A Life-Changing Trek in Nepal: How the Annapurna Circuit Inspired My Art Journey
In 2022, feeling stuck in a corporate job and craving the mountains, I booked a trip to Nepal to trek the Annapurna Circuit, one of the world’s most iconic long-distance hikes in the Himalayas.
I was searching for space - real space. The kind you only find high in the mountains. Space to think, reflect and reset.
Artist Cat Goward trekking in the Himalayas
Why was the Annapurna Circuit life-changing?
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit was a turning point in my life. This 14-day Himalayan trek, crossing diverse landscapes and towering mountain ranges, completely transformed my creative path and ultimately led to the creation of Cat Goward Art.
Surrounded by vast skies and endless peaks, I felt a deep creative energy return. The raw beauty of the Himalayas didn’t just inspire me visually, it awakened something much deeper.
Descending from Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world, I had a clear realisation: when I got home, I was going to paint - constantly and obsessively. Not just to capture the scenery, but to express the feeling of being in the mountains.
Taking in the view at the Kalu Gandaki Gorge
Turning mountain adventures into art
I wanted to combine my passion for mountain trekking, adventure travel and climbing with my love of painting.
My goal became clear: to create original mountain art that brings the spirit of the outdoors into people’s homes.
Not just landscapes, but meaningful, story-driven artwork that captures - personal achievements, adventure memories and the emotional connection to the mountains. Because if I wanted a painting to remember my Himalayan experience, I knew other mountain lovers and adventurers would too.
Annapurna in Rose by Cat Goward
How this journey changed my life
This experience gave me clarity, direction and the confidence to step away from the traditional 9–5 career path.
It pushed me to go off-piste (both literally and figuratively) and build a creative career on my own terms.
Where I am now
Today, I’m a full-time artist based in London, specialising in mountain-inspired artwork.
I’ve sold original mountain paintings to art collectors across the UK, Europe and the USA, and I work on commissioned art for hikers, climbers, and adventure travellers across the world who want their experiences transformed into lasting visual memories.
I’ve also created the Himalayas Collection a body of work entirely inspired by my time trekking in Nepal.
Himalayas in Blue by Cat Goward
What’s next?
Back to the mountains!
I recently completed the GR20 in Corsica, one of Europe’s toughest long-distance treks, and I’m already planning future adventures in Patagonia, British Columbia and New Zealand.
Because that’s where the inspiration lives.
Cat in Katmandu
Namaste
