From Chile to Nepal: A Patagonia Guide treks the Himalayas

In September of 2019, OneSeed Chile guide Robert Carlos travelled to Nepal to join his former OneSeed clients on an epic trek through Nepal’s famous three passes high in the Himalayas.

Where are you from and where is your favorite place to guide?

I was born and raised in Punta Arenas and have been working in tourism for about 23 years and in the Torres del Paine National Park for the last 19 years as a mountain trekking guide. One of the most beautiful places in the park is the area between Refugio Dickson and Los Perros. There are not as many travelers along this section so it allows me to connect with my clients more and appreciate how much I like my work.

What brought you all the way to Nepal this season?

Nepal has always been a dream of mine because of the mountains and a unique culture. I've been fascinated by documentaries and presentations on mountaineering including a conference with the first Chilean mountaineers to climb Everest. This was my second time in Nepal but it was 19 days compared to the previous at 7 days. It required so much more mental strength and preparation, the previous trip was only a sample and this one was a true challenge. The trek we did is called Three Passes and is one of the harder treks out there. My favorite part was summiting a mountain over 5000 meters in NEPAL, not in Chile, not in Argentina, it was in NEPAL! We also loved all the children that we encountered along the way. They were all very happy and friendly. The most difficult part for me was definitely acclimatization since I have lived all my life at sea level and it is a tiring job to acclimatize

How does the trekking in the HimalayaS compare to Patagonia?

The truth is you really can’t compare the two, they’re just so different. In Patagonia, you never have to worry about the altitude and instead focus on seeing, feeling, listening, and enjoying. The greatest difficulty is the wind that can blow over 100 kilometers per hour which causes a lot of tough days in the park. In Nepal, the problem is managing altitude sickness and constantly battling with the mind and body to continue onward.

What was it like meeting with mountain guides from a different PART of the world?

We trekked with KALE SHERPA and it was the second time he had led one of my trips. On that first trek, we talked a lot about guiding and working as guides. At that time I was the Director of the Association of Guides of Puerto Natales and he was the treasurer within his association in Nepal. I really liked that almost all the guides I saw on the way were local, they take great care of their local guides and that won my respect. In Patagonia is easier to find guides of other nationalities. I always choose a local guide, someone who knows the background and heart of a place because he is guiding in his own land.

Any Final Thoughts or Tips?

What I liked most is to be able to walk through the villages among the locals, to see the children playing with something as simple as a ball and enjoy it to the fullest. Of course, I highly recommend trekking in Nepal. If you really want to enjoy it, go with a small group and have the camera ready since there could be an amazing view that appears at any moment.

Reflections on a First Ascents Trip to Croatia

Written by OneSeed Latin America Region Director Sergio Nunez

A first ascent in mountaineering always has a halo of mysticism around it, for the unknown and the challenge. This is why we call our first trips to a new location “First Ascents” as they involve a lot of preparation and discovery. Our return travelers are always the first to try out our new destinations as part of the First Ascents community, getting exclusive access to new itineraries and ultimately helping shape our trips. 

We chose Croatia as our next destination because we love to offer our travelers more places and experiences. In this particular case, my sister Gabi had been living in Croatia for over six years and had begun working in tourism. It seemed like a perfect fit, and after a year of scouting locations, meeting with local partners, and a practice run with OneSeed’s founder this summer, the itinerary was set.

I joined our first group of travelers in Croatia this September. This trip was particularly special to me and Gabi because we are descendants of immigrants that settled in Patagonia from Croatia. It means a lot to be able to explore and share our homeland. Croatia’s landscape is so unique as well. You hike past vineyards where locals are picking olives and grapes, and you kayak past fisherman bringing in a fresh catch (that you might eat that night!).

One thing that was surprising was hearing how past OneSeeders remember their guides above all else. Not necessarily the height of the mountains, but the names and backstories of their guides and how happy they were with them. This felt incredibly rewarding - thank you OneSeed guides!

It can be difficult to go from being a OneSeed staff member to a traveler, but once I made the switch and just enjoyed the pace, the food, the smiles of my travel companions, and the feedback - it was such a great reminder of why I love this job.

Dobrodošli !! (welcome!)

Challenging the Norm: The Rise of Female Trekking Guides in Nepal

Our local guides are the heart of OneSeed. All are passionate about giving travelers an experience filled with adventure, authenticity, and unforgettable moments. Every guide is trained in risk management, earns fair compensation, and is actively supported with professional development opportunities.

Take our Director of Nepal Guiding Operations, Bishnu Thapa, as an example of hard work and following your passion in the face of adversity. Bishnu began her foray in the trekking industry by working as a porter for three years (most guides begin as porters and are often considered “guides in training”). While working on her Master’s degree dissertation exploring how adventure tourism empowers women, she met OneSeed founder Chris Baker. Together, OneSeed Expeditions began to take shape with Bishnu’s vision and habit of pushing boundaries laying the groundwork. Following in her footsteps, OneSeed is actively employing women guides and porters in Nepal.

Since joining the OneSeed team, Bishnu has completed another degree (M. Phil. in Anthropology) and conducted her research (for M.Phil. dissertation) on coping strategies in small hillside communities after the 2015 earthquake. During her free time, Bishnu enjoys preparing Nepali pickle recipes and being in the mountains.

We asked Bishnu about her time at OneSeed, the future of female guiding, and why everyone needs to visit Nepal:

What is your favorite guiding memory you've had with OneSeed?

My favorite memory came on the Annapurna discovery trek, March 14, 2018. I had three clients from Canada who were cousins. We had lots of fun and were constantly smiling and laughing; even when one of them had stomach issues during the trek. They were awesome people and I have great memories from that trip. I felt that my trek with them wasn’t even work. Truly they respected everyone and understood how hard we worked for them professionally to ensure their satisfaction.

What can guests see in Nepal that they can’t experience anywhere else?

Nepal has the highest peaks in the world. It’s incredibly remote, has a unique culture where the old tradition still exists, it’s the birthplace of Buddha, and is filled with smiling and friendly people. Previous clients have said that Nepal is so naturally beautiful–especially the landscape and white capped mountains. They also rave about how kind and generous the people are. Regardless if they are poor, they are always smiling and offer to help you in any situation of need.

What role do social expectations play in women being guides?

Patriarchal norms and values still exist in Nepal. There are certain roles and expectations of what women can and can’t do. Women are supposed to look after the children, farm, and maintain household duties. Women are encouraged to be teachers, nurses, and near their home. Women guiding or trekking is viewed as a public job. Once women are out guiding, society automatically has a negative perception of them. For instance, they say, “this woman works outside away from her home, she must stay overnight somewhere. Maybe this woman is impure,” and they begin to think negatively. While I was trekking a few years ago some male guides teased and insulted me saying, “this is a man’s job. You are quite educated and you can do other work like be a teacher.” Very few people here believe that women need to participate in the outdoor industry. They believe they are too weak to be adventure guides.

In what way can women become more involved with guiding in Nepal?

