1. Being in a region packed with mountains higher than your imagination!

2. Enjoying the views of stupas and prayer flags against white mountain peaks and a clear blue sky.

3. A chance to eat the absolute best (and fresh, right from the oven!) apple pie at the highest bakery in the world in Khumjung, Nepal at 13, 500 feet.

4. Meet yak herders along the trail in Tibet and get invited into their yak wool tents for a cup of fresh yak milk. (It's better than it sounds…)

5. Enjoy the solitude of a trek in Bhutan. Bhutan is still fairly undiscovered, and you'll meet very few (if any) other travelers on your trek there.

6. Challenge yourself both physically and mentally. Trekking in altitude is very strenuous and while you're on trek you'll get to explore a world and a culture much simpler, traditional and spiritual than your own.

7. Reaching the top of a long, steep climb and having such breathtaking views that you immediately forget how challenging it was to get there.

8. To experience how good it feels to be going down long, steep hills that other people are making their way up!

9. Being in the mountains for weeks. Getting off the mountains after weeks!

10. Attending a festival. Not only is this a fascinating glimpse into mystic and magical cultures, but you also have a chance to mingle with the locals. Watching the crowd at a festival is just as much fun as watching the dance performances!

11. Momos. Momos. Momos. With chicken, vegetable, lamb or yak! They're just too yummy!