The Manaslu-Annapurna Round Trek (09.03.2009 - 30.03.2009)

From Wikipedia: Manaslu (Nepali: मनास्लु), also known as Kutang) is the eighth highest mountain in the world, and is located in the Mansiri Himal, part of the Nepalese Himalayas, in the west-central part of Nepal. Its name, which means "Mountain of the Spirit", comes from the Sanskrit word Manasa, meaning "intellect" or "soul".

--= Read more =-- --= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

The Kangchenjunga South and North Trek (10.10.2008 - 29.10.2008)

From Wikipedia: The name Kangchenjunga stems from Bhutia and Tibetan languages. Its name in Nepali is कञ्चनजङ्घा Kanchanjaŋghā. Its name in the local Limbu language is Sewalungma, meaning Mountain that we offer greetings to. Sewalungma is considered sacred in the Kirant religion.

--= Read more =-- --= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

"Amazing India" - that's what the official promotion campaign you can see on TV states and it's true... in any possible ways.

Well, stay tuned to read our 3 weeks trip outline through Rajasthan. About 100 about of 2000 pictures need to be sorted out before we can put them online. So be patient as it's quite difficult to give you the best impressions

--= Read more =-- --= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

Back in Pakistan for one of the hardest but also one of the most rewarding treks.

2007 was not the best year to cross Gondogoro-La as a crevasse of 4m and no possibility to fix ropes, made it impossible for trekking groups to pass. When we arrived at Goro II we got the news that the rescue team managed to find a new route that will make the crossing possible. A British expedition team will be the first to try the new route. Our team with permit number 118 was able to cross on July 26th as number 6. Only 8 teams in total (6 expedition and 2 trekking teams) could cross Gondogoro-La in 2007. Shortly after our crossing, the pass was closed again.

--= Read more =-- --= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

Are 'normal' holidays still possible? Yes! That's what we did in August 2006.

A complete trip through Sicily in two weeks by car. Messina, Cefalù, Palermo, Monreale, Erice, Selinunte, Agrigento, Ragusa, Piazza Armerina, Siracusa, Etna, Taormina.

Besides the view, once again, we fell under the charm of the Italian cuisine. The red bible (Guide Michelin) was of great help to find the best places on the island.

--= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

A little trek in June 2006 in Northern Pakistan to Fairy Meadows where you have one of the most beautiful views of Nanga Parbat. So the name tells the truth.

An easy trek -what a pitty for me that my wife did it without me this time. On the other hand, based on the pictures she took and the stories she told me, I was convinced to visit Pakistan too one day. I did not realize that it was as soon...

--= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

Immediately after the Annapurna Trek we planned to travel to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, by using 4x4 Jeeps. The departure was in Kathmandu, Nepal, and finally the preceding trek was very useful for not getting High Mountain Sickness. The encountered altitude was always around 4000m.

The Tibetans are one of the most inviting people and the salty yak- butter-tea, compared to what is written in most books (tastes like old socks), was even delicious. Give it a try!

During our visit the new Chinese railway Beijing-Lhasa was about to be accomplished. This will unfortunately open the doors to a large Chinese immigration into this rich tradition-bound country. So get there as fast as you can.

--= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

Our second Trek in Nepal. This time the destination was Annapurna Base Camp (17.03.2006 - 27.03.2006)

Compared to other treks, the Annapurna Sanctuary trek mostly goes through green forests, starts at 900m and goes up to 3700m.

--= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

Ever wanted to travel on the Silk Road? That's what we decided to do in August 2005 during 1 month.

Wonderful places which you only heard of in oriental tales. Very nice and friendly people. Stick with local guides and try to avoid the large tourist groups that come in large buses and only visit the highlights in the speed of light.

Food? Excellent except in Turkmenistan where it was honestly the worst we ever tasted.

--= Read more =-- --= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--

In August 2004 we decided, during our holidays in South Korea, to do a short trip to China where we visited some of the highlights.

At the end we came to the conclusion that, yes, Chinese food is the best of the world. Don't go to tourist restaurants (you will get the same stuff as at home) but try the many local restaurants even if they don't look very clean. The communication is no problem: Just look around what the others guests are eating, grab the waiter, and point to the dishes that please you. It can be very funny but we were never deceived.

--= Album =-- --= Slideshow =--