Asia » Nepal » Annapurna
May 6th 2008

Published: May 20th 2008

Our first stop on the trek. There is a nice view to either side.

My journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary began Saturday, May 3rd. I walked and walked, passing through villages and curving around mountain sides. I had no idea where we were going other than words on a map. I just knew there was a stone path, many stairs and Muna (my guide) was going to keep me on the straight and narrow whenever I wavered.

some days I needed all the help I could get

Climbing to 4,100 meters is not a simple feat. The Nepali have taken to heart the saying that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. In this case, a straight line of stone steps and paths running up and down which connect neighboring villages.

There were many moments of going straight up, only to hike straight back down the other side of a 'hill' in order to cross a river and then go straight up the next hill to a lower elevation. It made me feel a little crazy and I actually despaired on day three, wondering if I had made a huge mistake by taking this on. I searched for inspiration and strength to continue, and got really present to the

Muna My Fearless Guide!

Resting a bit while I snap away.

privilege of being immersed in beauty and having the grace, ease, strength and well-being to be able to start and complete this journey into the Himalaya. I was moved to tears and sat down on the edge of the trail and let it all out.

When I say let it out, I'm talking about GRATITUDE. Everything in my life I was thankful for came flooding into my mind and soul. SO POWERFUL.

We walked in silence

Trekking is like meditation. Nothing is everything. I looked for a mental space where I could escape what was happening physically, absorb my surroundings, and leave the mental noise. At first I thought two weeks of walking would mean reflecting on life and deciding what my next steps will be. In reality, it left me feeling physically exhausted and mentally fresh as I spent most of the day in the zone. I loved it.

While walking, we would stop in a village along the way for tea or lunch. In the early afternoon, we would reach our destination for the night and I would shower (when possible), have a late lunch or snack, and relax for the rest of the

Village Near Landruk

day. I would write, try to find a nearby view, talk to other trekkers and even take an occasional nap. Bed time was often 8pm and I would pretend to read before falling asleep. On a normal day, wake up was 6am but on a sunrise view day we were getting up at 5am in order to catch the first rays.

It was BEAUTIFUL!! Enjoy the pictures. I've made separate entries to help separate the sections of the journey. Here are some photos from our way up to Annapurna Base Camp. The first 5 days.

Additional photos below

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