MOVED FORWARD TO 2014: Writing Trek to Nepal

Dates To Be Announced (October 2014)

Remember that the Earlybird Discount expires at the end of February 2014!

Day 1: Kathmandu 
 

Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Rest. You will be staying in the heart of the tourist area of bustling Kathmandu in an eco-guest house decorated in traditional style. Walk out the front door and into atmospheric Thamel, where you can shop for presents, or just soak up the atmosphere. There will be a brief orientation session and introductions.  

Day 2: Kathmandu

We will begin the day with our first workshop session, and preparations for the trek, followed by a tour of some of the famous Kathmandu World Heritage Sites.  There is so much to see in Kathmandu, and you won’t have time to see it all. However, Day 2 gives you a chance to whet your appetite and visit some of the sacred and world heritage sites; to look, take photos or write.

     Options include: 

• Patan Durbar Square –world heritage site, with ancient temples and well laid out museum
• Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) or Boudhanath Stupa—two soaring Buddhist stupas, pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, especially the Tibetan Community
• Pashupatinath Temple—world heritage site, one of the 4 top pilgrimage sites for Hindu Pilgrims around the world

Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakdin
 

       In the early morning, step onto the twin otter plane at Kathmandu, and be transported as if in a time capsule to the village of Lukla in the Khumbu region (2827m). Here you will begin the acclimatization process and the first mountain session while you enjoy breakfast and plenty of hydrating liquids.

--> Even if your mind is still racing at city pace, your body will remind you that it is time to slow down –particularly when you find yourself puffing more than usual when climbing stairs, as you become aware of the first effects of the altitude.

After breakfast in Lukla and a recap on mountain safety, the trek begins with a 3 to 4 hour walk to Phakdin. Sometimes you will be sharing the trail with yak trains, other trekkers, and local traders on their way up to Namche Bazaar.  Such rich material for your photos, writing and memories. You will also get your first close up glimpses of the mountains, weather permitting. We will spend the night at a lodge situated in a valley right on the Dudh Koshi River. 

Please Note, Lukla’s weather is variable, and planes can’t land in the mist (when you get there you’ll see why). So be prepared for potential delays in the flight, sometimes even cancellations due to the weather.  This applies for the return journey from Lukla to Kathmandu also.

Day 4: Phakdin to Monjo
 

A couple of hours walk through lush vegetation, past agricultural fields and Buddhist monuments takes us to Monjo, a Sherpa village bordering Sagarmatha National Park. Opportunities for word pictures.  You’ll want to capture every blink of your eyes. 


Day 5: Monjo to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is situated approximately 3440 metres from sea level. At this point you will definitely start feeling the altitude, although most people acclimatise within a day or so.  Nestled at the top of a cliff, Namche is a traditional trading place, with traders coming from Tibet, India and Nepal to the small hill top village.  

When the clouds part, views of Mount Everest, and several other 8000m peaks are visible.

There is a steep climb into Namche Bazaar—and this section of the trip will be dependent on the health and fitness of our group.  The alternative will be day trips and writing sessions in and around Monjo and Phakdin

Day 6 - 9: Namche Bazaar activities

We spend 4 days in Namche Bazaar, with writing workshops every morning or afternoon. For those missing the comfort of home, there are bakeries with reasonable coffee and apple pie with a view—a legacy of early German climbers. 

There are three museums to explore—the main one covers culture/ geography/ flora and fauna of the Everest Region. Two smaller ones specialise in Sherpa Culture and Traditional Himalayan Medicine. 
 

There is also a traditional Tibetan Healer available for consultation at the Himalayan Healing Centre, a Tibetan monastery and the Tibetan market to explore. 

 

Day 10: Namche Bazaar to Phakdin

Day 11: Phakdin to Lukla

At Lukla we say goodbye to our ever- smiling porters, who head back to their villages while we catch our early flight back to Kathmandu.

Please remember, getting out of Lukla is dependant on weather. Sometimes it can take several days to fly out.

Day 12: Lukla to Kathmandu

After the mountain lodges, now you have the opportunity to be pampered at the majestic Hyatt Hotel.  This luxury five-star hotel overlooks Boudathnath Stupa—one of the largest Buddhist temples in Kathmandu.  At dawn and dusk, you can join the throngs of Tibetans encircling the stupa reciting their pujas. You may choose to have some additional pampering at the Hyatt’s day spa, such as a healing Ayurvedic massage.

 

The Hyatt provides a serene environment to continue our writing. 

