Two years ago, I embarked on a journey that would forever change my perspective on life. As a guide, I had led many hiking and trekking expeditions across Kyrgyzstan, but this particular journey to the base of Peak Pobeda, located in the southeastern part of Kyrgyzstan near the border with China, was the most challenging and transformative experience of my life.
The Beginning of the Journey
The day started off well, with clear weather and high spirits. However, the challenge quickly became evident as we had to carry backpacks weighing around 40 kg on the very first day. The steep ascent with such heavy loads pushed us to our limits. As we progressed, the weather took a turn—rain and hail pounded down on us. It was in this moment of exhaustion that I began to appreciate the simplest things: the joy of sitting down, the relief of taking a deep breath, and the pure pleasure of drinking water. In the comforts of an office or home, we rarely acknowledge these small but essential experiences.
The Struggles and Realizations
On the second day, after descending from an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters, we reached a river fed by the glacial waters of Merzbacher Lake. Overcome by the moment, I decided to swim in the icy water. However, this proved to be a mistake—I fell ill shortly after, experiencing fever, headaches, and a severe sore throat. The exhaustion from the trek, combined with my illness, made even the most basic necessities feel like luxuries. Finding warm water to drink became a struggle, but it taught me to appreciate every drop. By evening, we barely made it to our campsite, where we prepared dinner. That meal, along with a simple cup of tea, felt more rewarding than any feast I had ever had.
Reaching the Destination and Personal Transformation
Finally, we reached our destination. The tourists I was guiding were flown back by helicopter, but I had to trek all the way back on foot. The return journey gave me time to reflect on the deeper lessons this trek had taught me.
In the midst of the vast wilderness, surrounded by towering icy peaks, deep crevasses, and the raw power of nature, I experienced a profound sense of inner peace. This trek was more than just a physical challenge; it was a spiritual awakening. It reminded me to value every moment of life, to appreciate the simple things, and to embrace struggles as opportunities for growth.
Trekking through such an unforgiving landscape strips away all distractions and forces you to confront your thoughts. Any personal conflicts or worries seem insignificant in the face of nature’s grandeur. You learn to forgive, to heal, and to think deeply about life—its meaning, its purpose, and the path forward.
A New Perspective on Life
This journey changed me. I returned from the trek to a different person, with a newfound appreciation for life, resilience, and the beauty of the world around me. Nature has an incredible way of teaching us lessons that no book or classroom ever could. In those moments of struggle and solitude, you grow, you heal, and you emerge stronger than ever.
For anyone seeking not just adventure but a deeper connection with themselves, I highly recommend stepping into the wild. You might just come back a new person.
Daniel Zhanybek Uulu
March 18,2025
