Nepal

A few words on Nepal from Trek Climb Ski Director, Nick Farr …

When I first visited Nepal all those years ago, I really had no idea what I was in for. I had always wanted to go there because all my life I had wanted to climb Mt. Everest.  So off I set, by myself, and I started on a trekking and climbing journey that I hoped would one day see me prepared enough to have a crack at the highest mountain in the world.

I was fortunate enough to summit Mt. Everest in 2005 but sitting here writing this today, it's true to say that climbing Mt. Everest is just one highlight among too many to count I’ve been fortunate enough to experience in Nepal since that first trekking adventure.

And trying to pinpoint exactly why I think everyone needs to see this amazing country isn't easy. Nepal has layers and layers and layers that we all have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in.  From the moment one arrives in Kathmandu they are greeted by a vibrant hustle and bustle. An eclectic fusion of a thousand scents and colour with people moving in every direction. A very organised kind of chaos that is instantly captivating.

Of course most people visit Nepal for trekking & climbing and Kathmandu is the trekking & climbing Mecca of the world. It’s where everyone begins their Nepalese adventure and where most conclude it.  Kathmandu is the gateway to the incredible Himalaya; just a short flight (or somewhat longer bus journey) to any part of this mighty mountain range you could ever wish to visit. And the whole world knows this to be the case.  But there is something that the whole world doesn’t know about Nepal ...

The images in the many galleries on this website show amazing mountains, landscapes, rivers and forests.  They show the madness of Kathmandu, the Nepalese people along with our guests and staff alike enjoying our trekking and climbing adventures.  What they don’t show is the other ‘thing’ that is ever present in this incredible land.  For there is an intangible connection people experience when they spend some time here.  We feel it with our staff that are actually our good friends and we feel it with the strangers and lodge owners that care for us along the trail.  It’s in the city, our hotels, lodges and the mountains.  From the moment you arrive it’s all around you but it’s not obvious at first.  The longer you spend in Nepal the more it grows on you and if you embrace it, you'll find yourself being lured back to this magical land time and time again.

I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that a decade after my first visit to Nepal, Tika and I would be operating our own trekking and climbing agency. That my friends in Nepal would become my very best friends and that we would all be staffing and maintaining a small office in the middle of Kathmandu.  That my Sherpa friends & I would work to grow a small business that would provide them & their families real ownership over their future.  And watching these friends develop the ability, interest and financial independence to visit my own country, my family and friends.  What a privilege to be their host. I’m sure you can understand that climbing Everest really does pale in comparison to some of these very fulfilling moments.

So that’s what I wanted to say.  The beautiful mountains and scenery will instantly inspire everyone who visits Nepal.  And many will be equally as impressed with the beautiful madness that is Kathmandu.  But if you allow yourself to look a little deeper and really get involved, there is a host of truly amazing treasures just waiting to be discovered.  A unique culture and genuine hospitality unlike anything else.

Welcome to the magical Kingdom of Nepal.

Nick Farr
Director
Trek Climb Ski