Day 13: Kathmandu

The final full day in Nepal has some time for shopping, and optional sightseeing, and our last writing workshop and party/ evening reading of our work at the Hyatt.

a. Bhaktapur Durbar Square- World Heritage Site

b. Changu Narayan Temple- World Heritage Site

c. Shopping, relax around the Temple

d. Visit to orphanage

Day 14: Departure

Writing Trek in the Himalayas: Cost and Inclusions

Earlybird Booking EXTENDED! 

Discounted Rate (book prior to 28 February 2014):
Writing Trek land only + full writing course (earlybird) = $US 4,350.00 (discount of $US 250.00)

Late Booking Rate (book after 28 February 2014):
Writing Trek land only + full writing course (late) = $US 4,600.00

We use highly qualified guides and reliable porters to carry our luggage for our trek and we pay them well to ensure they are not exploited.

In Kathmandu accommodation is comfortable, with Kantipur Temple House (eco friendly and traditionally built hotel) on arrival, and five star Hyatt at the end of the trip, arguably the best hotel in Nepal.

During the trek, we use clean and eco friendly lodges which have hot showers, attached bathroom, and hygienic food.

Email to request full itinerary with details of Writing Trek Inclusions and Exclusions.

Please Note: This is NOT a backpacker experience but for the traveller/ writer who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity. 

CONTACT AND BOOKINGS:
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of US$550 per traveler is required.

“When we reconnect who we are with what we do,
we approach our lives and our work with renewed passion, commitment, and integrity.”

- P. Palmer

We look forward to welcoming you on this special expedition.

Sanjaya Tripathee
Managing Director,
Sacred Journeys Nepal Treks P. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: sjnepal@wlink.com.np or sanjayatripathee@yahoo.com.au
Web: http://www.sacredjourneysnepal.com/
Mob: (0011) 977-9851112953

For Information:
Beth Yahp at bywritingworks@gmail.com

For Bookings:
Sanjaya Tripathee at Sacred Journeys Nepal sjnepal@wlink.com.np
or sanjayatripathee@yahoo.com.au

Writing Trek in Nepal 2013 Itinerary

20 September - 3 October 2013

 

Sept 20 Kathmandu 
 

Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Rest. You will be staying in the heart of the tourist area of bustling Kathmandu in an eco-guest house decorated in traditional style. Walk out the front door and into atmospheric Thamel, where you can shop for presents, or just soak up the atmosphere. There will be a brief orientation session and introductions.  

Sept 21 Kathmandu

We will begin the day with our first workshop session, and preparations for the trek, followed by a tour of some of the famous Kathmandu World Heritage Sites.  There is so much to see in Kathmandu, and you won’t have time to see it all. However, Day 2 gives you a chance to whet your appetite and visit some of the sacred and world heritage sites; to look, take photos or write.

     Options include: 

• Patan Durbar Square –world heritage site, with ancient temples and well laid out museum
• Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) or Boudhanath Stupa—two soaring Buddhist stupas, pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, especially the Tibetan Community
• Pashupatinath Temple—world heritage site, one of the 4 top pilgrimage sites for Hindu Pilgrims around the world

Sept 22 Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakdin
 

       In the early morning, step onto the twin otter plane at Kathmandu, and be transported as if in a time capsule to the village of Lukla in the Khumbu region (2827m). Here you will begin the acclimatization process and the first mountain session while you enjoy breakfast and plenty of hydrating liquids.

Even if your mind is still racing at city pace, your body will remind you that it is time to slow down –particularly when you find yourself puffing more than usual when climbing stairs, as you become aware of the first effects of the altitude.

After breakfast in Lukla and a recap on mountain safety, the trek begins with a 3 to 4 hour walk to Phakdin. Sometimes you will be sharing the trail with yak trains, other trekkers, and local traders on their way up to Namche Bazaar.  Such rich material for your photos, writing and memories. You will also get your first close up glimpses of the mountains, weather permitting. We will spend the night at a lodge situated in a valley right on the Dudh Koshi River. 

Please Note, Lukla’s weather is variable, and planes can’t land in the mist (when you get there you’ll see why). So be prepared for potential delays in the flight, sometimes even cancellations due to the weather.  This applies for the return journey from Lukla to Kathmandu also.

Sept 23 Phakdin to Monjo
 

A couple of hours walk through lush vegetation, past agricultural fields and Buddhist monuments takes us to Monjo, a Sherpa village bordering Sagarmatha National Park. Opportunities for word pictures.  You’ll want to capture every blink of your eyes. 


Sept 24 Monjo to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is situated approximately 3440 metres from sea level. At this point you will definitely start feeling the altitude, although most people acclimatise within a day or so.  Nestled at the top of a cliff, Namche is a traditional trading place, with traders coming from Tibet, India and Nepal to the small hill top village.  

