Mid-winter trekking is actually quite fun

On the way: The writer and her group taking a breather on the windy plains leading to Pheriche (4,371m).

Thick snows, strong winds, subzero temperatures. Yes, fun.

The word “winter” sends chills down many Malaysian spines. Combine “winter” with “trekking” and you’ll get outbursts like these: “Are you crazy? How can anyone trek during winter?”, “Everything and even yourself will be frozen!”, “Isn’t it difficult enough during normal seasons, why winter?”, “Forget it lah, you’re from a tropical country.”