (Norbu). What impressed me most was
his prompt, honest replies and his willingness to work
thing around the groups’ interest. From the first
meeting in the airport till the sending off, we had a
very reliable, knowledgeable and humorous friend as our
guide. The trek/trip was well organized to say the
least, the porters were equally pleasant and the
dancing/singing to folklore music was the unspoken
highlight of the trip. Each one of us took something
back with us when we look back at the trip. The
friendship formed, the cultural exchanges and the
simplicity of life was mind blowing just like the peaks.
Thank you for this wonderful experience, may Peak E./
Norbu climb greater heights in all their Endeavours. If
Nepal is your destination then you are highly
recommended to go with Peak Endeavour Nepal Trek ! |
|
Michi und Reto, Schweiz: |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Jacqui, Canada: |
Well
what to say about our trip to Nepal? Amazing, absolutely
amazing! We were met at the airport by Pema Norbu Lama (Vishwa)
and his crew and escorted through the hustle and bustle
of Katmandu to our hotel. Hustle and bustle is an
understatement, the sounds, sights and smells were
overwhelming and so very exciting - so much to look at
and so much to do. We arrive at the hotel and even
though we are all dead tired we can’t wait to get
outside and start exploring. Let the adventure begin!
The flight to Lukla was an adventure in and of itself;
only in Nepal can you have a landing strip on the side
of a mountain with an 18% grade. Let’s just say there
were a few concerned looks amongst our group as we were
heading in to land. As we were soon to find out this was
an indication of what was to come, there are no flat
spots in the mountain region of Nepal, as you begin your
trek you are going up or going down those are your only
options. After our arrival in Lukla we meet up with our
porters and sort out our gear then we start our
adventure up the mountain. There is a group of 14 and we
are all in Nepal for various reasons; life time goal,
sense of adventure, re-capturing the past and for one or
two it just must be done. We spent 12 days on the trail
wondering up the mountains enjoying absolutely
spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Goyoko
just to name a few. The scenery was amazing, absolutely
amazing! Regardless of where you looked there was
something new to see, a new mountain, a new trail, a new
stream, a new village; the scenery was truly amazing!
The common theme throughout it all was the people, the
amazing people of Nepal. The locals were so open and
welcoming it really made you feel like you belonged. And
Vishwa’s group of porters and guides were by far the
best. They concerned themselves with our creature
comforts and from our perspective the operation was
seamless, Vishwa’s and his crew took care of everything.
Very personable crew and the genuine interest to get to
know each other were shared by all. The singing and
dancing may have kept us up late at night but it by no
means affected our performance on the trial the next
day. Would I recommend a trip to the mountains in Nepal,
absolutely! Would I recommend going with Vishwa and his
crew, absolutely! Thanks to Vishwa and his crew at
Peak Endeavors, I look forward to seeing you again!
Jacqui, Canada |
|
Michi und Reto, Schweiz: |
Teahouse
Trekking im Langtang Valley.
Selten kommen so viele positive und intensive
Erfahrungen in zwei Wochen zusammen: Freundliche Leute,
fabelhafte Natur, lustige Erlebnisse, witzige
Bekanntschaften, schönes Wetter, bereichernde kulturelle
Eindrücke... - die Liste liesse sich beliebig
verlängern. Als zwei fitte aber nicht austrainierte
Flachlandschweizer war das Langtang Valley mit seinen
Dörfern und gut gewählten Unterkünften genau auf uns
zugeschnitten. Genug hohe Berge mit Schnee und Eis -
aber auch viele kulturelle Eindrücke und eine tolle
Vielfalt an Kultur und Natur. Der echte Schlüssel zu der
unvergesslichen Erfahrung in Kathmandu und auf der Reise
war aber sicher Norbu - unser Freund und Guide. Die
Balance zwischen kameradschaftlicher Lockerheit,
freundschaftlicher Tiefe und professionellem
Verantwortungsbewusstsein hat Norbu jederzeit in unserem
Interesse interpretiert. Wir konnten mit ihm lachen,
studieren, rumblödeln - uns aber auch (gerade in tiefer
Nacht oder wenn wir mal nicht so fit waren ...) -
uneingeschränkt auf ihn verlassen. Norbu: Du und Deine
Firma haben Vertrauen und Erfolg redlich verdient!!!
