Great Himalaya Trail - The Full Traverse

This has been the most amazing experience anyone could ever think of doing. I have come so far, over 1700kms across this beautiful country, and over 29 high passes and been above 6000m. And not to mention the kind hearted people of Nepal, always full of joy and rich in culture, that we have met along this journey.For me this has been a very personal adventure and the sense of achievement I cant tell you how proud I am of myself. Ill take from this experience to propel me forward in life.The staff have done a phenomenal job on this journey, so tirelessly hard working. Its not quite over yet, still 2 days to go before we get back to Simikot, it makes me happy that its not over! Were now retracing steps back to Simikot and our flight out, its a strange feeling after traversing the country completely in the opposite direction, however this short return section offers a different perspective of the stunning views and I feel its fitting to be facing the mountains we have travelled over.I have been extremely happy with my gear that has served me well along this 152 day journey, its kept me comfortable and given me confidence in all the extreme conditions we have encountered. Although this journey is about to end I cant help thinking of the next thing, future goals, perhaps a trip to New Zealand and a mountaineering course to learn the skills to climb the mountains we have passed beneath over the last 5 months! When I return home I hope to inspire others to get out there, especially the youth, to get out there and get amongst it, there is so much out there.Personally, I would like to thank the tour company for making it possible, its a huge undertaking to organize and execute such a logistically complicated journey. Its really opened my eyes a lot, and its changed my life, when I return home the plan is to live more simply, at home we take so much for granted, here, there is so little, people have so little, and they are happy, and they have touched my heart.

What can one say to sum up five months crossing the Himalaya from east to west Nepal It has everything from high mountain passes and days in the snow, low land agricultural areas and the summer heat, the high and dry regions of Dolpo, and finally the wet monsoon rains of the west. The challenges one faces on a journey of this length are not just physical, but also mental; getting up and walking for 6-8 hours day in, day out, rain or shine. However the experiences and people you meet along the way, whether fellow clients, the amazing staff, or the local Nepalese make it all worth while, and ensure every one of the 152 days contains a different highlight. To spend five months in Nepal is an amazing and eye opening experience which Id recommend to anyone with the time, resources and personal drive to do. A definite challenge but well worth the effort.

The Great Himalaya Trail is a trek like no other - diverse and breathtaking - with its changing seasons, majestic mountains, challenging altitudes, snow, heat and monsoonal rains it instantly captures your heart and soul. I have so many favourite places from out along the trail In the east, where the jagged, snow capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga region jut skyward between rocky passes and boulder strewn glaciers. In the west, where the thick, green juniper forests grow bravely in steep ravines that gradually give way to high, shaley windswept plateaus. In the Everest region, where the magnificent mountain itself stands shoulder to shoulder with its fellow 8,000 metre peaks, and in the Makalu region, where the stars are so bright, the Milky Way paints a vibrant white stripe across the inky sky. Our tour company's team was absolutely amazing - Skilled, caring and wise beyond words. We very quickly became part of their Nepalese family and settled into a wonderful daily routine immersed in their culture, and in the elements, with our backpacks, trekking poles and our little yellow tents. If you are thinking of trekking the Great Himalaya Trail, Id say do it, you will have an incredible life changing experience.