A mesmerising journey through the majestic Himalayas

Muscat: A group of adventurous travellers in the age group of 70 – 85 years set out on a memorable 10 day tour fom April 30 – May 9, 2023 well organised by Avian Adventure.

Arriving at Kathmandu on a comfortable SalamAir flight from Muscat, the group’s journey began with a warm welcome from their local contacts.  The first highlight was the spiritual experience of Ekadashi at Pashupathinath, followed by a journey to Mulkot.

On day 3, the group faced the first challenge of their tour as they braved the rush at Ramechhap airport due to bad weather.  A thrilling flight to Lukla amidst the scenic views of snowcapped Himalayas, clouds and small streams of rivers set the tone for the adventure ahead.  A cup of hot tea at the Summit Air Lodge and a stroll through the local bazaar warmed up the group.

Day 4 began with an unexpected delay at the helipad with a six hour wait for the helicopter to Namche Bazaar(3447mts/11,300ft), besides the physically demanding trek to Panorama Hotel.  After a good rest we visited the local bazar.

Day 5 chopper ride to Everest Base Camp welcomed us with breathtaking views of the snow covered mountains and frozen waterfalls.  However, poor visibility due to rain and clouds cut short the group’s acclimatisation trek and to stay indoors and engage in a friendly game of cards.

A change in plans on Gurupurnima saw the group heading to Gokyo lake by chopper, offering stunning vistas of Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Makalu and Mount Everest.  The high point was the landing at at Kala Pathar (5545mtr/18192ft) and the group’s triumphant display of flags that symbolizes unity and shared accomplishment.

Day 6 was a relaxing day at the Everest View Hotel which offered 360 degree view of the awe inspiring peaks from every room that left everyone mesmerised.

Day 7, the group embarked on a trek to the quaint scenic village of Khumjung, a monastery village where the group savoured a local lunch and enjoyed the serene surroundings.  Despite the challenging terrain, they reveled in the beauty of the region.

Day 8, the group were back to Kathmandu, where they concluded their journey with a visit to the stupa, some shopping and a memorable dinner a the Dwarika Hotel,  

From spiritual experiences to physical challenges, from cultural immersion to panaromic landscapes this trip through Nepal was truly one of the most spectacular and enriching expedition.