If you are interested in active holidays and are drawn to mountains and different cultures, a trip to the Himalayas may be a rewarding experience. You might get hooked and have to keep going back…
The Allure of the Peaks: The Classic Image of the Himalayas
The Himalayas are primarily associated with mountaineering feats, such as scaling snow-capped 8,000-meter peaks and breaking records. The first woman to summit, the first pensioner, the first solo ascent, ascent without oxygen, a new route, a new route in winter… the list goes on. As do the names of famous and less famous mountaineers, both living and those who lost their lives on expeditions.
All this paints a picture of the Himalayas as an inaccessible, dangerous place, viewed through the lens of high-altitude expeditions.
Beyond the Summits: The Hidden Gems of Himalayas Trekking
Exactly. High-altitude. After all, the Himalayas aren’t just about the peaks. They only make up a small percentage of the total area. So where’s the rest? The rest is below 8,000, 7,000, or even 5,000 meters above sea level. For example, glaciers in the Himalayas cover around 10,000 square kilometres, which is only about 1.5% of its surface area.
Exploring the Lower Valleys: Where the Real Adventure Begins
I used to have similar ideas. Until I realised that people living in the Himalayas don’t live on mountain peaks. Sure, there are settlements at quite high altitudes, but they’re not on the summits! You can easily walk between them, admire the snow-capped peaks from lower areas, and interact with the local people while soaking up the Himalayan atmosphere.
The Changing Image of Nepal: More Than Just Snow-Capped Mountains
The image of Nepal and the Himalayas, shaped by the media and general perception, began to change in my mind. The snow retreated and was only present in the higher parts of the mountains. Subtropical forests, bamboo, and palm trees appeared. I no longer needed an ice axe and crampons in my gear.
I thought it was time to confront my ideas, both new and old, with reality. I chose Annapurna and a trek around its massif. The exact itinerary, however, was created… on the trail.
Choosing My Path: The Annapurna Adventure Begins
I should add that I don’t read travelogues, guides, or advice. Before a trip, I only gather the most basic and necessary information, and the rest happens on the spot.
Some might say that’s reckless, stupid, and dangerous. That would be the case for someone who puts down their beer cans, turns off the TV, gets off the couch, and triumphantly announces to the world: “I’m going to the Himalayas!”
My physical condition isn’t the worst. The only thing I was worried about was altitude sickness, which I wouldn’t be able to prevent due to lack of time and a busy schedule. It turned out that simply following a few simple rules could minimise its symptoms.
The gallery below features photos taken during my stay in Nepal. The images are arranged chronologically, from Kathmandu, through the Annapurna Circuit trek, to Pokhara. Photos from the culminating stage of the trek are featured in A Story About My Annapurna Circuit Trek Over Thorong La Pass.
Visit to Kathmandu: A City That Sparks Curiosity
Kathmandu. I always wanted to go there. I don’t know why. Maybe because there’s a “t” and an “h” together in the name and it ends in a “u”? Maybe because there are interesting elevations nearby? Maybe because I thought that an undulating terrain and an unusual-sounding name ending in “u” must hide some secret?
In December, I landed in Kathmandu. In twelve days without acclimatisation stops, I circled Annapurna. I crossed the Thorung La Pass (5416m) and rushed to Pokhara. Since there’s also an “h” in the name here, I stayed in the town for two days, then quickly to the airport in Kathmandu and home.
Unfortunately, I was only able to spend two days in Kathmandu. Two days? Ha! More like two days not nearly long enough! I could fill a novel with complaints about how short my time was, but let’s be honest, I was there for one thing and one thing only: to walk around Annapurna.
Reflections and the Need to Return
Looking Back at Photos from Nepal: A Desire to Go Back
I need more. And that’s a very mild statement. I’m looking at the photos from Nepal. I would find it hard to believe I was there if it weren’t for them. Everything happened so quickly that as soon as it started, it ended. Such a short moment. Very short. Almost imperceptible.
Planning the Next Trek: Annapurna Again, or Everest Base Camp?
I have to go back. Go back for a bit longer than twelve days. Maybe I’ll go for a walk around Annapurna again, just modifying the route slightly, and I’ll want to stay in some villages for longer than just one night. Maybe this time Annapurna will lose to Everest Base Camp? It’s a bit higher than the Thorung La Pass, but the route is also more interesting. I don’t know yet. I only know that now I want to spend more time photographing and simply being in certain places.
