Nepal had been my dream destination for many years. I became breathless with joy and renewed courage when I got off the plane, which landed at Kathmandu in November 1990. I had gazed with joy at the snow-capped Himalaya peaks.

Within four days of my arrival in Kathmandu, I was already trekking in the Annapurna Region, land of extremes. It has the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900 metres below the highest and most scenic mountains. I combined two famous treks: first was the Annapurna Circuit and the second was the trek to Annapurna Sanctuary, a journey up to the Modhi Khola valley. I hired a young Nepalese porter and started my adventure.

My first trek that circled the Annapurna Himal led me from one village to another. In the beginning, the foothills and valleys were magnificently green with many colourful flowers of marigolds and poinsettias. Children and women from the nearby villages were selling juicy mandarins along the trek. Down below I heard the rumbling the Marsyangi River. Walking every day I enjoyed breathtaking splendid views of Himalaya peaks. My biggest trekking challenge was crossing of the snow-covered Thorung La Pass at an altitude of 5415 metres. After spending several days in this fabulous country I descended towards the Kali Gandaki River valley. I enjoyed tremendously the many hot and bubbly springs on the way down.

The next part of the trek was the walk to the Annapurna Sanctuary, the base camp for climbers and the spiritual heart of the Himalaya. Once again I ascended the mountains surrounded by roaring rivers and waterfalls to start going up in the picturesque narrow valley leading to Machhapuchhare sacred peak. When I got to Annapurna Sanctuary at 4130 metres I felt overwhelmed. A moment after my arrival, clouds and the mist gradually lifted unveiling the magic of the place. It was like staying in a bowl surrounded by the Annapurna Himal peaks with Annapurna I and South, Machhapuchhare and others. It was superb and unreal. Despite the cold weather (-15 C) I was very happy and joyful. I felt lucky and privileged to be there.

With this unique experience and peaceful feeling I gradually descended the track to Pakhara, the end of my trip. Finishing my wonderful solitary adventure I became nostalgic leaving behind my feeling of freedom and love for Himalayas. This trekking turned out to be one of the happiest and most beautiful experiences and adventures in my life. I learnt about my strengths and my weaknesses. I acquired a lot of courage and I loved it, especially because I had achieved it on my own.