Society needs to change its negative perception regarding the profession of women guides. We need to encourage women to work in public facing roles. Families need to trust and our society needs to provide education that should inspire women from a young age. Their family or society has to instill in them a belief that they can partake in any field they want. Women also need to be self motivated in their profession. There should be active job creation opportunities in order to encourage female guides in Nepal.

A Travel Filmmaker Shares Stories from Tanzania

Photos courtesy of Marissa Chabria and Brian Rapsey/World Nomads.

A new short film highlighting responsible travel was just released by World Nomads in partnership with OneSeed Expeditions. A product of their annual Travel Filmmaking Scholarship, the film features local Tanzanian entrepreneurs that are directly supported by OneSeed’s local partner Anza, an organization that enables businesses in Tanzania to grow. Last fall, OneSeed Expeditions hosted the scholarship winner, Marissa Chabria of Costa Rica, on an all-expenses-paid trip to Tanzania to complete her own film during the trip.

Hear from Marissa about her experience in Tanzania, what’s it’s like to live and work abroad, and the power of film to tell important stories:

How would you describe Tanzania to someone who has never been there?

I remember reading various articles on what a magical continent Africa was and to be honest I did not understand this until I experienced it for myself. Tanzania is such a mesmerizing country, you can feel its energy as soon as your feet touch the ground. The beauty the country portrays goes from the cultural diversity, to the happiness in the locals and their cheerful spirit, the lush landscapes, the wildlife that makes you feel you’re filming a documentary, the bold and rich sunsets, but mostly, the simplicity in life. You’re able to experience how happy the people are and how welcoming they make you feel into their beautiful country. You can be sure that you’ll feel at home even though you’re away from home. It’s a feeling and energy you experience only in Africa, but specifically in such a magical place like Tanzania.

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How did you get your start in travel filmmaking?

I was always interested in creating art at a young age, be it through music or moving images. I had a lot of curiosity for technology and editing softwares, and loved going to electronic stores to have a look at the cameras because it seemed fascinating to me to tell a story through one. I started making videos during my High School Senior Year and then for some courses in college. I became more serious about filmmaking on my first trip to Tanzania, where I remember calling my mom and telling her “Mom, I want to be a travel filmmaker,” and she said “Okay great, what’s that?”. It was there I realized I wanted to become a storyteller to immerse myself in the different cultures and document stories that have a strong impact on a community and that maybe one day, could change the world through social awareness. The most exciting parts about filmmaking are the places you get to see, the people you meet, and the connections and memories you make along the way.

How did filming in East Africa challenge your expectations and what was your biggest takeaway?

Filming in Tanzania was literally a dream come true and there are a number of lessons I learned through this unbelievable and breathtaking experience, but the number one thing I understood on a more profound level, is to never give up because dreams do come true.

In 2017, I went to Tanzania as a volunteer for three months and I absolutely fell in love with the culture, its people and the beauty it has to offer. It became my home away from home and it was a very emotional and spiritual journey for me. Before leaving Africa that year, I promised myself I’d come back some day to this magical place to film a documentary in order for people to witness its culture, and how exotic of a country Tanzania is. Little did I know my promise was actually going to come true exactly a year later with the opportunity of the World Nomads Travel Filmmaking Scholarship. The people closest to me knew what it meant for me to come back, and this time, I would be going back to the place I love the most to do what I love most. Once being there, it was unbelievable to connect with the locals, interview them and listen to their stories. It was definitely one of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever been through because there were so many technical concepts I was not aware of and I wanted the outcome to be remarkable, but I had to remind myself that I was an aspiring filmmaker and I was being mentored by a professional who would guide me throughout the whole process.

The editing stage was one of the most tedious yet exciting experiences ever, and I had to surrender to the idea of a slow paced process and fall in love with it. I think one of the biggest takeaways is understanding the importance of having that drive in life and a passion for what you do.

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What role has travel played in your life personally and as a filmmaker?

Travel changed my life, both as an individual and a filmmaker. My first solo trip was a volunteer trip where I traveled alone from Costa Rica to Tanzania in 2017 and spent three months volunteering there. It thoroughly changed my perspective on life and redirected my purpose. I decided I wanted to be a filmmaker to bring stories to life and give a voice to people.

Travel changes lives and broadens one’s horizons. When you travel you grow as a person and learn to live the present as it is: no past and no future, just the exact moment you are experiencing. You let go of fears and turn them into curiosities and discover parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed. You develop humility as you realize how big the world is and how small we actually are, you understand and respect other cultures, you connect and meet people who become life-long friends, you collect stories to tell, explore places and landscapes that seem too surreal to be true, and make memories that will last forever. The feeling I get at an airport or when I’ve buckled my seatbelt on the plane is indescribable. It’s like I’m actually able to grasp freedom in my hands. I believe that every trip adds value to your life and you learn something new about yourself.

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Do you have any tips for people thinking of traveling to Tanzania for the first time?

I would tell people who are thinking of traveling to Tanzania to have an open mind. I did not get culture shock because some things were similar to my home country Costa Rica, but be open to anything because you might see things you’ve never seen before. I was very surprised by how warm hearted and welcoming the locals are. Be prepared for Africa to steal each tiny part of your heart and make you fall in love with the place. You’ll be amazed by their essence, generosity, happiness and strength. Believe me, you’ll feel at home and you’ll want to come back.

You can hear more from Marissa on the World Nomads blog. The 2019 Travel Film Scholarship contest is now accepting entries! Click here to learn more.

Leave No Trace: Patagonia Trail Cleanup Party in Torres del Paine

Written by OneSeed guide Sofia Mardones

The annual Trail Cleaning Party (or Fiesta de La Limpieza) is an event that started about 6 years ago when a group of guides noticed a lack of park rangers toward the end of the season in Torres del Paine National Park. Because of this, no one was really paying attention to the trail conditions and the impacts of trekking and camping when the season was over.

Year after year garbage had been accumulating. There are certain areas of the trail that are obvious high-use bathroom stops, so eventually you will find tons of toilet paper and feminine products left exposed on the ground. Guides have also found shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, pack covers, water bottles - pretty much anything that we as humans leave because we don’t want to carry it anymore or it’s not needed. Some trash is accidentally left, flies away in the wind, or falls off of someone’s pack.

After continued issues with trash accumulating on the trail, local guides decided to start a cleaning party to remove trash from the trails and campgrounds. Every year we look for volunteers from around the region, because believe it or not, there are a lot of locals that have never been in Torres del Paine! Anyone who is interested and capable of hiking with a backpack during the cleanup is welcome.

Several local agencies also contribute to the cause by donating money for cleaning supplies, box lunches, transportation or sometimes even providing a delicious Cordero al Palo for the volunteers to enjoy at the end of the event. Helping our planet AND tasty food makes for a very happy soul. I started helping the cleanup leader “Flash” (real name, Javier) and Luisa about 4 years ago with the trail and road cleanups. As a local guide, I am very environmentally conscious, always sharing tips on ways to reduce garbage and I try to be more conscious with the environment. I feel like it’s my duty as a guide to give something back to the park by doing this. It’s my way to say thank you for the opportunity that I have including A GREAT JOB, A GREAT OFFICE, AND GREAT CLIENTS. I will always do my best to take care of Torres del Paine.

