We left our hotel just before five this morning to make the steep one hour trek up Poon Hill in time for sunrise. The views on the way up were incredible as darkness gave way to light but then as we cleared the summit, the sky opened to reveal nearly 360° of magnificence. There are no words to describe this place. Majestic snow capped ranges, deep green valleys cleaving the foot of the slopes, a sky painted in pinks and oranges until the sun broke its own way into the day over the shoulder of the range to color the day a stunning azure blue. Our weather was cold but clear and perfect. Standing there at 10,000+ feet, there was so much joy in the air among the dozens of other climbers from all corners of the world who decided to start the day the same. We could see the Dhaulagiri range all the way to the Manaslu range.

Altitude sickness is real and can be serious at these heights and some in our group did experience this a bit, but all recovered quickly. If you plan to climb to altitudes like this, talk to your doctor about prevention.

When all had had their fill of magic, we completed the 2.5 mile round trip trek back to the hotel, grabbed breakfast then hiked another several hours to cover five miles and 4000 feet down down down to the Nagyethati and our lodging in Ullari for the night.

On the way down through the jungle, we found monkeys in the rhododendrons high overhead and a gorgeous, fairytale swimming hole in a tiny mossy gorge lined in surreal shades of greens. Only one brave soul dared the cold plunge.

This guesthouse was nestled on a steep slope in the valley, through which we could see Annapurna. Some yoga in the yard with incredible views, traditional lunch of dal baht again, and a nap concluded the afternoon. David held a group meditation before dinner then we called it a day for some much-needed rest. He is a superb teacher and affable guide, offering wisdom, insight, and humor. Find him on Insight Timer, Facebook, and his Meditation School website.

We descended over 4,000 feet and seven miles of steps. This was day 4 of 5. Everyone was sore and fatigued so our guides decided we would exit the mountain by keep tomorrow rather than hike the last few miles. At first many of us were relieved but then secondary feelings bubbled up that included disappointment. We thought there was one more day of hiking. We thought we had another day to appreciate all of this and wrap it up.

The big lesson: we must learn to appreciate every moment as if it was our last because we never know when it is our last.

This has been by far the most challenging and phenomenal hike of my life, one that reveal my inner strength, determination, broke an emotional dam, and freed my spirit on a few levels. I am lighter, happier, and feel freer. I’m so impressed with my body that she showed up for me, did this trek despite begging for mercy at times, and very little training and prep due to an injury shortly before leaving for this adventure. I had big concerns because of that injury, knowing it wouldn’t keep me off the mountain but might be a lot less fun. But my body showed up and we took care of each other.

And as the greater group created new bonds, we all began looking out for one another. Strangers one day, good friends, perhaps lifelong friends, mere days later.

What experiences have you had with strangers that brought you together in unique ways?

Love, Wen