This was the important part of the trip for me. I like to eat! However by the end of the trek I could barely stand the sight much less the taste of the Nepali Himalayan food. First of all let me describe how the food is cooked and the process of a hungry tourist trying to get food. After a long day hiking on the trail you arrive at the lodge, more often then not, in the dark. There will be a few tourists or maybe none at all depending on the … [Read more...]
Nepal – Itinerary
The following is an itinerary for our hike from Lucla to the top of Kala Patar. The time allowed for this hike was a bit short. An extra day or two would help some people better acclimatize to the high altitude. General Day 1 Fly into Lucla (9,100 ft). Get porters and start hiking up the trail. From Lucla it is a 2.5 hour hike to Pakding at 8,600 ft. From Pakding it is a 2 hour hike to Mondzo at 9,300 ft. Then from Mondzo it is an hour … [Read more...]
Nepal – Lucla
The town of Lucla is where most people fly to in order to start their hike or trek. The elevation here is about 9,100 feet and it is better to fly here, then to Namche Bazaar which is situated at 11,700 feet. I say this because it is easier to acclimate yourself to lower elevation. This town is fairly large compared to the rest of the towns scattered along the trail on the way to Everest Base Camp. Don't expect any luxury in any of these … [Read more...]
Nepal – The Trek
This is a short story about a 12 day trek I took in the Himalayas. This was the trip that turned me on to International travel and was the direct inspiration for starting Dave’s Travel Corner, i.e., this website. Sometimes people speak of “a trip of a lifetime” – for me, Nepal was that trip. Be prepared to read – this is a long one! We were delayed in the Katmandu airport for some reason. Our guide speculated that someone had paid more money … [Read more...]
Nepal – Trekking Companies
Trekking differs from just a "hike" in that trekking is partly a cultural experience. While on the trail not only are you experiencing fantastic views of awesome scenery, but you are interacting with porters, meeting people from around the world who have come to hike in the Himalayas, as well as meeting the Sherpa people. Trekking can either be organized through established trekking companies or done solo. Expect to pay more for trekking … [Read more...]
Nepal – Katmandu
Katmandu, for all its poverty and dilapidated buildings, is a relatively safe city. In all my walks and travels through the neighborhoods I never once felt unsafe. In comparison, many times I felt unsafe walking through Bangkok, Thailand or even cities in California. The people in Katmandu were very friendly and easy going. This was the first city that I have ever seen that appeared to be crumbling to the ground. There were few paved streets, … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Attractions
Donner Lake can be seen driving east from Donner Summit on the 80 freeway (on one's right hand side). Donner Summit is just over 7,200 feet. Donner Lake is three miles west of Truckee, three miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide. This lake is known as the "Gem of the Sierras" and is 600 feet in its deepest section. A public boat launching ramp is located at the west end of the lake next to a large parking lot. Fishing is excellent. The railroad … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Parks
Burton Creek State Park is over 1,800 acres and is Tahoe's second largest state park. There are over 12 miles of fire roads for either hiking or biking. This park is open for day use only and is located on Highway 28 just three miles north of Tahoe City. For more information call Phone (916) 525-7982. D.L. Bliss State Park is located 8 miles south of Tahoma on Highway 89. This is a 1200 acre park with 5 miles of hiking trails and 168 … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Hiking, Biking
The following are hiking or biking trails we have explored in the Tahoe Area. As time permits, we will visit additional local trails and provide more information here. Angora Lakes These set of two lakes are located about 10 miles from Emerald Bay. You can either take a car or bike here. Take the Fallen Leaf Road off of Highway 89 on the south side of the road. This is a narrow paved road that skirts Fallen Leaf Lake (about 1/2 mile in … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – More Info
Visitor Centers Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 7139] Lake Tahoe, NV 89449 Phone (702) 588-4591 www.tahoechamber.org Incline Village Chamber of Commerce: 969 Tahoe Blvd. Incline Bay, NV 89451 Truckee Chamber of Commerce Truckee, CA 96161 They can also be reached by calling Phone (530) 587-2757. www.truckee.com Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority P.O. Box 16299 So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Phone … [Read more...]