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Want to ATTEND the Fiesta de Limpieza in 2020? Join us April 29 - May 4th, 2020!

Nepal Tipping Guide: What to Tip Your Guides and Porters on Any Trek

Tipping in Nepal

Tipping culture and etiquette vary from country to country. On multi-day expeditions, a great amount of organizational work is done by support staff who work around the clock to ensure travelers have the best possible experience. Travelers should consider the region (including its cost of living), the size of your group, the length of your expedition, the amount of work and quality of service received while tipping.

Each trekking group in Nepal requires a skilled team of guides, assistant guides, and guides-in-training / porters.

Travelers often want to know how many staff members to anticipate and how to accurately tip each individual. The charts below should serve as a helpful guide when considering a tip at the end of your trek. These amounts are simply a suggestion (and are on the higher end). Travelers are welcome to tip more or less as they see fit.

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Annapurna Discovery / Mardi Himal / Langtang Journey - 7 Day Treks:

* Solo Travelers can choose to tip in a range between $125 - $300

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Annapurna Base Camp - 10 Day Trek:

* Solo Travelers can choose to tip in a range between $220 - $320

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Manaslu Circuit - 13 Day Trek:

* Solo Travelers can choose to tip in a range between $250 - $350

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Everest Base Camp - 14 Day Trek:

* Solo Travelers can choose to tip in a range between $250 - $450

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Some Important Things to Note:

1. Talk to your support team to learn about their home country and experience working on the trail. If there is a language barrier, simply showing your team that you appreciate them with a smile and words of encouragement goes a long way!

2. Tipping usually occurs on the last day of the trek prior to leaving your support team. It is customary to separate tips by individual if possible. If not possible, tipping the guide, assistant guide, and guides-in-training/porters separately is highly recommended.

3. Travelers can tip in Nepalese Rupees or US Dollars. Be sure to bring new/crisp small bills (nothing higher than $20) in order to tip evenly among all staff. If you prefer to exchange money, you can do so in Kathmandu prior to your trek at any money exchange office or bank.

4. Our recommendations are on the high end of the suggested tipping range for Nepal treks. While you might be inclined to tip higher if you’ve received exceptional service, it’s encouraged to tip a standard amount so that your guide and support staff can continue making a living from their job rather than relying on tips. That said, please tip as you see fit based on your overall experience!

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USD to Nepalese Rupees Calculator

Nepalese Rupees are generally 112 to 1 USD depending on the day of conversion. Click or tap the button below to be taken to an online USD to Sol converter with the most recent exchange rates.

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Still have questions? Email us at info@oneseedexpeditions.com or ask your head guide on the trail. Guides are happy to provide you with information on the total number of support staff, names, roles, etc.

Meet OneSeed's Newest Croatia Guide: Gabriela Nuñez Cardenas

The OneSeed team is incredibly excited to be working with our newest guide, Gabi Nuñez Cardenas. She has been instrumental in our expansion to Croatia this year and we want you to get to know her a bit before you join her for your expedition in the Western Balkans.

How did you start working in adventure travel?

• I was born and raised in Chilean Patagonia in Punta Arenas. Everything started from there. Living in a beautiful landscape that’s famous for outdoor activities and adventure tourism was an easy way to start my career. My first job at 17-years-old was cleaning and maintaining the trails in Torres del Paine National Park. After that, I made it my goal to turn work into something I enjoy the most; being outdoors and discovering new places to hike.

What are your ties to Croatia, and how did you come to live in Zagreb?

• I’m actually writing this from the Dalmatian Island where my great-great-grandparents sailed away in exchange for my dear Patagonia 100 years ago. I have always been curious about exploring my Croatian roots, and decided to move here six year ago. It’s been amazing to explore their landscapes and share the same feeling of emigrating to a new place that is now home.

What is one of your favorite things about living Croatia?

• What's not to like? The Adriatic coast with its stunning blue colors and perfect sea temperature. The thousands of hikes through black pine woods, rocky mountains, or deep green valleys. Speaking of valleys, there are so many wine valleys with a variety of red and white wines served with delicious food. It’s also the capital of sailing and cycling! Croatia is a warm and easygoing place. I love that it’s the perfect place to relax and but also has plenty of adrenaline inducing adventure.

What part of the Croatia Multi-Sport itinerary are you most excited about?

• I’m most excited for our days in Mljet National Park Mljet and Geopark Biševo. The national park on the Island of Mljet is a recent discovery for me. I want to explore more of the history of the island and the geological and oceanographic phenomena. Spending a day with our friends from Geopark Biševo on the Island of Vis will also be fantastic. The area is under the protection of UNESCO and the work they're doing is inspiring. The island of Vis has a charm you can't forget.

A Tipping Guide For Your Trek to Machu Picchu

Tipping culture and etiquette vary from country to country. On multi-day expeditions, a great amount of organizational work is done by support staff who work around the clock to ensure travelers have the best possible experience. Travelers should consider the region (including its cost of living), the size of your group, the length of your expedition, the amount of work and quality of service received while tipping.

Each trekking group in Peru requires a skilled team of guides, cooks, and horsemen or porters. Nothing can be stored on the trails, thus mules or porters carry all of the necessary equipment; camping tents, sleeping pads, dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs, cooking stove, gas, and food.

Travelers often want to know how many staff members to anticipate and how to accurately tip each individual. The charts below should serve as a helpful guide when considering a tip at the end of your trek. These amounts are simply a suggestion (and are on the higher end). Trekkers are welcome to tip more or less as they see fit.

Ultimate Machu Picchu - 4 Day Trek:

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Backroads Machu Picchu - 3 Day Trek:

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Classic Inca Trail - 4 Day Trek

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Peru Multi-Sport - 5 Day Adventure:

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Taste of Peru - 3 Day Adventure:

All Taste of Peru trips are private departures. Expect to have one head guide for a full three days of sightseeing around the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. At $30/day for a head guide, the group can budget around $90 (300 Soles) total.

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Some Important Things to Note:

1. Talk to your support team to learn about their home country and experience working on the trail. If there is a language barrier, simply showing your team that you appreciate them with a smile and words of encouragement goes a long way!

2. Tipping usually occurs on the last day of the trek prior to leaving your support team for Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes. It is customary to separate tips by individual if possible. If not possible, tipping the guides, cooks, and horsemen/porters separately is highly recommended to ensure everyone receives their fair share.

3. Regardless of the size of your expedition, we recommend budgeting around $100 USD to have on hand for the trekking portion of your expedition.

4. If you feel inclined, you may tip your head guide for additional days of guiding in the Sacred Valley around Cusco before your trek.

5. Travelers can tip in Peruvian Soles or US Dollars. Be sure to bring new/crisp small bills (nothing higher than $20) in order to tip evenly among all staff. If you prefer to exchange money, you can do so in Cusco prior to your trek at any money exchange office or bank.

