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Tran Trung Hieu shared more about his experience of trekking in the freezing winter in Nepal: “It was an amazing journey that anyone who enjoys physical activity should try. When trekking here, my mind was completely empty, free from everyday worries and focused on the present. All I saw was the white snow, the route, and the belief that I would overcome any challenge.”
The starting point is also where life is reborn.
The 170-kilometer Langtang Gosaikunda trail in Nepal is the perfect combination of adventure and sightseeing. Starting in the Langtang valley, the final leg leads travelers to Lake Gosaikunda, located at an altitude of 4,380 meters. This lake is known as a sacred lake in Nepalese belief.
Hiking is a personal and personal growth experience.
Tran Trung Hieu began his journey with four friends in January. By then, the snow had stopped falling, making it safe enough for the hikers to avoid sudden blizzards. Blizzards here usually occur in December and are particularly dangerous, feeling as if they could sweep away all signs of life in their path.
The group began their journey from the Langtang Valley, the site of a devastating avalanche in 2015. The avalanche claimed the lives of over 300 people and destroyed numerous villages. But then, life revived, with survivors, newcomers, and adventurous travelers returning, much like steadfast travelers rising from adversity.
Despite thorough preparation, the cold of this sacred land still made even the fittest hesitate. Daytime temperatures ranged from 5-10 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures plummeted to -5 to -10 degrees Celsius. Hieu's group planned a 14-day trip to conquer 170 km of road. Each day, the group had to travel at least 5 km to reach the next rest stops, known as tea houses, along the route.
Despite their determination, by the second day, the group had disagreements due to the harsh conditions.
Despite their determination, disagreements arose on the second day. A female member of Hieu's group, an office worker with limited physical strength and carrying nearly 10 kg of luggage, felt unwell and wanted to turn back. At this point, returning would only take one day, but continuing the journey would take 12 days, adding 12 more hardships. Hieu himself felt a little discouraged.
Everyone began discussing and decided to continue the journey despite the many challenges ahead. Every beginning is difficult; after overcoming the first three tiring days, the hardest part of any walking journey, the beautiful scenery along the way captivated the group's minds and dispelled their fatigue.
Unforgettable memories from the journey.
Many things happen along the walking route. But the most pressing concern for the hikers is the water bottle. The water is refilled at each rest stop, but it's extremely cold and easily freezes each day.
Tran Trung Hieu laughed as he recounted the memory: "On the first day of the challenge, I left my water bottle outside and it froze overnight. Since then, every night before going to bed, the water bottle has become an indispensable item that I have to bring with me to sleep."
Each member had to make an effort not to be discouraged by the biting cold.
In the highlands of Nepal, the nights are bitterly cold, and the rooms at the rest stops lack heating. Every night, Hieu would wear four layers of clothing plus a heat pack and a blanket just to keep himself warm while he slept. Often, due to exhaustion and the harsh conditions, he wondered if he would even make it to the next morning.
The trip also took us through some truly impressive regions of Nepal. The group traveled through Kyanjin Gompa National Park, at an altitude of 3,830 meters, with its rich vegetation. Then, they continued to conquer the snow-capped peak of Tserko Ri, at 4,984 meters. Next, they descended and experienced the Shin Gompa rainforest (3,300 meters) with its majestic oak trees and beautiful rhododendrons. Finally, they all arrived at Gosaikunda, a sacred land at an altitude of 4,380 meters.
Whenever you face difficulties, remember why you started this journey in the first place.
Along the way, many members of Hieu's group suffered from stomach aches, scratches, or altitude sickness. The food was also not very good, often consisting only of hot soups eaten at rest stops, and it was becoming increasingly expensive. Each member also carried nearly 10 kg of luggage on their backs for the long journey, causing body aches and fatigue. The strong winter winds, which cut through the skin, were also a major obstacle. But thanks to determination and luck, the group successfully completed the trip together.
Tran Trung Hieu further shared: "The most memorable moment was probably when the group was crossing the forest and encountered a very adorable stray dog. It followed the group all day for companionship; it was truly a miracle of nature."
Little joys are always present along the way.
The destination is maturity.
After the arduous trip, which unconsciously impacted him, Hieu found himself living more frugally and appreciating what he had more. He shared that while he used to waste electricity, water, or food, after the trip he naturally became more conscious about his lifestyle and consumption.
He no longer leaves lights on when not needed, but turns them off immediately to save energy. When showering, he also uses just enough water, remembering the times when water was scarce on the freezing snow-capped peaks. Now, every year he chooses to return to the hiking trail in Nepal to gain more lessons that help him grow.
The biggest change is that he feels his mind is "clear." Hieu shared: "During trekking trips, I feel all my worries disappear. The mental blockages about bills, work, or relationships are gone. So I really want to be able to take more trips to Nepal, Laos, or Pakistan – places everyone should try at least once in their lifetime."
The biggest change was that he found his mind "clear."
