Himalayas!

Going about your business in Dharamakot and Mcleod Ganj is really difficult what with all these beautiful snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. Since Kate was more into yoga than trekking for five days, I took to the streets to find other like-minded travellers. A few hours later, and without too much difficulty, the party was all set to go the following morning - 2 guides, 3 porters, 3 Germans, 1 Canadian, and a fellow from Portugal.

Everyone was really excited yet nervous because we would be the first group to be going through the mountain pass this year as their had been lots of snow.

The first two days of hiking were not too difficult and were meant mainly to acclimate to the elevation. The third day however, was the most difficult day of hiking that I have ever done. We broke camp at 5am to begin climbing towards the summit but were slowed by lots of snow, the elevation sickness, and the blinding sunlight reflecting off the snow. The warm sun turned the snow into mush, and handholds being few and far between, each step was a half step backward. Thankfully the weather was clear and the view from the summit was breathtaking.