Spirit of Adventure

Lou Day, our resident trekking expert, shares one of her tales from the trail.

When reflecting on what has been my favourite trek to date I must admit I was torn as to what to choose. Having been lucky enough to work at Peregrine for over 10 years now, I have had the fortune to be able to pursue my passion for trekking in some of the most spectacular places across the globe.

My travels have taken me through the Annapurna’s and the high trails of the Everest region in Nepal, to the moonscapes of Ladakh, the trenches along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea and recently to the top of Kilimanjaro! Not to mention the feeling of remoteness and untouched beauty I experienced when trekking through the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia. To experience the unique culture and learn more of the proud heritage of the Ethiopian people was a privilege.

However whilst it pains me to choose a ‘favourite’ I cannot go past Nepal, it is my favourite place in the world! I love everything about it - the nervous laughter that fills your small aircraft as you land on what I believe is the most dramatic airstrip in the world - Lukla , the gateway into the Everest Region. It is from where you commence trekking to Everest Base Camp, and if you have time branch off to visit the Goykyo and Khumbu Valleys. Our group was a mixture of Australian, British and Canadian travellers, all with that common goal of reaching Base Camp. Part of the appeal of the trek to Base Camp I believe is that you have a genuine feeling of being on an expedition and the camaraderie we felt, helping each other to achieve our own personal goals, was a special one. Our group still remains in touch some five years later as the experiences you share on the track are hard to replicate once you return home. Perhaps that’s why I get back to Nepal every year I can.

Ethiopia is a land full of surprises, on the Essential Ethiopia Experience you can discover incredible scenery and a wealth of religious and archaeological wonders. The Meskel Festival is a highlight on the calendar for the Ethiopian people, and we have a trip departing on the 16 September to coincide with this incredible spectacle which takes part on the 26 September each year. The Meskel festival runs over two days and is one of the most colourful festivals in Ethiopia. It is an ancient festival dating back 1600 years and is celebrated with yellow Meskel daisies placed on top of huge bonfires, which are lit in the evening in front of throngs of celebrators. Ornately robed priests dance with their followers around the fires singing, chanting and carrying flaming torches.

Also on this cultural adventure you can visit Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile River and an important Christian site with a series of island monasteries that claim to have hidden the Ark of the Covenant. Nearby in the Simien Mountains you can meet some of Ethiopia’s indigenous species including the bleeding heart baboon. And in Lalibela you will be in awe of the skilful labourers of Ethiopia whilst exploring the churches carved directly out of the rock.

Every sight in Ethiopia promises to be a highlight, offering special insights into the culture of these resilient people and ending your trip with a festival celebration is likely to top off an adventure like no other.