We trained our dogs for a year in preparation for this epic high altitude trek around Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. We quickly learned that not only do they love the outdoors, they also love the mountains and have already accompanied us on several short hikes.
And let’s go! We hiked straight for 16 days covering 110 miles over 16,700 foot passes. I feel more comfortable knowing my dog is there.
Cross several suspension bridges, explore monasteries, and see glacier crossings on a journey through the Manaslu Circuit.
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It took us a year to prepare our dogs for this epic high altitude trek – these are some of the curious yaks we met
Living in Kathmandu, Nepal, surrounded by the highest mountains in the world, trekking is one of the most popular adventures. As an avid hiker, I often go on day hikes and wanted to bring my two dogs. After seeing a local dog on a hike, I wanted to bring my own.
small glacier river
A good nap at the end of each day
To prepare for high altitude, we consulted an expert who explained the mechanism of dog panting and how it helps with high altitude adaptation. So I started taking my dog on day hikes around Kathmandu almost every week. We live at 1300m above sea level and during our trek we gradually increased our hike to 2700m covering a distance of 15 miles.
Inspecting the building quality of monasteries
Looking for permission to swim in 16000ft glacial lake
Our first trek with Fluffy the Husky was a bit of a challenge. I brought in my other golden retriever, Charlie, and it was the first time I realized how clumsy he was compared to the Husky. Nonetheless, we headed to Serang Monastery, where he spent two nights. It was a school to learn about llamas located deep in the mountains isolated from the village. I had the opportunity to meet his two reincarnated lamas and see all the children contributing to the rebuilding of the monastery by studying and doing manual labor in harsh environments. His two nights with his dog in Serang were unforgettable.
protect the monastery chapel
Last photo before starting the descent to go home
During this trek, Charlie developed a small infection on his hind leg, which was swollen. The doctor made a small hole in the swollen area and squeezed out the pus. My vet on the phone thought it must have been the result of a leech bite, but Charlie said he was fine in two days and continued the rest of his journey.
Curious kid from Sama Village
Manaslu high altitude lake
The local community on this route was very welcoming. They always asked if my dog eats rice. They were intrigued by the dogs on the trail and admired Fluffy’s beauty. I appreciated the way they treated the dogs on this particular route.
is this a dinosaur?
This bone is not from a dinosaur, so you can chew a little
It’s important to note that hiking at such altitudes can be dangerous, depending on how your dog is raised and used. Proper training and acclimation are required, and it is imperative to closely monitor your dog’s health and any symptoms that may occur while trekking. If your dog becomes ill or exhibits any unusual symptoms, it is important to stop the adventure and descend. It’s important to slowly acclimate over days, as I did.
A kind woman let me take a nap next to her
After crossing the highest point of the trek
At the top of the pass, trying to meditate before descending
long prayer wall
Checking on my brother – he looks wired!
some sections were scary
Visit a monastery with a baby monk!
she welcomed us into her village
quick pose
I’m not afraid to cross this bridge alone Human, do you need help?
A festive feast awaits – homemade beef jerky
Cross a wooden bridge with a different structure
Save the Himalayas!
Finally, I would like to share a video of me hiking 110 miles in Nepal with my two paw dogs.
We are looking forward to our next adventure and plan to take our dogs on one of Nepal’s longest treks, the Kanchenjunga Circuit. I want to take them when they are young and leave a short week long hike for when they are old. enjoying.
