Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Nepal - Annapurna Trek

We flew to Kathmandu to prepare for our 6 day trek through the Annapurna range. Dorchi, our guide, greeted us at the airport and gave us more information about the trek. Still, none of us really knew what was in store. It turns out that 6 invigorating, rigorous, and mind-blowing days were ahead.

To understand the scale of the Himalayas you must see them in person. We were viewing peaks that were close to 30,000 feet tall. The tallest peaks in the U.S. only reach 13,000 feet. On top of that, the trail we were taking went through many rural villages where we met hard working and friendly men, women and children. The villages sat on terraced slopes that made for picturesque vistas at every turn. What made it even better, was that we were experiencing this with our wonderful friends. Liz and Sam brought laughter and a sense of appreciation that enhanced each day (we love you guys!).

Physically, this was the hardest thing we have ever done. On average, we hiked 6-7 hours per day, mostly uphill. We were running on pure excitement and the delicious food that the tea houses made for us. In total, we climbed about 10,000 feet and approximately 58km! This experience has further opened our eyes to how people in this world are living and has given us a great sense of personal achievement.

Watch how you go...

Ian and Greg

Kathmandu...

Plane to Pokhara...3 pills of xanax...

Our first look at the Himalayas...

Lunch on our first day of hiking...

Sam and Greg, master navigators...


2 months into turning 30 and Greg's knees are giving out...


Fishtail...


Our Guides, Dorchi & Chitra...


Prayer Flags at 2800 meters...


Our first sight of snow...


Donkey parade...


We woke up at 4:30am to see the sunrise above the Himalayas...
Sherpas carrying chickens...
Our crew...
At the finish line...

1 comment:

  1. Hey Guys,
    These pictures are truly amazing! Love you!
    xo
    Ali

    ReplyDelete