Trekking Wentz

On Thursday, considering Em was going to Yoga and I needed something to aim for I decided to get up early and head for the nearest peak.

I set off at around 10am with hope of at least making the first visible climb as I'm not what you'd call particularly fit. After 30 mins I nearly gave up after nearly puking. It was a steep climb through a village and whilst there was a path to follow it was hardly govermentally designed or maintained. I didn't give up though and reached my first stop at a cafe looking down the valley to the village we live in.

After being pointed in the right direction I headed off along the Indiana Jones style paths around and up the mountain contours, constantly wondering if I was going the wrong way!!!

That first part was the easiest, but it got harder as I went. Another cafe stop on the way....you'll be amazed where Indians/Tibetans will stick cafe to serve up the trekker some chai. How they get all the resources as there is a wonder as there is no way any vehicle could make it up there, and I include mountain bikes.

The last stint to the top was the steepest and most mystically feeling, with the clouds rising into the pine forests around you and the awesome landscape with huge boulders and rock formations hanging onto the steep hillside.

When I saw I was near the top I actually got a surge of exciteent, adrenaline and joy for what is a huge achievment for me.

In total the trek up the mountain was a 1000m acsent over 10km which took 3.5 hours. Pretty chuffed as a first go. The top was like a large meadow/plain but with steep sides looking down each side with loads of clouds. Unfortunately had missed the chance to see the snowpeaked Himalayas due to too much cloud cover. There again a few small shack cafes up top to have chai. I however found a jutting rock overhanginng the hill and rested for an hour listening to Aphex Twin's Ambient Works. It was very tranquil and quiet up there and with beautiful surroundings.

After chilling out for an hour or so I headed back down the mountain, this time a 12-14km as this time I walked back into the main town to get money out then back to the village we stayed at. The wildlife out here is amazing also, so many types of birds from paraqueets to eagles/hawks, different types of monkey, gaots, sheep and marmets!!!

As you can imaging I was knackered later and hurt the next day, but I think it was worth it.

Check out some of the photos