My best elevation hike before embarking on this trip was to the summits of local hills in the San Francisco Bay Area, which are about 2,000 to 4,000 feet in height. This hike was different—starting from the trailhead at 15,000 feet above sea level, we hiked to a campsite surrounded by mountains located at 17,100 feet above sea level. This is where people usually rest overnight before continuing further on the trail. Even though the height differential was not much, the low oxygen levels at these altitudes made me gasp for air and feel exhausted.
The morning, after a good night’s rest, I stepped out of the lodge where we were staying, my eyes still adjusting to the light outside. Lo and behold, I was greeted by this incredible sight! A portion of the distant mountains in the western direction (Gangdise mountain range) was brilliantly lit in golden yellow by the first light. The rest of the landscape was still in deep shadows. I also noticed swift-moving, glowing clouds on the mountain. Some Buddhist prayer flags were fluttering in the light morning breeze. This magical moment lasted barely a few minutes.