Für Schweizer (Deutsche, Österreicher), die mehr wissen
wollen: Call +41 79 287 94 71 (Reto). |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Susan Young and Fred Yorra, Los Angeles,
California, USA: |
This
is the first time we can use the word superlative to
describe a travel experience. We have been adventure
travelers for years. Never have we felt so trusting,
cared about, and cared for as on this trip with Peak
Endeavors, and Pema Norbu Lama as our guide.
We searched the net for an outfitter for a trek in the
Annapurna area. From our first communication the
responses from Peak Endeavors were immediate, complete
and thoughtful. On arrival in Kathmandu, Norbu got to
know us and made suggestions to rearrange the trip to
fit better with our interests. He listened carefully to
what we liked and responded with a trek that was
perfectly in sync with who we are. It was seamless. The
trek was a fantastic melding of the physical and
cultural beauty of Nepal. Our guide Norbu took us to
special places not on the standard itineraries, which we
would not have known about, to further enrich our
experience. Best of all, and making this possible was
Norbu himself. He is smart, knowledgeable, experienced,
creative, and has a marvelous sense of humor. He is
curious and is himself interested in learning, a must
for a good teacher. He attended to every need and
anticipated potential problems with encouragement and
enthusiasm. He was aware of my previously fractured
ankle and provided a pony back up for a difficult part
of the trek.
Our experience is that Peak Endeavors is an A+ company,
and Pema Norbu Lama is an A++ organizer, guide and
leader. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Andrew and Sue Savage, UK: |
Fate was definitely on our side.
When a well known UK trekking company cancelled our
Annapurna Circuit trek one month before departure we
were determined to keep to our dates and plans. We feel
we were really lucky to find Peak Endeavour Nepal Trek's
website and to make contact with Norbu Lama. Nothing was
a problem. We were able to arrange the exact trek we
wanted, fitting the dates we wanted and doing the things
we wanted to do rather than having to fit in with a tour
company's ideas.
Everything from our first contact with Norbu via e mail
to his farewell to us at the airport at the end of our
trip was aimed at making our trek a fantastic
experience.
Our guide Ram Gurung and our porter, also called Ram,
couldn't have been kinder, more attentive, more easy
going or more fun to be with for three weeks of
trekking. We got the clear impression that Norbu trains
his guides well and sets high standards which Ram most
certainly lived up to in every way. We had personal
service all the way, totally responsive to our needs and
all done with the utmost good humor.
From time to time on the trek we came across groups from
the main UK based trekking companies and we were so glad
we had found Norbu. If you enjoy personal attention,
bespoke service and itineraries, flexibility and the
freedom to meet and mix with other Nepalese and
westerners then go with Norbu. If you like being
regimented, having fixed itineraries and being herded in
a group of 18......make your own mind up. I understand
Norbu will organize treks for large groups but we got
the real impression that these would be tailored to the
people on them rather than to a schedule and style
established in offices outside Nepal.
The Annapurna Circuit trek including Poon Hill and
Chhomrong was the most amazing experience. The guide
books rave about it's variety of cultures and
breathtaking scenery and it is true! We enjoyed every
bit of the trekking, gasped at the incredible mountain
views and were totaled humbled by the fantastic Nepalese
people we met along the way. For us it was a truly
enchanting experience that completely absorbed us every
moment of our trip. As westerners we felt we had a lot
to learn from them in terms of their contentment with
life and their generosity of spirit.
