For the next few days , we let our distance ambitions wane in favour of short trips throughout the valley . Even as a popular tourist destination , Vishu ’ s knowledge of hidden villages and trails kept us sequestered to our own private Mustang . At the end of one rocky path we stopped to have lunch at a small farmhouse . Poking our head inside revealed yet another unique culture to tick off the list . We had stumbled into a family belonging to the Thakali people , a group original-ly from Tibet and highly regarded for their cooking skills . It ’ s a reputation well deserved as we spent the next hour napping in an orchard , our bellies too full to ride .
I have been fortunate in the last few years to share what I believe is the most authentic version of Nepal with so many great people . What
I love most is catching them at the moment they trans-cend from holiday escapist to experiential voyager . It ’ s the point when a journey stops being a temporary retreat and begins imparting impressions that last a lifetime .
Only now do I understand what my adventure rides were always missing . I derive a deep sense of satisfaction knowing my excursions are not just for my own amusement . My mental scrap-book is filled with memories of friends dancing with warriors , walking ancient streets , conquer-ing bad roads , and trading hospitality for endless supplies of safe drinking water . We went to Nepal and did our best to leave it better than we found it . We are better people for having gone .
Sitting under an apple tree listening to rustling leaves and quite snores , I gazed up at the icy summit of Dhaulagiri and whispered into a Himalayan breeze , “ This is the life , sweeter than honey .” CN
Fueled by the early onset of a midlife crisis Christophe founded Clean Drink Adventures , a nonprofit providing travellers with opportunities to explore Nepal while delivering safe drinking water solutions to remote schools and communities . Christophe is a believer in the power of travel , he ’ s always on the search for brave new travel mates willing to go where no one does .
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