Observations of Nepal

Some observations to record for 2010 -

• Prices - food costs increase substantially the higher up one goes on the trails. On the ABC trek, one liter of boiled and filtered water goes from about 40 rupees in Dhampus to 70 rupees in Landruk. This is a mineral water (plastic) free zone, which other National parks should adopt. Dal bhat averages 270 rupees.
• many Koreans trekking in Nepal. The French used to dominate but I think Korea now is the biggest country of origin.
• spring is browner overall than fall but the national flower is the rhododendron, Laliguras, is in full bloom in many forests, creating a sea of red. There are also pink and white rhododendrons.A shrub in full bloom for spring is the Lokta from which Nepal artists make paper. It is a pink flower with a strong fragrance resembing lilac.
• the Modi Kola is one of the big rivers of Nepal but running low this year due to low winter snows and very little rain.
• Micro hydro plants are in many villages now as no one can rely on power being on at any given time. Although Nepal produces enough power for the country it sells much of it to India and causes deliberate shortages throughout the country. In Kathmandu, often 8-10 hours of power shedding each day. Every hotel has a backup generator offering limited power, but this adds to the pollution problems.
• Tea house rooms are still the same - two single beds, a table, window and a door. If one is lucky a clean vinyl floor, or stone or wood. Some with spiders, a compact florescent light and paper thin walls. None are heated which creates cold sleeping conditions at higher elevations above 3000m.
• Porters - the backbone of Nepal! No trekking, camping, or climbing group could be successful without their strength and knowledge. They are keen, observant and nearly all have either a cellphone or MP3 player for the latest Indian or Nepali tunes or calling their friends and family.
• Food - dal bhat, rice and curry veg, muesli with hot milk or local curd (yogurt) called dahi, Gurung or Tibetan breads, chapatis, Rosti with fried egg and nak cheese, mushroom or tomato soups, tomato cheese macaroni and some variations on Pizza round out many of the menus.
• Drinks - water (boiled, filtered), lemon tea, ginger (adwa) tea, black tea, Nepali masala chia, black coffee, and fresh mint tea all available nearly everywhere.