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Nepal. Home of the world's highest mountain range, breathtaking scenery along with a rich culture and ancients customs. I'd like to say trekking in Nepal was on my bucket list and my visit a dream come true but this wasn't the case......it was on my partners bucket list. For him, the fitness fanatic, it would be a test of his strength and endurance. For me, also a test but of my lack of strength and ability to trek into the mountainous wilds of a foreign country! Together we reviewed the itinerary and tried to work out how we could pack all our gear into our small backpacks. Sadly that wasn't the only thing we tried to work out. Our relationship crumbled and all of a sudden I was on my own. My now ex partner graciously transferred his deposit to the single supplement for me and for the first time in my life I would be travelling solo. Could I do it? I made the decision, yes I could and a few short weeks later I arrived alone in Kathmandu. Joining my fellow trekkers with greetings and conversations over a delicious Nepalese dinner and gherka beer. For our group of 12 it was time to relax before the trek/hard work began in the following days. After a hair raising drive along unkempt roads and over mountain passes we arrived at the starting line. A narrow bridge almost completely covered in thousands of colourful prayer flags led us across a river and the start our journey. Day 1 was an easy two hours walk along a flat rocky road to a lovely blue tea house sitting on the banks of a raging green river. Tea houses are scattered throughout Nepal and offer a bed, shower, food and drink, something every trekker needs! Our watchful guides chatted happily and the porters loaded with our bags bounded ahead. The next morning while eating breakfast and admiring the stunning views, I could see tiny figures moving up and down the nearby mountain. I realised that was our route, soon I would be another tiny figure making my way up the 3300 stone steps to the mountain top. How would I ever make it? It was time to face my fears as we crossed another bridge over a river and began the steep climb. Shade soon gave way to full sun and our endurance test begun......Along the way tiny cold springs burst from rocks, time to take a break while we refilled our water bottles and wet our neck scarves to cool down. Looking up all I could see was the unrelenting staircase snaking higher and higher. It filled me with dread, how would I ever make it to the top? After a few hundred steps had been conquered a mantra suddenly came into my mind – Om Mani Padme Hum. Hail the jewel in the lotus. My Dad was born in India and sometime ago he’d told me of this mantra he remembered from his childhood. Soon I was silently chanting the mantra over and over, as I made step after step, slowly going higher and higher. Somehow it took my mind away from the seemingly impossible task ahead. It was a beautiful sunny day, the Himalayan scenery spectacular, endless mountain peaks and lush jungle. Regular stops to rest and take photos a must. Too exhausted to talk, there wasn’t a lot of conversation just the noise of the constant clicking of trekking poles. Sometimes you could hear the tinkling bells of the loaded mule trains in the distance, coming closer and closer until they passed you on the trail. The staircase could be a busy road with lots of people and animals jostling along. Most times though you were alone with your thoughts and for me, the mantra. Many hours of chanting and many hundreds of steps later I looked up to see a small village. This was our first nights destination, I had made it! There were more trekking days ahead, enjoyable days, and thankfully none like the endless stone staircase. I traveled alone to Nepal but I left with new friends and a feeling of satisfaction like no other.