Tiger Leaping Gorge is reported to be China’s best trekking trail. We spent three days hiking 21 miles on the high and low trails in late May 2018. It was relaxed and scenic, though not exactly secluded!
Kunming Day Trips: Stone Forest 石林 and Disco Caves
The Shilin Scenic Area in Yunnan Province, China, has forests of stone and caverns pulsing with garish neon lights. The Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Caves are just a two hour bus ride from Kunming.
Civilized Kunming 昆明, China 中国
"Civilized Kunming" is the city's motto. Kunming has clean air and blue skies; is powered by renewable energy sources; offers plenty of green space where people actually gather in the evenings for singing, dancing, exercise, and camaraderie. Yes, it is indeed civilized! A joy to experience!
Kathmandu, Nepal: Raw and Authentic
No sane person traveling to Nepal should spend five weeks in Kathmandu. Things happen when you travel long term and sometimes you just have to make the best of unplanned situations.
Lost In Translation: Nepal
Things that make you go “hmmmmm….”
Kathmandu Day Trip: Dhulikhel
In Dhulikhel, Nepal, the beverages flow, guys boogie in the fields, and karaoke reverberates across the hills. We were there for the hiking trails… and a Buddhist lesson in selfless sacrifice.
Kathmandu Day Hike: Chitlang and Markhu
Feeling oppressed by the smog of Kathmandu? Fresh air, quiet, and a peaceful lake are just a day-trek away in Chitlang and Markhu. There’s even a cable car to avoid the tough climb to the top of Chandragiri Mountain, if you choose (and if it’s working).
Kathmandu Day Trip: Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is the showcase of Newar architecture, culture, and exquisite woodwork. It’s just a two-hour bus ride from Kathmandu and makes a nice over-night trip.
Annapurna Circuit Trek 2018
The Annapurna Circuit is the ideal place to wander, planning each day as it comes based on weather, time, altitude factors, trail conditions, and fatigue. We hiked the circuit in the Spring of 2018, starting in Chamje and ending in Birethanti.
Annapurna Circuit Trek 2018: Route and Google Earth Map
How far should I plan to walk each day? Here is our 155 mile route, mapped in Google Earth.
Annapurna Circuit Trek 2018: Food and Sample Menu
Should I carry my own food? Food is readily available. Here’s a sample menu to show typical food options and prices on the Annapurna Circuit.
Annapurna Circuit Trek 2018: Packing List
What should I pack? Our packs weighed 22 pounds (10 kg) each. Here’s our suggested packing list.
Annapurna Circuit Trek 2018: Budget
It is essential that you bring all the Nepalese rupees that you will need for your entire time on the trail. How much is enough? Here’s our actual spending.
Annapurna Circuit Days 19-20: Ghorepani to Birethanti (THE END)
Days 19-20 of Annapurna Trek: Ghorepani to Birethanti, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. April 10-11, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Day 18: Tatopani to Ghorepani
Days 18 of Annapurna Trek: Tatopani to Ghorepani, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. April 9, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Day 17: Kalopani to Tatopani
Day 17 of Annapurna Trek: Kalopani to Tatopani, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. April 8, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Days 15 and 16: Marpha to Kalopani and REST
Days 15-16 of Annapurna Trek: Marpha to Kalopani + rest day, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. April 6-7, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Day 14: Kagbeni to Marpha
Day 14 of Annapurna Trek: Kagbeni to Marpha, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. April 5, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Day 13: Muktinath to Kagbeni
Days 13 of Annapurna Trek: Muktinath to Kagbeni, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. April 4, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Days 11 and 12: Thorong-La Pass Summit and REST
Days 11 and 12 of Annapurna Trek: Thorong-La Summit and rest day in Muktinath, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. April 2-3, 2018