As they say, ABC, "Annapurna Base Camp Trek,"

For me, the ABCs of trekking became the ABCs of life.

Tough and rewarding,

I thought I couldn't do it at times. But kept on walking.

Beautiful 108 waterfalls,

Baraha Temple, the center of faith and belief

It felt good to see the Himalayas.

Pizza was the right option: fresh and cheesy.

Deurali was nice and early.

Clicking pictures and exploring my imagination,

Happy people, uphill, and downhill

And lovely flowers, waterfalls, stone-paved uphill, and your camera bringing you up here,

At the airport, I met my travel companion, and we began our journey of togetherness.

Talking to walking people,

People on pilgrimage,

All the way up, slowly and steadily, though a few showoffs rush like thunderbolts and walk like Ferraris.

The next day's long uphill took my breath away.

It seems to be just there, just a few more corners away.

That never-ending uphill, and happy faces walking down,

The best I heard was "it's not far."

Some gave the impression it was far away.

Finally reaching Machhapuchhre basecamp,

Happy and charmed, mountains all around

I met friends on the trail, many resting and one rolling.

Fresh mountain goat meat with Dhal-Bhat was all that was required for this tired body of mine.

For the final push towards basecamp

Happy and charmed, mountains all around

With warm sunshine and an excited mind,

I walked at full speed for a while, but only for a while.

Soon I started getting slow in thin air.

Then I let everyone go to enjoy

Slowly, I started getting lost in the blowing wind and moving clouds.

Amazing surroundings and tired faces

Clicking memories and recalling heard stories

I waited for people to pass ahead.

I made some videos and clicked a few pictures.

My pilgrimage was at a slow pace,

My pilgrimage was to Happy Space.

I could see my travel companion waiting patiently far up, lost in own space.

Hoping I would increase my pace,

But I kept on at a snail's pace, lost in my own space.

Then, suddenly, upon seeing a young man running

Carrying a big bag on his head

I decided to give it a go and run as well.

To my surprise, I ran more than 70 steps.

Felt super fresh.

A surreal moment! My pilgrimage

My mountain pilgrimage, welcoming me with freshness

With happiness and with arms wide open,

Sheep grazing and dogs taking care of the process kept my camera busy.

Far away, a nearby fishtail mountain spread out like a pillar of strength.

I walk in peace, numb, I guess, with the music of a flowing breeze, moving clouds, flowing water, and smooth, rhythmic sound.

Creating life with its every touch

Finally, I saw, within the cloud, Peaceful Mountains all around.

Mother Nature, the mountains of the Annapurna range,

Worshipped for prosperity and a life full of grains,

At the Garden of the Himalayas, My pilgrimage to a happy space

My happy Journey with a happy face