6. Our recommendations are on the high end of the suggested tipping range for Machu Picchu treks. While you might be inclined to tip higher if you’ve received exceptional service, it’s encouraged to tip a standard amount so that your guide and support staff can continue making a living from their job rather than relying on tips. Similar to wait staff in the U.S. who often make below minimum wage due to tipping, we want to ensure all trekking companies in Peru continue to pay their staff a guaranteed living wage.

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USD to Peruvian Sol Calculator

Peruvian Soles are generally 3.3 to 1 USD depending on the day of conversion. Click or tap the button below to be taken to an online USD to Sol converter with the most recent exchange rates.

Still have questions? Email us at info@oneseedexpeditions.com or ask your head guide on the trail. Guides are happy to provide you with information on the total number of support staff, names, roles, etc.

Wilderness Medicine and Adventure Travel Abroad

Skilled mountain guides are the gateway to any successful adventure. Their knowledge of the terrain, local culture, and mountain safety are key to any successful trek. Every country has a unique certification process for mountain guides. Some complete wilderness medicine training as part of their guide certification while others are not required to do so. Organizing group training can be difficult when in-country facilitators require a minimum number of participants or when costs for participants are too high, especially in developing countries.

To navigate these roadblocks, OneSeed has partnered with Backcountry Pulse, a wilderness medicine education company that trains mountain guides all over the world.  

The company’s founder, Rachel Sapp, flew to East Africa to work with our guides in Tanzania, providing a Wilderness First Responser (WFR) certification course. Hear from Rachel about how (and why) she founded Backcountry Pulse, what a typical training looks like, and the importance of diversity in wilderness medicine.

Can you tell us a little about Backcountry Pulse?

Backcountry Pulse is a global for-profit wilderness medicine education company with a philanthropic twist. We offer scholarships to advance diversity and representation in outdoor leadership roles in the United States. Internationally, we train mountain professionals to the Wilderness First Responder level but tailor courses to the environments they work in and practice with the equipment they are using in the field. Since our team is all medical professionals, we are working towards following each international course with a medical stewardship project deemed by local communities and clinics.

What was your background before starting your own company?

My background has been blending roles in outdoor experiential education, climbing/mountaineering guiding, and emergency medicine/mountain rescue for the past ten years. I saw a need for tailored education that could do without the cookie cutter approach. Having a one size fits all approach works well when instructing the general public, knowing every course will be taught the same way every time. For guides, search and rescue companies or professionals in the field, there are standing protocols, specific equipment that are different from company to company. Our courses are taught covering all material required by the scope of practice guidelines for wilderness medicine, but we customize our courses to be the most realistic for each company's situations.

What need is Backcountry Pulse trying to meet? What’s been lacking in the wilderness medicine field?

A big problem we see that is being voiced throughout many avenues of the outdoor industry is creating an outdoor community that is reflective of diverse population that recreates in it. There is great work being done to create a more inclusive outdoors but we really want to see that leading to roles in outdoor guiding.

In the United States, we created the two week D.I.R.E Scholarship program (diversity, inclusion, representation, equality). The program combines wilderness medicine certification, outdoor leadership, risk management, career mentoring, and environmental stewardship.

Can you breakdown the training you facilitated for our mountain guides in Tanzania?  

In Tanzania, we trained, tested, and certified OneSeed’s Kilimanjaro mountain guides with Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications. WFR certification is the standard for outdoor guides leading groups in remote environments with evolving weather, limited resources, and delayed evacuation times. OneSeed guides learned to perform an organized and detailed patient assessment for patients with medical and trauma problems. They learned how to write and talk about their findings, treatment, and plan in a collected, organized manner.

We learned basic anatomy and physiology of each organ system in the human body and their functions. We learned how to treat and when to evacuate a multitude of traumatic, medical, and environmental illnesses and injuries and proper ways of lifting and moving patients with suspected spinal injuries. One of our favorite phases of the course was yelling out “hakuna maisha!” in Swahili or “no life!’ when recognizing the signs and symptoms of life threatening conditions.

How will the skills our mountain guides learned make them more effective leaders on the mountain?

A huge focus that was weaved into every aspect of the course is risk management. How do we prevent incidents from happening, or further evolving? We went over good guiding practices and techniques that can be easily integrated in daily practices. Ultimately, hazards in the wilderness are inherent and you can’t prevent everything… that's the nature of work in the outdoors. It’s also one thing to recognize the situation but it’s a whole other skill to react in a way that you can comb through the incident at hand while maintaining strong communication, organization of a team, and empowering and coaching those around you to help. It was incredible to watch how the guides’ leadership, communication, decision making, and teamwork skills evolved over the course. To any prospective climber on Kilimanjaro, take note: THESE are the guides you would want by your side.

Any highlights from the training / trip in general?

Wow, so many incredible moments. From improvising litters and splints, to singing and dancing through patient assessments, to celebrating the experience of learning together each and every day. What an incredible group to have the opportunity to teach to and learn from. If I had to pick only one, it would be the extended evacuation we did from the base of a waterfall through the jungle, ending at a place that would be suitable for a landing zone for a helicopter.

The radio communication, organization of team roles, and swiftness of a perfect patient assessment, treatment, and improvised litter evacuation and carry was rock solid and 100% orchestrated by the OneSeed team. We took a step back and told the guides we would only step in if an unsafe situation was arising. We never stepped in and one of the coolest parts was that the members of the Materuni tribe came out offering help hearing there was a hurt person needing to be carried out at the waterfall. It was amazing to watch the community come together.

Learn more about Backcountry Pulse and training opportunities abroad: www.backcountrypulse.com

Photos courtesy of Forlulu Events

OneSeed Wins Gold at World Responsible Tourism Awards

OneSeed Expeditions has been named the Gold winner in the Best for Local Economic Benefit category at the at World Travel Market in London.

The WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards are presented each year at a three-day event attended by more than 600 leaders in the global travel industry. The awards are the focal point of WTM Responsible Tourism Day.

“Investing in local communities has been the cornerstone of our adventure travel business since 2011,” said Chris Baker, founder of OneSeed Expeditions. “We are honored to be recognized with others in our industry for committing to socially responsible travel and the positive impact it can have around the world.”

OneSeed spends 79 cents of every dollar in the local economies where it operates: Nepal, Bhutan, Tanzania, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. This includes 65.8% spent on local suppliers, 3.5% dispersed to local guides through a profit-sharing program, and 10% invested in microcredit to local entrepreneurs to help expand and diversify the economy.

This year’s awards were presented last week in London by BBC’s Tanya Beckett on behalf of WTM Responsible Tourism. Awards were presented in five categories: Best for Wildlife, Best for Communicating Responsible Tourism, Best for Managing Success, Best for Employment, and Best for Local Economic Benefit.

WTM representatives said companies, like OneSeed, are being recognized for practices and initiatives that will inspire others and that are replicable across the industry.

“We want to encourage change in the industry, to single out for recognition those who are taking responsibility and can evidence that they are having a positive impact,” said Dr. Harold Goodwin, Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and Chair of the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards panel.

