Melanie Bowman, who is out in Nepal with Oyster, updates us on the beginning of her adventures trekking in Nepal. Thanks Melanie!

“I am now with my Nepali family in Dhaparkel –  they are so lovely!  The palsy centre and school look fantastic and really looking forward to getting stuck in!

On the 21st Jan, we woke at 5am for banana pancakes (an UTSE Hotel favourite!) and chia (tea), then crammed into a tiny white Suzuki taxi with our guide – trekking bags balanced precariously on the roof!  We waited as the sun rose and then piled into a large local bus,headed for Syabrubesi, our trek starting point at 1600m.  Nina and I were fortunate enough to grab a window seat – poor Tom next to me in an aisle seat was accompanied throughout the journey by various locals virtually sitting on his lap!  As we wound our way out of and above Kathmandu, the villages became increasingly rural.  At this point, the forest vegetation of the wintry Himalayas is peppered with palm, bamboo and cacti – indicative of its subtropical climate in summer. We passed road-side shrines, elderly women and young children alike laden with goods to sell, from stacks of fire wood to baskets brimming with fresh spinach.  Wicker baskets are filled to overflowing, and these huge caskets are carried on the back, held by a single strap of material which rests across the carrier’s forehead, and bears the full weight of the basket.  Young mothers tirelessly brush the steps to their homes, babies strapped to their backs.  Chillis are laid out on roof-tops to dry and husks of corn hang on huts to ripen.  Spinach leaves poke out of stone walls and tier upon tier of brilliant green terraces are freshly raked or sown with wild flowers, potatoes and rape-seed.

As our bus climbs ever higher, the hard work and harsh conditions the locals toil in becomes ever apparent.  Yet they present a tranquil cheerfulness and always have a warm smile to offer!”

To find out more about the teaching and trekking programme that Melanie is on, check out our Nepal teach and trek website.