Nepal October 2013
Trekking Area: Annapurna Panorama
Namaste!
Trekking through the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal is our "Once in a lifetime" adventure destination. Never taken any adventurous trips before, we decided to add a new perspective of untouched experiences into the facet of our lives.(and we are glad we did it).
We had been trekking along the Annapurna Circuit for five days in early October, encountered with every weather conditions you can imagine. On the first 3 days we had such a blessing weather. The sky was open with a clear view of Annapurna Panorama, and a colorful and blossom flowers along the route. On the last 2 days, it had been raining with cloud and thick fog. Ironically, we found it was a blessing as well because every situations we experienced while raining had given us "A Completed Trekking Experience".
The journey was tougher than we had imagined. The longest day we trekked approximately 16 Kms for 7 hours. Countless steep rock steps (asending and descending) were what we had to conquer every days. Slippery rock steps, soft mud, and leeches were unavoidable on the rainy days. Still, we had to keep walking and walking tirelessly. All physical comforts we once had at home were unknown on the trek. The bathroom (on the lucky day with hot water from the solar power), and toilets are shared, no electricity for personal purposes, no TV, no radio, and no other connections to the world.
However, Despite all the difficulties and physical exhaustion on the trek, we have found a "peaceful silence" in our mind. Our lighter and clearer mind consequences from focusing our mind on every breaths and in every steps. Our physical pains are now gone, leaving us with beautiful memories on this meaningful journey. In the end, it's all WORTH it! Certainly, once is not enough and we aim for higher on our next trip!
Our Itinerary:
- We flew from Bangkok-Kathmandu (duration 3.30 hours)
- From Kathmandu to Pokhara (the second largest city of Nepal) 30 minutes by plane or 5-6 hours by private bus.
- From Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hours drive)
- We trekked from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga/Ulleri (overnight at tea house).
- Trek to Ghorepani
- Hike to Poon hill, trek back to Ghorepani, then trek to Tadapani.
- Trek down to Chomorong, and Jhinu.
- Trek to Syaulibazzar, and then to Nayapul.
- Drive back to Pokhara.
Credit all pictures to my lovely husband.
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| A Clear Mountain View in Pokhara |
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| Trekking from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga |
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| Clear Sky with Blossom Flower along the Route |
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| Resting and Relaxing the Muscle |
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| Poon Hill |
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| Our Porter, a Silent Companion |
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| Thick Fog on the Rainy Day |
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| Slippery Steep Rock Steps |
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| Last Day at Last |
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| Boat Trip in Phewa Lake |
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| Early Morning at Phewa Lake in Pokhara |
** Suggestions **
- Prepare in advance a few months before with suitable physical training.
- Invest in good quality waterproof hiking shoes. (Find from your country, the nepali one are not good quality).
- Other clothes and hiking supplies can be easily found in Kathmandu (Thamel), and Pokhara. (Most items are cheaper than buying in Thailand) e.g. Headlamp, trekking poles.
- Be prepared for unexpected weather. prepare clothes for every weather conditions, light jacket, and a jacket suitable for zero degree, sleeping bag (as the blanket is not provided in some tea house), good quality waterproof clothes.
- Prepare well on medicine.
- Prepare for the protection of leeches on the rainy day.
- Bring some foods to boost your energy during the day. E.g. energy bars, dried fruits.
- For photographer, prepare the battery back up as there is no electricity provided in the room. However, it can be charged at the common area with money charged.
** Recommendations **
- Recommended Nepali folk song: Resham Firiri.
- Recommended Restaurants:
-Kathmandu: 1. Fire and Ice Pizzeria (Italian foods)
2. OR2K(Vegetarian food)
-Pokhara: 1. Moon Dance Restaurant
(We love Chicken tikka,and chicken tikka masala)
