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 […]
Conquering Altitude Sickness: Understanding, Preventing and Treating the Effects of High Altitude
Trekking in the Himalayas can be an unforgettable experience, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared for the altitude. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition that can occur at high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet (2,500 meters). It is caused by the lower air pressure and lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and insomnia. In severe cases, […]
Happy Holidays: Looking back on some great adventures in 2022, and towards more in 2023
We’re back! After some ‘bumpy times’ over the past few years due to you-know-what, we are so happy to report being able to return to helping people fulfill their dreams in the Himalayas in 2022. Before bragging about the adventure dreams we helped people with in 2022, we want to encourage you to consider joining us in Nepal this coming year. We have organized trips ranging from the classic Annapurna […]
A Journey Through Time and Space: A 25 day camping trek in Humla
A plan was set; to start the trek from Rara (starting point for the Mugu/Dolpo trek last year), head north to Simikot, follow Mugu Karnali river to get to Hilsa, a border town and turn east to Limi valley and back down to Simikot while crossing two Himalayan passes.
Manaslu Fastpack 2022 Trip Report
We have almost a decade long history with Manaslu; Seth participated in the Manaslu Trail Race with some serious mis-adventures in 2013, Sudeep and Seth did the slowest known time in 2015 around the Manaslu circuit, and Sudeep took part in the trail race in 2016. This was the first year for HAL organising the Manaslu Fastpack, after covid postponed it for two years, and what an adventure it was! […]
A Walk Through Time: From Narayani’s Shores to Himalayan Vistas
Carrying whispers of history: Growing up with the Narayani River flowing past my doorstep and the Manaslu peak always in sight, I dreamt of exploring the hidden trails that snaked northwards. These paths whispered tales of ancient traders, carrying spices, salt, and stories between Tibet, Nepal, and India until 1960 and 70s. Their journeys, often arduous and fraught with hardship, laid the foundation for cultural exchange and paved the way […]
Mugu and Upper Dolpo Traverse 2021
Inspiration When Daniel approached HAL about organizing a custom trek in Nepal, he made it clear that he wanted to explore the less frequently visited part of the Himalayas. Inspired by Robin Boustead guidebook on the Great Himalayan Trail we set our eyes on the far reaches of western Nepal – plotting a plan of action to traverse from Mugu, Dolpo and Mustang. This trip would be much more than […]
Confession about one snow-less winter
I love to travel alone because of its swift lightness. Of both logistics and responsibilities. My first experimentation was a camping walk into the hidden Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit. The crux of the well-researched wandering full of surprises was Larkey pass (5,106 meters). In bad condition, it forces everyone to wait or return. But before that icy wonderland with its James bond moments, I sweated my way into places […]
Everest Three Passes Fastpack Trip Report – 2019
This was our second time visiting Khumbu area, the land of Everest having completed the maiden three passes fastpack last year. Our plan over 13 days was to cross massive valley systems using three passes; Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m) & Kongma La (5,535m), a non -technical climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft), a walk to Everest Base Camp and possibly climb Kala Patar (5550m/18,208ft). Our team consisted of six members; […]
Annapurna Fastpack Trip Report – Fall 2019
This was our 7th fastpack around the Annapurna circuit and we thought of all our friends who walked together on this journey before. On this trip our nationalities included USA, UK and Nepal. First couple of days was marked with rain (delayed monsoon), wind and leeches but was compensated by views of waterfalls, hills and terrace fields. As our effort to include local cultural experience on our trip, a local shaman […]