[:de]Strainhunting Nepal 2015 – An Unforgettable October in the Himalayas[:]
My first strainhunting trip to Nepal marks its tenth anniversary this year. Ten years that have flown by. It was 2015, the year of the great earthquake in spring. Despite the catastrophe, I decided to embark on my journey to Nepal – an adventure that was unique in many ways.
Nepal 2015: A Country in a State of Emergency
The earthquake had hit Nepal hard, and daily life was anything but normal. Gas was scarce, and those who wanted warm food had to cook over open flames. People chained themselves to their gas cylinders and waited for days in kilometer-long queues in front of the few shops that still received supplies. The situation at gas stations was similar: cars lined up by the dozens, accompanied by military with automatic weapons to maintain order. The black market flourished – a liter of diesel sometimes cost over 5 US dollars.
As a tourist, however, I experienced little of these extremes. Nepal welcomed me with open arms and unbroken warmth despite everything.
Poon Hill: My First Trekking Experience
From Kathmandu, I took a bus to Pokhara, the starting point for numerous hikes. To familiarize myself with the country and its people, I chose the Poon Hill Trek, a popular and well-developed hiking trail. The route is excellent for traveling without a guide – perfect for an independent adventurer like me.
The hike led through picturesque villages, dense forests, and offered breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. But one thing was clear to me from the start: I would hardly find cannabis here.
Cannabis in Nepal: Between Tradition and Prohibition
Although cannabis cultivation in Nepal is still illegal, the plant has deep-rooted cultural significance. The locals told me that the police set out every spring to destroy the fields. Nevertheless, I saw isolated plants growing in front of many houses. However, large fields or wild-growing plants were not to be found on the Poon Hill Trek.
View of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
Haha, what a trip report! Ten years later, reading about gas queues and military presence during a trek feels like a historical document rather than a vacation diary. Breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks – and then couldnt even find a single plant for a quick puff break on the Poon Hill Trek? The irony! Sounds like a real adventure: navigating emergency situations without the traditional high. Nepals warmth is legendary, even if its cannabis laws are a bit stricter than its welcome. A truly unforgettable October, indeed!