My Asia trips
19 Days in Laos July 17 – August 4, 2011
Laos, a land-locked country eclipsed by its neighbours, is often forgotten or seen as a laid-back, under-developed and poor nation. I have been to all the Indochina countries except Laos and am keen to see this lost ancient kingdom. I spent 19 lovely days in northern Laos and visited the Provinces of Luang Nam Tha, … Continue reading
51 Days in Nepal (3): Kanchenjunga Trek April 19 – May 15, 2011
I joined a 21-day off-beat trek (April 22 – May 12) to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain at the border with India. Our party of six (two trekkers, a guide and three porters) had a most eventful trek. First, a strike by plantation workers at Ilam upset our plan to take a bus to … Continue reading
51 Days in Nepal (2): Mustang April 4-18, 2011
Discovery of Mustang After my visit to Chitwan and Lumbini, I made my way to Pokhara. On April 4, I met up with 11 members of the trekking group (nine Italians including Carlo Amberto, leader of the group, Clifton, an American and Peter, a Swede) and Achut, the local guide. I had an unforgettable 50km-trek … Continue reading
51 Days in Nepal (1) March 26 – April 3, 2011
Chitwan National Park & Lumbini (9 Days: March 26 – April 3) Trekking is wonderful for both the mind and the body. Nepal a paradise for trekkers – affordable, wonderful sherpas and supports and above all, fantastic routes suitable for all levels of ability. On my third visit to Nepal, I spent 51 days in … Continue reading
8 Days in Bhutan March 18-25, 2011
Bhutan, also known as the Land of Thunder Dragon, is the one of the most restricted and expensive tourist destinations. Given its spiritual, cultural and natural heritage, Bhutan believes it has something unique and special in the modern world to offer to visitors. It has been on my ‘must-see’ list for a long time. … Continue reading
30 Days in Nepal 2010 (Part 2)
5-day Poon Hill Trek (November 20-26) Trekking, in my view, is the best way to discover a mountain kingdom like Nepal. I made my first trip to Nepal as part of a study tour to India, Nepal and Bangladesh in 1978 and have longed for a Himalayas trek ever since. Everest is said to be … Continue reading
30 days in Nepal 2010(Part 1)
Everest Base Camp / Kala Pattar Trek (October 28 – November 18) Trekking, in my view, is the best way to discover a mountain kingdom like Nepal. I made my first trip to Nepal as part of a study tour to India, Nepal and Bangladesh in 1978 and have longed for a Himalayas … Continue reading
21 days London- Hong Kong Overland September 13 – October 3, 2010
I love trains. A Trans-Siberian journey has been on my must-do list for three decades. My dream finally came true when I left London for Hong Kong upon completion of my assignment in London. As I only had 20 days and wished to visit as many places as possible, I gave up the idea of taking the classic 9289km-long … Continue reading