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Trekking in the mountains in Nepal.

Asia

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u

Magicalmountainsin Nepal

Theres a bold tourism campaign

about Nepal that says: Once is

not enough. There is a great dealof truth in this.The land of the mightyHimalayas, snow-capped mountains and

natural terrain, Nepal is home to eight of the

14 highest peaks in the world.

For sheer natural beauty, Nepal

harbours some of the most spectacular

mountain scenery unparalleled to any other

destination.

The best way to experience Nepali life

deep in the foothills of the Himalaya is to

grab a guide for an extremely low fee and set

off on a trek through the terrain. There are

a myriad of treks to choose from including

the more renowned Everest base camp,Annapurna Circuit and Langtang Valley.

The treks can be challenging especially at

high altitudes which quickly leave you short

of breath but there is no greater reward than

being surrounded by the worlds highest

mountains.

For real adventure seekers, Pokhara offers

hang-gliding, white-water rafting, mountain

biking and bungee jumping. Or if you prefer

to spend the days lazing around the lake with

a book, you can sip chai while gazing at the

Annapurna mountains in the distance. Or get

whisked away on a row boat at sunset.

Chittawan National Park also offers

elephant lovers the chance to get up closeand personal to these friendly giants, often

spotted walking through town or bathing in

the river. Visit the national park on a guided

safari to spot some wonderful wildlife.

For some spiritual awakening, visit

laidback Lumbini, the birthplace of the

Buddha. Or for something completely

unusual albeit a little confronting,

watch cremations being carried out at

Pashupatinath, the most signifcant Shiva

temple in the world.

TRAVEL TIP:All your trekking gear

can be bought or hired here for a

fraction of the price youd pay athome. And youre supporting the

local economy!

Dikky, Lucky andNikki Chhetri, 3Sisters AdventureTrekking AgencyThree sisters, Dikky, Lucky

and Nikki Chhetri have been

providing a niche service in

the trekking business for many

years. Founded in 1994, the

business was established to

provide tourists with the option

of hiring female trekking guides

and porters. Trekking is an

experience and that can be

shared with local Nepali women

and its a great way to learn about

Nepali culture from a womansperspective.

Whats even more amazing

about this agency is that it was

purely established by the sisters

in order to give local women

opportunities for employment in a

male dominated industry. There

is a preconception that women

are not as strong as men, yet our

female guides and porters are

going through the same training

and passing with ying colours,

says Nikki.

The agency has also branched

out in establishing the non-

government organisation

Empowering Women of Nepal,

which provides educational

programs like languages,

leadership and ecotourism.

The three sisters believe this

organisation is vital in breaking

down certain barriers to womens

development. As Lucky says:

Women do not need sympathy,

they need education and

opportunity.

Pioneers in their feld, the

three sisters have successfullycreated a business with a social

purpose.

Upclose

Travel helps break

down barriers of

religion, race and

colour and unitesus as humans

across the globe.

Belinda Popovski

spent three months

in South-East Asia

on a solo journey,

hiking through

the Himalayas,sipping chai in

India and learning

about Buddhism in

Myanmar.

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Confronting, colourful and raw. Dare to

enter the vast subcontinent armed with

a sense of humour. Open your heart and

mind and allow the subcontinent to transform

your soul. India will ignite each and every one

of your senses, make you laugh and continually

test your patience.

With over one billion people, Indias bustling

nature is unique in the sense that an underlying

system coexists with the visible chaos.

Each state offers diverse landscape, cuisine and

language. Roam through Rajasthan for your hit of

colour and culture, explore the majestic palaces

and forts and get lost in the Thar Desert on a camel

safari. Head north of the country to the Himalayan

mountain range and hill stations of Himachal

Pradesh, also home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan

community. There is an abundance of courses

available; learn to meditate, practice yoga, or train

in reiki for a completely new approach to life.

