Images from a few short hikes.

Most people think "hiking" when they think of Nepal. We have started exploring Kathmandu's immediate surroundings a little, and have so far found that the walking is excellent and child-friendly almost wherever we go. In many cases it pays to leave the main track behind:

Surrounded by bamboo-forests, flowers, trees and other greenery, with sunlight dripping through the foliage, the walk becomes more fun for all. As you can see on the pictures, it is steep going at times, but the kids are amazing in dealing with the terrain. Through the trees we can spot prim and well-kept farmhouses, surrounded by land tended to for generations. Terraces are carefully hewn from the hillsides, and elaborate watering systems spread water around.

The kids soon found a good diversion: Some introductory climbing. This was a clay-wall, where there were ample grips and holds so they were scurrying up in a profusion of arms and legs. Callista fell down once (into my waiting arms) and creid her head off. Not because she was scared or hurt, it was because she was angry! Her brother had managed to get up, and she was livid that she couldn't make the same ascent.
I also tried and soon discovered that this wall was child-friendly, but hard for adults to get up. The clay would crumble if too much pressure was applied, so it took quite some time before I found a stable route up the face. While I was struggling, the kids ran down and started all over again... They have a way of making me feel old, bloated and sluggish.

And after the walking, the climbing and the looking at the countryside, we come round a bend and are rewarded with a majestic view:


Little farmhouses dot the landscape, hillsides are dotted with farms and meadows - it's all so idyllic, so basic and achingly beautiful. Above it all, the Himalayas tower in their white-capped silence.

The hilltops are forested, with a relative of the pine populating a certain altitude. It grows some impressively large cones, and when one falls it becomes the ultimate tool for balancing, climbing and playing.

Our experience thus far is simple: It seems that no matter which direction we drive, after 15-20 minutes we can simply park the car and amble along paths. We will be met by smiling villagers and farmers, have a good walk and leave the hustle and bustle of the city far behind. If we bring a picnic, we're all set for a long day outside. If the timing is right, we will be introduced to some new additions to the farm - and the kids love it:

We're pretty happy so far!