Trekking in the Himalayas was purchased as a Christmas present to myself in December; research began, routes were debated and numerous trekking companies were explored. In January, flight tickets were booked followed by a decision on route (circuit or sanctuary) and by February a deposit was paid for a guide from Three Sisters (female guides for female trekkers) and now there’s suddenly one day remaining until I fly to Kathmandu. My mind cannot believe it!

Kathmandu Guesthouse will be home for one night,. From there I’ll fly (probably holding my breath) on a small Yeti Airlines plane to Pokhara; from all accounts an incredibly beautiful town situated on Phewa Lake.

After a trek briefing and an expected altitude sickness warning we’ll venture by bus to Nayapul where the famously breathtaking Himalayan Sanctuary trek will commence.

Coming from the constantly humid and sweaty climate of Malaysia I know I’m going to freeze as soon as I step foot off the plane in Kathmandu, never mind when I reach Annapurna Basecamp (4130m) brrrr! Base layers, thermals, neck warmers, a fleece, a down jacket, a North Face jacket, hats, gloves, a variety of socks, a -10oC sleeping bag… hopefully warmth will be found somewhere!

If internet appears I hope to blog a little and share some photos along the way (keeping everything crossed that a power pack, four Go Pro batteries and constant airplane mode will hopefully stretch out the Malaysian charge as I go between sporadic and weak electrical outlets).

Packing pains and an endless, ever growing to-do list is an annoying distraction at the moment, however once the plane touches down in Pokhara, utter excitement should take over. Excitement for the most magnificent scenery, both day and night (stars don’t really exist in Kuala Lumpur), the different food (bring on the dhal) and people, hilltop towns, the challenge of walking for eleven days at altitude and for trekking alone, as a solo female explorer.

Eleven days of trekking is about to begin.