We are excited to announce our Adventure Trek Community Show Series this fall! Keep an eye out for Mountain Kora on the road at outdoor retailers around New England sharing an engaging and fun evening of stories of adventure and cultural connections in off-the-beaten path places around the world. From the remote Himalayan villages of India and Nepal and the passes and valleys of the Bernese Oberland (Swiss Alps), to the vast wilderness areas of the Kalahari and Okavango Delta in Botswana, follow Mountain Kora's founder, Ashley Nesbitt, on her adventure journey. We begin with her more than two decades ago in the Himalaya as an adventurer and trip organizer for intrepid travelers and follow her journey to today where she continues to craft a portfolio of adventures designed to foster meaningful connections with unique mountain communities and wilderness areas worldwide.
The Beginnings
This show will begin more than two decades ago in remote communities and far-flung trekking routes of the Himalaya. Ashley was not your typical backpacker exploring the Himalayas in her twenties. She had a passion for discovering new trails and forming genuine bonds with the remote Himalayan communities. Starting as a student in Nepal, immersing herself in the culture, learning Nepali, and navigating the streets of Kathmandu on her bicycle, her journey led her to become a teacher and trek leader in Ladakh, India. Her stories of adventure go beyond personal achievements, portraying her as a traveler who values building relationships and respects the local communities she encounters. Over the span of ten years, Ashley curated extraordinary experiences that left a lasting impact. Pioneering a trek alongside a nomadic group during their annual migration to higher pastures for summer grazing near the Tibetan border, was a challenging endeavor. Despite facing obstacles such as broken-down jeeps, snowstorms, and meetings with nomadic elders, Ashley's persistence, dedication to her vision, and resilience made it possible to create a once-in-a-lifetime trek. During winter, she utilized her collegiate ice hockey skills to teach and provide equipment to young women and girls in remote villages. Collaborating with Snow Leopard trackers and conservation experts, she introduced a community-based tourism approach to her treks. Through these unique, first-hand experiences, Ashley discovered the transformative potential of meaningful connections forged through intimate exchanges.
Mountain Kora's Unique Partnerships
Next, the show will shift to the present day, with Ashley delving deep into the various destinations where Mountain Kora organizes trips: Nepal, Switzerland, and Botswana. Rather than running through detailed itineraries, travel arrangements, and packing tips (which she is happy to provide for those interested in joining an MK adventure), she aims to give viewers a sense of what each adventure entails and an insight into their core essence. Interwoven with stunning visuals and brief videos will be the narratives of her guiding partners, who play a crucial role in shaping these uniquely curated journeys. You will get a glimpse of their conscientious approach to tourism and engagement with local communities. Furthermore, she will regale you with stories of their lives not just as guides, but also as farmers, conservationists, small business owners, and active members of their communities.
A Multimedia Slideshow for the Traveler with an Adventurous Spirit
Ashley will be sharing captivating stories that offer a glimpse into unique and lesser-known adventures that promise to ignite the wanderlust in you. Whether it's walking through Botswana's expansive and serene bush, unwinding in a cozy Himalayan trekking lodge after a day's trek while listening to tales of Sherpa mountaineers by the woodstove, or savoring freshly made cheese from an alpine dairy in a charming hamlet above Adelboden, this interactive multimedia presentation will transport you to distant lands and motivate you to plan your next journey. Don't miss this fun gathering to connect with like-minded adventurers, enjoy a casual setting at an adventure retail community hub, and exchange stories of exploration and discovery!
Event Details:
Don't forget to Register here for this free event! Light Nepali eats and complimentary drinks will be on offer, as well as the chance to win trekking gear PRIZES! Additionally, there will be an opportunity to support Mountain Kora's Thame Flood Relief Fund.
Date : Saturday, October 12th
Time : 4-5:30pm
Location : The Arcadian Shop, 91 Pittsfiels Road, Lenox, MA 01240
Extras: Nepali eats and drinks on offer, alongsize trekking gear prizes and Thame Flood Relief Fund donations.
Future shows: Keep an eye-out for future shows at Lahout's in Littleton, NH and Onion River Outdoors in Montpelier, VT.
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