Great journey. I enjoyed it as I was reading your post. I felt you also brought me in your destination through your photos.
Traveling is like a success in life, you have to go through trials first before you get what you want. Like what happened to you, you went through struggled ways and mountains and after that everything is paid off when you finally see and visit the amazing place you wanted.
I am sure you had fun with this travel. Have a good one. Cheers :)