Laraque's Journal

Tag: trekking

  • Discovering the wonderful people of Nepal and their way of life

    Culture & Kindness in Nepal’s Himalayas
    Women walking through rice terrace near Pokhara

    Nepal has one of the most diverse population of people I have witnessed when it comes to physical facial appearance. The people look like they could be from several surrounding nations and even different places overseas. This is what makes Nepal so special: it has a unique diversity of people living in harmony and enjoying life. The people in Nepal, regardless of their origin, adhere to the same principles when it comes to meeting and interacting with foreigners, striving to be as welcoming and friendly as possible. A big part of their culture is to make you feel like you are comfortable and at home in one of the most breathtaking places on our planet. 

    Nepal people
    Eldery women working souvenir stand in Pokhara on the way World Peace Pagoda

    I believe, while traveling and meeting people it is important to create genuine connections. Through this you are able to understand their way of life. I met a lot of amazing Nepali people over the last couple of weeks, people willing to open up to me telling me about themselves and their life. During my time photographing the people of Nepal, I was able to capture some fantastic images that show how they live, as well through portraits. With the photos I created, I aimed to emphasize authenticity, showcasing the the people of Nepal in the best way possible. When I was trekking in the Annapurna region, renowned for its stunning mountains and breathtaking beauty. I had some fantastic interactions with Nepali people in every place I stayed for the night or just wanted to get a chai during a break while trekking. The people were very welcoming and peaceful. Open to sharing a part of their life with me to make me feel at home. They realized I had a genuine interest and care for who they were. 

    Man feeding goats near Bhimjung where I started my Mardi Himal trek
    Man feeding goats near Bhimjung where I started my Mardi Himal trek

    Nepali people have adopted a way of life that is in harmony with nature, while trekking in the Himalayas you can witness people working hard cultivating a diverse range of fruits and vegetables. They manage a very effective way of farming while living in a stunning mountain range that offers some challenges. To them, nature is a part of who they are. They are delighted with what they have, as it provides them with everything they need to live a peaceful way of life. Waking up each day truly appreciative of the beauty that surrounds them and the abundance it provides them. A way of life rooted in harmony. Nepal also has two famous cities I visited while traveling before I embarked on my treks., Kathmandu and Pokhara. The people who live in each city were welcoming and friendly. The rush of city life doesn’t seem to have a significant impact on the people, they remain respectful and caring to others. The core principles that the people of Nepal live by run deep and are an essential representation of who they are.

    A women monk walks around the famous Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu
    A women monk walks around the famous Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu

    Along with everything else, religion plays a significant role in shaping the behavior and interactions of the people of Nepal. Buddha is a religous figure born in Nepal, a man who was once a prince who set out to find peace without attachment to the material world. The people in Nepal adhere to many buddhist principles and beliefs. These beliefs stem in peace, happiness, and kindness. They are essential beliefs we should all live with each day. These beliefs create abundance and fill our hearts with good intentions. This is something the Nepali people embody well. Along with Buddhist beliefs, Hinduism is the main religion in Nepal. The people follow the beliefs of Hinduism, which have a deep-rooted history. Some of the main practices of Hinduism are practicing good karma, living ethically, and rebirth until one’s soul achieves liberation. These beliefs are at the core of what the Nepali people believe, shaping how they act. They understand doing the righteousness thing is best for oneself and others. This has help shaped a culture rooted in trying to live a fulfilling life.

    Women cutting down branches to feed cattle during Poon Hill trek
    Women cutting down branches to feed cattle during Poon Hill trek

    The belief of practicing good karma is a significant driver in influencing each individual’s actions. Karma is the belief that how we interact and do things will come back to us, whether we do the right or wrong thing. This has shaped the people of Nepal to try to embody kindness to others as much as possible and to refrain from committing crimes or acting poorly. Karma is also believed to extend across several lifetimes influencing each one of our lives differently. I also believe that the people I met in Nepal and all the positive interactions don’t just stem from religious faith, but rather because they believe doing the right thing is what we must do to be at peace with one another. To understand, we must treat others the way we want to be treated, we are all connected in this life, living a journey with an unwritten story. Spreading love is deeply important, it allows us to live day by day, so at peace. I am genuinely thankful for all the amazing people I have met in Nepal and the fantastic memories I have created. 

    Eldery man working hard carrying heavy loads of food on shoulders during mardi Himal trek
    Eldery man working hard carrying heavy loads of food on shoulders during mardi Himal trek

  • Embracing the beauty around you and living in the present moment while trekking in the majestic Himalayas

    Mardi Himal High Camp- An amazing view of the Machapuchare with the perfect timing of a eagle flying by in the early morning.
    Mardi Himal High Camp- An amazing view of the Machapuchare with the perfect timing of a eagle flying by in the early morning.

    The present moment is all that we have at that specific point in time to live, observe, and do the things we want in life. It is of great significance that we can be present and appreciate what we can do every day. Trekking here in the Himalayas makes it necessary to live in the present and be thankful for the beautiful nature that surrounds you. As a photographer, it is also essential to observe and have the right feeling to capture the perfect moments that make great images while trekking. Trekking can be challenging, making it more difficult to take great photos. It is still amazing to be able to live in the present moment and struggle through the trek. This is a valuable lesson because it highlights the importance of being thankful for what we can do in the present moment, above all else. Being present and persevering through pain is a great way to improve your mental toughness. Showing you can rise above adversity, which helped me trek higher and further.

    While trekking, I am taking in all the nature around me. I am observing many things and getting lost in the enchantment of the Himalayas. I feel very alive and free seeing all the remarkable trees, bugs, animals, and foliage. Being taken away by all this beauty, you can imagine the appreciation I feel when photographing, seeing the world as a true expression of love and beauty. Capturing impactful moments as I move along each step of the way. I am thankful beyond anything for the fantastic gifts that nature has offered us. I remember at one point during a trek, I said the trees were my family, and we are all connected. This may sound a bit crazy, but living in the present moment surrounded by such astonishing nature gives you a completely different feeling about the things that surround you.

    Mardi Himal trek, Yak rest infront of Annapurna south positioned perfectly
    Mardi Himal trek, Yak rest infront of Annapurna south positioned perfectly

    The acknowledgement and love for nature are crucial for the human species. Much of what we do to nature does not align with the present moment and does not complement the complex beauty of nature. Greed has driven humanity down a path contrary to nature and all the critical processes that have sustained us for centuries, such as hunting, foraging for food, and farming. All essential for survival, yet many in the world do not stay connected to a more natural way of life, a way that would keep much of our society grounded and in the present moment, allowing us to have a much greater appreciation for our lives. If we stayed more connected, we could feel happier,present, and fulfilled as a society, creating a great abundance for our hearts. The most important things in life.

    While trekking, stunning views and beautiful trees made me want to stick around at some parts for a while. Even after photographing and capturing the moment, I couldn’t leave. I was fully absorbed, not wanting to leave the greatest gifts in life, the ones that come naturally. Staying present throughout the trekking experience has taught me valuable lessons about life and helped me complete tough days when I didn’t feel like trekking. During challenging moments going up during trekking, I would tell myself to rise over and over in my head. Staying present and determined, as I knew that was the only thing that mattered in life, to head higher up that mountain and appreciate the gift of having the fire to keep going. My goal in life is to spend most of my life in the present moment. Trekking has taught me that the most essential thing in life is to appreciate every step of the journey.

    Mardi Himal trek, walking through the amazing lush forest
    Mardi Himal trek, walking through the amazing lush forest