I trained my dogs for a whole year to prepare them for this epic high-altitude trek, circling the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu. I soon discovered that they don't only like the outdoors, they love the mountains and have already accompanied me on several short hikes.
And, off we go! Drove one whole day to get to the trek start point on a fun packed local bus and hiked straight for 16 days covering 110 miles while crossing a 16,700 ft mountain pass! I feel more comfortable knowing my dogs are there, and then, in the evening, they love being petted around the fire.
Watch us crossing several suspension bridges, exploring monasteries, and crossing the glacier on our journey through Manaslu Circuit.
It took me one year to prepare my dogs for this epic high-altitude trek - these are some curious yaks we met
Living in Kathmandu, Nepal, surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world, trekking is one of the most popular adventures to embark on. As an avid hiker, I often go on day hikes and have been wanting to bring my two dogs with me. After seeing some local dogs on one of my hikes, I was inspired to take my own dogs along.
A small glacial river
Deserved nap at the end of each day
In preparation for the high altitude, I consulted with a specialist who explained to me the panting mechanism in dogs and how it helps them adapt to the altitude. So, I started taking my dogs on day hikes around Kathmandu almost on a weekly basis. We live at 1300 meters from sea level and gradually increased our hikes to 2700 meters during the trek, covering a distance of 15 miles.
Inspecting a monastery's building quality
Looking for permission to swim in a glacial lake at 16000 ft
My first trek with my dog Fluffy, a husky, was a bit of a challenge. Bringing my other dog, Charlie, a golden retriever, for the first time made me realize how clumsy they can be compared to huskies. Nonetheless, we continued and made our way up to Serang Monastery, where we spent two nights. It was a school for children to learn about Lama situated right in the lap of the mountains, isolated from the villages. I got a chance to meet two reincarnated lamas and see all the kids studying and contributing to rebuilding the monastery by doing physical work in such harsh conditions. Those two nights spent with my dogs in Serang were unforgettable.
Guarding a prayer hall of a monastery
Last pic before we start our descent to head back home
During this trek, Charlie developed a small infection on his hind paw, which was swollen. Fortunately, I was able to get an antibiotic dropped off at the next village via helicopter, and a doctor from the USA who was doing the same hike opened a small hole in the swollen area and squeezed the pus out. My vet on a call assumed that it must have been the result of a leech bite. But Charlie was fine in two days and continued the rest of the trip.
Curious kid in Sama Village
High-altitude lake in Manaslu
The local community on this route was very welcoming, and they always asked if my dogs ate rice or not, wanting to offer them some. They were curious to see the dogs on the trail and admired Fluffy's beautiful appearance. I appreciated the way they treated dogs on this particular route.
Is this a dinosaur?
This bone is not from a dinosaur, so I can chew it a little
It's important to note that depending on how the dog is raised and what they are used to doing, hiking at such an altitude can be dangerous. Proper training and acclimatization are necessary, and it's essential to closely monitor your dog's health and any symptoms they may develop during the trek. If your dog is sick or shows any abnormal symptoms, it's crucial to quit the adventure and descend down. It's important to go slow and take days to acclimatize as I did.
A kind woman let us take a nap by her side
After crossing the highest point of our trek
Right at the top of the pass, trying to meditate before I go down
A long prayer wall
Doing a check on my brother - he looks wired!
Some sections were scary
Visiting a monastery with baby monks!
She welcomed us into her village
Quick pose
I am not afraid to cross this bridge on my own, human, do you need help?
Waiting for a treat to celebrate - homemade beef jerky
Crossing a differently built wooden bridge
Guarding the Himalayas!
Lastly, I want to share a video of me hiking 110 miles in Nepal with my two paw-some dogs
Looking forward to our next adventure, I plan to take my dogs to the Kanchenjunga Circuit, which is one of the longest treks in Nepal. I want to take them while they are young and leave shorter one-week hikes for when they get older. I have a deep love and respect for my dogs and enjoy sharing these adventures with them.