On Elephant back in the Chitwan Jungle

After spending two relaxing nights in Pokhara, with time to catch up on some laundry and shopping, we began our journey to Chitwan, in the south of Nepal. The last part of our journey was by 4 wheel drive through small, rough tracks and crossing rivers.

Arriving at the eco friendly Jungle Lodge in time for lunch, we are struck by the peace of the jungle and the array of bird calls. Our home for the next 2 nights is comfortable with hot showers.

Our first afternoon was spent on elephant back and we were treated to a remarkable sight of a mother and baby one horned rhinoceros in the wild.

The jungle experience was great with jungle walks and elephant washing in the river.

Our time in Nepal is coming to an end with one more day to be spent in Kathmandu where we visit Hindu and Buddhist Temples and manage some last minute souvenir shopping.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Trek in the beautiful Annapurna region of Nepal

We left Pokhara for the one and half hour bus trip to the start of our trek. With small day packs, walking poles and sturdy boots our group of 8 women joyfully began a 5 day trek through hills and villages, starting from Birethanit.

Walking straight uphill for the first two and a half days, through the many small villages, along roughly formed stone steps and dirt tracks, we were greeted along the way by many faces with the local greeting of "Namaste". Our group was also accompanied by 3 young and very strong porters who carried all our gear, our leader guide and 2 helper guides, as well as our wonderful cook. Our cook created delicious and healthy meals each day, even delighting us with his famous apple pie, which was cooked on an open fire place.

In the evenings we stayed in lovely, clean Teahouses. These are run by local families and provide twin share rooms for weary bodies seeking a good nights sleep, before rising early for another day of trekking. The scenery along the way was beautiful and dramatic with an ever changing landscape. We walked through dense forests past waterfalls, traversed along the side of hills and took in amazing views of snow capped mountains.

We also enjoyed High Tea and High Yoga as you can see in the photos.

On Day 3, our group of women adventure seekers, rose in the darkness at 4:30am to climb Poon Hill. This peak sits at 3,210 metres and offers a stunning sunrise view of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South and Fish Tail. I love the mountains!

Just as rain clouds started gathering, we stopped for a late lunch at a small family run Teahouse within a deep valley.

The rain began and very quickly developed into hail. The roofs and ground became enveloped in white. The decision was made to stay and hope the weather clears by morning, as the steep descent from the mountains is not wise to negotiate in wet conditions. The afternoon was spent playing cards with our porters, joking and eating.

The following morning did dawn clear and spoiled us with beautiful snow capped mountain views for most of the day.

Our descent on the final day was a little hard on the legs, but we all managed with smiling faces and a great sense of achievement.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Stupa of Pokhara

Our group of Women's Own Adventure in Nepal had to make a slight change of plan today. There were demonstrations outside the town which prevented us from reaching the start of our trek. So we had the pleasure of an afternoon spent in Pokhara.

This beautiful town is a contrast to Kathmandu. At a much slower and peaceful pace, it is surrounded by mountains. Our journey to Pokhara was via a half hour flight on a small aircraft which afforded magnificent views of the snow capped mountains.

This afternoon we crossed the lake by boat to walk up a steep track to the Budhist Stupa which overlooks the town. It sits at 1,100 metres above the lake. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the way and marveled at the view. There were a handful of colourful paragliders on the opposite peak enjoying plenty of thermal lift. Nepal and its people are bright and colourful, with splashes of colour everywhere.

Tomorrow we leave for our trek with our wonderful guide Ang. So you can read all about it in on our return to Pokhara in 6 days time.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure

Shangri-La Nepal

After travelling for what seems like such a long time, our group of 8 women adventurers have arrived in Kathmandu. Upon landing at the airport we are struck by the local smells and sounds of a bustling and chaotic city. Kathmandu has a population of two and a half million people. The narrow roads are home to all manner of vehicles armed with very loud and incessant horns.

Today we explored the market area of Thamel and some, shyly tested their bargaining abilities in purchasing well priced Pashminas and other assorted items.

Tomorrow, early in the morning we fly to Pokhara an begin our trek in the beautiful Anapurna region. As internet access will be limited on our 6 day trek through the villages, the next update will be quite some days away.

- signing off, Marika Martinez - Women's Own Adventure