I was so fortunate to travel to Nepal with Driftwood Adventure Treks both as participant and…read moreco-leader/yoga & art teacher. This was my first serious experience traveling in a foreign country, and the trip left my heart *so* full that, for a long time, I wasn't even sure where to begin with this review!
I believe that one of the greatest strengths of Driftwood's programming is the level of trust and connection that founder Bri Gallo works so hard to seek and establish with all of her expedition leaders, as well as program participants. Bri has a gift for connecting with people across cultures and fostering a sense camaraderie within groups that is interwoven into every expedition she leads. Her lighthearted, gregarious, and deeply-caring energy seems to attract the kinds of guides and leaders who have a twinkle in their eye, an expert knowledge base, and are genuinely interested in offering guests authentic experiences that are full of connection and meaning.
If you research trekking groups in Nepal, you'll soon understand how uncommon it is for tourists to be able to stay at the home of their sherpa, let alone spend the day at their local village school, receive cooking lessons in their kitchen, or sit around the dinner table with the locals, cooking, dining, dancing together.
While our trek to Everest Base Camp was even more dazzling than one could possibly comprehend ahead of time, I found the quiet moments of stillness, the moments in between the glamour and extraordinary awe, to leave the strongest impressions in my heart.
One of the unique touches of this trip was our sherpa, Tshering, made his home available to us as our own private "base camp" before and after our departure to Everest.
Tshering's home felt like a reflection of his heart: it offered a peaceful reprise for us to gather ourselves and be joyfully present in the moment.
Our small group shared many memorable moments by the windows of tea houses. We'd spend our mornings and afternoons walking at a steady, rhythmic pace through the winding landscape, senses heightened, taking breaks to simply stand in stillness and absorb as much of the magic of the sacred land as possible. Every evening we'd sit and gaze out at the landscape we were a part of, sketching, writing poetry, drinking tea, and speaking of dreams. We began the adventure as new travelers just getting to know one another, and we left with an unshakable bond that felt almost tribal, not just with the travelers, but with our entire Nepalese support team.
There's so much more I could say about how Driftwood Adventure Trekking offers an experience unlike anything I've ever known. It's impossible to put a price tag on the depth of connection made possible through the thoughtfully curated team and itinerary.
Thanks to Driftwood, Nepal now holds a very special place in my heart, and I'm currently figuring out a way to continue building relationships with this incredible country from back here in RI. I've written extensively about trekking with Driftwood on my blog. Check it out at joannaread.com if you're curious to learn more!:)