The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, also known as the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is considered to be one of the most dangerous flights in the world.

The flight to Lukla is often considered the gateway to Mount Everest and other popular trekking and climbing destinations in the Himalayas.

The flight is only about half an hour long, but it takes passengers on a harrowing journey through the Himalayas, with steep cliffs, narrow valleys, and unpredictable weather conditions making it a challenging and risky journey.

The airport is located at an altitude of 9,334 feet, and its runway is one of the shortest and steepest runways in the world. The runway is also sloped, with a 12-degree incline towards the mountain, making it even more challenging for pilots to land.

The flight is operated by several domestic airlines, which have a fleet of small aircrafts. The skilled pilots are trained to handle the challenging conditions of the flight, and will not take off if the weather is not cooperating.

Tucked into the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, on the eastern side of Uganda you’ll find Sipi Falls surrounded by lush forest.

The steep slopes, cooler climate and rich volcanic soil lends itself to growing Bugisu Arabica coffee.

These rare beans are only grown in that area and at 4,000 to 8,000 ft elevation.

The coffee plantation at Sipi Falls is a community-based initiative that involves local farmers who grow and harvest the coffee beans.

The farmers are trained and provided with the necessary resources to maintain the health of the coffee plants and improve the quality of the beans.

The coffee beans grown at Sipi Falls are of high quality, with a unique flavor that has become highly sought after by coffee enthusiasts around the world.

The beans are hand-picked and sun-dried before being exported to various countries.

The coffee plantation at Sipi Falls not only provides a source of income for the local community, but it also helps to preserve the natural environment.

The coffee plants are grown using sustainable methods that minimize the use of chemicals and protect the surrounding ecosystem.

The beans are then roasted and turned into a delicious cup of medium roast coffee.

In addition to coffee production, the Sipi Falls community is also involved in the development of eco-tourism.

The local farmer will have you pick a handful of red coffee berries and take you through the process of preparing and roasting them.

You can purchase the remaining coffee to take home with you which will go back to supporting the local farmers. The coffee plantation at Sipi Falls is an example of how sustainable agriculture can benefit both the local community and the environment.

To try this coffee at home you can order it through Groundwork Coffee who sustainably sources their coffee in connection with the Bugisu Sipi Falls Project.

The Cosumnes River Bird Preserve is a unique and vital habitat for over 200 species of migratory birds located in the Central Valley of California.

Spread over 9,000 acres of land, it is the largest remaining riparian forest in the state, providing a crucial stopover for migratory birds during their journey between their breeding grounds in the north and their wintering grounds in the south.

The preserve is a rich source of food and shelter for these birds, and offers ample opportunities for birdwatching, nature walks and wildlife photography.

The Cosumnes River Bird Preserve is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

It serves as an important educational resource, providing a window into the world of migratory birds and the ecosystems that support them.

Visitors can take guided tours, attend educational programs and participate in volunteer opportunities, all aimed at increasing public awareness of the value of preserving these critical habitats.

The Cosumnes River Bird Preserve is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

In the Masai Mara Reserve an elephant pride of about 12 with 3-4 babies frequently bathed along the riverbank.

One day as the pride was making their way out of the mud, the babies were struggling with the steep walls and slippery mud.

The whole pride worked together to hoist the little ones up and over the ravine.

The pride would stop all at once as if you’re pressing the pause button on a movie. Not a sounds was heard but we knew they must’ve been communicating because they would start moving again on cue.

Elephants are known for their ability to communicate at low frequencies, which are beyond the range of human hearing. These low-frequency sounds, also known as infrasonic communication, allow elephants to communicate over long distances and through obstacles, such as thick vegetation or rugged terrain.

One of the most well-known infrasonic sounds made by elephants is the rumble. Rumbles are low-frequency vocalizations that can be heard by other elephants up to several miles away.

In addition to rumbles, elephants also use seismic communication to send infrasonic messages. They do this by stomping their feet or trumpeting, which creates vibrations in the ground that can be detected by other elephants up to several miles away.

Infrasonic communication is crucial for their survival, as it allows them to coordinate their behavior and respond to potential threats in the wild.

Porters in Nepal are an integral part of the trekking industry in the Himalayas.

These hardworking individuals carry the gear of trekkers, allowing them to navigate the rugged terrain and reach the base camps of some of the world's highest peaks.

The porters, many of whom come from remote villages in the mountains, are known for their strength and endurance.

They carry heavy loads on their backs, often weighing up to 90 pounds, and navigate steep and rocky trails that would be difficult for even the most experienced hikers.

Despite the challenges they face, the porters are proud of their work and take great pride in helping trekkers reach their destination safely.

In Gorak Shep, near Everest base camp, a day of rest is enjoyed with games, shared stories and meals.

Porters are typically paid by the day or by the weight of the load they carry. However, many porters are paid very little, and often have to work long hours to make ends meet.

