Himalayan High Treks

08/17/2024

Thame, Nepal - which sits at an altitude of about 12,500 ft. - was flooded after a glacial lake burst its banks. Scientists have warned that climate change is causing many glaciers in the Himalayas to melt at an alarming rate.

No deaths or injuries have been reported, but more than a dozen buildings including houses, a school and a health clinic have been completely destroyed by Friday’s deluge. (from a report by the BBC)

08/16/2024

A devastating flash flood, accompanied by a mudslide and debris, swept through Thame village in Solukhumbu district on Friday afternoon, damaging nearly half of the settlement.

08/12/2024

Happy World Elephant Day! Today is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the world's elephants.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee provides captive elephants a safe haven dedicated to their well-being. Learn more.

08/06/2024

Effie walking slow before knee replacement. Thanks to Deb Venn for this great photo memory!

07/30/2024

Following ancient matrilineal custom, Kongthong residents traditionally don't use words for names—they use song.

07/30/2024

‘Everest, Inc.,’ a new book from veteran outdoor journalist Will Cockrell, documents the mountain’s transformation, first by Western guides and climbers, and now by Sherpas and Nepalis

07/29/2024

So strong!

07/07/2024

07/03/2024

Eppi, Torpa village grandmother spinning wool. Humla, Nepal. ThomasLkellyPhotos.com print order available on request.

06/28/2024

Videos show crushed cars and broken pillars after a canopy over Terminal 1 collapses, killing one person.

06/28/2024

Long-running battles in the Himalayas may foretell a more dangerous conflict.

06/27/2024

17 Facts You May Not Know About India:

1. India is home to a floating national park called Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the state of Manipur. It's the only floating park in the world and is famous for its unique ecosystem and the endangered Sangai deer.
2. The world's highest cricket ground, located in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, India, sits at an altitude of 2,444 meters (8,018 feet) above sea level.
3. India is one of the few countries in the world that has a floating post office. It's located in Dal Lake, Srinagar, and it also serves as a tourist attraction.
4. The Indian national kabaddi team has won all the World Cups held till now (as of 2022).
5. Mawsynram, a village in the Indian state of Meghalaya, receives the highest average annual rainfall in the world.
6. Shani Shingnapur, a village in Maharashtra, has houses with no doors. It is believed that Lord Shani, the Hindu god of the planet Saturn, protects the village, and hence, theft is virtually nonexistent.
7. The Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage of faith, is the largest gathering of humans on Earth. It is so massive that it is visible from space.
8. India is the world's largest producer of milk, surpassing even the United States and China.
9. The Indian Railways is one of the largest employers in the world, employing over 1.4 million people.
10. The Indian state of Sikkim is the first and only fully organic state in India and the world.
11. The town of Kodinhi in Kerala has the highest number of twins in the world.
12. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, serves free meals (langar) to over 100,000 people every day, regardless of religion, caste, or creed.
13. The Indian city of Mumbai has the most significant number of millionaires and billionaires in India.
14. The Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is a unique and mysterious saltwater lake that formed in the crater of a meteor impact around 52,000 years ago.
15. The Indian state of Goa has the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states, owing largely to its thriving tourism industry.
16. The world's largest producer of spices is India, accounting for more than 70% of global spice production.
17. India's first rocket was transported on a cycle and launched from a church.

06/23/2024

Insomnia, drowsiness and brain fog can all take some of the fun out of your first few days in a faraway place. You can’t avoid jet lag, but you can follow some tips to bounce back faster.

06/14/2024

Photos and a review of our Manaslu Circuit Trek, Spring 2024

Pema Tendi, my guide, really made the trek special. He did so many above and beyond things for me. Here are a few: *He greeted me at the airport and presented me with a khata scarf. *He walked me into the Potala Guest House and worked with the hotel staff to get me into my room. *Pema and a driver guided me around Kathmandu on my free day and he explained many interesting aspects of both the Swayambhu and Boudhanath temples. *On the trek when we would encounter other guides, I could tell they held Pema in high esteem. He has a certain confidence and kindness in his approach that made everyone smile and feel good. It was delightful spending time with him. His love of Nepal and the mountains was contagious. *My porter was Pema’s brother, Gyalzen, and he was also a wonderful part of the trek. His playfulness and ceaseless smile made the trek much more fun for everyone. *On my day of departure, Pema presented me with another khata scarf and waited in line with me outside the airport to ensure my electronic boarding pass would get me past the airport security personnel.

The Manaslu Circuit is an incredible trek through such diverse topography and plant life. From our start in the humid jungle to the 17k foot pass, each day presented views that justified the entire trip. The number of days to complete the circuit was perfect as I was able to acclimatize well and made it over the pass without any signs of altitude sickness.

The all inclusive nature of the trek you organized for me was also wonderful. The other trekkers whom I befriended were somewhat jealous that Pema took care of my every need and expense in each tea house as they had daily bills to pay and didn’t receive the attention I did from Pema. That is a selling point of your approach you may want to emphasize.

Finally, Amber came to the Potala Guest House on my last day to be sure I had a good trek and experience. He, like Pema, exudes a kindness and sincerity that made me feel very special.

Thank you again for organizing this trek for me. It is one I will remember fondly forever.

Paul Cooney, Reno, NV U.S.A.

06/12/2024

Tenjen Lama Sherpa was one of the most storied mountain guides of his generation. Now, he and two of his brothers are dead, and their youngest brother must keep climbing to make a living.