OneSeed Expeditions links exploration with investment to develop a completely local supply chain, incentivizes and educates their partners on responsible tourism practices, and uses revenue from OneSeed clients to invest in local businesses through microfinance.

OneSeed won Silver in the Best for Poverty Reduction in 2015 -- and this year, WTM judges singled out OneSeed for significantly growing its program and impact in the last three years.

Learn more: www.responsibletourism.wtm.com/about/responsible-tourism-awards

Is Group Travel Right for Me?

Deciding to take a big trip abroad can be daunting, especially if you’re tackling it on your own. Luckily, OneSeed attracts travelers from all over the states and beyond, many of whom travel solo.

Considering joining a group departure? Here are a few reasons why group travel may be right for you.

You Enjoy Meeting New People with a Shared Passion

Joining a group can be a great way to get to know to people you wouldn’t normally meet. Travelers typically vary in age from their 20s to 70s bringing different experiences and points of view - but everyone shares a love of adventure and the outdoors. Tackling a tough trail or reaching a seemingly impossible summit can be a life changing experience, and it’s even better when you have new friends to support you.

It’s a Cost-Effective Way to Travel

Our group expeditions are priced to accommodate several people while taking a private tour as a solo traveler will cost quite a bit more. Traveling solo can often require a single room supplement fee, but OneSeed offers to match solo travelers with others who want to share rooms and save money.

You Believe that the Strength of the Wolf is the Pack

Upon returning from Kilimanjaro this summer, a traveler made a great point that the strength of the wolf is the pack. Twelve unlikely travelers (6 of whom arrived solo) tackled Africa’s largest freestanding mountain together. They encountered foggy days, bluebird skies, hours of steep hiking under the stars, and a wild and unexpected ice storm on the summit. Most everyone made it to the top, not because they were the strongest or even the most experienced hiker, but because the group supported each other to get to the summit.

Guaranteed Departures No Matter the Size of the Group

All group departure dates are guaranteed, even if only one person is signed up. While this is rare, it’s good to know that no matter what happens or how many people join the expeditions - you’re hitting the trail with everything taken care of from meals and lodging, to transportation and world class local guides.

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Doesn’t sound like your cup of tea? Take a private trip! Our private departures follow the same model as our group expeditions, but only run when requested.

How to Assess Your Fitness for Mountain Trekking

So how difficult IS it to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Or to hike all the way to Machu Picchu?

All of our expeditions are open to adventurers without previous trekking experience. Whether you want a relaxed walking tour or to push your limits with a high-altitude multi-day trek, our activity level scale indicates the expected level of fitness for each expedition.

It’s important to note that various factors that go into assigning a difficulty level to our trips. Those include altitude, whether it’s self supported (carrying your own pack), the difficulty of the terrain, the climate, and the length of time and miles on the trail.

LEVEL 1

• These expeditions do not have any fitness requirements. No hiking is required.

• The only Level 1 expedition we offer is the Serengeti Safari where most of your journey is spent in the car (walking discouraged for obvious reasons!)

LEVEL 2

• These expeditions include walking or a short hike.

• A great example would be the 5-day Taste of Peru trip. The perfect combination of sightseeing in town, exploring ancient ruins, and short hikes.

LEVEL 3

• These expeditions require an average level of fitness and the ability to hike over variable terrain. These are great first treks of 3-6 hours duration on a typical day.

• We offer a number of Level 3 trips, including our Hidden Colombia expedition. This trip requires several river crossings in hot and humid weather and a fair amount of hiking steep trails and stone steps.

LEVEL 4

• These expeditions require above average physical fitness. Treks may reach high altitudes and require high levels of physical exertion. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. Typical days require 5-10 hours of trekking, and some expeditions include significant elevation changes.

• Most of our trips are rated as a Level 4. Our Ultimate Machu Picchu expedition is a great example of longer days with a few tough climbs up and over high mountain passes like Salkantay Pass. While this trek provides porters, the elevation and sections of steep trekking make it a solid 4.

LEVEL 5

• These expeditions require excellent physical fitness. Treks include longer days, greater elevation gain, and more challenging terrain at higher altitudes. Participants should expect high levels of physical exertion at times. Travelers joining these expeditions should be in good physical shape and should expect to hike all day.

• Our hardest treks are Everest Base Camp and our Kilimanjaro climbs. These expeditions earned a Level 5 due to the physical and mental challenges. Both require long days at very high altitudes. Despite being supported treks with porters, they both require stamina and the drive to conquer the mountain.

• You don’t need to be a skilled mountaineer to tackle these trips - just physically fit and mentally prepared for the once in a lifetime challenge head!

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Deciding When to Travel: Expeditions for Any Season

With so many destinations to choose from, picking a trip based on your own timeline is a breeze. It’s always important to take into consideration the “seasons of operation” for various outdoor activities. Here are a few things to consider:

What Hemisphere Is It In?

You want to pay attention to the country's location in relation to the equator. Plenty of destinations have consistent weather near the equator and offer more year-round options for travel. Venture farther away, and changes in temps and seasonality will be a bit more variable.

Tired of the summer heat? Head to Southern Chile for frosty mornings and snow-covered trails. You can only take a week off in December? Head to equatorial Tanzania to watch the great migration in the Serengeti or climb Kilimanjaro.

Weather Patterns

Every destination will have it’s own microclimates, even within the same country or region (you trek through five on Kilimanjaro alone). OneSeed only run trips during the best weather windows so you avoid rainy monsoons. While we plan around the “optimal” times to travel, the weather is always unpredictable in the mountains, and you may have wind, snow, rain, and bluebird skies all in one trip. Pay attention to shoulder seasons between the rainy and dry times of the year. It’s typically a great time to travel with fewer crowds.

Seasonality Chart

We’ve put together a chart outlining the months for operations for all of our expeditions. As you can see, some countries run different trips at different times based on optimal weather and feasibility of operations.

For a quick filtering option, use our EXPLORE tool to search for trips by the month of departure.

Bhutan: The Hidden Gem of South Asia

Bhutan is a country that is relatively new to visitors having opened its borders to tourists in 1974. Teeming with temples, traditional festivals, and some of the happiest people you will ever meet, it’s the perfect place for an atypical adventure. Check out some of our top reasons to visit Bhutan:

1. Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

Built on a cliffside, the iconic monastery is an architectural marvel. Legend has it that the Guru Rinpoche traveled here 1,300 years ago on the back of a flying tigress to convert the Bhutanese people to Buddhism. While the structure itself clings to the mountain face, the path up is very accessible with many spots along the way to catch your breath and take in the stunning views.

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2. Wellness Over Profits (The Bhutanese Government Measures Gross National Happiness)

Prosperity of the country is measured in collective happiness rather than only gross domestic product. The term was introduced by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972 when he declared, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product.” The concept of gross national happiness implies that all aspects of well-being be monitored rather than just economic prosperity. This includes monitoring psychological health, education, ecological diversity, and living standards. Bhutan has found that when they take an interest in their citizens’ happiness, employment rises and so does their GDP.  What comes along with happiness? Preservation of culture, promoting sustainable economic practices, and protecting the environment–in fact it’s law that 60% of the population live under tree cover.