We had set out with high expectations: the trip exceeded
them all. We can thoroughly recommend Ram and Ram and
wish Norbu the very best success in building his
business. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Peter Sorg, Germany: |
|
Katmandu
- Helambu-Chitwan April 2006
Mit grosser Freude und Neugier hatte ich die Reise
angetreten und wurde kein bisschen enttäuscht. Unser
Guide Norbu hatte für uns alles wunderbar vorbereitet
und organisiert. Die ersten Tage in Kathmandu waren
gefüllt mit Eindrücken vom Stadtleben und Besuchen von
kulturellen und religiösen Stätten. Wir hatten als Basis
ein prima Hotel. Norbu organisierte Bus und Autotransfer
und gab viele Erklärungen.
Die 10 Tage Trekking in Helambu waren einfach umwerfend.
Unser Trägerteam war Klasse und Guide Norbu hatte die
Tagesetappen immer unserer Tagesform angepasst. Bei der
Wahl der Mahlzeiten hatte er auch immer ein Auge auf die
für uns richtige Wahl. Die Unterkünfte waren gut gewählt,
mal schlicht, aber tatsächlich auch mal komfortabler.
Trotz der im April 06 herrschenden etwas chaotischen
Verhältnisse durch die politischen Unruhen, ist es uns
gelungen auch noch vier Tage im Chitwan zu verbringen.
Elefantenreiten und Baden gehörten genauso dazu wie
Safari mit unglaublich vielen Tieren oder eine Kanutour.
Auch hier hatten wir eine tolle Lodge als Unterkunft.
Von Anfang bis Ende waren wir durchgehend gut betreut
und hatten trotzdem immer das Gefühl einer richtigen
Individualreise. Ich freu mich so viele tolle Erlebnisse
in so kurzer Zeit gehabt zu haben. Die mir vorher
ziemlich fremde Kultur hat mich tief beeindruckt. Es war
schön so viele freundliche und aufgeschlossene Menschen
kennen zu lernen.Drei wunderbare Wochen waren viel zu
schnell vorbei! Danke Norbu und Team!! |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Antje und Jörg Germany: |
Nepal
Rundreise vom 30.03.2006 – 22.04.2006
Ein lang gehegter Traum und Wunsch konnte endlich in
Erfüllung gehen. Nach mehreren Reisen nach Nepal ohne
meine Familie sollte es diesmal mit allen klappen.
Bisher war ich immer mit Pema Norbu Sherpa (Lama)
unterwegs gewesen und so sollte es auch diesmal sein.
Wir hatten schon gemeinsam vorab per Email ein
familiengerechtes Programm erarbeitet. Norbu holte uns
vom Airport ab. Für uns war es ein „Rundum-sorglos-Programm“,
da Norbu alle organisatorischen Dinge in die Hand nahm.
Wir hatten ein tolles Hotel in Kathmandu, er leitete
souverän die verschiedenen Tagesausflüge zu den großen
Sehenswürdigkeiten in Kathmandu und im Kathmandu-Tal.
Toller Ausflug nach Nagarkot zu einem tollen Ressort. Am
nächsten Tag Wanderung zurück nach Changdu-Narayan – „unser“
Kleinbus wartete schon auf uns. Es folgten 8 herrliche
Tage im Helambu und unvergessliche Tage im
Chitwan-Nationalpark. Norbu hat sich väterlich und
freundschaftlich um unsere Töchter (16 und 12 Jahre)
gekümmert, wenn z.B. der nächste Aufstieg während des
Treks mal wieder kein Ende nahm.
Dieser Urlaub war unvergesslich, denn neben den vielen
beeindruckenden Erlebnissen, die Nepal zu bieten hat,
kam auch noch die Zeit des politischen Umschwungs hinzu:
Streiks, geschlossene Läden, Boykott von Bussen, Taxi,
LKW des inländischen Flugverkehrs zum Schluss sogar
Ausgangssperren zwangen uns so manches Mal zum
umorganisieren. Dank Norbu war das kein Problem – wir
konnten unsere Zeit in Nepal einfach nur genießen und
waren Zeugen historischer Momente.
