Hiking is a shared passion for kimkim traveler Esther Yoon and her recently retired dad, so Nepal – a trekker’s paradise – seemed like the perfect choice for a father-daughter adventure. Interested in the culture and beauty of Nepal without the crowds, they chose the Manaslu Circuit: a beautiful 15-day trek circling the eighth-highest peak in the Himalayas.
**Tell us a bit about you and your father. Was this your first father-daughter trip?**
My father and I are residents of the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. I have the privilege of being a native-born citizen of the United States, while my father’s journey began in South Korea, from which he immigrated in the year 1973. As my dad gracefully transitioned into a state of semi-retirement, he found himself with more opportunities to indulge in his love for the outdoors, especially the exploration of local trails. I was quick to join him on his adventures, and since that time, we have enjoyed many unforgettable hiking experiences together. Some of our most cherished memories include conquering Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, standing atop Mount Whitney, the majestic highest peak in the contiguous United States, nestled within the scenic John Muir Wilderness, and countless other expeditions that have enriched our bond.
**What types of travel are you most excited about?**
My true passion lies in outdoor and adventure travel. It allows me to escape the confines of my everyday routine – I work as a nurse practitioner – and pushes me to both my physical and mental limits. The thrill of exploring new landscapes and overcoming challenges is incredibly rewarding. That said, I understand and appreciate the allure of other types of travel; there is definitely a time and a place for them. Case in point, immediately following our adventurous Nepal trip, I found myself yearning for nothing more than a relaxing island beach vacation!
**How did you first become interested in Nepal, and specifically the Manaslu Circuit as your destination of choice?**
Nepal’s primary attraction for me was its unparalleled access to the magnificent Himalayas, which are, of course, perfect for epic mountain trekking. The fact that English is commonly spoken there was another significant factor in our decision. Since it was our first time venturing into Nepal, I initially focused my research on the most renowned treks, namely the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. However, it quickly became apparent that both of those popular routes would be extremely crowded during the month of October, which was when we planned to travel.
The Manaslu Circuit kept emerging as a compelling and highly recommended alternative. While perhaps less famous than Annapurna and Everest Base Camp, it promised an equally enriching experience in terms of cultural immersion, breathtaking views, and the satisfaction of a challenging physical undertaking.
**The Manaslu Circuit is known to be quite challenging. How did you prepare ahead of time?**
This journey marked several firsts for my dad. It was his first time traveling outside the United States for an extended period, and it was also our inaugural overnight trekking experience. Consequently, preparing our gear and getting ourselves into the necessary physical condition required several months of dedicated effort. I enrolled in a backpacking class offered by a local outdoor outfitter, and I gained valuable insights into efficient packing techniques and essential gear selection. We meticulously packed and unpacked our backpacks countless times, carefully evaluating the necessity of each item and fine-tuning our load. Even with all that preparation, I still brought a few items that I probably could have left at home! In terms of physical conditioning, we embarked on several peak-bagging hikes at elevations of 10,000 to 11,000 feet to aid in acclimatization to the higher altitudes. But for the most part, our training regimen consisted of maintaining a consistent level of physical activity through regular gym visits and cardiovascular exercises.
**What part of your trek stands out as a favorite? Do you and your father have any memorable moments you’d like to share?**
I have particularly fond memories of our time spent in Sama Goan, where we dedicated one of our days to acclimatization. This charming village is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture, and the additional time we had there allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the local way of life. We ambled leisurely through yak pastures, savored the taste of Chang (traditional barley beer) in a villager’s home, and spent countless hours watching children engage in simple yet joyous games with milk crates. We also ventured on a side hike to Birenda Lake, a stunning glacial lake, where we contributed our own cairns to the already impressive collection of stone monuments.
The ascent and crossing of Larkya La Pass stands out as an incredibly exciting experience. I will never forget the feeling of sitting in the crowded dining hall at Dharamsala at 3 o’clock in the morning, surrounded by fellow trekkers, all fueled by anticipation for the challenging yet rewarding day that lay ahead. The shared camaraderie and nervous excitement as we ate our breakfasts created an unforgettable atmosphere.
**Were there any challenges along the way that you didn’t anticipate?**
As a newcomer to Nepal and the Manaslu Circuit, I faced a number of unforeseen challenges. While the hikes themselves were undeniably long and demanding, the true test lay in adapting to the trekking culture. This included adjusting to basic accommodations, coping with limited sleep, dealing with the repetitive food choices at each tea house (and sometimes enduring long waits for meals), and navigating the sometimes inconvenient squat toilets. Midway through the trek, my father developed bronchitis, which exacerbated the impact of these minor inconveniences on his physical well-being. However, in retrospect, all of these difficulties have transformed into compelling stories that we can now share and laugh about.
**Do you have advice for travelers interested in doing the Manaslu Circuit?**
My advice to anyone considering trekking the Manaslu Circuit is to embark on this adventure sooner rather than later. As with many treks throughout Nepal, the traditional trails are gradually being replaced by wider roads to accommodate vehicular traffic, which inevitably alters the trekking experience. I’ve been told that the Manaslu Circuit may soon be reduced to a mere 5- or 6-day trek as a result.
**Where are you planning to go on your next adventure?**
Our next destination will involve relaxation, sun, and sand! We are planning a beach vacation in the beautiful islands of Hawaii!
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