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3. Care For The Environment

Speaking of Bhutan’s love of trees, they broke the world record for most trees planted in an hour with 50,000 trees in 2015. Stepping off the plane in Bhutan you can instantly notice the pristine air that you’re breathing into your lungs. Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country meaning they expel more carbon than they create. This is true not only due to their massive amounts of forest area, but the country also only began developing roads in the 1960s and were very late in adopting cars.

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4. Spiritual Landmarks like Big Buddha

Thimpu is home to one of the largest statues of Buddha. Gilded in gold, the monument towers over the city and is visible from the surrounding mountains. As well as the Buddha Dordenma statue are multiple dzongs. These are beautiful fortresses that are used as government buildings, housing for monks, and the setting for religious holidays. Exploring the dzongs you will find traditional buddhist art, bright purple jacaranda trees, and panoramic views of encompassing valleys.

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5. Its Personal Spin on Archery

Bhutan claims archery as their national sport. However, it’s played in a much different manner than you may have seen seen in typical competitions such as the Olympics. Archery in Bhutan is looked at as a social celebration of their country's origin. The sport is more than just shooting an arrow at a target, there are designated singers and dancers to taunt the other teams and cheer on their own. Along with the sport of course comes plenty of eating and drinking, as all family members participate.

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6. Fantastic Trekking

Bhutan’s spectacular mountain views look even better from up close. Trek high in the Himalayas, exploring temples and markets as you soak in every bit of Bhutanese culture. Before ascending into the clouds, you’ll come across dzongs nestled in forests and up on cliff sides. Whether way up high or down low, the unique culture is visible at all times from the trail. Ready to see and experience Bhutan for yourself? Explore the Sacred Chomolhari trail or go on a Druk Path expedition to get your fill of trekking, culture, and adventure.

How to Become the Next Big Outdoor Entrepreneur: A Q&A with Craig Cooper

Lifelong adventurer Craig Cooper is continuing his search for passion and profits. The former co-host of the CNBC’s outdoor investment show “Adventure Capitalists," is joining the judging panel this month for The Pitch, a OneSeed sponsored event where budding outdoor entrepreneurs present their gear ideas for a chance to win a cash prize and product exposure.

Similar to how OneSeed funds entrepreneurs in the countries where we operate, The Pitch is looking to finance local outdoor gear creators willing to take big risks. The idea of being a part of the judging process and seeking new and bold talent to take the outdoor industry to new heights was very alluring to Craig. In fact, “meeting passionate entrepreneurs” is what gets him up in the morning.

Cooper, 55, co-founded Boost Mobile and believes that the peak of your life can be found past age 40. We asked the entrepreneur/author/athlete about what’s next for the outdoor industry and the importance of taking risks.

Q: As an outdoor enthusiast and serial entrepreneur, what excites you most about being on the panel for “The Pitch” at Outdoor Retailer this month?

My business and personal life is built around being active and outdoors, and participating in life as much as I can. Getting first hand exposure and access to new businesses and opportunities - as well as meeting passionate and driven entrepreneurs - is what gets me out of bed every morning.

Q: What do you think is the most innovative thing happening in the outdoor industry right now?

That’s a big question. I think the industry is so multi-faceted that no one thing is driving innovation. But the overall sector has certainly been getting much more attention from venture capitalists the last few years with funding allocated to the sector continuing to rise.

Having said that I think the intersection of technology and active lifestyles is driving a lot of innovation - be it in wearable sensors, sports-tech, technical fabrics, as well as digital platforms that drive better human performance. And the global shift from some of the big retailers to require sustainability standards to be met by their suppliers is something that is long overdue – so that’s going to drive a lot of innovation on the product side.

Q: Personally, is there a piece of gear that you can’t live without in your day-to-day adventures?

Most of my outdoor activity is focused on obstacle course racing. I’m lucky to live in Southern California where it’s mostly fine all year round - so I get to be outside pretty much every day of the year doing something.

One thing I can’t live without? That’s hard. But I’ve been swimming a lot lately and I’m loving these ROKA swim shorts. I’m also an Ambassador for 2XU so I’m usually head-to-toe in their gear on the running trails.

Q: As the former co-host of the CNBC outdoor investment show “Adventure Capitalists,” what made certain products or pitches stand out to you?

There were four things always in the back of my mind that drove my investment decisions on the show:

Firstly, how passionate was the founder about their business? It may sound trite but you need to separate those entrepreneurs that are truly passionate about their business from those that are treating it purely as a business/financial opportunity. Which leads me to my second point:

Was the entrepreneur an “authentic participant” in their market segment? Did they live and breathe the lifestyle they were representing? To me, if you’re not an active participant in your industry it’s a big red flag.

Thirdly, I looked for businesses that had the potential to massively disrupt existing markets and industries. So many companies in the outdoor industry just try to compete on brand - and sometimes that works (take “Stance” socks for example). However I was looking for businesses that weren’t just a “bit” better than the entrenched competitors – they had to be “massively better” in order to compete and displace the market leaders. Most of the time brand and a marketing budget is not enough.

And lastly, I looked for businesses that were potentially creating a completely new market segment. These are the businesses that you go away asking yourself “why didn’t I think of that?”. Those are the ones that are few and far between but which can really make a difference.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the Action Fund? Why is it important to support businesses and entrepreneurs that are looking to make a meaningful contribution to the world?

The Action Fund invests in companies that drive better outcomes for humans and the planet - and that covers everything from med-tech, health-tech, sustainable food and clothing solutions, nutrition, and digital and consumer health & wellness platforms. Unlike other venture funds that “dabble” in the sector, all of the partners and associates in The Action Fund are active participants in the sectors we invest in and we’re all immersed in the industry and culture. We’re investing in the future of humanity. I don’t think there is any better calling than that.

Q: As adventurers, we see a common tie between the risk we take in the mountains with the risk people take every day opening their own business. How does risk factor into your life in both business and outdoor adventure?

Everything we do that is challenging is usually risky at some level. The difference though is that not accounting for risk in the mountains more often than not has deadly consequences! Risk and reward are the balance of opposites for an entrepreneur. We all hear the highlights of business success but rarely do we hear the struggles and personal sacrifices that are made to the health, family, and social structure of our business leaders. Being an entrepreneur is accepting that your life is about swinging for the fences and that you are going to strike out a lot. But if you want the freedoms that success brings, then you have to weather the inevitable adversity that always precedes it.

Q: Why is important to remain adventurous and active throughout your life? How does the adventure mindset help as an entrepreneur?

I think there are a lot of clichéd answers here about risk and planning - or standing atop the mountain - or how business is an adventure etc. But look no further than Richard Branson or Yvon Chouinard. These guys broke the mold in terms of leading a life of adventure first - and building great businesses second. These guys are my business heroes.

Q: What words of wisdom can you share with small outdoor start ups wanting to stand out from the crowd?

Stand out from the crowd!