Danke Norbu, bis zum nächsten Mal. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Lisa und Lena, Germany: |
Nachdem
wir schon soviel über Nepal gehört hatten, freuten wir
uns sehr es endlich persönlich kennen zu lernen.
In den 3 Wochen die wir in diesem wunderbaren Land
verbringen konnten haben wir so viele wunderbare und
interessante Dinge gesehen, dass man sie gar nicht alle
richtig wahrnehmen konnte.
Uns haben die Tage, die wir im Chitwan National Park
verbracht haben am besten gefallen. Nicht nur unser
Hotel in dem wir wohnten war fabelhaft, auch die
Ausflüge die wir unternommen haben waren klasse.
Z.B. das wir mehrmals auf Elefanten geritten sind und
dabei Nashörner in ihrer freien Wildbahn sehen konnten.
Auch der Besuch der Elefanten - Aufzucht - Station war
beeindruckend und wir sind Pema Norbu Sherpa sehr
dankbar, das er uns diese Möglichkeit geben hat, all
dies zu erfahren.
Natürlich war nicht nur der Aufenthalt im Dschungel
beeindruckend, auch die Trekking-Tour die Norbu für uns
zusammengestellt hatte war erfahrungsreich. Wir sind 8
Tage im Helambu - Gebiet gewandert und waren überrascht,
das Norbu unsere Leistung so gut einschätzen konnte als
er die Tour geplant hat, denn sie war genau das richtige
Maß für uns.
Allerdings hätten wir sie wohl kaum geschafft, wenn
Norbu nicht ein paar Träger mitgebracht hätte.
Diese haben unsere Rucksäcke getragen und uns damit
wirklich eine große Last von unseren Schultern genommen
(im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes). Laxman, Khadka und
Deepak waren dazu noch sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.
Natürlich haben wir uns auch mit der Kultur Nepals
beschäftigt, nicht nur in dem wir die Menschen auf
unserer Trekking-Tour getroffen haben sondern auch in
dem wir uns die verschieden Tempel und Stupas in der
Umgebung Kathmandus bei einer Reihe bestens
organisierter Ausflüge angesehen haben.
Dabei wurden wir immer mit viel wissenswerten,
lehrreichen und interessanten Informationen von Norbu
versorgt.
Insgesamt war das wohl die beste und spektakulärste
Reise unseres bisherigen Lebens.
Danke Norbu, das du uns dein tolles Heimatland Nepal
gezeigt hast. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Bob & Annette, Australia: |
 Our expectation was to fulfill a long
held dream of trekking in Nepal – to achieve this has
been an amazing experience. It was harder than we ever
expected – the altitude at MBC and climbing to ABC was
difficult for me (Annette) but to reach the top and
drink in the beauty around made it a very special
achievement. The Langtang was great – the tenting a new
experience which I really enjoyed – again, the scenery
was everything I expected and I was able to heal my
soul. I grieved for my sister and felt very close to her
and I was able to clear my mind and find a wonderful
inner peace. For Bob, being with his kin was very
special. The friendship and fun was fantastic. You are
all welcome to visit us in Sydney and we thank you, one
and all, for 25 incredible days. The day we met up with
Peter at Lake Louise was indeed a turning point in our
lives. We will take our memories with us and leave you
all a warm and loving wish for peace and Nepalese
happiness. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Darla, Canada: |
“Life is not measured by the number
of breaths you take but by the moments that take your
breath away.” (unknown)
For me, standing with the
360 degree view at ABC and at the lake in the pass with
prayer flags flying and porters singing were my moments.
