Saturday, September 29, 2012

Torres del Paine National Park

As posted in my last blog entry, Patagonia had been my dream destination for a long time. Having fulfilled this dream, I found that my favourite part was in Los Glaciares National Park. However, the manner in which I realized my dream was most memorable in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile instead.

I had attempted the 5-day 'W' trek in Torres del Paine National Park with a friend. It was our first multi-day trek on our own, carrying our own camping gear, and we had little training or preparation. So it came as no surprise that it was very challenging for us. Luckily, there were good information and logistics support in the access town of Puerto Natales.

We persevered and stuck to our goal, and the beautiful sceneries along the way pushed us and motivated us right till the end. And the sweetest moment was our final day and our final ascent to view the iconic Torres del Paine massif. It was a glorious morning, and the light was stupendous. Thus, the 'completion' of my dream was doubly memorable!

Again, words do little to describe the place and my feelings. But here's a series of photos that hopefully can show you a glimpse of the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park!

Enjoy!

Hiking along part of the 'W' trek
The amazing Glacier Grey, one of the highlights along the 'W' trek!
One of the buildings of the Refugios - accommodation options in the National Park. These Refugios also offer camping facilities
Torres del Paine National Park consists of many lakes, which are fed by glaciers within the park
Hikers taking a break and enjoying the views along the route to French Valley, a section of the park surrounded by rocky mountains and icy glaciers
Different parts of the trek offers different terrain and views, but all are stupendous!
My friend and trekking companion pushing towards the completion of our trek
Glorious alpenglow on the iconic Torres del Paine massif - the three Towers of Paine
 

2 comments:

Herbert Wong said...

Congrats!!
I see that you are now a travel-journalist for ST.

Wanderer said...

Ha, no lah! more like just a contributor...

Thanks anyway! :)