It was a life changing experience climbing to these high elevation mountain passes. As our guide Victor said, the trek was like paying for all your sins. I was struggling for breath and fitness and was regularly the slowest person in the group but Victor and our porters were very patient and helped me beyond what I expected of them. The porters were amazing at running ahead and setting up our tents and cooking us great meals. At the end when I finally reached the sun gate after literally crawling up some of the final stairs, the view was worth it. I think this was truly an example where the journey is greater than the destination.