After my yoga teacher training at @mandala_yoga_retreat, I wanted to go trekking. I went to Pokhara without any real plan because the travel agencies I had been in contact with in Kathmandu mostly seemed like they just wanted my money.
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In Pokhara, I was closer to the mountains and hoped to find a group to trek with. However, most treks were often over seven days long, and since I only had time for a 4-5 day trek, it was difficult to find a group. I decided not to worry about trekking with a guide alone because I really wanted to experience the mountains. The guesthouse where I was staying helped me find a guide, and I planned my trek without using an agency. They also assisted me with the permits required for trekking in the area, and I actually ended up saving quite a bit of money this way.
Everything fell into place the day before I started my first trekking day towards Poon Hill. It truly is one of the experiences I will never forget. The whole concept of trekking in the mountains from teahouse to teahouse was so magical, and it was so beautiful. The locals in the mountains were kind and lived in the coziest small houses painted in the most beautiful colors. The feeling of having everything I needed in my backpack and being surrounded by stunning nature was so liberating. I will definitely return to the Himalayas one day, for those mountains have something truly special – along with the very friendly and welcoming locals.
It’s fortunate that in Nepal you can easily plan last-minute, and I ended up having an amazing trip with a super nice guide. I felt safe the whole way. It’s great when worries turn out to be unnecessary, and things randomly end up working out.
Packing List
- Backpack, 30 liters
- Down jacket – I bought one in Kathmandu for very little money – I’m still very happy with it. I started out in a t-shirt and shorts on the first day, but at the top, there was suddenly snow, so I was very glad to have it.
- Rain jacket
- Sleeping bag – I borrowed one from those who arranged my trek. I remember it was quite cold at night.
- Training shorts
- Softshell pants
- T-shirt
- Long-sleeved merino wool shirt
- Hiking boots
- Wool socks
- Sports bra
- Neck warmer
- Camera
- Toiletries – only the essentials
- Cap
- Sunglasses
I had two backpacks with me to Nepal, so the things I didn’t take on the trek, I left at the guesthouse where I stayed in Pokhara.