One of the main concerns of porters is the lack of proper equipment and gear. Many are not provided with proper shoes, clothes, sleeping bags or other necessities. This makes their work even more difficult, and can lead to injuries and illnesses.

Despite these challenges, porters continue to play a vital role in the trekking industry in Nepal. Their hard work and dedication make it possible for thousands of trekkers to experience the beauty of the Himalayas each year.

It is important that tourists and trekking companies ensure that porters are treated fairly and provided with the proper equipment and support they need to do their job safely and effectively.

Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are three of the most ancient cities in Nepal and are steeped in rich cultural and historical heritage.

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside ancient temples and stupas.

The streets are narrow and filled with stores, merchants and cafes. The smells of spices and incense are around every corner.

It’s home to many historic sites, including the famous Pashupatinath Temple and the Swayambhunath Stupa.

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is located just 5 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is renowned for its unique Newari architecture and is home to the Patan Durbar Square, which features many historic temples and palaces.

Open areas surrounding the cities are filled with small lots of land for gardening and farming.

Here a local boy steps outside to show his pet chickens that he takes care of.

Bhaktapur, located just 13 kilometers from Kathmandu, is a well-preserved medieval city that was once a powerful kingdom.

The city is famous for its traditional Newari architecture, including the famous Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Prayer wheels are seen through every city.

Bhaktapur is also known as the city of clay. Here a local artisan sells his pieces and offers visitors a chance to make their own pottery.

On April 25, 2015 Nepal was struck with an earthquake that devastated the country.

Cows are considered holy and roam the streets freely.

The destruction of popular trekking routes and the closure of many historical sites, as well as the general disruption caused by the disaster, resulted in a sharp decline in tourism.

Despite these challenges, the communities there have shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Here women are harvesting rice.

Most locals travel on bike to navigate the narrow streets.

The cities are slowly being restored to their former glory, and efforts are being made to preserve their unique cultural and architectural heritage for future generations.

The trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri is one of the most popular and iconic routes in the world. The journey is about 2 weeks long and take trekkers to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region.

The route passes through small villages that hug the mountainside where visitors get to learn about the culture of the incredible people who live there.

The trail winds its way through lush forests and over suspension bridges that hang above rivers rushing with glacier runoff.

One of the most picturesque and bustling villages along the way. The colorful town meanders with tea houses, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and merchants selling last minute gear and snacks.

Kids playing after school in Namche Bazaar.

The first glance of Everest can be viewed from here. A local gentleman is seen here painting the sunrise as it slowly lights Everest and the surrounding peaks.

As you gain altitude, the forests give way to open grasslands and the first views of the snow-capped peaks begin to appear on the horizon.

Yaks are used to carry large loads through the rugged terrain.

From Namche, the trail continues on to Gokyo Ri, at 15,583 ft elevation, where the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic.

From the 17,575 ft summit of Gokyo Ri, visitors soak in the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Trekkers carefully crossing the Ngozumpa glacier after leaving Gokyo Ri. This glacier is known as the largest glacier in Nepal that sits at the base of Cho Oyu the 6th tallest mountain in the world.

After a few days of trekking and acclimatization the trekkers make their way over the challenging Cho La Pass, a high mountain pass that requires some basic mountaineering skills reaching a height of 17,782 ft elevation.

Porters resting in Gorak Shep, a small village near Everest Base camp where many trails intersect.

Last glimpses of light brushing the top of Everest and surrounding mountains as the sun sets.

Trekkers in Gorak Shep, a small village that sits 2.5 miles away from the final destination Everest Base Camp, making their way to Kala Patthar.

The 3 day trek back to Lukla provides a different but equally stunning landscape. Trekkers can visit the Tengboche Monastery, which sits below the towering Ama Dablam on their way back down to Lukla.

Celebrating Diwali in Namche Bazaar with song and dance.

The Masai Mara Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in southwestern Kenya.

It is a vast expanse of savannah grasslands that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, and wildebeest.

The Masai Mara is also the site of the annual wildebeest migration, where millions of these animals travel from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in search of food and water.

This migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet, drawing visitors from all over the world.

The reserve teaches the benefits of protecting wildlife, including eco-tourism and its positive impact on the local economy

It’s named after the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic tribe that has lived in the area for centuries.

The Maasai have a deep spiritual connection to the land and its wildlife, and they have coexisted with the animals for generations.

Despite the reserve's natural beauty, it faces many challenges. Climate change, overgrazing, and poaching all threaten the survival of the animals and the ecosystem.

Anti-poaching measures, including surveillance and ranger patrols are implemented by the reserve to protect wildlife from illegal hunting and trade.

Anti-poaching measures, including surveillance and ranger patrols are implemented by the reserve to protect wildlife from illegal hunting and trade.

It is also an important source of income for the local communities, through tourism and other related activities, as well as preserving their way of life and culture.

The Masai Mara is a model of how conservation and human development can coexist.