My life has been challenging in the past few years and
when Peter’s e-mail arrived about the trip I knew it was
the right time to go off to a country I have longed to
see and challenge my physical and mental state in the
process. There were moments I regretted on the trip but
on reflection I loved it!! The group was wonderful,
supportive, and I couldn’t have asked for a better
room-mate, Pat! It was great to meet (Vishwa) Pema Norbu
Lama and our porters; they added so much to the trip.
Thank you Peter for all your work arranging our
adventure! Namaste, |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Janelle, Canada: |
Years from now when I look back and
think about my time spent in Nepal I’m not going to
remember where we stopped for lunch each day. I will not
remember what elevation we were at when we stopped for
tea and I probably won’t remember the exact number of
days we went without a shower. When I look back, I’m
going to remember what I felt when I stood up at 15,840
feet. I’ll remember late nights and long talks around
the fire with (Vishwa) Pema Norbu Lama and the boys, and
the way I felt the first time they called me their
sister. I was given the opportunity to glimpse into the
lives of some amazing people and I will remain forever
thankful. I’ll miss the singing and dancing and all the
fun that came with the over-consumption of Everest beer.
We’ve made memories that will last a lifetime, and I’m
so glad to have shared this experience with such a great
group of people. We all accomplished something special
and the best part about it is that we did it together.
This trip has been more than I ever could have imagined
and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for
making it a trip that I’ll never forget. Until we meet
again, |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Murray "Dadu", Canada: |
There was a brief moment at the
beginning of this trip that opened the door to the
amazing people that Nepal has displayed for us to
experience. We had just arrived in Kathmandu and I was
still in shock from the noise, smells and visual impacts
from the trip from the airport to our hotel. We decided
to take a walk down the narrow, chaotic streets to find
the banking machines and the local market. Our group was
obvious newcomers, and we were quickly overwhelmed by
the vendors and street kids persistently trying to sell
us their wares. The most persistent of all was a young
girl of about 10-12 years old. She was skinny, dirty,
and had no front teeth but she was relentless in her
pursuit of selling us a handbag so she could buy
“biscuits and milk”. Strapped to her back by the
traditional Nepalese cloth was a small child of about
one year of age. She followed us for several blocks
approaching one of the group and then another. Finally
our faithful guide (and soon to be close friend)
(Vishwa) Pema Norbu Lama, let loose with a verbal rant
in her direction which didn’t need translation to make
it clear that he was telling her to “back off and to
leave us alone”. Suddenly she snapped back at (Vishwa)
Pema Norbu Lama with her own verbal attack that set him
on his heels. What was special was what occurred next
and was what I will always remember. They both looked at
each other and broke into laughter! The people of Nepal
are incredible as well as my traveling
companions. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Greg "Talu", Canada: |
Wow … where to start? We have all
experienced so much over the last month to look back on
this trip will take a long, long time. Every picture and
thought holds something special for me about the land of
Nepal. The smiles, the sites, the people, the landscape,
the list goes on forever. I have no bad memories of this
trip, only eyes that have been opened wide to this
country and its people. From chaotic streets that
seemingly run with organization to ritualistic killings
of goats during Hindu ceremonies. From dry dusty streets
to clear alpine passes. We have seen what the country
and its people have to offer. I would have to say the
one thing that stands out in my mind to date is the
smiles on people’s faces especially the children and
those who received the few gifts we brought to them. I
will remember the exhilaration and satisfaction of
standing with friends old and new at an altitude we have
never been at. I will remember crowded streets, open
markets, friendly people and great friendships made but
most of all … I will remember Nepal. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Hugh, Canada: |
I have wandered in many mountains, on
many trails, and climbed many peaks. But this place
called Nepal has touched my heart’s soul deeply. With
very little, and little hope for the future, the
Nepalese smile and laugh as little children. Taking
delight in the “minor things of life” but always
remembering their family, friends and spirituality.
