My main reason for going to Nepal was to see the Himalayas. I had decided to do the 10 day Jomson trek and arranged a porterguide in advance. This trek turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done.

I spent longer than planned in Pokhara waiting for the weather to settle so I could catch the flight up to Jomsom. From there we ascended up to Muktinath at 3710m and then descended down through changing landscapes, climates and cultures, stopping at cosy wooden lodges, spending evenings sitting by fires fuelled by wood and yak dung and eating home cooked meals.

After Jharkot and Muktinath we passed through the medieval villages of Kagbeni, Marpha then Tuckuche, Larjung, Kalopani, Ghasa and then to the hot springs of Tatopani. From here we continued to Chitre and then the snow-covered Ghorapani before taking a detour to Poon Hill. We had to leave very early to get to Poon Hill before sunrise. We were blessed with clear skies and a fantastic view of the Annapurnas. From Ghorapani we walked down to Tikedunga, before the final leg of the trek to Naya Pul, and then by taxi back to Pokhara.

I spent a couple more days in Pokhara, before visiting Royal Chitwan national park on route to Kathmandu. I spent five days here, visiting the impressive squares with towering pagoda temples and also Swayambunath on a hill overlooking the city. I flew out of Kathmandu to Bangkok on the morning of 8 February.