When the clouds part, views of Mount Everest, and several other 8000m peaks are visible.

There is a steep climb into Namche Bazaar—and this section of the trip will be dependent on the health and fitness of our group.  The alternative will be day trips and writing sessions in and around Monjo and Phakdin

Sept 25-28 Namche Bazaar activities

We spend 4 days in Namche Bazaar, with writing workshops every morning or afternoon. For those missing the comfort of home, there are bakeries with reasonable coffee and apple pie with a view—a legacy of early German climbers. 

There are three museums to explore—the main one covers culture/ geography/ flora and fauna of the Everest Region. Two smaller ones specialise in Sherpa Culture and Traditional Himalayan Medicine. 
 

There is also a traditional Tibetan Healer available for consultation at the Himalayan Healing Centre, a Tibetan monastery and the Tibetan market to explore. 

 

Sept 29 Namche Bazaar to Phakdin

Sept 30 Phakdin to Lukla

At Lukla we say goodbye to our ever- smiling porters, who head back to their villages while we catch our early flight back to Kathmandu.

Please remember, getting out of Lukla is dependant on weather. Sometimes it can take several days to fly out.

Oct 01 Lukla to Kathmandu

After the mountain lodges, now you have the opportunity to be pampered at the majestic Hyatt Hotel.  This luxury five-star hotel overlooks Boudathnath Stupa—one of the largest Buddhist temples in Kathmandu.  At dawn and dusk, you can join the throngs of Tibetans encircling the stupa reciting their pujas. You may choose to have some additional pampering at the Hyatt’s day spa, such as a healing Ayurvedic massage.

 

The Hyatt provides a serene environment to continue our writing. 

 Oct 02 Kathmandu

The final full day in Nepal has some time for shopping, and optional sightseeing, and our last writing workshop and party/ evening reading of our work at the Hyatt.

a. Bhaktapur Durbar Square- World Heritage Site

b. Changu Narayan Temple- World Heritage Site

c. Shopping, relax around the Temple

d. Visit to orphanage

 Oct 03 Departure

 

ANNOUNCING: Writing Trek in Nepal 2013!

20 September - 3 October 2013

Our writing and trekking adventure in Nepal 2011 was such a success that Sacred Journeys Nepal and I are organising another in 2013.

Based on feedback from participants we've added another night to the original itinerary (now 13 nights instead of 12, so we get an extra night up in Namche Bazaar), as well as a few changes to facillitate ease and enjoyment of the trek.

See my 'What People Said' post for participants' comments—and hope to see you in Kathmandu next year!

Here's more information:

This unique journey of writing and inner development is for both experienced and amateur writers, located in one of the most extraordinary and beautiful regions on the planet. We explore Kathmandu, trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, then unwind back in Kathmandu, with writing workshops and insights all along the way.

A full 12-session writing course, Writing Journeys: Creativity and Craft, specially designed and tutored by award-winning author Beth Yahp, makes this journey unlike any other. With years of experience as an innovative teacher of creative writing, Beth’s courses are both comprehensive and extremely popular.

Whether your focus is fiction, travel or memoir, Beth is sure to free your storytelling capabilities with her inspiring and open-hearted writing workshops, and one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss your writing. Painters and photographers have also joined the trek and applied Beth’s teaching to their art.

A creative and supportive atmosphere. The sharing of knowledge and writing skills. Time for reflection and remembering. Porters and guides to share our load.

Most importantly, we will breathe. We’ll capture a new world with new eyes, and bring remembered ones alive on the page. We’ll have fun—as well as a sense of accomplishment—in writing and sharing our stories, imagination and memories.

Accommodation from rustic traditional mountain lodges to the Hyatt in Kathmandu for rest and rejuvenation in the last days of the tour.

NOTE: This is NOT a backpacker experience but for the trekker or stroller who delights in that little extra comfort after a day of challenge and creativity. Our aim is to walk, look, converse, and immerse ourselves in another way of being, with frequent stops along the way. Please also note that Nepal is a developing country, whose way of life and traditions can contrast with our own in insightful and energizing ways. “It gave me eyes,” as a Paul Theroux character might say.

For more workshop details and an itinerary, please contact: Beth at bywritingworks@yahoo.com.au. For travel details please contact Sacred Journeys at sjnepal@wlink.com.np. or  sanjayatripathee@yahoo.com.au

'My One Malaysia' hits the air and net waves

My and Brent Clough's radio documentary 'My One Malaysia' was broadcast on ABC Radio National's 360 Documentaries program on 3 December 2011. 

