… that’s what I’ve always wanted to do (among other things). A slight variation to Bob Segar’s lyrics have been going through my mind for weeks now as I am poised to do just that- go to Kathmandu. I’m headed to Nepal after dreaming of it, studying and planning for more years than I can remember. Visiting such an exotic, rugged but beautiful part of the world has been on the big bucket list of interesting places to experience that I have been building for years.   But the problem has always seemed to be how to get away. Daily life includes for all of us so many responsibilities, so many things to do, so many problems to solve- things that are important, that you care about, areas that you want to help move forward. How to justify stepping away from it all to take some time to tackle a list that might seem selfish, trivial or frivolous? It is so easy to get caught up in the urgency of the moment and continue to push what might seem to be less critical activities off.  But we only have a finite amount of time on this planet and  I want to continue to expand my horizons and experience new things- for me this is important, so off I go….

But being a type A, organized person, I have been working for some time to target the point in my life where I could intentionally plan in “unplanned time”.   What might appear as a spontaneous departure to the world writ large is not impulsive at all. Taking a break to hit the bucket list has always been a goal and I am excited to be finally executing that plan.  Even so, it was a tough to stick to the decision; the lure of the daily issues and problems that need work was hard to resist.  But, Nepal, here I come!

Why Nepal?  My bucket list is really long-our planet has so many amazing places to experience-  so picking where to start, in the end, came down to timing.  I find myself free to embark on this journey in the April time frame and after studiously matching my wish list to climate trends globally Nepal quickly jumped to the top of the list.  When I mention to people where I am headed many assume that I am interested in assaulting Everest. I am not. I am sure it is a great adventure to climb to 29,000 ft (and some change).  I have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro eight years ago and at a little over 19,000 feet it was a wonderful experience and also high enough for me.  (See the blogs “The Climb” under the General Travel Category for that story.)  No, my attraction to Nepal, is centered on the joy of discovery related to hiking through, around, up and down valleys;  to just be there, in that moment, and experience our amazing Earth. Specifically over the years I have read a lot about the Annapurna Circuit, considered one of the best treks on the planet, and that is what centered my sights on Nepal.

How ironic, then, that I finally find myself committed to visiting and I decide to take an entirely different approach!  After some correspondence with the gentleman I am using as a guide we have planned an itinerary that starts with a trek through the Langtang Valley followed by the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek which goes up to the Annapurna Base Camp.  Together it is just short of three weeks of trekking and encompasses two different areas.  The Langtang Valley is a bit off the beaten path yet and so I decided that trading in part of the Annapurna Circuit to have a less crowded (potentially) experience was worthwhile.  Also, in the end, Prem, my guide who comes recommended by friends, suggested it, and, well, that is what I am hiring him for- to make recommendations. Finally my approach to the whole adventure on which I am embarking is one of being open to whatever happens- it will all be new and interesting!  It is very “un-type A” of me so I think of it as character building exercise too.

Kathmandu from space. Can’t wait to see it close up!

I’ll spend some extra time in Kathmandu and Pokhara at various points during my visit around the trekking trips.  I am also planning to spend some time doing volunteer work at a village school I found through a website called “Workaway”.  This is a website that connects people who are looking for volunteers with people who are interested in volunteering.  I found it about eight or nine years ago and have been waiting to utilize it.  I like the idea of volunteer travel as it allows you to contribute, even if only in a small way, while also having an opportunity to enmesh yourself in the culture and rhythms of the place you are visiting.  As tourists we tend to only intersect with the surface layer of a locale or culture and there is more to learn for those interested in spending time and engaging.  I have no idea what I will be doing for the school so we will all learn together once I get there.

The adventure begins Monday night as I start the long, grueling 24 hour airplane odyssey to get to Kathmandu.