Our trek started in Naya Pul (1070m), went up the Bhurung Khola valley to Ghorepani (2750m) from where we did a side trip to the top of Poon Hill (3210m) which has fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges - get there before 5pm in order to watch the awesome sunrise :-) We continued to Tadapani (2590m) which is a good place to stay overnight and watch the firmament at night and the sunrise the next morning. The next step was Chomrong (2170m) which is the real start of the climb to the Annapurna Base Camp (4130m). The settlement is scenic and provides the last opportunity to stock up on food since after this point no bottled water is sold and prices rise steeply. On the way back we went from Chomrong to Landruk (1565m) via Jinhu Danda which has hot springs and orchid covered forests. The trek continues via Tolka (1700m) and Pothana (1900m) to Phedi (1130m) from where we caught a bus back to Phokara. Altogether the entire trek took 13 days (12 nights) and we enjoyed every moment of it :-D
The climb from Tirkedhunga (1540m) to Ulleri (1960m) is exhausting - more than 3650 steps .. and after that the steps continue :-o
A local farm close to Tadapani. Most houses are constructed of stones with large thin stone slabs used as roof tiles. Prayer flags are common and are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those living nearby. They are usually placed outdoors where the wind can carry their prayers.
Nepalese food includes Tibetan, Indian and Nirwani (local) dishes. The latter cuisine includes such delicattesen as animal brains & hearts and white blood sausages. The picture above shows an Indian style chicken curry - delicious :-)
There are not many chickens on the mountains and most of them are used for producing eggs. Chicken used for eating are carried up the mountain from Naya Pul.
Water buffalos are common and are used for labour and as food source.
This photo shows our favourite meal: buff chilly (=water buffalo chilly). The meat was delicious and flavoursome and matched well with the lassi. Be careful, however, since eating dairy products often causes bad stomach upsets.
On day 3 we got up at 4am in order to climb Poon Hill (3210m) in time for the sunrise. We were rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (see photo) ranges.
The Dhaulagiri ranges seen from Poon Hill.
Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal which boasts the highest species variety in the world and large forests of Rhododendrons with the ground covered by the colourful petals are common.
A close-up photo of a beautiful Rhododendron.
A small collection of the bridges we crossed during our trek.
Chomrong (2170m) at the base of Annapurna South (7210m) is the start of the long climb to the Annapurna Base Camp. The settlement is scenic and provides the last opportunity to stock up on reasonable priced food and other goods.
On the way there are several Avalanche prone areas and only 2-3 months before we went about a dozen hikers got killed by one. It's best to get up early and pass the dangerous parts of the trek before 10am since the morning sun softens the snow on top of the mountains which increasing he risk of avalanches.
The trek to the Annapurna Base Camp follows the Modi Khola valley.
View from close to the Annapura Base Camp down the glacier valley with Machhapuchhre (6993m) in the background.
View of Annapurna I (8091m) from Annapurna Base Camp (4130m).
Part of the Annapurna glacier valley.
Our favourite spot along the track was the Himalaya View Guest house in Chomrong. The guest house not only has hot showers (solar powered?), but also a scenic dinner table, and great washing facilities in order to prepare yorself for the return to civilization. We celebrated our "survival" with buffalo chilly, lassi and the rest of our chocolate supply :-D
On the way from Chomrong to Landruk you can make a side tour to the Jinhu hot springs which are at the bottom of a deep river valley (about 20min each way).
The river valley is full of orchid covered trees.
We went in April which is early monsoon season. Often there are extremely heavy thunderstorms in the afternoon. One of the most fascinating experiences was a thunderstorm at night on the other side of the mountain range where we stayed. It was pitch black and the sky was illuminated from lighting - but at the same time it was dead silent and wind still since the sound and wind was blocked of by the mountain range.
A heavy afternoon down pour with 3cm big hail stones flooded all low lying areas within 10 minutes.
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