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Learn more about Craig's work on www.craigcooper.net, and The Pitch event on July 24th at this summer's Outdoor Retailer show in Denver, CO.  

5 Reasons Why Nepal Should Be Your Next Big Adventure

Nepal is truly world class destination -- it’s home to the eight highest peaks in the world, crystal clear glacial lakes, and enough adventure to keep any adrenaline junky busy for a lifetime. The bucket-list topper has long attracted avid adventurists from all over the globe to witness its other worldly views, however, traveling to Nepal doesn't have feel like a distant dream anymore. Here are a few reasons why...

IT'S INCREDIBLY AFFORDABLE

Along with Nepal's mind-blowing views comes affordable trekking options. Some top adventure destinations can become costly due to increasing government fees or pricey food and drink. In Nepal, costs can be kelp low by working with operators who employ local guides and utilize local establishments. Not only will you get to learn so much more about local culture firsthand, you're supporting the local economy through sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

Make sure you stay in mountain lodges, or "Tea Houses," for a true Nepali trekking experience. They provide delicious meals, tea (of course!), and local hospitality all for the right price.

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THE FRIENDLY AND SPIRITUAL CULTURE

The people of Nepal are some of the most happy and accommodating that you'll ever meet. They are rich in hospitality and eager to share the values they live by. During your trip, you will be immersed in new colorful culture filled with art, traditions, festivals, lifestyle, and a rich history. Its wealth of religion is shared between 125 ethnic and cast groups as well as 123 dialects and languages. There is no shortage of world heritage sites that can be visited including stupas, temples, and ancient cities. Some favorites include:

• Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

• Patan, known as the fine arts capital of Nepal. It's filled with century old temples, narrow walkways, and unique art

• Bhaktapur. Here you can learn wood carving and pottery as well as witness Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in Nepal.

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IT’S TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE

Travel southwest of Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park to see some of the best wildlife viewing Nepal has to offer. The area is a huge draw of nature enthusiasts from all over the world thanks to the 200+ species of birds and 43 mammal species throughout the region.

Take a jeep or elephant safari to spot rhinos, elephants, musk deer, crocodiles, and a Bengal tiger if you’re really lucky.

This subtropical and forested climate is home to the indigenous Tharu people who have lived in and around Chitwan for centuries. Don't forget to venture into town to chat with the locals and explore all that Chitwan has to offer.

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IT'S BEING AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE

As global temperatures continue to rise, glaciers recede and valleys change shape. Like the rest of the world’s wild places, the Himalayan Mountains are experiencing these changes at an increasing rate.

With rapidly changing temps, Nepal's hiking seasons are shifting as well. While some hiking seasons are longer in certain regions, others are much shorter do due warmer or erratic weather.

There's no telling what the future has in store, but experiencing Nepal in all of its snow-capped brilliance should be part of yours.

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THERE'S UNLIMITED MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

There's a reason National Geographic named Nepal the best destination for Adventure Tourism in 2008–it’s every mountain enthusiast's dream. Luckily OneSeed shares in that dream with you, and that’s why we offer multiple adventures which will have you hiking or biking above the clouds. 

Is Mount Everest on your bucket list? Check out our 19 day Everest Base Camp trip for only $1,990. Along your trek, meet like-minded travelers during your stays in Tea-houses where you can relax, eat delicious food, and play games–including a friendly game of spoons with your guides.

Want to take your adventure to new heights? Try paragliding in Pokhara before or after your trek for an unforgettable view of the Annapurna Region.

Win a Filmmaking Adventure to Tanzania!

Are you passionate about filmmaking? How about leaving a positive impact in the places you travel? 

Here's your big break...

We're excited to be the official travel partner for World Nomads' 2018 Travel Film Scholarship. We'll send one creative traveler to capture the diverse people, places, and wildlife that make Tanzania an adventure hot-spot. During this once in a lifetime opportunity, film in and around Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park to tell a compelling story of sustainable tourism and its impact. Explore the breath-taking Tanzanian landscape alongside your scholarship mentor - professional filmmaker, Brian Rapsey! 

One Lucky Winner Will Receive:

• Round-trip airfare to Tanzania.
• 12-day, all-expenses-paid trip in Tanzania courtesy of OneSeed Expeditions.
• Three-day post-production workshop with professional filmmaker and scholarship mentor, Brian Rapsey.
• Camera bags and accessories from Langly.
• Audio equipment courtesy of RØDE Microphones.
• The cost of any relevant visas, vaccinations, and travel insurance covered by World Nomads.

OneSeed has operated in Tanzania since 2016, leading travelers to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and on camping and luxury safaris in the Serengeti. We employ local experienced guides and ensure that travel dollars directly support local economies and empower local entrepreneurs through our microfinance fund. If you would like to join us this fall, consider applying to be the 2018 scholarship recipient!

Scholarship Timeline:

• Applications Open: Now - July 10th
• Winner Announced: August 8th
• Trip Departure: October 2018

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Previous scholarship winners share their experience:

What Route Am I Trekking on Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a one of a kind experience that will, quite literally, take your breath away. While the weather can be unpredictable, the air thin, and temps can drop well below freezing near the top - it truly is an ecological marvel and worth every step to get there. Before taking on the highest freestanding mountain in the world, you’ll want to do some research and decide on the right route for you.

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Camping along the Lemosho route.

Lemosho Route:

Newly added to OneSeed’s Kilimanjaro expeditions is the Lemosho Route. This route is approximately 42 miles round trip and is great for trekkers who have some hiking experience. However, those who make the Lemosho Route their first backpacking trip often are successful in reaching the summit with a success rate of around 85% for a seven day trek. The top of Kili can be reached from the Lemosho Route in six days to eight days depending on how much time you want for altitude acclimatization. Lemosho was incorporated to reduce bottlenecking along certain points of the trail. Plan to stay in tents along the trail.

Trip Length: 7 Days
Total Mileage: 42 miles
Summit Success Rate: 85%  
Accommodations: Tent Camping
* View Trip Itinerary

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The view from Horombo Hut. Photo credit: Thorsten Hansen

Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established route to Africa’s highest point. OneSeed runs the majority of group trips on the Marangu route and is the only path with mountain hut accommodations the entire way. While it can be completed in 5 days, it is recommended that climbers take an extra day to acclimatize at Horombo Hut. OneSeed tends to have a higher summit success rate than average as we always take an extra acclimatization day during the trek. Many locals prefer this route as it does not require you to hike in any camping gear.

Trip Length: 6 days
Total Mileage: 45 miles round trip
Summit Success Rate: 65%  
Accommodations: Mountain Huts
* View Trip Itinerary

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Machame Route

The Machame route is the most popular path to the summit of Kili with about 50% of all climbers choosing to take this trail. Known as “The Whiskey Route” due to its rough and strenuous hiking conditions, hikers on the Machame route should expect steep inclines, longer distances, tent camping, and breathtaking views. While the hiking is more strenuous, the greater elevation loss and gain throughout the trek allows for better acclimatization, thus a higher summit success rate than Marangu. 

