Sun’s Out, Gear Up! Summer’s in full swing, and we hope you’re soaking up the sunshine (with sunscreen, of course) after a (hopefully) refreshing spring. Here in Nepal, the pre-monsoon is keeping things interesting with some surprise showers – just another twist in the ever-unpredictable mountain weather! This Adventure Season This season, the HAL team has scattered like hungry squirrels at a nut buffet – each on their own epic […]
Kanchenjunga Makalu Traverse: A Three-Part Adventure
Eastern Nepal, particularly the eastern section of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT), had lured me for a while. And explore I did, venturing into the region a total of three times in 2023, each journey adding more trails to my map. First Trip: May 2023 Sijan, a close friend of mine, having gotten into grad school, was fulfilling a vow to visit Pathivara 3,794 m (Nepali: पाथिभरा देवी मन्दिर, Limbu: […]
Cambodia by Kayak: 500+ Km of the Mekong with a Splash of Fear
Haunted by a near-drowning experience in high school, I spent fifteen years terrified of water. It wasn’t until early 2022, in preparation for a sailing trip in the Orcas Islands, that my friend Seth (a great mentor over the years, we started Himalayan Adventure Labs together, but he has stepped back now) nudged me back into swimming lessons. Overcoming that fear felt like a victory, and when Seth floated the […]
HAL 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to 2024 and a Decade of Trailblazing with HAL As the crisp mountain air of a brand new year embraces us, we at HAL extend our warmest greetings and wishes for a year filled with epic adventures, stunning vistas, and unforgettable memories. 2024 marks our 10th anniversary, and we’re not just looking back on countless miles traversed, but looking forward to pushing boundaries and creating even more incredible experiences […]
The Langtang Fastpack 2023 Chronicle
Buckle up, folks, because Langtang Fastpack 2023 was more of an epic tale than your grandma’s Sunday yarns! Our spirited adventure kicked off with blessings from Hindu priests at the Budhanilkantha temple. We’re Team Reindeer (yes, with the antlers and all), and our adventure began in the heart of Budhanilkantha. From there, we plunged headfirst into the lush wonderland of Shivapuri National Park, where adventure and memories awaited. When we […]
Raindrops & Ridges: Himalayan Monsoon Journal
Unraveling Adventure in the Himalayas: A Journey of a Lifetime! Embark on an unforgettable odyssey with us through the Manaslu Fastpack, where the rugged Chum and Nubri Valley trails painted indelible memories in our hearts. Brace yourself for the exhilarating tale of Annapurna Fastpack, where unforeseen twists led us to embrace the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Immerse yourself in the enthralling Langtang Trail Running Camp, as Jamie defied his […]
Manaslu Fastpack 2023 Trip Report
Greetings, fearless adventurers! It’s me, the Yeti, reporting back on the epic journey we embarked upon during the Manaslu Fastpack 2023, organized by the incredible folks at Himalayan Adventure Labs (HAL). Brace yourselves for a tale filled with laughter, excitement, and a sprinkle of mischief! Our team was an unstoppable force of adventure seekers, ready to conquer the untamed trails. Tony and Sharon, the seasoned veterans of Annapurna Fastpack 2017, […]
Redefining the Outdoor Experience in Nepal Amidst Solo Trekker Ban
As a solo traveller, trail runner, registered trekking guide, and owner of a trekking company Himalayan Adventure Labs, I’m about as thrilled with the recent rule banning solo trekkers from exploring Nepal as a vegan at a barbecue joint. It’s a real bummer! It’s like telling someone they can only have cake if they share it with a crowd. What’s the point of being adventurous if you can’t do it […]
Following Our North Star: Putting Communities and Sustainability First for Sustainable Adventure Tourism in Nepal
As an ultra runner and explorer of wild places, I am deeply passionate about adventure and the beauty of nature. However, my vision for Himalayan Adventure Labs (HAL), the adventure tourism company that I co-founded in 2016, goes beyond just providing exciting trips for adventure seekers. Our aim is to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that not only helps local communities but also promotes responsible travel and preserves the environment. […]
Join the Upcoming Wilderness First Aid Training in Kathmandu!
Are you a trekking guide or outdoor enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge and skills in wilderness medicine? Do you want to be better equipped to handle any situation that may arise on your adventures? Then the upcoming Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training in Kathmandu is the perfect opportunity for you! Himalayan Adventure Labs (HAL), Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Dr. Jessie Gehner and her team, affiliated with […]