Trekking in the Kathmandu Valley

Young Nepali girl
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Rain, clouds, leeches, mud; rain clouds, leeches... a never ending cycle that is a far stretch from any pre-conceptions I had of a perfect trek, but it has left a groove an inch deep in my memory. All four are synonymous with each other.

Generally the Kathmandu Valley trek is relatively easy going and does not require much preparation, compared to say, summiting Everest. After all, the World Heritage location has an elevation no higher than 2800 metres. But with no less than a backpack full of wet, mud-stained clothes, a large collection of photographs depicting various formations of mountain and cloud, and a piece of equipment now only vaguely resembling an umbrella, I am quite convinced that either Sauraman is now removed from fictional status or I am a conqueror of no ordinary trek

I present to you an all-you-need-to-know crash course in defying leeches

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The trail snakes up and around the Shivapuri Hill through the Shivapuri National Park, leading from one Newa Village to another. The scenery and gentleness of the small villages and people is a rich reward after many hours of tough going.

After lunch, consisting of my first genuine Daal Bhat - rice with lentil sauce - it began raining and the clouds descended. Although disappointed at the minimal views, I convinced myself that rain was better than a clear sky for trekking because it assists nicely with personal climate control. And the atmospheric scenes created from clouds and mountains can be wonderful.

Nepali village
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After hours of intense studying of the ever-changing lumps of mud enveloping my boots and perfecting delicate leech-arts, I present to you an all-you-need-to-know crash course in defying leeches.

Flicking: a highly skilled and very effective way of removing a leech

Distinguishing: a concentrated and controlled decision between the extremes of "Is that itch a leech digging into my skin or am I merely paranoid and imagining things?" And most importantly...

Standing: a strong will to keep moving your feet to avoid a hitch-hiking leech, even after you have just ascended four hundred metres in two hours on slippery, muddy trails.

Why mountains and villages when that sort of entertainment is on offer? Thank God that leeches are not diseased.

Seven hours later, our accommodation mysteriously appeared out of the fog and sighs of relief echoed through the valley. Mind you, inside the hotel was not a great improvement from outside - electricity supplied only in the dining room and the beds were damp. Oh and mind your head, step and balance when on the stairs - they easily fit the 'death trap' category particularly in the dark. (It's the middle tea-house, of three.)