Yesterday we spent the day trekking with four women from Empowering Women in Nepal. As we drove towards the trail we had a view of the Himalayas lining the homes we passed. On the streets were half built sidewalks covered in rubble, children amusing themselves with all kinds of games and cows roaming where the please. The natural beauty of the Himalayas glowed white as the streets we filled with disorder and run down homes. The pristine beauty of the mountains contradicted the living circumstances on the either side of the road.
Once we arrived we started our trek. We walked passed children, motorcyclists and local communities. Along the trail were inhabitants working on the fields, brushing their teeth and tending to their homes. Unlike the untouched and uninhabited trails in the America, these trails were not just for a hiking experience but were also a home. Nonetheless, I cannot help but feel that these people are in a fish bowl. Almost every day they are interacting with tourists looking for a good hike or heading for some paragliding. The locals were very kind to passer byers but also asked for candy or money. One boy came up to us with a notebook where he had tourists sign their name, their home country and make a donation towards a basketball him and his brothers wanted. Whether the money would go to his basketball, he indeed received a page filled with names and donations.
We finally reached the top with the help of the four women trekkers. It was incredible to trek in Nepal, among such beauty being led by women. Even I as a woman in America at times feel little space to casually enjoy hiking since we have often gendered the hobby. Yet, here I was hiking in Nepal with four women who over the years had accomplished mountains that were up to 8000 meters and most importantly, years before Nepalese women rarely engaged in trekking or tourism for that matter. I loved getting to know these women, who have been taught conversational English. They were a true inspiration. It will be a day I will never forget.
