Nepal & Indian Ocean

A life-changing Nepal family trip

Mujde Sakarya from Meon Valley Travel discovers a new kind of holiday during a trip with The Adventure Company.

With the embers from last night's campfire still smouldering, the fast-flowing Trisuli river proves an idyllic natural wake-up call. Emerging from my tent I spend a few minutes just enjoying the fantastic view - beach, river and lush green countryside then, reluctantly, I repack, put on my swimming costume, shorts and a t-shirt and walk across the footbridge to the village.

At the Trisuli Centre - where local boys are trained into trekking leaders thanks to The Adventure Company's support - we are treated to a hearty feast of porridge followed by scrambled eggs, chillied potatoes (it's never too early for a touch of spice, we're assured!) and bacon all washed down with some lovely locally grown coffee. The centre has a very clever new bio-gas scheme and it's a little strange to think that our delicious breakfast was fuelled by gas produced from animal and human waste, but I eat everything, knowing I'm going to need my strength today.

Rapid descent

Back in the office I might be best known for loving my clothes and make-up but I've decided to step outside my comfort zone and try white-water rafting. We are given a thorough safety briefing and though I'm assured the chances of me falling out are slim, I feel better when I put on my helmet and life jacket. We set off down the river, practicing our technique on the gentler waters and nervous laughter soon turns into pure adrenaline as we whoop through our first rapids and follow our commander's instructions to paddle hard. It's definitely going to go down as one of the most exhilarating hours of my life!

Next we head down the Prithvi Highway towards Bandipur, tonight's destination. It's a fascinating town filled with winding lanes, traditional houses and - so we're assured - a stunning mountain backdrop. While low clouds left over from the monsoon rains may be hanging around to spoil our view, today is the festival of Teej so instead we're treated to the sight of Hindu women in wonderful red dresses celebrating marital bliss by dancing through the medieval streets to traditional music. Cameras come out again as we catch our first glimpse of the mighty Himalayas "peaking" through the clouds. We check into the Old Inn, then sit outside to enjoy a typical Newari meal, made up of small delicious dishes from spiced coleslaw and potato and cauliflower curry to yak cheese and buff (water buffalo) curry. Later we sit out under the Milky Way as a distant storm lights up the sky.

The real Nepal

The trip was a life-changing experience for me. I was struck by the way of life in Nepal, how simple it is, how little they have got and how happy these people are. For me it was the real Nepal. We stayed in guesthouses in mountain villages, and had views of the Himalayas. By contrast, Kathmandu was so hectic I couldn't believe it. There were many highlights. On the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu we were taken into the cockpit one by one to photograph Everest piercing the cloud - just magical. I'd never done anything like white-water rafting before and I was quite apprehensive so that was amazing for me. Also, being taken into a school for deaf children which The Adventure Company supports was really something else; I'm now thinking what I can do myself to help.

I would sell this trip to a client who was adventurous and wanted something different with beautiful scenery and beautiful people. The Adventure Company takes a different route to the other companies - they know all the off-the-beaten-track places. I learned that customers don't have to be trekking enthusiasts to get the most out of this wonderful country and that there are family adventures to enjoy as well. We've just had a client do a Kilimanjaro climb with The Adventure Company too. The fact that the company works so closely with its ground handler would make me even more relaxed about sending clients to Nepal with them. They know exactly what they're talking about and they have a great flexibility - if things like the weather change they have different activities lined up. I'm actually now thinking of doing Everest base camp next year. The trip has totally changed my understanding of holidays - they're not now just lying on the beach in the Caribbean.

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