Himalayan Trek
Friday, October 21, 2016
Pokhara, Nepal
Adventure is like a mountain, full of ups and downs .
This past week the team faced lots of ups and downs both literally and metaphorically. The trek to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) consisted of nine lengthy days of trekking uphill.
Through the stairs and suspension bridges the whole team trekked together with our wonderful guides Bishnu, Gokul, and Norbu. As the mountain got steeper, the prices followed suit. Team member Charlie explained it as "Inflation based on elevation". This meant lots of dal bhat (rice and lentils with unlimited refills) for everyone on the team. However, the prices didn't stop our fearless leader Tim from purchasing multiple thermoses of masala tea.
Although many trekking poles broke along the way, the whole team successfully made it to ABC to watch the sun rise through the mountains.
Without a dry eye at base camp, the team congratulated each other with hugs and an abundance of masala tea . Some of the team even enjoyed a coconut at the base camp which lead to a less than sweet sensation. Jack made sure to leave his mark at ABC after he sliced his finger instead of the coconut. With everyone feeling very accomplished and proud of themselves the team prepared for the descent down the mountain.
Little did the team know that downhill has a completely different meaning in Nepali. After 3 days of not so downhill, the team finally made it to the bottom. We all felt very accomplished and grew closer as a team. New relationships formed as old relationships strengthened. The hard uphills made the end result more enjoyable as a whole.
For the next two days the team stayed in Pokhara. "It's like a small beach town" explained Jordan. Pokhara was a great place to relax and get some chocolate MOMO (Nepali dumplings) for a reward after the hike. Some students even paddled their own boats across the Pokhara lake to the Peace Pagoda to see another great view of the highest mountain range in the world! Others went to the International Mountain museum and learned more about Nepali culture and mountain climbing. Between the information about Everest and the legend of the yeti the team left the museum feeling very educated.
The team's time in the past few days has been very valuable. The trek left everyone feeling accomplished. The large mountain we climbed helps us believe that we can do anything now!
Also the team has grown closer through the hardships of the trek. Also the days in Pokhara were educational for every member of the group. Although the past week has has its challenges, it has been rewarding.
Allison
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