Breathe In, Breathe Out, One Step at a Time my Friend... 🇳🇵
ABC TREK, NEPAL
When you put your selfless intention into something, you will achieve it. Nature is filled with wonders. Loving sounds, scenery and creatures that live freely. Nature gives you life and asks for nothing in return. Let’s fully appreciate it and create a good relationship with it.
* Valuable Mantras used along the way*
Breathe in Peace, breath out Silence.
Breathe in Strength, breath our Power.
Breathe in Will, breath out Determination.
Breathe in Patience, breath out Courage.
Day 1: Nayapul to Tikhedhungga – 4 hour hike
6.6 miles/10.6 km 17,900 steps - 140 floors climbed
The first day, just like in many other experiences, is where the biggest test presents itself. The body wants to pull you completely: “There is no way you can do this” “Come on you are already struggling with breathing, the weight, the stomach…” “I don’t know if our mental strength will overcome our physical conditions moving forward” “It has only been two hours and I am already dead.”
After sitting down for a tea to rest and to get off the dirt roads filled with dust, you REDIRECT your thoughts. You become strong once again and you continue! Every perspective in life depends on your thoughts, your approach, and your response.
We are a team and we are here together to support each other. We will make it!
Day 2: Tikhedhungga to Ghorepani – 6 hour hike
6.9 miles/11.2 km 18,800 steps, 330 floors climbed
Mentally recovered, we started the day with great energy. You hear, “Oh, it’s going to be a long day going all the way up for the whole time”… but what you really hear, after translating it inside, is, “Today is going to be a beautiful scenery day as we go up the mountains”.
Oh there were lots of steps along the mountain. We had a powerful self-guided body scan, thanking each part of the body, starting with the toes all the way up to the head. Taking the time to acknowledge the effort that the body is putting here is very important for your MENTAL STRENGTH and the connection of mind - body. This helps develop a healthy relationship with yourself, becoming your own best friend.
Passing through Ulleri we got to see the first signs of the white-capped mountains, which got us really excited. As we were enjoying a nice “walk” from Ulleri to Bhatanti covered from the sun with beautiful shining trees, we had the biggest realization of all:
“We may not have enough Nepali cash to make it all the way up as the prices of food and accommodation increase.”
We took it with humor and the belief that if it is meant to happen, it will happen. We will have positive visualizations and good wishes about it, then it’s in hands of the universe. With that, we knew we were not going to be able to stop to buy a tea or any snacks. Until now we have been eating some bread with peanut butter, apples, crackers and bananas, that we have brought, hopefully they last a little longer.
Arriving to Ghorepani was the biggest accomplishment of all. One hour after arrival it started pouring. We started our first tea house hunt aiming for the cheapest one. Somehow, while everyone was paying 400-500 rupees (aprox 4-5 dollars, 3-4 euros), we got free accommodation promising that we would have dinner and breakfast there. Including a big smile and a look of please, please, please you can’t say no J Keeping in mind the meaning of KARMA. What you give you receive, also means that if you receive you should definitely give, and you have to keep your eyes and all senses open to not miss the opportunities to GIVE.
It is beyond freezing in the room, if you stick your nose out of the sleeping bag, ooooh boy… And we are only 2,874 meters high. First symptoms of a nice friendly cold... sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, etc.
Day 3: Ghorepani to Tadapani – 6:45 hour hike
+ Ghorepani to Poon Hill for sunrise (3200 meters high) and back to Ghorepani.
10.7 miles/17.2 km 24,800 steps, 255 floors climbed
We woke up at 4:00 am to climb up “a few” steps to see the sunrise. It was quite challenging on the way there, extremely cold while climbing steps for an hour with lots of headlamps around. The moment you stop for a second and look around you, most of the body issues go away. There is the power of that second where you gaze at the moon, the stars, and the mountains, you go beyond all that. For a second you recharge your soul with enough energy to fill up your body and move forward, remembering that at any point you can stop, check, and change.
This sunrise is the most incredible thing we have ever seen, it leaves you speechless and amazed at the beauty of nature. You are part of nature, you belong here. The moon is just one day after the full moon and it’s sharing its unlimited light on the mountain range.
