the storm...

We woke to clear skies on the most anticipated day of our trek- attempting the high altitude Gosainkund Pass. We knew that the Himalayas cause some of the most unpredictable, unusual and devastating weather on the planet and that crossing this snowy pass could be challenging in poor weather. But the forecast looked promising...

We set out in clear weather feeling strong and ambitious

By the time we reached the sacred Gosainkund lakes, the clouds had gently rolled in

But in a matter of seconds, the lake completely disappeared.

At this point we were too far along to turn back, so our only hope was to stop and pray to Lord Shiva.

And set out onto the already snowy paths...

the terrain got increasingly steep and slippery

And before we knew it, we were trudging through a snow and hail storm

Our Belgian comrade Amandine demonstrates caution.

Brrr....

Avi and Deepak take cover, as Cassie risks her life to document our expedition

Finally a teahouse emerges from the clouds!

After a warm cup of yak milk tea we stepped outside to find that the snowstorm had temporarily subsided.

the mountain man serving tea told us that we had a solid hour before the storm would pass, so we might as well get comfortable in his abode. 

But for unknown reasons, we departed anyways.

Perhaps the altitude had gotten to our heads...

And then the storm came back with a vengeance 

After a grueling 60 minutes (exactly), we sat back and enjoyed the sun. Never question a Mountain Man.

Whether or not Jon Krakauer decides to write his next thriller about our expedition, it certainly got our blood pumping.