Jo and Jens are no strangers to the Himalaya. With plenty of trekking experience in Bhutan and Tibet, this ambitious couple set their sights on the Three Passes Circuit in Nepal. But that only piqued their appetite for adventure – after sixteen days of trekking, they headed to Myanmar for a totally different kind of fun, complete with a hot air balloon ride over the floating gardens of Inle Lake. Read on to hear more of Jo’s travel reflections.
Hi Jo! You and your husband are experienced travelers – tell us more about your pastimes and favorite destinations.
My husband, Jens, and I share an insatiable passion for travel. Being Kiwis, we naturally gravitate towards the outdoors, and we prioritize spending as much time as possible immersed in natural environments. Our favorite pastimes strongly reflect this love, encompassing activities like camping under the stars, embarking on exhilarating multi-day hiking adventures, exploring waterways by boat, and experiencing the freedom of horseback riding. A guiding principle for our travels is to venture off the beaten tourist path, seeking authentic and less-crowded experiences. We have been incredibly fortunate to travel extensively across six continents, each offering unique and unforgettable memories. Many of our most cherished trips have led us to the diverse and culturally rich landscapes of Asia. We’ve journeyed through Japan, experiencing the blend of tradition and modernity, explored the vastness of China, delved into the spiritual heart of Tibet, ventured into the remote beauty of Mongolia, discovered the serene kingdom of Bhutan, and challenged ourselves in the majestic mountains of Nepal. Our adventures have also taken us to the vibrant cultures of Thailand, the historical depths of Vietnam, the laid-back atmosphere of Laos, and the ancient wonders of Cambodia.
When we plan our globetrotting itineraries, several key factors guide our decisions. We are always in pursuit of breathtaking and awe-inspiring landscapes, eager to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of each destination. Equally important is the opportunity to meet and interact with local people, to learn about their cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat is another priority, allowing us to appreciate the incredible biodiversity of our planet. And we always strive to support local businesses, contributing to the economic well-being of the communities we visit. We also have a deep appreciation for active adventure travel, constantly seeking opportunities to push our boundaries and experience new thrills. This has led us to snowmobiling adventures in the snowy landscapes of Alaska, Finland, and Norway, testing our skills on skis, experiencing the unique thrill of dog sledding, and challenging ourselves with plenty of high-altitude experiences. Despite the many places we’ve explored, our travel bucket list remains extensive, filled with dreams of future adventures and undiscovered corners of the world!
You already have experience trekking in the Himalaya – what treks had you done before, and what got you excited about coming back?
Before embarking on our trek in Nepal, we had the privilege of trekking several times in the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan, each experience leaving us with unforgettable memories. We also completed three significant treks in the captivating landscapes of Tibet, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed. Nepal, with its towering peaks and rich cultural heritage, had always held a prominent place on our travel wish list. The allure of the Three Passes Circuit specifically appealed to us because of the stunning and diverse scenery it promised. We were drawn to the circular nature of the route, which offered a unique alternative to the more common in-and-out path to Everest Base Camp. We were attracted to the idea of avoiding the larger crowds of trekkers that frequent the Everest Base Camp trek and the chance to get away from the most traveled route, seeking a more secluded and immersive experience as we ventured over the high passes. The length of the trek, the challenging altitude, and the overall physical demands of the journey further fueled our excitement, appealing to our adventurous spirits and desire to push our limits.
What about the Three Passes Circuit stood out as unique and special from other treks you’ve done in the region?
Our timing for the Three Passes Circuit trek proved to be exceptionally fortunate. We embarked on our adventure at the beginning of November, and were greeted with incredibly favorable weather conditions throughout the entire journey. Almost every day, we were blessed with clear blue skies and breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. The sheer magnitude and concentration of towering peaks that surrounded us was absolutely staggering, creating a sense of awe and wonder at every turn. Another aspect that significantly enhanced our experience was the accommodation. We stayed in traditional teahouses along the route, which, to our delight, occasionally offered the luxury of a warm shower. This level of comfort felt like a complete indulgence compared to some of our previous trekking trips, where we had endured camping in extremely cold temperatures! The teahouses provided a welcome respite from the elements and added an extra layer of enjoyment to our Himalayan adventure.
