This April I began a trek in the Annapurna region in Nepal, intending to visit the ancient villages of Nar and Phu. We also intended to head over Kang La Pass, (17,500 ft). However, due to extremely high snow over the winter the pass was not possible. In addition, I had some minor stomach problems which ultimately developed into dehydration and having to cut my trekking short. The other four in the group were able to continue trekking without me. As a result, I had a short trek with an extended time in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Click here to see the photos.

My favorite photos of the trip were of a sunset over Lake Phewa in Pokhara. I had just finished eating pizza in a restaurant and I could see the sky lighting up. As soon as I finished eating, we dashed to the lake and an incredible sunset. Unfortunately, my DSLR was in the hotel. All I had was my phone camera.

Another highlight was entering the valley after leaving the village of Koto. All of us trekkers were in awe of the beauty of this valley. I compared it to a scene from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings! Others thought of the pristine beauty that John Muir must have seen when he first entered Yosemite Valley.

A final highlight was paragliding in Pokhara.