Trip Report-A Return to the Himalaya

[Scott P]

Introduction and Background

This is the story of a return to my favorite place in the world; the Himalaya. It was good to be back, even if it wasn

[Scott P]

December 29: Swayambhunath; Monkey Temple

After flying back to Lukla in the morning, we walked most of the way to Swayambhunath, known as the "Monkey Temple" and set on top of a hike hill in Kathmandu. We did take a wrong turn and flagged down a taxi for a short ride, just so we'd know how to get there.

After arriving at the base, we climbed the stairs up the big hill and spent some time around the temple admiring all of the architecture (and the monkeys of course) before walking most of the way back to Thamel.


http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/833089.JPG (http://www.summitpost.org/swayambhunath/833089)
Swayambhunath.


December 30: River Trail/Chitwan; Welcome to the Jungle

We took a hike along the river to look for wildlife. We did see one rhino from quite a distance, but no rhinos up close. We saw a lot of bird life though.


http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/833090.JPG (http://www.summitpost.org/elephant/833090)
Elephant at Chitwan.


December 31: Chitwan Trek; Last Adventurous Day Before Heading Back to Kathmandu

In the morning we took a nice elephant ride to look for rhinos, tigers (sightings are rare), birds, spotted deer, barking deer, etc, but we didn't see any rhinos (last time I was here 11 years ago, we saw several). We did see lots of deer and birds.

We then took a canoe ride down the river and saw many marsh mugger crocodiles (including several big ones) and birds. It was then elephant bathing.

We then did a hike through the jungle to look for animals. We saw more deer, birds, a crocodile, and a monkey, but unfortunately still no rhinos. After that was a visit to the elephant breeding center.


http://www.summitpost.org/images/medium/833091.JPG (http://www.summitpost.org/lake/833091)
A lake seen on our trek through Chitwan.

A whole lot more photographs:

http://www.summitpost.org/a-return-to-the-himalaya/images/p-838418

[2065toyota]

Not really quite sure how to respond to this type of epic trip report

[Udink]

Not really quite sure how to respond to this type of epic trip report
I think this one requires a :hail2thechief: and a :2thumbs:. :lol8:

[Sandstone Addiction]

Wow. Thanks for sharing your incredible adventure. Everything, excellent. :2thumbs:

[peakbaggers]

Wow! What a trip - and getting to ascend all those different peaks. Congratulations to both of you & especially to Kessler. Amazing for a kid his age to be ascending to such heights. :stud:Can you even begin to imagine what he may accomplish when he grows up? The photos are enviable. :2thumbs:
I doubt if I'll ever get there myself so it's nice to vicariously experience this through you.

[Rob L]

What a stunning trip report, Scott (esp. with the little history of your first trip there).

Have you plans to ascend Sagarmatha?

[Scott P]

Have you plans to ascend Sagarmatha?

No. Too many other peaks are on the wish list:

http://www.summitpost.org/scott-s-wish-list/335481

[accadacca]

Very cool Scott! Epic certainly describes it. Great father son time for sure. :2thumbs: