I’ve had a hiking bucket list since before I was even all that into hiking.
I’m not sure when it was that I first heard about The Inca Trail but, when I finally got there in 2009, it had already been a dream for at least 10 years. When I was 15 my brother and his girlfriend (now wife) visited Nepal and did a five day Annapurna trek. This one went straight on the list, except I wanted to extend it to at least 10 days. In more recent years I’ve added Kilimanjaro, Kinabulu, Rinjani and far too many others to name.
Then I met the love of my life, and she isn’t much of a hiker. Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. She’s my perfect woman. It’s just that there’s significantly less chance of me ticking off these bucket list items now… At least not in their original form.
Relationships are all about compromise though. My Lori is more than happy to hike. I just need to tone it down a notch if I want her to come along with me. To be honest, it’s not that much of a compromise for me to make the hikes a bit shorter and include a bit of luxury anyway.
So when I see trips like the Experience the Magic of The Himilayas tour from Luxury Escapes, they make a perfect substitute for the new bucket list. Our bucket list.
In 10 days, this tour takes in some Kathmandu, Pokhara City and Dhampus, as well as a couple of days of hiking in the Annapurna Region, including the famous views from Australia Base Camp.
It’s not just aimed at hikers, which is perfect… There’s all kinds of cultural experiences, yoga and meditation, elephant baths, river rafting, bird watching, spa treatments, a jungle safari, and even paragliding if you’re that way inclined (which I very much am). Some nights are spent in four star hotels.
Lori would absolutely love it. I would absolutely love it. Like I said, not really that much of a compromise. So this is exactly the kind of trip we’ll be taking when we have a bit more cash behind us.
It’s available now, for a limited time, for $999 per person (twin share) from Luxury Escapes. There’s a cheaper alternative ($799) with three star accommodation instead of four, for those who aren’t so picky.
This post was brought to you by Bushwalking Blog and LuxuryEscapes.com. This has no influence on the content of my article.
Have you been to The Himilayas? Did you rough it or is this more your style? Let us know in the comments below.
Hi Neil,
I’ve just discovered your blog and I think I’ll be regular from here on ๐
I absolutely love bush walking and my partner doesn’t get into it in any way, not even a short walk. I went to South America by myself this year and joined a tour to visit the Galรกpagos Islands (he wasn’t interested in this either) and hike the Inca Trail. Last year I did the Larapinta with my bush walking club. I had a ball on both trips but of course I would’ve liked him to go with me, particularly on the overseas trip. So consider yourself lucky that your Lori will do any hiking with you! ๐
Kate
Hi Kate,
Thanks for the comment. That’s a shame that your partner isn’t keen. I do consider myself very lucky. She’s pretty adventurous.
Great to hear you like the blog! Don’t be a stranger. I’m always pretty quick to answer comments, emails and tweets. Let me know if you ever need anything.
Cheers
Neil
Although he’s not into bushwalking we share a lot of other interests, so I still consider myself a lucky gal to have him ๐
Plus I’m in a bushwalking club which means I can still get out quite often with others. I’m also a fan of solo walking and am pretty keen on doing the Great South West Walk by myself if I can’t convince any club members. I’m usually very specific with when I can take holidays from work so that can make things tricky. I was happy to read your blog about yourself and others that go solo and the reasons why you like to go it alone. I keep getting the ‘but what if you get bitten by a snake!?’ response. I’m always cautious though and I carry the right gear. I’ve had my fair share of near misses too though! Like you said, they still scare the bejesus out of you no matter how many you see!
Thanks for the welcome :):)
Hey Kate,
Yeah, Lori and I certainly don’t share everything either haha ๐ Good you’ve got the club, too. As you’ve read, I’m more of a solo walker. I love it. Would absolutely love to do the Great South West but I think I’ll aim for the Australian Alpine Walking Trail. It’s a “one day” thing. No set plans yet. Hopefully Lori and the kids can be my support team and meet me with the car along the way. Pie in the sky. ๐ Yeah, snakes… You’ve just got to learn to have a healthy respect really, don’t you?
Cheers
Neil
Hi all.
A trek in Nepal doesn’t need to be a “bucket list” activity, because it can be done so easily and with low cost.
I have been running group treks to Nepal for several years now. I offer a package that includes all the organising, bookings and leading of the trek as well as pre-departure training and preparation, all at a surprisingly low price. And my clients are full of praise, many of them joining me on follow up trips.
I have vacancies on my 19th February 2015 departure for Everest Base Camp.
Namaste
Hi David,
I’d absolutely love to come but with rent to pay, a full-time job (plus freelancing) to attend to, and kids to care for, I’m afraid it remains firmly in the bucket list category. Unless you want to fly me over there and have me along for free? Then I’m sure I could arrange something haha.
Cheers for the comment.
Neil