The Deurali Pass after leaving Ghorepani had such incredible views of the mountains, walking through the forest reminded us of fairytales. Nice coverage, easy hike down, moss on trees, gorgeous. The colorful flags along the path guide the pilgrims to their goal, and they also represent the 5 elements. This pilgrimage is very physical yet primarily mental. Walking past streams and water falls, the hike was a little up/lots of down/lots of up, our motivation to arrive to Tadapani – eat the bread we have left over for lunch… Oh that tasted good!
Upon arrival we began the search for a free hotel room, workers laughed at Mitch, but then seeing our firm faces they immediately agreed. We met very interesting people from France, Denmark and Sweden who were going to be volunteering in Nepal educating locals on the risks and preventions of diabetes. They shared some granola bars and half of an apple pie (delicious but nothing like Mama’s) with us and we shared some dark chocolate (very hard to find on this side of the world).
Day 4: Tadapani to Upper Sinuwa – 8:30 hour hike (got lost)
14 miles/22.6km 30,500 steps, 240 floors climbed
We woke up feeling renewed and not as cold. Feeling strong to start an early day hike at 7:00 am in order to make it to Bamboo around 3:00 or 4:00. We shared breakfast to keep costs down. People thought we were crazy when we told them that we wanted to make it to Bamboo. Those who have fears also want you to become fearful! However, you choose what you listen to and what you take in.
The beginning of the hike was extremely pleasant, nobody around, birds singing, and the large branches peacefully swaying in the soft breeze. It felt like we were in another dimension. As we continued to stroll through a path that seemed too easy, we started looking at each other thinking, “hmmmmm, I know we are both thinking the same thing right now, but no way that could have happen let’s keep going”. No words had to be spoken, our eye to eye communication usually works pretty well and we were merged in silence at that moment.
All of the sudden, far off in the distance on the other side of the valley, we noticed large groups of people hiking up. “Whoops! Are we going the right way?” we finally said. Fortunately after not seeing one soul only cows for the past 1.5 hour, we came across a local who told us we were going the complete opposite way. Great! First thoughts you get: we don’t have enough money to even eat lunch and on top of that on the day we need to hike the farthest, we get lost… and the cold symptoms are gently creeping in more and more. You take a moment, you breathe in, let go of negative and demoralizing thoughts and you CONTINUE!
After redirecting and catching up to the groups, they were amazed to see us after we had left much earlier. We gave everything we had and when we made it to Sinuwa, only 1.5 hours from Bamboo, after going up for most of the time we gave up.
It was definitely the most challenging day both mentally and physically. Most miles walked, got lost, thinking we arrived early to a place but it ended up being a different place, couldn’t have walked anymore, did not reach our desired destination, not feeling our legs especially our calves. It required a great deal of letting go of expectations and distractions of wasteful thoughts. We maintained our strength despite everything. We enjoyed an early big dinner. Fun fact: everyone was staring at us without saying a word since we looked like we hadn’t eaten in a while.
While resting in bed reflecting on everything from a detached observer seat, we came to the realization that we simply could not do the hike. We were burning too many calories and not eating enough food to replenish ourselves, it was just not healthy. We ate all of the dark chocolate we had left in a moment of complete surrender. Our egos were not going to guide us, our health is more important.
Yes! We were waiving the white flag in defeat and it was not easy to sleep that night.
Day 5: Upper Sinuwa to Deurali – 6:30 hour hike
9.5 miles/15.3 22,603 steps, 275 floors climbed
THE DECISIVE DAY – Mase woke up at 4:00 with a newly found energy and was determined to find a way to get more money as a last attempt. At this moment we had two options: finding a way to get more cash to continue, or turn back and enjoy ourselves being able to return safely. We came up with two ideas on how to get more Nepali cash:
Ask someone to give us cash and send them the money via Paypal;
Sell some of our belongings: like a Yankee shirt, head lamp, dry fit towel, and bracelet.
We were putting ourselves in hands of the universe, if it was meant to be we had firm trust that it would happen.
As we were having breakfast, this time our own individual plates since we had given up… Oh man was that nice! Although we did finish the peanut butter… game over? Anyway, as we were having breakfast, one of the nicest people in the world sat down near us and we started talking. We had already spotted that group since it was the only group of Americans we had heard and they were “coincidentally” in the room right next to us. We shared a little bit of our situation and, without asking, Mary said, “Oh my God, there is no way you guys are turning back I am going to talk to my two friends and see what we can do”. We had shared our situation with other people and nobody showed as much compassion and empathy as these three wonderful fellows. We are so grateful for them, thanks to them we were able to continue, transferred them the money immediately and met them several times along the way.
