This will be our first trip back to Nepal since the pandemic began. Shellie and I are heading over a week ahead of this trip to see some old friends and make plans for our new tour. The “slow-travel” concept is something we’ve been working on for a while. Let’s face it, my photo tours for the past decade have been a great model for slow travel already 🙂 These new adventures are designed to appeal to folks who want to get out and see some wilderness, enjoy the Himalayan snow capped peaks, and explore tiny villages and their goat herds. Nothing close to “trekking”, just a mix of culture, cuisine and gentle walks under a big wide open sky.

Shellie and I are triple vaccinated, and now we’re ready to get back to doing what we do best – sharing what makes the world wonderful. Nepal has much less covid than Australia right now, plus a lot less tourists. I’ve really missed being in the Himalayas, so for me it’s a big deal to make this commitment to return. It’s also a big deal for my team over there, who need the work even more than I do. I’m looking forward to bringing them a bunch of new friends next month.

We’ve set the date. March 17 arriving in Kathmandu, spending time in the valley to see some yoghurt makers and quiet forest trails, then off to the Annapurnas where we slowly drive up to higher elevations. We stop for hot springs and glacial valleys along the way. Our final destination is the edge of the Mustang Kingdom, where we make day trips to visit temples on the tops of hills and one of the most sacred water foundations in the Hindu world. We eat fluffy pancakes along the way, devour momos and sample a wide variety of takes on “Dal Bhat”. The walking is modest but enjoyable. We take it slow. It’s not a race, it’s a joy.

There’s a fancy PDF with loads of pics of where we travel, and even a hero shot of the apple pancakes in Jomsom. They really are fabulous!

If you’re ready to get back out there, and then get way out there in the wilderness of Nepal, then this might be what you’ve been waiting for. We’ve booked our flights and have a couple of people already signed up. This trip is confirmed to run. We have a very detailed pre-departure document that covers everything you need to know about packing, preparations and PCR-testing. Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to quarantine on arrival, and the PCR testing before you fly is easy to sort of at either end of the journey.

Shellie and I booked return tickets from Melbourne with Singapore Airlines for under $1,000 each. We also have travel insurance which covers covid cancellations. Visa applications are handled online so you simply get a stamp upon arrival at Kathmandu airport. From there our driver picks you up and takes you to the hotel. Everything from that moment on is covered. 12 days travelling through one of the most beautiful places on earth.

We’d love to see you join us.