These people that I met and have traveled with, have
also touched my heart and soul. They have challenged
themselves and support each other to achieve their
goals. From this I will always remember the people,
places, smells and sounds. For Nepal and my friends have
added so much to my life. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Laurie, Canada: |
Travel to other cultures, especially
a culture such as Nepal that is so different from our
own, always inspires one to a deeper level of
introspection that we never seem to have the time to do
in the daily living of life. For me as I embark on a new
adventure in life by marrying the guy I love, the past
30 days have been a wonderful experience to stand
outside of the box and see what’s important in life. But
it was also a heck of a lot of fun meeting the group of
wonderful people that come from Canada, Australia and
(Vishwa) Pema Norbu Lama’s team of wonderful porters.
The insight into their lives and country would not have
happened if it was a solo trip of just “me”. Families
have ties that last and I think we have built ties in
our month-long trekking adventure. And finally, I don’t
think I’ve quite digested the altitude that we climbed
and the physical workout that we did on a daily basis. I
will take a photo of one of the higher places we trekked
and keep it by my desk. “Always challenge
yourself”!!
P.S: I couldn’t have asked for a
better stagette. Thanks guys!! |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Tammie, Canada: |
On 02 April 2005 I left Calgary with
a group of “strangers” (to me) and a friend, Laurie. All
my traveling has been on my own and it was so nice to
have someone familiar and with whom to share the
experience – so glad you came Laurie!! On 30 April 2005
I am returning to Calgary with a group that are no
longer strangers. I know who prefers “milk tea”, and
everyone in this group has had an impact on me. We
supported each other, and the experience is richer for
that.
Nepal, its culture, and the splendor of the
Himalayas, also had a profound impact. It touched my
heart. (Vishwa) Pema Norbu Lama and his wonderful group
of “boys” were an absolute pleasure!! It was fabulous to
hear about life in Nepal from those who live life in
Nepal!!
This month has also been a time for some
soul searching and where better than in the “temple” of
the mountains!! The physical challenge of the “steps”,
the ups and downs, the heat, the cold, it was
awesome!!
May all of you continue to travel and
enjoy each experience as much as this one!! |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Pat, Canada: |
For many years I have dreamed of
trekking in Nepal. Little did I realize the impact of
such an adventure. From the moment I arrived in
Kathmandu, my senses were bombarded by the sights,
sounds and smells – to the point of being overwhelmed.
The hopelessness of the lives of some Nepalese are
heart-rending, a struggle they face daily, but do so
with dignity and determination. May there be better
times ahead for Nepal.
Traveling with a group of
people who became friends, added immensely to the
pleasure derived from this experience – you were all fun
to be with. Your encouragement helped with the physical
challenges particularly on the first day of trekking
with hundreds of stone steps and 39 degrees!
A
special thanks to you, Darla, for your companionship and
sense of humor. I could not have had a better
room-mate.
The scenery was awe-inspiring at
times-massive snow covered peaks, rhododendrons,
temples…! But mostly I will remember the people of Nepal
and in particular Vishwa and his porters, not just for
the experience they provided us, but for their spirit.
They contributed so much to my enjoyment of the trip by
just being who they are. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Laura " Chameli", Canada: |
When the opportunity arose for me to
go on this trip I could not say “no”. Something drew me
to it and for that I’m thankful. It truly was an
experience of a lifetime!!!
As expected, the
mental challenge and physical challenge was there. Being
prepared day after day to travel the pathways, steps,
ridges, valleys, steep up, steep down and the variance
in temperature (extreme heat to cold), we did it, and
did it well!!!
Nepal has touched me deeply. The
people are amazing. They are cheerful, happy and always
smiling. The values of family, friendship, community and
spirituality are so strong. I particularly noticed how
musical they are and how they express so much through
song and dance. We were integrated into this
“community” thanks to Vishwa and his crew and I’m
grateful for the experience.
The future for Nepal
is so uncertain and the situation so volatile. It was
hard to leave these new friends, Vishwa and crew,
behind.
