My cousin, Emily, recently trekked up to through the Himalayas (recent meaning she completed this last week)! This is how she described her journey:

I just completed ten days of hiking at the top of the world – the Himalayas. I was privileged to be part of a group of 15 trekkers hiking the famed “Annapurna Circuit” around a cluster of soaring mountains in central Nepal. The scenery along the way was unlike anything I have witnessed and perhaps even imagined. Over the course of one week we hiked from roughly 9,000 feet of altitude all the way up and over nearly 18,000 feet. That final bit of staggering altitude was, in fact, one of the very highest passes in the world (Thorong La Pass). And I climbed and crossed it! I felt quite a sense of healthy accomplishment standing at the top of Thorong La and staring out at the bluest sky I could have imagined, surrounded by the silence of the dizzying heights. It was epic. Literally. “Backpacking” and “camping” take on a whole new meaning in the unbelievable beauty of the Himalayas. It’s scenery on steroids. Everywhere I looked I wanted to take ten photos and just stare in awe. This sort of epic trek is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. I’m counting it as one of my most courageous and happiest experiences.

Thank you so much, Emily, for sharing your journey!!! I am so proud of you! I hope to hike through these beautiful mountains one day!