Alfonso Aijon states….
“Life is a journey”. This quotation perfectly matches for
Mr. Alfonso Aijon who has been spending his holiday in the mountains
of Nepal Since 1960 AD.
“The mountains are the only destination I can imagine for
making my holidays meaningful” the 81 years old Alfonso declares.
Born in Spain and professionally well settled as an
Orchestra manager has a dream of making his abode in Himalayas. That’s why he
is so keen in exploring mountains in his holiday. Trekking in
the Himalayas in fact has been a culture for Alfonso’s family.
He gets nostalgic when he shares his experience of
travelling in Nepal in 1960’s. He vividly remembers the appearance of serene
Nepal, its peaceful environment, and away from maddening crowd where the
ambience is always that of rural community.
His history of Trekking is really inspiring. He did Everest
Trekking. Then he went for Langtang
trek and Annapurna
region and many more. Among them, the Everest trekking is what he
remembers the most.
According to him, in the old age, Nepal was so virtually
hidden from the world and in a sense a heaven. It was unexplored and away from
modern development. The Nepalese lived as they were taught by their ancestors,
true even in present. Their tradition, culture and unique life style survives
even today.
In fact, during his life time, he has trekked to all the
major trekking areas not only of Nepal but also of India, Bhutan and China. And while on trek he was initially with his
elder son David who inherits the same attachment to mountain. Recently, he came
to Nepal with his second son Daniel .
Daniel told us, “I used to think why my father is so crazy
about Nepal and Mountains. I even once asked why he would always like trekking in Nepal
in his holiday instead enjoying in some other facilitated luxurious place.
Then, I accompanied him in one of his Nepal trekking. Unbelievably, now I, too feel like
joining him every time he prepares for his journey to Nepal.
By the way this is my third time I came with my father”,
“Now my father
reminds me and teases pointing my criticism of his trekking in
Nepal whenever I express my desire to join him”, the ever humorous
Daniel further disclosed.
“Truly, Nepal is a paradise for trekkers. The spell of
Himalayan beauty gives a unique pleasure.” confesses Alfonso.
This old man, then again came to Nepal in 2010 for Annapurna
Base camp Trekking. This time, although his will power was a bit shaken off by
the realization of his age, with the well trained and experienced crews along
with the perfect management of Nepal Trek Ways Pvt. Ltd., he successfully
accomplished the 22 days full camping trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
Energized by this success, he was in regular contact with us
for his next assault on Makalu Base camp. From the beginning he was fully
convinced of victory over this harsh trekking trail.
Alfonso indeed has already made an attempt to step on the
Makalu Base camp in his early age but was unsuccessful due to the hostile
weather and geographical condition. And now at his age of 81, he was determined
to gain the success he was denied in his young age.
Being a reputed trekking company in Nepal it was our
responsibility to pave the way for him to his dream. It was more emotional case
than just a business. So, we were equally determined to make his dream come
true.
Then, the day arrived to hit the trail in 2011. As he was
fond of camping trekking,
we carried out all the trek preparation accordingly. The team of 18 camping
crew along with a trek leader, guide and Sherpa was ready to head to Makalu
Base camp.
Although this trek was supposed to be the last for him in
Nepal, since his love for Nepal and mountain people is incomparable, he is in
regular contact with for next trek to hidden village Nar and Phu
village, a restricted area in Manang and
Mustang. A special permit must be issued for this trek.
