On my second trip to Nepal in the Annapurna region, I would sleep in small, simple stone tea houses along the way with other travelers and their Sherpas.  Most days upon arrival everyone was exhausted and worn out from the day, happy to rest their feet, eat, sip warm tea and chat.  One day as I was approaching the Thorung Pass, I took a side trip up a hill.  I could see the high peaks that we were planning to cross the next day with massive clouds moving over. In the mountains, you shrink. Certain vantage points amplify this. Add cloud cover or an unexpected storm, and the intimidation soars.