Torres del Paine W Trekking Part 2
🏔 Into the Serene Snowy Mountains of Patagonia in October
---
📍 Travel Summary
A tranquil snowy mountain with no one around, just the wind, clouds, lakes, and me. A 4-day, 3-night journey through the W Trek in Patagonia, walking my own path.
---
✨ Travel Highlights
Travel Period: Early October (right at the start of the trekking season, with a peaceful atmosphere)
Trekking Route: W Trek, 4 days and 3 nights, averaging 20km per day
Highlights: The grandeur of nature in the land of winds, Patagonia
Special pastel-like clouds painted across the sky
The solitude of camping and trekking through snowy mountains
Finale: Witnessing a majestic sunrise at the Torres del Paine viewpoint at dawn
---
🚶♂️ Travelogue
In early October, Patagonia had just opened its trekking season, and the trails were almost empty. The three of us barely spoke, walking at our own pace except at the campsites. That solitude, as if walking alone, strangely filled my heart.
Snow-covered mountains stretched out in all directions, but the low altitude meant snow-covered paths were rare. Strong winds whipped up sprays over the lakes, and the sky was adorned with soft, pastel-like clouds. One of those cloud photos even won an award in a meteorological photo contest for its uniqueness.
---
After reaching the Italiano campsite, we climbed to a midpoint without our gear. Unlike the Himalayas, the vast lakes and the black-and-white divided rocky mountains were striking. The fierce winds made it clear why this place is called the "land of winds."
---
😅 A Small Mishap
On the last day, we missed a "shortcut," which led to a grueling descent and climb back up. To make matters worse, I had an upset stomach and had to detour to a hotel restroom. Climbing that steep slope before sunset left no room for rest.
---
🌅 The Best Moment
At 4 a.m., with a flashlight in hand, we ascended to the Torres del Paine viewpoint. As the sky gradually brightened, although the three peaks were partially obscured by clouds, the mystical harmony of the lake and peaks was breathtakingly beautiful. The sense of accomplishment after the 4-day journey was indescribable.
---
🍷 The Finale
Back in Puerto Natales, we celebrated our trek completion with steak and wine, promising, "Someday, let's return here with our families." This experience later inspired me to take on a 17-day trek in the Himalayas.