Thank you guys! :)
We stopped for tea AND for lunch… pizza time, what a treat! It was a magical hike filled with bamboo trees. We were also energetically filled and recharged. The hike started getting a little challenging and drops of water started coming down from the clouds. We were getting closer to Deurali, our goal for the day, as we were hearing that it was going to be difficult to find a room. Along the valley, Mitch took Mase’s bag and she started literally racing other couples on the way. It was a silent secret race where no one said anything but we all knew that we had to hurry to get a bed. This was the last stop before MBC and turning back was not an option. Through the mountainside filled with rocks, rain, and ups and downs, we made it to Deurali. We secured ourselves the last two “beds” in the dining hall. Our home for the night, this time it wasn’t free!
(Our fellow Americans reached there a bit later and happened to be staying at the same place. They had a room since when you hike with a guide or a group, you get everything booked in advance).
Day 6: Deurali to MBC to ABC to MBC – 5:00 hour hike (ARRIVAL)
8.5 miles/13.7km 21,000 steps, 210 floors climbed
It was a good night in the dining hall, Mitch had a rat visiting him during the night but other than that and the cold, it was quite pleasant. We had an early start with a slow and very STEEP walk up to MBC. The feeling of the higher elevation in our breathing was getting more intense. We had to race a little bit again to find a spot at MBC even though it was early in the morning. We had a specific guy that was clearly following us everywhere really wanting to share a room with us, and he sure did. We were again feeling very fortunate that we were going to have a bed that night. After resting for a little, we decided to go for a walk up the mountain in order to get accustom to the elevation prior to sleeping at MBC that night (3700 meters high). We headed up towards ABC without having any intention on reaching there.
We planned on going up to ABC the next morning for the sunrise. As we were strolling really enjoying the views, the feeling, the excitement, the fresh air, the tranquility, the freedom, and the CONNECTION to nature… we kept going until we reached ANNAPURA BASE CAMP.
Oh what an incredible feeling of satisfaction, fulfillment, grace and gratitude. Unbelievable views of the mountain range, Annapurna South and Fishtail. Just breathtaking. What a wonderful feeling!
Day 7: MBC to Lower Sinuwa – 8:30 hour hike
12.2 miles/19.7km 31,500 steps, 100 floors climbed
What a difference going down, not thinking about money, not being on a rush, not worrying about anything. It was such a great hike knowing what we had just accomplished. Seeing our other hiking friends along the way, the sun shining, we were able to enjoy the views from MBC all the way down to Lower Sinuwa. We reached Lower Sinuwa and had a great night with a couple of Englishmen that we had met several times. The Nepalese happened to be having a celebration as well and we danced, sang, and enjoyed quality time with the locals for a perfect last night.
Day 8: Lower Sinuwa to Motkyu – 6:00 hour hike
We had a nice breakfast, bid farewells to all our friends and headed down to check out the hot springs in Jinu (extremely overrated). We crossed the biggest bridge ever where Mitch had to breathe in and out many times but he did it (may have pooped himself a little)! We grabbed the bus from Motkyu to go to Pokhara and we ARRIVED safe and sound!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We have learned that the greater you trust, the more you receive. As long as your intentions are pure, the universe will align itself to take care of you. Being in the moment and appreciating every single thing is the greatest gift of all. Never hesitate your next step, the journey is already perfect. Karma should be always be present in your mind. As you travel along, look at everything as an opportunity to exchange positive energy with others and be of service. Helping others does not always require action or interaction, it can be done from positive thoughts and GOOD WISHES. When your energy is open and welcoming, others notice it and you attract such interesting and incredible souls. Smile no matter what!
We feel extremely fortunate for every single moment we have experienced, every person we have met, and we have made such great connection with others and with nature. THANK YOU LIFE!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
* Things we would have brought: more peanut butter, hoodies, cough drops, Vaseline cream.
Most underrated item we brought: Water purifying pills.
Thanks everyone for following us on our journey, especially on this long one. Hope you enjoy the video. It is a nice memory to have for us.
Namaste to all and lots of love,
M & M