Hiking the Annapurnas and Himalaya
We had the most amazing trip in Nepal, trekking the Annapurnas and Himalaya.
Before we left home, we heard whispers from people telling us not to go (they were wary as the country has been recovering from last April’s earthquake), but we decided to go nonetheless and are so glad we did. Nepal turned out to be very welcoming and the people so grateful we came.
The majestic Himalaya were peaceful and gracious. At times, the trekking was little challenging, given the high elevations, and a couple of nights were very cold, but what a treat it was to be surrounded by 360 degree views of magnificently high peaks and chant “om mani padme hum.”
It was so special to meet Nepalese people on the trails, to talk to great Sherpas, guides, teachers, and others. Our Trip Leader Bhala was outstanding. We met Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita trekking around Namche Bazaar. She has summited Everest and Ama Dablam, and was one in the first group of Nepalese women to summit K2. What an amazing encounter.
We’ll hold these memories of Nepal in our minds and in our hearts (and, of course, documented in our hundreds of photographs). We cherished every moment we spent in Nepal and definitely plan to go back.
-Photos and text by WT adventurers Mira & Andre Lechowicz, Everest and Annapurna Private Journey
