Alfonso Aijon

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.