A trip through the mountains in the mid west and far west Nepal is challenging, a great learning experience and an opportunity to meet some amazing people as well as be awed by stunning views that seem to go on for ever. So what did we learn? Life in the mountains … … is beautiful We had plenty of time to appreciate the scenic beauty of the mountain region during our trip: two and a half days trekking from Jumla to Gamgadhi, two days trekking from Rara Lake to Kolti as well as time to explore around Jumla and Rara Lake and enjoy the views from our Gamgadhi balcony. Soaring mountains with snow capped peaks, waterfalls plunging into gorges, deep valleys with crops, pine forests, lakes and rivers – it would be hard to find somewhere more beautiful. But for those who live here there is much more to life than beautiful views. Life here … … is harsh You don’t need to spend much time here to realise that everyday life is tough. There is little infrastructure, few roads – often in a poor state of repair, damaged by frequent landslides or washed away altogether. Supplies are brought to the major towns by truck (when the roads are accessible) and beyond that by mule. Firewood, cattle fodder, building supplies and produce for market must all be carried many miles – usually in cane baskets or just by a headband. Often water must be carried from the nearest spring or river and stored in jerry cans, buckets, drums and any other available container. Grazing land for cattle is of poor quality and cattle and goats are often walked long distances to better grazing areas. Towns and settlements perch precariously on mountain ridges and promontories – a disaster waiting to happen in an earthquake prone land. This also means that everyday life … … is challenging The mountain people have many creative ways of overcoming some of the daily challenges: we saw solar ovens in use at Maya Sadan in Jumla, we spent time with INF community development workers and heard how they manage their caseload. We got to experience the challenge of outdoor public bathing, and of walking along precarious trails and ridges where landslides had wiped out the track. And in all of this, life … … is full of surprises The delightful snack house where we were warmly welcomed for breakfast each morning in Gamgadhi; the small pleasures of playing games with children amused by the strange bideshis; being welcomed as family in small hotels; the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of INF community development staff not only for their work, but also hungry to learn. But most surprising was the warmth of the welcome we received and the appreciation shown to us in each community. These are people who have shared with us their passion, their concerns, their hopes and their dreams and we carry those with us, and thank them for the opportunity to share in their lives.
4 Comments
Inge
13/10/2015 01:34:53 am
How beautifully described and said and what a privilege for you to have been there. What an amazing encouragement you have been to those people in some of the remotest areas of the world ...
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Sue
13/10/2015 02:35:37 am
Thanks Inge,
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Peta Boon
13/10/2015 05:49:58 am
Wow! I LOVED how you wrote this. I'm locking vicariously through you on this trip and am so glad to know that you are appreciating the beauty of that place in the midst of the harshness. And in actual fact finding more beauty in spite of the difficulties. Love your work! Keeping you in prayer always, with much love xx
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Really well maintained site structure and had a great time reading your content.As Nepal is one of the best destination in the world where every trek lovers should visit once in a lifetime to experience the natural beauty,landscapes,culture and many more..Thanks for your great content.
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AuthorRob & Sue from Alice Springs, heading to Nepal for a while. Archives
December 2015
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