Six Months After The Earthquake, Nepal Is Open For Adventure

Nepal is home to the best climbing, trekking and mountaineering on earth. But, earlier this year, it also had a massive earthquake, an avalanche on Everest and is right now subject to a “blockade” by its neighbour India. Can you still visit? Surprisingly, now may be the best time ever.

An avalanche on Everest killed 16 Sherpa last May. A blizzard killed dozens of trekkers around Annapurna last October. A disastrous earthquake killed thousands in April. And currently, India is blockading Nepal in protest of its new constitution, creating a fuel crisis.

With all the doom and gloom found in the news, you’d think that Nepal would be the last place on earth anyone should visit. However, I’m here now and that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Most people who venture into this tiny country are in search of adventure — and Nepal certainly delivers. Eight of the world’s ten highest peaks rest within its borders; hundreds of smaller but equally respectable mountains provide stunning backdrops for trekkers and worthy objectives for climbers.
All of those big mountains have big glaciers with lots of runoff to supply kayakers and rafters with world-class whitewater. Those who venture further away from the Himalayas are met with the steepest foothills and most expansive valleys imaginable — providing mountain bikers with endless opportunities for downhill runs or singletrack touring.

Six Months After The Earthquake, Nepal Is Open For Adventure

Pokhara is the only place in the world to go Parahawking. Photo by Rebecca Bredehoft.

Two hundred kilometers east of Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu lies Pokhara — a tranquil lakeside city that rests in the shadow of Annapurna. Thanks to its stable thermals, convenient takeoff and landing zones, and stunning scenery, it’s one of the top destinations for paragliding in the world.
Adventure isn’t the only thing to be found here though. Nepal is sandwiched between India and China; its own rich, vibrant culture is a reflection of such. Dal Bhat (a traditional Nepali dish consisting of lentils and rice; often served with vegetable curry, pickles, and papad) reflects its neighbour to the west — while momo (meat- or vegetable-filled dumplings) are borrowed from Tibet to the east.

Prayer flags and pagodas dot almost every mountainside; while monks live in remote monasteries paying homage to Buddha, who was born here in Lumbini. Dozens of festivals occur throughout the year in celebration of multiple religions and holidays; with such a huge influx of visitors from around the globe, Nepal is truly a melting pot.
What is Nepal like post-earthquake?

The Nepalese are a resilient bunch; knowing that much of their economy is stimulated by tourism, they have wasted no time repairing, rebuilding, and readying roads, trails, and tea houses in an effort to welcome back adventurers.

There are three main trekking regions: Annapurna, Khumbu, and Langtang. Each of them were affected differently by the earthquake.
Annapurna

The Annapurna region is popularised by three treks: The Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill. This region attracts the most trekkers; pre-earthquake numbers pushed 100,000 per year.

The good news is that the Annapurna region didn’t suffer much damage from the quake; as such it was opened up for trekking just a couple of months later.
So what’s the point of all this?

Despite all of the negative things you’ve been reading in the news or have been hearing from uninformed family and friends — Nepal is again ready to show you the adventure of a lifetime.

If you’ve been wanting to travel here but have been deterred by recent events, let this ease your mind. The trails are in good condition. Food and water are abundant. The tea houses are staffed. The only thing missing is you.
Source: Gizmodo