Carpathians

Fãgãras - the massif belongs to the central Carpathians and is the biggest alpine unit in Romanian mountains with aprox 70 km lenght (east-west) and 40 km width (north-south). 8 of the 14 peaks higher than 2500 m in Romania are here, including the highest, Moldoveanu peak, 2544 m (as in Nepal, but at a different scale, there are 8 of the 14 peaks over 8000 m!). The main ridge is going, more or less, from east to west. The north side has many secondary ridges, but short, quite abrupt and wild. The south part has less ridges, but long and mild. In ancient times there were glaciers who cut beautiful valleys and one of their legacies, the high glacier lakes, still charm trekkers' eyes. The weather is changeable and even in summer time you have to be prepared for sudden drops of temperature. Flora and fauna are rich but is not common to meet wild animals on major trekking routes, especially in the alpine zone. The routes are generally quite long, with a lot of up and downs and you have to have a good physical condition and be self suficient. There are shelters even in the high area but is also possible to pitch tents if you know the water sources. There are indicators on the main routes but since bad weather is always possible is advisable to trek with somebody who knows the area. But alltogether, the efforts are worth taking...
       From "Oticului" pass to "Fundu' Caprei" valley
       A climb on Arpasu Mic peak

Piatra Craiului - it can be translated aprox as "King's (Prince's) Stone" and it really deserves it's name, cause is like a jewel for those who love mountains. It'a a unique massif in Romania, a small but eye-catching ridge oriented N-E to S-W. Even is not so high, the maximum altitude being 2238 m, La Om (or Baciului) peak, it dominates the large valleys arround, being a bit isolated from the nearby mountains. The ridge is very sharp, 25 km long and for aprox 8 km does not drop down below 2000 m. Without any lateral ridges it looks like a dinosaur serrated back. Almost entirely from limestone, it provides amazing walls, tower-like structures and caves. The eastern side is generally gentle but the western one is very abrupt with high walls and a lot of rock climbing routes. There are only a few water sources and you have to be aware of this. Leaving the path can be quite dangerous if you don't know the area and you are misled by animals' paths (wild goats). Part of the area is declared National Park and a lot of the species, plants or animals, are protected by law.
       A few photos...

Bucegi - the 4th of Romanian Carpathians as regarding height but the first as regarding rock climbing routes, Bucegi massif is very popular for trekkers. The access is easy especially from the eastern side, "Prahovei" valley (only 2 hours by train from Bucharest). The highest peak is "Omul" with an elevation of 2505 m; there is a shelter and a meteorological station. In "Caraiman" area there is a huge metal cross (lightened in the night), visible from the whole valley. The upper part of the massif is, more or less, like a plateau but the access ways are quite steep generally. Cable transportation is also available. On the plateau, wind and water created interesting forms in the rocks like "Babele" (The old ladies) or "Sfinxul" (The sphinx). In the heart of the massif "Ialomicioara" cave is electrified and open to visitors. The access in the cave is done through a small monastery (the main church being built just at the entrance). The actual church is only few years old, an oasis of peace in a great natural environment. In the wintertime skiing is possible. Sinaia, Busteni, Pestera are some of the most visited mountain resorts in the area but there are many other shelters providing food and lodging (and skiing facilities some of them).
       Photos from Bucegi

Nepal

Festivals - the main religion in Nepal is hinduism but the links with buddhism are quite strong and both have a particular flavour in comparison with the hinduism from India and the lamaism from Tibet (due to the influence of the ancient local shamanism). Both hindu and buddhist tradition are very complex and rich in deities. It is not surprising that people celebrates quite frequently some of them and sometimes the festivals are several days long. Dasain for example, one of the most popular in Nepal, is a 10 day celebration in hindu community. With tibetans, Losar, the new year is probably the most important but there are others also...
       A few shots during Nepal festivals

Nepal faces - there are several ethnic groups in Nepal, each with certain characteristics. You'll se here some of the people I met while I stayed in Nepal, mainly kids, cause I found their faces being very expressive... not pretending that are really portraits but rather instantaneous shots.
       Greetings from Nepal

Kali Gandaki valley - Dhaulagiri in the west and Annapurna in the east are separated by less than 40 km and the Kali Gandaki valley drops down with almost 6000 m, that's why is said to be the world's deepest gorge! The trek alongside the river is known as Jomsom trek and is part of the circuit around Annapurna (which takes about 16-18 days). This part alone is interesting also if you don't have enough time for the whole circuit. The sunset and sunrise from Poon Hill, 3210 m, with unobstructed view towards mountains, can be a goal in itself if you're not going further up on the valley. An old trading route, the valley actually crosses the main range of the Himalayas. In only a few days the landscape changes dramatically. From rich forests and big Gurung villages in the south you reach the Tibet-like region of Mustang in the north. Muktinath is a famous pilgrimage place for both buddhists and hindus. Apples pies and other delicious cakes are part of the fun!
       The world's deepest gorge...

Langtang valley - the Langtang National Park offers several destinations with "easy" access from Kathmandu. "Easy" because you spend 8-9 hours by bus to Dunche, one possible starting point. The trek upwards the valley is not difficult but is recommended to be cautious about altitude sickness. The culture of the valley is dominated by Tamang people, an ethnic group of tibetan origin, so you'll find along the way signs of buddhism, prayer wheels, prayer flags, mani walls, gompa-s. The final point where you'll find accomodation, Kyanjin Gompa (3800 m), is a good place for spending some time and explore the rest of the valley and some peaks not far from.
       "One of the most beautiful valleys..." (Tilman)

Annapurna Base Camp - central Nepal is dominated by Annapurna massif with one peak over 8000 m, Annapurna I (8091 m). It provides trekking routes of different grades of difficulty, one of the most popular being ABC (Annapurna Base Camp, 4095 m). With no danger of altitude sickness the trekkers have wonderful views of snowy peaks and glaciers in only a few days walking distance from Pokhara. The valley of Modi Khola is the only way to penetrate the sanctuary (as it is called) of Annapurna, a vast circus surrounded by several peaks higher than 6-7000 m (clockwise: Hiunchuli, Annapurna south, Fang, Annapurna I, Tarke Kang, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhare). Out of the ordinary trekking areas in Nepal, this one is prone to deadly avalances from the steep slopes of Hiunchuli after heavy snows. You actually cross several times the debris of old avalanches. The lower part of Modi Khola valley can be very hot and some parts of the climb are quite steep but once you enter the sanctuary you are rewarded with splendid views. Big Gurung villages and local culture will enhance the pleasure of the trek. There's no problem if you trek alone, although is recommended to have a companion.
       Annapurna Base Camp