It was a long food-and-people focussed radio road trip, but we finally got there!

For those who missed the broadcast, it will be repeated this Wednesday 7 December at 1pm (576AM), or you can podcast it here: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/360/my-one-malaysia/3696114

1 Malaysia Billboard, Kuala Lumpur: “People First, Performance Now”

Summary: Malaysia is a Malay-Muslim majority nation, held up as a functioning and secular democracy that operates in tandem with Islamic law. Chinese, Indian and other ethnic minorities make up almost 40% of the population. 

As a 'true Malaysian'-one obsessed by food-Beth Yahp returned to travel around the country where she was born, to eat and talk and listen to her fellow Malaysians.

She thought she would be going home, but where is 'home' to citizens like her, second or third generation non-Malay Malaysians, who are still called 'migrants' and told to 'get out' if they don't like it? 

What Makes a True Malaysian: Iced Milo and kaya “coconut jam” on toast...

Intrigued by the latest government slogan of 'One Malaysia' proclaiming all Malaysians to be united and equal despite race or religion, Beth sets out on a road trip that takes her to often outlawed versions of Malaysia.

Main Puteri Healing Ritual, Kelantan: Abang Mat, the shaman, surrounded by musicians and onlookers.  

My One Malaysia is a journey through identity, food, memory and music in a country where government slogans and lived reality seldom match up.

Night Burgers: If still hungry, there’s always a Ramli burger stall open somewhere in KL, day or night

Still Places Left on Writing Trek and Writers Retreat in Nepal Oct/Nov 2011: Join us on one - or both!

Tour 1: 12-Day Writing Trek in the Himalayas with Beth Yahp & Sacred Journeys Nepal: 9 - 21 Oct 2011

Join me and a small group of fellow-writers, artists and walkers for a trek in the Himalayas - to stimulate our writing journey and reinvigorate our creative selves.

This is a unique opportunity for writing and inner development for both experienced and amateur writers, located in one of the most extraordinary and beautiful regions on the planet.

We will explore Kathmandu, fly on a Twin Otter to Lukla, then trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, where we will spend a few days, resting, writing and workshopping, or opting to explore our surrounds, before heading back to unwind in Kathmandu.

There will be writing workshops and exercises in exploring our senses all along the way.

Whether your focus is fiction, travel or memoir—or you're just after some time to breathe and gaze at the horizon—prize-winning author and teacher Beth Yahp is sure to free your storytelling capabilities with her inspiring and openhearted workshops, and one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss your writing.

Each participant will be accompanied by a porter, and there will be ample rest stops to take in the scenery or interact with other travellers. We'll stay in mountain lodges along the way and share our trail into the mountains with yak trains, other trekkers and local traders on their way to Namche Bazaar, a route as old as people can remember.


Tour 2: 10-Day Writers Retreat in Nepal with Beth Yahp & Sacred Journeys Nepal 25 Oct - 4 Nov 2011

Fort Resort, Nagarkot. Photo: http://www.mountain-retreats.com/

Spend 10 days on retreat at Newari-style Fort Resort in Nagarkot, on the ancient trade route to Tibet, 30 kms from Kathmandu. You will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, amidst six acres of dense forest and organic gardens.

The Writers Retreat will be focused intensively on your fiction, memoir, or travel writing project, with ample time to write, read, attend the course program, do yoga or meditate, daydream, get restorative Ayurvedic massages or head off on extra-curricular tours to nearby villages and towns or go on day hikes, rafting, mountain biking etc.

There may also be a side-trip to the World Heritage-listed Newari town of Bhaktapur, renowned for its rich culture, temples and artworks in stone, wood and metal.

A combination of Masterclasses, Small Group Workshops and Individual Meetings with Beth are designed to get you into 'the zone' of your writing project and also enable you to work closely with other participants who are on the same writing journey. A community of writers at work (and play) can bring out the best in our own writing.

The biggest and most auspicious festival in the annual Nepalese calendar, Dashain, takes place around this time, and free days between the tours can be spent soaking in the once-in-a-lifetime experience in celebration of the Goddess Durga.

For full itineraries, see:
http://bethyahpwritingworks.blogspot.com/2010/12/writers-treck-in-himalayas-with-beth.html
http://bethyahpwritingworks.blogspot.com/2010/12/writers-retreat-in-nepal-october-2011.html

For more information, contact Beth at bywritingworks@yahoo.com.au. For bookings, contact Sanjaya at sjnepal@wlink.com.np.