We did it. 22 days of trekking round the Annarpurna, we made it back to Pokhara in one piece. We went through all weather conditions, torrential (unseasonal) rain for 36 straight hours which produced amazing waterfalls, but most scary was that number of landslides, snow, heat, humidity and cold- real cold.
We started trekking at the beginning of Oct in Besishaar (height 820m) and rose steadily to cross Thurong La Pass at 5416m in thick snow, again very unseasonal. We passed through amazing Nepalese villages and spent each night in the local hotels, all very basic but all very adequate. Though when I think back to 22years ago when I was trekking here, it is luxury now.
We also employed a porter/guide for the trek which was a godsend. He carried our pack and made life so much easier for ourselves.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Crossing Thurong La Pass in thick snow (5416m)
- Competleing the Circuit
- Re walking to Annarpurna Sanctuary 22 years later
- Experiencing Nepalese village life.
- Relying on your feet for 320kms of walking
- Sleeping in a storeroom in ABC with rats and Koreans. (sorry Jimmy/Sarah :)
- Arriving back in Pokhara on the roof of a local bus
Since reaching Pokhara, we have relaxed, eaten, drunk beer (first time in 22 days). Shawn off to paragliding tomorrow then flying back to Kathmandu on 28th Oct.
Will write again before leaving Nepal and tell you about Everest scenic flight.