You decided to extend your travels with a two-week visit to Myanmar after your trek. What sparked that decision?
Asia has always held a special appeal for us, and the people of the region are a major reason for this attraction. Their warmth, hospitality, and genuine kindness have consistently left a lasting impression on us. Myanmar, in particular, piqued our interest due to its tourism economy still being in its early stages of development. We were drawn to the prospect of visiting the country before it experienced a significant influx of travelers, hoping to witness a more authentic and less-touristed version of its culture and landscapes. Our decision to visit Myanmar proved to be incredibly rewarding, and we were far from disappointed by our experience. The country exceeded our expectations in every way, offering a unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality that made it an unforgettable destination.
Tell us about traveling between Nepal and Myanmar. How was the planning process?
Both our trekking adventure in Nepal and our subsequent visit to Myanmar were meticulously organized through kimkim. This proved to be an invaluable decision, as it significantly streamlined the entire planning process and alleviated much of the stress and complexity involved in coordinating such intricate trips. The sheer number of tour operators and agencies in Nepal can be overwhelming, making the task of identifying a reputable and reliable one a daunting challenge. Having a resource like kimkim, which helped direct us based on our specific preferences and requirements, was absolutely fantastic and provided a great sense of reassurance.
I genuinely believe that both the travel organizations we collaborated with through kimkim demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise in assisting with the planning of our trips. Thanks to their diligent efforts, we were able to navigate our journeys without encountering any unforeseen challenges or setbacks. When selecting guides for our trek in Nepal, we were particularly focused on finding individuals who possessed excellent English language skills and extensive experience on the Three Passes Circuit. We sought guides who were intimately familiar with the terrain, weather conditions, and other nuances of the trek. It was also important to us that the guides were employed by a professional agency that prioritized their well-being, ensuring they were adequately clothed, trained, and equipped to handle the demanding conditions of the high-altitude environment. In Myanmar, we had the pleasure of working with several different guides, and each one of them was truly outstanding in their knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to providing us with an enriching and memorable experience.
We’d love to hear about your hot air balloon ride over Inle Lake and other memorable moments in Myanmar.
It’s incredibly difficult to select just one memorable experience from our time in Myanmar, as we encountered so many incredible moments throughout our journey! The floating gardens on Inle Lake were truly captivating and unique. Following a recommendation, we decided to embark on a hot air balloon ride over Inle Lake, and we are immensely grateful that we did. Ascending above the lake and witnessing the floating gardens from a completely new perspective was an unforgettable experience. It was also wonderful to observe the vibrant activity on the lake as the day began, with fishermen casting their nets, farmers tending to their crops, and locals going about their daily routines. The hot air balloon ride was undoubtedly a major highlight of our trip.
We also fell in love with Bagan. The ancient temples are incredibly beautiful, and the setting beside the Irrawaddy River is simply magical. Taking an evening sunset cruise on the river is an absolute must-do experience in Bagan! Another standout memory was the scenic drive from Pindaya to Kalaw in the late afternoon, as we traversed through the rural backroads. We watched local farmers heading home after a day’s work, their ox carts laden with hay or other goods. It felt like we were getting a true glimpse into the heart of Myanmar, and I cherished the opportunity to soak it all in. The authenticity and simplicity of rural life was very inspiring.
Where are you planning to go on your next adventure?
In June, we will be heading to Svalbard, Norway, on an exciting polar bear photography trip! We are really looking forward to this adventure!
Jo’s trip was planned through kimkim by Anne Cruickshanks, our local travel specialist based in Mandalay, and Ngima Dorji Sherpa, our local travel specialist based in Kathmandu.
B-1675