IT was in 2015 when I first stepped foot in Nepal and explored the beauty of the country. I trekked to Annapurna Base Camp with friends. That particular trip made me fall in love with the beauty of Annapurna.
I made up my mind to visit the place again, and last November, I was back in the land of the mountains to make my second trip to Annapurna Base Camp. In this group, I was the only one who has trekked in the area.
I could see the excitement and nervousness among my fellow travellers before the trek. To be honest, I felt the same as well. Although it was my second time, the idea of being able to witness the beauty of Annapurna again raised goosebumps.
In the company of Areza, Uruk, Ayie, Pae, Jaez, Mar, Rezo, Suff, Kilah and Wanie, the hiking was full of joy and laughter. There was never a dull moment during the trip, even when some of us were down with Acute Mountain Sickness at the base camp. Luckily there were no blizzards unlike my first trip. The weather was dry and clear during the day but, of course, very cold at night.
The highlight of the trip was the spectacular sunrise at the base camp. This was the moment that we had been eagerly waiting for after five days of walking. To be able to watch the sun paint the mountains with a gold hue is an amazing and unforgettable experience.
It is quite impossible for me to share how spectacular it was to be there. You must experience it yourself. There’s this saying, “It’s better to see something once than to hear about it 1,000 times.”
Azli Wahab is an avid mountaineer who always brings along a camera on his hiking adventures. Reach him at traveltimes@nst.com.my.