The large plains are covered with grasslands, which in certain stretches are rather humid and marshy. This presents a slight obstacle for those of us who want to continue walking near the mountain range, since we will be forced to jump over numerous times in order to cross these humid areas, streams and rivers. Lake Carhuacocha has a series of tributaries. We head toward the largest one which comes down from the small Siula Valley , home to three beautiful lakes. The first one has a large dike that narrows the entrance to the small valley. Walking over a small stony area refreshed by Lake Cangrajanca 's cold waters is unavoidable. This journey will comfort us with the sudden appearance of Lake Siula 's turquoise-blue waters, reflecting majestic mountains that rise above it. We make a traverse up a gentle hill and arrive at a winding slope which brings us to the plains in a high valley. From here, we enjoy a spectacular view of the three lakes in all their glory. As we look up, Cordillera Huayhuash's magic will envelop our bodies and minds as we gaze upon this glorious range from Jirishanca Chico to Carnicero. We will have to go to great lengths to include the lakes as well as the mountain range on the same photograph. As we continue on the small, high valley, we are able to see the possibility of crossing to the other side. We will describe it as a great rock frame with a pillar in the middle. Arriving to it is not easy due to the steep terrain. We will also have to go around slopes with fallen rock and sand. Pass Urpipunta, at 4,826 m ., shows us the dwellings of two watery mirrors, one located lower than the other. The way down is not so easy since it occurs among rocky terrain and loose soil combined with clay near Lake Azulcocha . It is not unusual to find duck families splashing in this lake. Further down, in a large plain, we can see Suerococha, which has a very strange yet beautiful shape. In the surrounding areas there is a small village inhabited by native shepherds and cattle herders. These peoples wake up surrounded by the beauty of the Carnicero, Jurau, Trapecio and Puscanturpa snowy peaks. The Huayhuash rural community is located further downhill. It is a place of large meadows with scattered adobe houses. This little town offers an excellent view of the majestic Trapecio and Puscanturpa, true icy sentinels, protectors of indigenous peoples and elongated valleys. Our journey towards a ravine begins at the end of a stone fence built by the townspeople. Gentle slopes leading us to a terrace formed by a flat meadow where the nearby Puscanturpa and majestic Trapecio South Face are motivation for our effort. The peaceful Lake Mitucocha waters adorn this charming spot.
The Trapecio and Puscanturpa glacial slopes appear to be very near. Heading towards them is really exciting. The terrain and slopes in this peaceful place are somewhat humid, due to waters that come from a few small lakes located up high, which mark the entrance to our next objective. In order to reach it, we will have to put on our ice equipment (crampons, trekking axes, harness and rope), which is necessary for this stretch of a long glacial traverse. Excited by the snow's whiteness, we take our first steps in this deserted snowy mountainsides that creak upon contact with our crampons and ice axes, breaking the reigning peacefulness in these wild and enigmatic spots. After some long zigzags, we are able to approach Glacial Pass Nishaki ( 5,140 m , 16,448 ft .) from which the surrounding view resembles a surreal dream. The cold air we breathe and strong gusts of wind bring us back to reality. We feel grateful to see icy glaciers and ice walls emerging from its glacial bases, defying the laws of nature with its steepness. It is possible many of these walls are yet to be challenged by extreme climbers, due to the level of complexity and the great risks involved when attempting a successful climb. From the glacial, we can appreciate the nearness of the southern and western Trapecio faces, the Jurau West Face, the Carnicero Southeast Face, the Sarapo South Face and Yanantauri.
If we turn some more, we can see the Cuyoc massifs along with its imposing northeast face as well as Puscanturpa, which will seduce us with huge, vertical rock walls In the middle of these mountainous massifs, we will enjoy the beauty of the Cordillera Raura and its steep, challenging glacial summits. They provide a beautiful scene we will surely remember for the rest of our lives. The journey down the glacial becomes increasingly welcoming, since it takes place among enormous glacial walls and crevassed areas that we avoid by crossing countless snow and ice bridges. We will finally arrive to a serac-filled area, which encourages us to leave the glacial and continue on our way over rock plates. It is not unusual to find rock buildup of different sizes which complicates our journey along this moraine. From here we can see beautiful Lake Jurau 's emerald-green waters and the large plain in the lower part of its natural dike.
Encouraged by the captivating views of the Cutatambo Valley , we head towards its flat slopes since walking on rather irregular terrain is uncomfortable. It is a true accomplishment for our feet. Arriving at the flat areas in these slopes provides momentary relief. Our journey continues on an uneven traverse that gradually gains altitude, until we arrive above Lake Sarapococha , from where we witness the true beauty of this valley, feeling filled with energy and emotion. We continue until we arrive to a long traverse that leads us over sandy terrain that slides with every step we take. Walking here is very difficult and the feeling of not making any progress is very frustrating.
Our desire to reach the best view the pass has to offer makes us persevere. Finally we are able to arrive at Punta Velilina located at 5,050 m . high, where we really feel as if we were in Paradise . This statement is by no means an exaggeration, although one would have to experience it personally. Finding ourselves completely surrounded by vertical ice walls looks like something out of a dream.
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