Trip Length: 7 days
Total Mileage: 42 Miles
Summit Success Rate: 73%
Accommodations: Tent Camping
* View Trip Itinerary 

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All routes leading to Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak are incredibly challenging. It is important to remember that weather, altitude, and physical fitness all play a role in a successful summit attempt. Whether you reach the top or not, the experience is incredibly rewarding and you are certain return home with incredible stories to share.

Tea Houses in Nepal: Everything You Need to Know About Accommodations on the Trail

If you're heading to Nepal for a trekking expedition, expect to stay in the basic lodges that have sprung up along all the popular trekking routes in the Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna regions. Known to travelers as “tea houses,” these mountain shelters are a welcome sight after a tough day of trekking. But what exactly is a “tea house”...?

Tea houses are accommodations along trekking routes in Nepal that offer basic lodging and meals. Many Sherpas in the Everest region own and operate tea houses along Everest’s trekking routes. To the west, the Annapurna region is protected in a vast conservation area managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Tea houses in the Annapurna are monitored by the NTNC and must meet specific requirements including fixed pricing, standard menus, and limits on how many tea houses can be built along specific routes.

In lower elevations, tea houses may be multi-story concrete buildings with private rooms and attached western style bathrooms. The further you hike up, the more basic the accommodations get. Base camp may include a dorm style shared room, boiling water (because it’s all frozen!), and a game of cards by solar light to conserve energy.  

 

Dining / Communal Area

Every tea house has one large communal dining area with a wood burning stove in the center. It’s a great spot to meet other trekkers, swap stories, warm up, and sip tea while you watch the sunset over the mountains. Domestic tourism has skyrocketed in the past 6-7 years, and the growing number of Nepali trekkers coupled with an influx of international travelers can lead to overcrowding in the high seasons. At higher lodges, some travelers may sleep in the community room on extra cots or even tables if all the rooms are full.

 

Private and Shared Rooms

Most tea houses more than a days walk from a town have a similar setup; two to three twin beds in every room, one overhead light (that works sometimes), a window and personal lock and key for your door. The beds are generally comfortable with a foam pad, pillow, and a blanket. We always ask travelers to bring a sleeping bag to ensure that you stay warm enough at night, and there is no guarantee of cleanliness when it comes to shared beds and sheets. A sleeping bag, or at least a liner in the warm months, is always a good idea. A solid pair of earplugs will also help ensure a good night’s sleep.

We always try to reserve single rooms for travelers who request it. At times, the trail gets so crowded that trekkers may be asked by the tea house managers to share rooms to save space. While not ideal, it’s just a fact on the trail as tea houses are limited and everyone needs a place to sleep.

 

Toilets and Showers

Tea houses will either have western style (sit down) toilets or the more traditional squat toilets found across Nepal. You never know which on you’re going to get, but the higher up you trek, it’s more likely to be the latter. Make sure to bring enough toilet paper for your entire trek and always have hand sanitizer nearby.

As for showers, they’re generally only available at the lower elevation tea houses and hot water is not always a guarantee. Wet wipes are your friend!

 

Electricity and Wi-Fi

Many of Nepal’s tea houses are run on solar power, providing a renewable and clean way to keep the lights on. Sometimes the power needs to be conserved, especially if it’s cloudy during the day, so expect for some power outages or afternoons where the lights won’t turn on until there’s enough energy to get everyone through the night. The electricity can also be disrupted by bad weather and wind.

Some tea houses do have wifi for a small fee. Expect slow, dial-up-like speeds. Outlets are also available at the larger, concrete tea houses near towns, but just like the lights, may not always be running with electricity during the day. Expect limited to no power the higher up you go, although some tea house owners will let you use their power strip for $1-2/hr. If it’s a huge concern, bring an extra battery pack or small solar charger.

 

Food and Drinks

Tea, tea, and more tea! The name isn’t misleading. Often the first thing you’ll be greeted with at a tea house is a warm cup of black tea with sugar. If you’re hiking in the rain, snow, or wind it’s the perfect way to relax.

Meals are often cooked over a fire in the kitchen by the owners. While much of the food is delicious, especially the Nepali staples like momos and dal bhat, the quality of the Western style dishes will vary greatly. Here’s a typical list of what you can expect to order in a tea house:

Breakfast:

• Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, & juice

• Eggs any style

• Ham/bacon/sausage (if available)

• Toast with butter/jam/honey

• Chapati, Tibetan bread, muesli porridge

• Hash brown potatoes

• Pancakes/crepes

Lunch & Dinner:

• Pasta & noodles: chow mein, noodle soup, spaghetti, fried rice

• Momos, dal bhat, pakauda

• Popcorn, chips, potatoes

• Spring rolls

• Pizza

• Sandwiches & soup

• Dessert (rice pudding, chocolate pudding, apple or banana fritters)

Definitely help yourself to the generous portions of dal bhat, Nepal’s local dish that literally means “lentils and rice.” Mostly vegetarian, but sometimes served with meat on request, this dish is a daily staple across Nepal.

If the tea house is under staffed, or there are an abundance of trekkers, guides and porters will often hop in the kitchen to lend a hand.

 

Helpful Tips

Tea houses are a unique part of your trekking experience in Nepal and add to the warm and inviting hospitality found throughout this amazing country. Here are a few extra tips for prepping for your tea house stay:

• Have some extra rupees on hand to purchase candy bars, beer, or other snacks.

• The plywood walls separating rooms are very thin - a good pair or two of earplugs can do wonders.

• Fleece pants and comfy sandals are key for post-hike relaxation.

• Portable solar lights can provide some extra light if the electricity goes out (or if you forget a headlamp).

• Cards and books are a great way to pass the time, and don’t forget to play a friendly game of spoons with your guides! Just keep an eye on the spoons, until you realize, there is no spoon….

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🎥 Footage from local tea houses along the Mardi Himal trek in the Annapurna region:

Playing Tejo in Colombia: The Subtle Art of Throwing Rocks at Gunpowder

So what do you need to play Colombia’s national sport? Beer. Gunpowder. And one good arm.

Tejo can be found throughout bars in Colombia and is a great way to throw a few back and keep your friends on their toes. The goal of the game is to throw your “tejo” (a weighted steel disc) inside the “bocin” (a metal ring) from over 70 feet away. The bocin is rigged with mechas, paper triangles filled with gunpowder. Hit a mecha and - BOOM.

While explosions are certainly the attraction, the scoring is based more on accuracy:

9 points: the tejo lands in the bocin while also exploding one or more mechas
6 points: the tejo lands in the bocin without an explosion
3 points: exploding a mecha without landing the tejo in the bocin
1 point: landing closer to the bocin than your opponent

Games can be played between two people or in teams of up to six, with one throw for each player per round. If you have a knack for the game, you can throw the tejo to ensure it lands in the clay surrounding the bocin instead of bouncing off the walls and heading straight for someone’s drink.

It may seem pretty straightforward, but there are a lot of rules for more competitive games. More serious players frequent outdoor venues and sponsored professional teams and tournaments can be found all over the country.

For the true Colombia bar experience, head to a local spot and try your hand at this explosive game that you’ll likely never find in the states...