17th March 2015

17th March 2015 - Trekking in Nepal with the Guides

Lynn Weir

At their meeting on 17th March, the members enjoyed a talk by Lynn Weir recounting her trek in Nepal in 2013 as part of a charity challenge to raise funds for the Guides. Lynn has been a Guide since the age of seven and now helps to put her younger members through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. With several other Guide leaders, Lynn flew to Kathmandu and then on to Pokhara, just south of the Annapurna Region. After a bus journey, they set out on a 6-day, 30-mile circuit, visiting Chyanglung, Tarahill Top (the highest point on the trek at 10000 ft.), Sikles village and Tankting( twinned with a town in Essex). The terrain was rough and steep - as the locals say "a little bit up and a little bit down!" and crossed many rickety exposed bridges, some of which are regularly washed away. Indeed the route often has to be diverted due to landslips. However the wonderful views of the Annapurna range were worth the effort including the "Fish Tail" peak, unclimbed and regarded as a sacred place. Local shepherds acted as guides carrying everything, cooking meals (which were generally vegetarian) and setting up camp, often in steep and exposed sites. The party experienced a welcome everywhere especially by the children who often greeted them with flower petals. The weather was clear and fine in the mornings but gradually became misty during the day. The monsoon season had just finished and there was no rain during the trek. The party often encountered "chortens" with prayer wheels and prayer flags and indeed they put up their own prayer flags to ensure a safe journey. After returning to Kathmandu by "Buddha Air", they spent some time in the city admiring the beautiful old buildings, the rickshaws and fine views of the Himalayas. Lynn's talk was accompanied by many wonderful pictures, giving the audience a real sense of being there in beautiful Nepal. The members greatly enjoyed Lynn's fascinating travelogue and Michael Heale gave the vote of thanks. President Ian Dewar reminded the members that the next meeting will be the AGM on 7th April.

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