Equally as impressive, the southern states

harbour some ancient towns, wilderness parks and

fabulous coastline. Be sure to at least combine your

trip to India with a stop in a bustling city. Check

out the Bollywood hype in Mumbai, get lost in the

maze of Old Delhis bazaars and immerse yourself

in the exotic spices, cuisine and did I mention the

sweets!TRAVEL TIP:Carry toilet paper and

disinfectant with you everywhere!

Intrigued by

colourful India

Asha Shaji, Queen of the RickshawsIt was in the shanti town of Ernakulum in Indias most progressive and forward

thinking state of Kerala that I stumbled upon Asha Shaji, a 41-year-old self-employed

auto-rickshaw (three-wheeler vehicle) driver.

As a regular means of transport, these three-wheelers literally zip you in and around

the chaotic streets for a fraction of the price. For so many years, Asha ironed her

husbands shirt, packed his gourmet lunch and sent him off to work as an auto-rickshaw

driver, all the while dreaming they could trade places.

Reality set in ve years ago when her husband was temporarily forced out of work

due to an injury, which paved the way for Asha to step up and be the breadwinner.

It was my opportunity to work and I couldnt think of a better job. I love meeting

new people every day and Ive even built up regular customers so we share great

friendships, she says.

As queen of the rickshaws, I wondered how her male counterparts treated her. They

are nice to me; they know my husband so I guess they have no choice. But I do get some

male customers that refuse to get in my rickshaw. They think I wont be able to drive

because Im a woman. Not often, but sometimes.

Asha said that she simply laughs this off and nds a new customer. Earning anaverage of 500 rupees ($10) per day, this is enough to support her family and send her

children to school. I was in awe of Ashas strength and carefree nature.

Upclose

Shy monks at amonastery inMyanmar.

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Welcome to the land of enchanted golden temples, simple

living and some of the friendliest people you will ever

encounter. A relatively new travel destination, Myanmar

is still untarnished by the tourist trail and is slowly opening up to the

world to reveal its hidden charm.

A predominantly Buddhist population where locals literally practice

what they preach, there is something special about the true essence of

the Burmese; their natural compassion and beautiful naivety.

Explore some of Asias hidden Buddhist pilgrimage sites, sprinkled

throughout the country and often visible from the golden tip. Swedagon

Pagoda in Yangon is particularly impressive, its grandeur and peaceful

energy is magnetic. By nightfall, the Pagoda lights up the sky in a

glimmering golden sight so captivating you feel like a happily lost child

wandering through a magical kingdom.

Equally as enthralling, the ancient city of Bagan is home to over two

thousand temples, where Kings once ruled the land. With horse-and-

carriage still a main form of transport, its hard to believe that much has

changed since the majestic era.

Uncover some of the rich cultural tribes living off the terrain or take

a step back in time at Inle Lake. I demanded something a little different

from the standard Inle Lake trek, instead nding myself in the foothills

of beautiful Kalaw. We excused our guide for getting drunk every night

because he generously used our funds to purchase medical supplies for

the villagers. After days spent trekking through mud during the rainy

season it was well worth the spectacular rolling green hillside. Not to

mention the hidden monastery we found where young monks were busy

playing soccer with a ball made entirely from elastic bands. Creativity

is rife when resources are scarce! Enter the time warp of Myanmar todiscover simplicity and peaceful living.

TRAVEL TIP: With no ATMs in the country, budget accordingly.

Enchantment in Myanmar

Tawmya-Kyin, Street Stall, YangonFor 63-year-old Tawmya, selling primary school books at the markets

has been her way of life for over two decades. Being self-employed

allows her to do what she loves best: pack up three times a year and

travel to her favourite pilgrimage sites around the country.

The business helped support her six children through school, who

are now qualied doctors and teachers. Life in Myanmar has been

tough, Tawmya described how years of military rule have left the

country in nancial ruin. She did, however, capitalise on the new

tourist boom, expanding her street stall to include travel postcards.

When I asked Tawmya about the school books, she ironically

admitted she has been illiterate all her life. Yet these school books

have helped support her family business for over two decades. Forme, Tawmyas smile and honesty was reective of the Burmese way of

life, simple yet beautiful. L

Upclose