Conquering our own "cliffs of insanity!"

Sitting here in Darjeeling, it seems quite a feat looking back on the arduous trek the group and I just accomplished. From Yuksam at 6,000 ft. to Dzongri at 13,200 ft., we were out in the Himalayas for a good 7 days; days full of ups and downs, challenges and rewards, pain and beauty. I believe the trek was much harder than most of us expected, and in that sense, it was much more meaningful to hike up thousands of feet over the course of 3 days uphill and 3 days downhill.

Throughout the hike the group had a natural split between those who really took on the mountain and those who wished to take their time through the forests. I believe we were all comfortable with the paces we chose, either speeding up or slowing down whenever the jagged rocks that were our steps became too intense. The first day we hiked about 8km and stopped for camp at a random field to the side of the trail. Our dedicated and amazing porters and cook, Tenzing, made a delicious meal of vegi momo's, dhal bhat, and chapati.
The second day was just as difficult, or challenging I should say, and we stopped in a small mountain village called Tsokha for the night. Of course we had more satisfying food waiting for us, and as well as entertainment that night: some of the locals and our porters got together for song and dance. Chelsea, Isabel, Molly, Suz and I went to check out the "dancing" which was really a bunch of turning in circles and jumping around, accompanied by yelling or chanting and the clapping of the hands. Our friend from our Lepcha homestay, Pema, was there to join in!

The next day we reached Dzongri. The view was absolutely breathtaking from where we set up camp, and we all took into appreciation the fact that we were, indeed, on top of a mountain in the Himalayas. An awesome feeling and sight. The full day we spent in Dzongri went to resting our bodies or going on a pleasant day hike up to some view points along the mountain ridges. And despite the cold weather, we all rather enjoyed the alarmingly fresh mountain air and relieving atmostphere around us.

The group has taken to having "story time!" inspired by Chelsea and myself to spread our love of Princess Bride with the rest of the group. Drew, our leader, however, knows the entire story by heart, and we barely need to read the book aloud to follow it along, as Drew could act it out word-for-word. But it has indeed been a nice group experience, thought it doesn't measure up to what the group went through during the trek. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually we all had our own revelations on the mountain.

The morning we awoke at 3:30am for the sunrise over Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kanchenjunga was certainly a magical one. Seeing the pristine peaks at first light was an experience we're bound to keep near and dear to our hearts throughout the trip, and most likely throughout our lives. Because despite the bitter cold weather, and wind really nipping at our noses, the mountains overpowered any sense of discomfort. The mountains stood there in striking beauty, and all we could do was be there in the presence of them. For me, seeing something so magnificent at such a young age was invaluable, and I am so glad to have been able to share that experience with the group. I know we all had our individual moments with mountains, but as a group we saw them together, and it brought us closer.

Tonight is our first ever train ride in India. Kolkata is near, and we feel anticipation. Are we prepared for it? Who knows! I do know that we're all looking forward to more growth.

Until next post,
Namaste,

Olivia