A year around the world: Christian Huber's fascinating trip to Nepal

A year around the world: Christian Huber's fascinating trip to Nepal

Christian Huber, a native of Ortenau, has embarked on an extraordinary adventure: a year-long journey around the globe by bike and with a backpack. The starting point of his journey was in Frankfurt in August 2024, from where he set off by bike to Athens. After a year full of experiences and travel, he finally returned to Frankfurt from Jakarta, Indonesia. During this time he covered thousands of kilometers and crossed various countries and continents.

The route took him on two different paths: First he cycled through Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania until he reached Athens. From there he continued his backpacking journey, traveling through colorful India, stunning Nepal, exotic Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Vanuatu and finally Indonesia. He arrived in Kathmandu on December 10th, his third trip to this fascinating country.

The encounter in Nepal

In Kathmandu, Huber was warmly welcomed by his mountain guide Iswore, who presented him with a wreath of flowers. Huber had planned a week-long tour for the upcoming trekking in the Langtang Valley. We took a jeep to the mountain village of Syabrubesi, which is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters. The journey took five hours and was the first part of his trekking adventure.

The trekking route leads over unpaved paths that are served by traditional mule or yak caravans. Huber planned to hike three days uphill to Kyangij Gompa at 3,800 meters, followed by a day hike to Tserko Ri, whose elevation is an impressive 4,985 meters. Afterwards, three days of descent to Dhunche were on the agenda. During the trek he spends the night in traditional tea houses, which are simply equipped and often cook with an open fire.

The beauty and challenges of Langtang trekking

From Tserko Ri, Huber enjoyed breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Langtang was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 2015, and memorial stones commemorate the victims of that tragedy. In addition to trekking, Huber also visited historical centers such as Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. From Nagarkot, he had a distant view of the majestic Mount Everest. Nepal is considered a paradise for mountain hikers and offers a variety of trekking opportunities.

Special instructions on acclimatization and safety during trekking are important. One could playfully say that a sense of adventure and patience go hand in hand in Nepal, because the road conditions are often challenging and public transport is not centrally organized. Nevertheless, the hospitality of the people, who are rich in culture and traditions, is impressive.

Huber has already considered returning to Nepal to once again experience the breathtaking nature and warm hospitality. In this context, many trekking providers, such as Global hiking, point out the importance of respectful behavior towards the culture and nature of the destination country. Local products are preferred and it is recommended to act in harmony with nature and behave in an environmentally conscious manner.

Planning such a trip requires good preparation, including the use of travel guides and packing lists. Flexibility and humor are crucial as unexpected events can occur at any time, adding to the trekking adventure. For Huber, his stay in Nepal remains an impressive experience that will draw him back again and again.