I have a new appreciation for just how
fortunate I am in my life. I now realize how much I’ve
taken for granted in my daily life. I’ve seen how hard
the Nepalese work day after day – just to provide basic
necessities.
Lastly, I want to say thanks to each
and every member of the group for the support,
encouragement and the laughs. It wouldn’t have been the
same without you all. My memories of Nepal will be
with me forever!! |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Bonnie, Canada: |
We have been given a rare opportunity
to see Nepal under circumstances most people are not
afforded. Under (Vishwa) Pema Norbu Lama’s direction our
porters, i.e. our “sherpas” and personal porters,
interacted with us to make us happy which included
conversing with us about their culture and lives,
singing, dancing and playing for us. We were invited
into people’s homes. This made the trip very
special.
I enjoyed the physical challenge of the
trek and it was all I had hoped for. I cannot fail to
be amazed at the planning and organization of Peak
Endeavour Inc Canada and Peak Endeavour Nepal Trek.
Peter managed to put together a group of 14 people that
could spend a month together in close quarters, often
under trying circumstances and still become, and remain,
best friends. How he could pair us off so well is
fantastic. My room-mate and buddy Ashley and I were so
alike in our tastes and outlook it was uncanny. Thank
you Ashley, for a wonderful time.
Despite
circumstances beyond their control, Peter and (Vishwa)
Pema Norbu Lama rearranged our itinerary to make our
trip even better – Maoist’s strikes, plane flight
cancellations – no problem. The gorgeous Himalayan
mountain vistas, the exhilaration of reaching the
summit, the adventures of new daily experiences in a
culture so different from my own, I will remember
forever. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Ashley, Canada: |
I remember reading on a menu at one
of our stops near ABC, “Do not try to change Nepal, Let
Nepal change you.” Though I believe this statement,
there are a few things I would like to change. I would
like to change the political crisis as I saw the toll it
was taking on the Nepalese we now know as friends. I
would like to change the employment possibilities as I
find it hard to think so many contemplate leaving their
home and family to find work abroad. I would like to see
a higher standard of living and better equipped schools.
The things I accept in Nepal are the smiling faces, the
close families, the happiness despite tough living
conditions, the beauty and majesty of the geography, the
overwhelming spirituality.
Has Nepal changed me?
Thirty days of trekking through the country gave me a
rare opportunity to test myself and I found I was up to
the challenge though some days were hard. How thrilled I
felt to arrive at ABC (even though I was last) to hear
the prayer flags flapping, and bask in the glory of the
highest mountains in the world. How much I enjoyed our
day plodding in the snow to cross Lauribinayak Pass at
15,121 ft. and the steep descent.
Anyone can trek
through the country and see the sights but we had the
rewarding opportunity to travel with (Vishwa) Pema Norbu
Lama and his porters – Ram, Laxman, Kulman, Hira,
Narayan, Ishwar and Pradeep – who truly enhanced our
experience by giving us a rare glimpse into their lives
– and for that I will be forever grateful. Our “Team
Calgary” and Peter were a great group of people to share
the adventure with and I am happy to have met my
room-mate Bonnie and share hard beds, cold tents, and
pristine water! Thanks Bonnie – you are a perfect
roomie.
There were many times I raised my senses
to “be in the moment” so I will be able to relive those
special times.
(With music): Resham firiri,
resham firiri I am a monkey, you are a
donkey Resham firiri Resham firiri, resham
firiri Thanks for the good times, thanks for the
memories Resham firiri. De ray ram roo cha! Ma lie
sanchai Cha! |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Peter, Canada: |
Wow! We made it! There were
unexpected challenges for all of us, but a special group
of friends bonded together and experienced Nepal as few
have done in recent years.
In spite of political
problems in Nepal and negative press in newspapers
worldwide, you all had confidence and trust in (Vishwa)
Pema Norbu Lama and me and followed us to the top of the
world. Thank you for believing in us. |
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|