Annapurna Base Camp

Heya guys! Decided to update this space because finally something interesting and worthy to post HAHAHA. So anyways, I must say this was the most memorable trip of my life. Went on a 15-day trip to Nepal to trek up Annapurna Base Camp for a work trip. So much I've learned about myself spiritually and emotionally, the Nepali culture, and of course the experience NATURE have offered me during the 10 days of trekking. Everything was just so spectacular. So much take away from this particular experience.

 Party Bus *not really* except the fact that when the bus driver plays the "Barbie Song" and Justin Bieber (?!) ... everyone just go crazy. 

 Random photo in Thamel (sort of orchard road of Kathmandu .. touristy area but everything is still SO CHEAP!)

 Stupa Hotel in Pokhara. Very simple room. 6 hours drive from Kathmandu. I super love long drives!! Why? I get to sleep muahahaha. Went to chill the previous night with Suson (one of our guides) super fun guy! So much fun *no photos forgot to bring camera out :(*

 View from my room

 Another view from my room

 Went to the famous lakeside for some sightseeing. Unfortunately I didn't get to go boating ..

 Hello Canoe (?) hahaha trying to be artistic with my photos but obviously I failed.

 Souvenir shopping. Only shopped for myself and mum. Hahaha Cashmere shawls are A LOT more cheaper in Nepal (est $30) compared to Singapore which costs $100+++?!

 Day 1 trek .. People in the mountains use really basic cookwares like those above.

 My guide/ super good friend, Gopal! This trip wouldn't be the same without Gopal. I love him so much!! I can see he is knowledgeable and competent in his job. Always introducing me to the different flora and fauna during out trek up, managing our group of 22 participants, and also being the best boss for the assistant guides and potters!

 

 While we complain about late buses and trains, these kids have to TREK up and down to go to school. 

 What looks like a lady doing some sort of  work (?)

 Throughout the trek ... ponies and horses transporting goods like food produces and water up to the villagers in the mountains. Also there are plenty of pony services for those injured ones. I find them shooo cute!!!!

 Typical lunch ... vege fried noodles. Food wise .. not much variety (i'm not complaining) but enough to supplement my climb.

 Pizza! It's not oven-baked though. Not bad at all. Of course don't compare to the Italians pizzas we have la!

 I'm lucky because as the tour leader for the trip .. Gopal always brings me around to experience their culture. One huge component is getting to sit in their kitchen. Though I don't understand whatever they're talking about I felt a connection with its culture just by being in it and hanging out with them. Nepalis are SUPER FRIENDLY BY THE WAY.

 Check out their stove ... Been eating so healthy up in the mountains. Everything is organic ... even firewood stove ok! By the way ... this girlis serving Dhal Bhat to the guides and potters in the kitchen. Out of the 500++ photos I took .. which non is Dhal Bhat?!?! WTF! It's like their national dish. I love it so much! Maybe cox too hungry everytime hahahaha 

 Poon Hill :)

 Sunrise (duh) from Poon Hill 

 Two assistant guides which are VERY HELPFUL and always on the ball :) 

 My fav Gopal! 

 Typical breakfast; Gurung bread (it's a tibetan bread and everyone simply loves this we order this every morning) with egg and potatoes. 

 Bridge (duh??!!) i have no comments for this hahahaha

 Always READ AND RESPECT one's culture when traveling. Note to self: Ask for Dos and Don'ts. I was wearing shorts for about 3 days only to be told after that it was rude to wear revealing clothes (including shorts) with Nepalis. I felt so guilty!!!

 Previous day it started hailing and then snowing while we were trekking to MBC (Macchapuchre Base Camp) and we had to start trekking at 4 FREAKING AM next morning to catch he sunrise in Annapurna Base Camp. 

 Really didn't expect any snow trekking. Well, there is always a first for everything :)

 Jumpshot attempt

 Damn unglam fall afterwards :/ Painful as well T.T

 Look like two idiots anot?

 This cute little fella followed us all the way. So much love <3

 One of the teacher's drink got frozen. hahahaha

 Our guides and potters!

 Had to wear thermals as my 'pants' because I ran out of dry clothes. Consequences of "underpacking".

 Harlow buffalo!!

 Gopal bought me sugarcane! Not that yums. It wasn't sweet but quite alright la.

 Corns everywhere!

 Gopal spammed my camera with chicken photos lei -____- HAHAHAHAHA

 Coffee and smoke break. Everytime!!! Afterwards we have to run and catch up with the group. Great way to burn some calories :)

 meh meh SO CUTE!!!

 Hey you sexy thing 

 Kids stopping us from passing through for $$.

 One of our guides! He's superrrrrrrr nice! 

 Care for some muddy mud chocolate pie? :)

 Too tired already!

 Australian camp. The founders of this place were Australians thus the name

 Conducted an art lesson. We often forget to connect with the nature though we spend days outdoors ... Hoped the kids gained some connectedness with the nature from my lesson :) by the way .. Singapore students vs the students in Melbourne are so much different!!!!!

 Chestnut :)

 I was very lucky to be there during deepavali. Got to see this colorful festival with plenty of dancing. Looks like so much fun!

 Street food 

 Went to chill with Gopal at Busy Bee. Very chillax place to hang out to have a drink or two while listening to a live band playing great awesome music! We even went dancing!! Had sucha a great time! 

 Bird's eye view of Kathmandu!

 "Paripuri" my new fav! Potato shell with potato insides filled with sort of sweet sauce. Taste like thai fish sweet and sour sauce. 

 And this potato thing as well is damn delicious!!! I was too full .. Samir (photo below) had almost all of it hahahaha 

 Another guide. He seems to know all the songs playing at that place?!?!??!

 Suson has been such an awesome friend. He can really talk kok sia?!? too funny.

To end this of I would like to thank several people who had made this trip an enjoyable one *that is is they read this*

Gopal: I couldn't thank you enough for being the greatest. You're a champion for helping to overcome all the challenges and difficulties we faced during the trek. You never fail to make me laugh with your jokes, tricks, and riddles. Though most of your riddles are ridiculous sometimes I feel like punching you in the face HAHAHA JOKING. But really, thank you for bringing me around. I couldn't have gained so much knowledge if you haven't been so helpful.

Samir & Susan: You guys were so much fun!!! And yea .. for bringing me around as well :)

My bosses: Oh my god thank you for letting me go for this trip. Couldn't thank you guys enough. I highly doubt they would read this unless if they have ULTRA STALKER TENDENCIES. hahahahaha

xx