MAY 2014 : NEPAL : Langtang Trek via Tilman Pass (19 days) : Overview

                

                      

                                

                                      Chautara to Langtang Valley via Tilman Pass

Last year Mark and I walked the Manaslu and Annapuna Circuits with a Nepalese company, Nireka Adventures. Although we found the crossing the two passes a challenge, the rest of the 3 week experience was so satisfying that when Glenis, our travelling companion for that trip suggested the Langtang Valley trek including the Tilman Pass we booked with Satish for May 2014.

We are a reasonably fit couple but have not any extreme sport experience. We began reading about the Tilman Pass first recorded by an Englishman, Tilman, when he crossed it in 1949. Remote region, no villages and reports of failed attempts and disasters. We had every confidence in our guide, Satish, and his team, although he had never trekked this area before. Another five friends, all in their 60s, have joined us. All have a solid background in camping and outdoor activities.

I began to have nightmares that we wouldn't be up to the challenge. Having completed our journey I have to say that all my nightmares were realised and more. But we live to tell the tale as you will read in our following daily account. Who would have thought that we could abseil, cross perilous terrain for 9 hours at a stretch, swing 5000m up on a jumaring  rope, trying to find a footing, or wade through freezing glacial waters. All was achieved but only through the tireless, professional attention of our guiding team,Satish, Lakpa, Pasang and Yem. These fine guides have a series of accomplishments including summiting Everest several times. The other 30 porters and kitchen staff      provided us with 3 hot fabulous meals, despite the weather conditions, always with a smile.

                                       

                                       Lakpa Tamang, Pasang Sherpa, Satish Manpati and Yem

We were able to collect about 30 pairs of walking boots from colleagues in Canberra before our trek and it was very gratifying to see all staff with appropriate footwear, instead of plastic sandals or thongs, for the extreme conditions.Thank you again to those who donated boots! 

                                         

                                         Fabulous to see porters kitted out with donated boots

Our companions, Glenis, Bob, Lorraine, Bruce, Karin and Brian brought so much to the trip with all their experiences and interest in all things environmental - no plant, animal, landform, altitude or temperature went unnoticed and in fact, were savoured. My greatest accomplishment of the trip was that on the wet, freezing afternoons I learnt to do cryptic crosswords.

   

         

The basic requirement for a trek such as this is that you are proficient in the snow and a confident rock-hopper. Two areas where we had no experience. So, although this was definitely out of our comfort zone, WE DID IT!

We hope you enjoy our journey.

Meg and Mark Smith

19/5/14