Trek - Mt. Rakaposhi

Halfway through my time in Pakistan, my team, minus Sophie, went trekking with Lost Horizon's Trek and Tours. We hiked to Mt. Rakaposhi's first base camp, went shopping in Hunza, went to a lake, walked across a suspension bridge, walked to Pasu Glacier, and went to the China boarder. I will break these trekking blogs into several different ones so I can tell more stories and have more pictures. First of all is the Mt. Rakaposhi hike:

This is Dinar, our Jeep driver, and Baqi, our tour guide!

Aaron, Jenni, and myself rode in the white Jeep.

I had a blast!

The first part of the drive to Mt Rakaposhi it was rainy, so we had the top on...but the rest of the time the top was down!! It was worth it even though we were dusted by the first Jeep the entire time!


When driving along the KKH the driver always has to be aware of rock slides. This driver was very lucky...the boulder hit the back of his truck and not the cab! -- definitely sparing his life!

What was left of his truck...half of it was crushed and gone!

Ready to leave on our trek: (L-R) Aaron, Baqi, me, Korine, Craig, and Jenni

The start of the climb...Craig, me, Jenni, and Baqi.

I was falling behind. My backpack was too big for me (it was a man's medium backpack) and I had just been sick for a month! I seriously was having a very difficult time hiking up that mountain! Oh ya, and I was afraid the cows were going to push me off the edge! ha ha

I was tuckered out! Baqi traded bags with me, but I was still pooped! Here I am taking a breather and drinking LOTS of water!

We had several mules carry our supplies up the mountain. Notice my backpack has traded hands again...this time to the porter! I guess it wasn't just me having an issue with that bag!

Passing one of the villages. Yes, there are several houses there...can you see them? They really blend into the background of river rock!

We finally made it! Korine and I had problems with our hips during our hike up. We encouraged each other to make it, and we did...thanks Korine! I believe I hurt my hip because my bag was too heavy for me, and my muscles were too weak to do their job...so needless to say, Korine and I were extremely happy to be at our destination!! We all just plopped down on the ground to rest!

(L-R: Jenni, me and Korine)

Gaphor, our cook, had drinks of Tang ready and awaiting our arrival...Tang never tasted so good!

Our tent site. It was the most beautiful and peaceful place ever! We were surrounded by mountains.
A view from the tent door of our "dining hall" -- the little stone wall with the blue tarp.

Many yak came to visit us and grazed in front of our tents. They never seemed to be bothered by us...though they were bothered by the rest of my team. They all tried to ride them and some succeeded too! It was rodeo on the mountains.

The first night Gaphor and Baqi put on an amazing feast for us! It was one of the best meals of my life! A 5-course meal with only 1 propane burner!! Everything was HOT and absolutely wonderful!!! We had soup, macaroni, potato wedges, rice, watermelon, chicken, and Tea. It was so good!!! It was also my last meal for the entire mountain experience!

Gaphor and Baqi, our amazing cooks and tour guides!!

The view from the 'dining hall'.

Our campsite.

During the night I woke up sick...the second bought with giardia...throwing up and having diarrhea! I ran to the homemade toilet several yards away...all night long! In fact, I spent most of the night in the freezing cold (30*'s) with my bottom exposed! I was SO miserable, but was so amazed by God's presence druing that time. He was there right beside me! I could see the moon moving from one place to another, see the mountains, and see the snow sparkling in the moonlight. I kept singing "Worthy is the Lamb..." It was amazing.

This was our 'toilet' -- a hole dug in the ground with some big rocks to stand on...definitely worked well!

Rakaposhi Glacier

The next morning, Baqi took Aaron, Craig, Jenni, and myself for a day hike towards the 2nd base camp. I still didn't feel very well, but good enough to slowly hike up the mountain. I was determined to go!! I love nature and hiking, and I was determined not to let my sickness get in the way of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! God knew and definitely helped me complete the hike.

We walked along the ridge with the glacier to the left of us. It was magnificent, and completely amazing to see!

(L-R) Aaron, Jenni, Craig and myself.

Jenni and I

Hiking up the ridge.

Trying not to sink up to our waist in the snow.

Almost to the place where we stopped.

Resting on a rock with Mt Rakaposhi (25,551 feet elevation) in the background.

Our view of Mt. Rakaposhi.

On the way back we did a lot of sliding on our butt's down an avalanche that was created a week before. We had to look out for all the trees and boulders, but it was a lot of fun and definitely an one-in-a-lifetime experience! We made it back to camp without any injuries.

As soon as I made it back to camp, I was sick again! I know God kept my sickness away so I could go on the hike! PTL!!! I ended up feverish and could not get warm! By morning, however, I felt well enough to make it down the mountain. I had to stop for 'squeeze' breaks, but made it back without incident!

On the way down the mountain, I didn't carry a pack. It was such a blessing! I'm sure it would have been a struggle for me to carry my pack (even though we were going down the mountain) since I was so weak from being sick. Praise the Lord for porters and mules!