All going well on project. Video and photos just in ...

Martin, expedition leader, reports: 

"We are now on day 2 of the project and all going well!"

Video of earlier in the expedition just received.

Some photos ... 

Fab video just received plus visits to school, orphanage and Tibetan refugee camp today

Expedition leader Martin finds a connection and reports: 

All is well, we are enjoying a relaxed day following our 6 day trek. We are visiting the school and orphanage today with view of project planning. We are also planning to visit the Tibetan refugee camp later today.  

That's all for now, I will send you diary comments and photos as soon as I can. In between times I hope you enjoy the video! - Martin 

Everyone made it to the top of Poon Hill (3,210m)! Trekking phase going well and nearly complete ... next stop Pokhara!

Fee Bellamy reports on receiving a brief update from expedition leader Martin: 

Wednesday: Trek going well. Only an hour to go until lunch and then the bus to Pokhara. The team have done brilliantly despite a day of what seemed like a thousand steps yesterday. Everyone made the high point at Poon Hill, though Monsoon rendered views "zero" the achievement was "100%". They have seen how wonderful the nature of the Nepali people is. Amazed at the loads they carry through the mountains, always accompanied by cheery and mischievous smiles. Su and Hari, their guides, have been stars!

Martin has been desperately trying to send us photos, but there has been no internet connection at all during the trekking phase. Please be assured that this is not unusual for Nepal - all is well - and we will post photos as soon as we receive them.

Nepali porter, often Sherpas, in Annapurna Himalayas

'The Gang' will have been roused from their beds at first light (probably 4 am) on Monday to make the climb up to Poon Hill (3,210m). As you can tell Martin was justifiably proud of the 100% effort and achievement from everyone in the group making it to the top. What a shame the cloud cover ruined the views when they reached the top. The descent on Tuesday from Poon Hill to Tirkhedhunga (1540m) was down some 3,260 stone steps! 

Today, they're making their way along the banks of the Bhurgundi River and following the trail along the river to Nayapul. Here they will board the awaiting vehicle and head to Pokhara for a well-earned rest.

Tomorrow they begin the Cultural & Educational Project phase of the expedition. 

Here are some typical sights and scenery that 'The Gang' will have enjoyed on trek.

Typical trekking terrain

The natural stone staircases - going up, up, up and then down, down, down

Nepali mother and daughter, Annapurna Himalayas

Lovely views of Annapurna South on trek ... and other news!

Fee Bellamy reports following receipt of a short communique from expedition leader Martin: 

All is well in Nepal! Yesterday they made their lodge by lunchtime and were preparing for an afternoon of culture and dressing up. Monsoon is being kind. Dry in the day and wet at nights. They had lovely views of Annapurna South (7,219m).

Expeditioners are into day 3 of their trekking phase: heading for Tadapani today ...

Communications and receiving signals is proving problematic (as we knew it would be) during the trekking phase of the expedition. We will post any and all news when we receive it ... and when we have comms!

It's now day 3 of the trekking phase in the Annapurnas* where 'The Gang' will be trekking through colourful villages, rich forests, traversing rushing mountain streams and spending the night in traditional tea houses.

On Friday, they left Nayapul (1,070m) following the Modi Khola Valley to Syange (1160m). Yesterday (Saturday) will have been a tougher trek up to 1,940m. They will have climbed through the rice paddies and up stone staircases to the 2nd largest Gurung settlement of Ghandrung home to many Ghurkhas. The temperature up here is cooler than the monsoon heat of Syange - which will be a relief! Clouds permitting (!) we hope that the expeditioners will have seen some good views of the Annapurna range and the sacred Fish Tail Mountain Machhapuchhre.
Today they will be trekking to Tadapani.

Some typical scenery on trek: 

*For reference: The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. Annapurna I is the world's eighth highest mountain (8091m). The area boasts of a variety of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, tribes and castes including the Brahmins, the Chhetri, the Newars, the Gurungs, the Magars, the Manangis and the Tibetans. This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows and windswept desert plateaus. The area is home to over 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, languor and the elusive snow leopard.

Machhapuchhre

*For information: Fish Tail Mountain ... Machhapuchhre  ("Fish Tail" in English), is a mountain in the Annapurna Himal of north central Nepal. It is revered by the local population as particularly sacred to the god Shiva and hence is off limits to climbing. It is one of the most photographed and distinctive mountains in the world.

All arrived in Pokhara. Trekking begins in Annapurna Himalayas

Fee Bellamy reports following brief communication from Martin the expedition leader:

Group has arrived safely in Pokhara and are now heading off into the Annapurna Himalayas for the start of the trekking phase of their expedition!

Typical Himalayan views of the Annapurnas from Pokhara 

Lake Phewa - Pokhara

Full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu, visits to Bungamati and the 'Monkey Temple'

Fee Bellamy reports following contact with expedition leader Martin:

'The Gang' are now heading off for supper after a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. They have visited Bungamati, a typical 16th century Newari village* and Swyambunath, known as 'the Monkey Temple' because of the swarms of monkeys that inhabit its surroundings. 

Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to starting their trek tomorrow. Their guides Su and Hari are looking after them very well.

Internet connections are slow to non-existant ... VERY WET and HOT!

Kathmandu

Swayambhunath Stupa the 'Monkey Temple'

*Bungamati village is perched on a spur of land overlooking the Bagmati river. Bungamati is the birthplace of Rato Macchindranath, regarded as the patron of the valley and the large Rato Macchindranath, shikhar-style temple in the center of the village square is his home for six months of the year (he spends the rest of his time in Patan). The process of moving him around patan and backward and forward to Bungamati Central to one of the most important annual festivals in the valley.The chowk around the temple is one of the most beautiful in the valley - here one can see the heart of a functioning Newa: town. In Bungamati the Karya Binayak temple is also one of the most important temples in Nepal, is dedicated to Ganesh, the view is spectacular from the Karya Binayak, surrounding by trees and large bamboos and can look at the Bagmati valley to the foothills.

Macchindranath is also known by the name of “Karunamaya” meaning an embodiment of love and kindness like a mother figure.

Bungamati Village

Macchindranath Temple