The Paleochora Site "Nepal Special"

Readers will recall our trip from Paleochora to Nepal in late 2014 (see “Explore” January 2015), our stay in Katmandhu, and trek into the Tsum Valley, close to the Tibetan border. We had booked a similar journey for 2015, well before the dreadful earthquakes last April, and after some thought, and against some advice, went ahead, flying to Nepal last mid-November.

Katmandhu, especially the ancient Durbhar Square, had been badly damaged, and some temples destroyed completely ; many families were still living in tents, despite the approach of winter, whilst their homes were being re-built.

We flew on to Pokhara, less affected, and set off on a 12-day trek above the Kali Gandaki river and into Lower Mustang. Our guides pointed out occasional landslides, and we passed through remote villages where life was returning to normal after the devastation, with houses and schools being repaired and renovated after the tragedy which claimed over 9000 lives, with some 23,000 injured.

Tourism in Nepal last year was down by 70% ; we met only a small number of other trekkers, and many of the ‘lodges’ in villages where we stayed were empty. But – everywhere – we were met with traditional Nepali welcome, warmth, friendliness and gratitude.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Nepal, see the Himalayas, go walking through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, don’t have any second thoughts about booking flights to Katmandhu. Here are a few photographs from our trip, which might persuade you to do just that …….