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Mountains near Thorung La - Annapurna CircuitMountains near Thorung La - Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Round
in
Fifteen Days

In autumn of 2010 I ventured out into the Nepali Himalayas, accompanied by my trusty porter-cum-guide Dhan, to attempt one of the classic treks in Nepal - the Annapurna Circuit AKA Annapurna Round.

I opted for a package with Alliance Trek & Expedition costing $650, which included my aforementioned porter-cum-guide; all accommodation and three meals a day whilst trekking; three nights bed and breakfast at Pokhara on completing the trek; permits; plus transport along the way. I'd been advised to just pay for the porter/guide, and pay for everything else as I go . . . but I know what I'm like. I'd be constantly worrying about money along the way and skipping meals to save a few rupees. I did a few sums and didn't think I'd save much that way either, and at least I wouldn't have the stress of worrying I'll run out of cash.

You can read how I got on by clicking the links below.


Getting There, 25th September - Kathmandu to Bhulbhule
Day One, 26th September - Bhulbhule to Jagat
Day Two, 27th September - Jagat to Dharapani

Day Three, 28th September - Dharapani to Chame

28/9/10 12:30 Timang Besi, lunch stop

It's been a great day today - no landslides at all, which is much better. We set off at 07:30 and stopped for tea at Danaque two hours later. The American trio that we've been bumping into on and off had overnighted there, but set off after we did. Dhan's suggestion to stay at Dharapani was spot on - and it was a lovely guesthouse too. We've also seen the large German group today - their porters carry huge loads, around 30kg each, and are incredibly fast - plus a new South African group; really nice people. Not sure where they sprung up from though, as everyone else we've seen at some point on previous days.

Clouds and mountains en route to ChameStone building by riverSnowy mountain-tops en route to Chame

There was a lot of "up" from Danaque; a very steep section of path zigzagging for about half an hour. I think I prefer this to the constant uphill track though - or as one of the South African group put it, the Nepali flat - always angling upwards. It is a little frustrating though, after puffing your way uphill, to then start to descend again. It's a bit like going into a tall building intending to go to the top floor, climbing up five flights of stairs, then down three; up four, down another two . . . you get the picture. Dhan says we've got a two and a half hour easy walk from here to Chame. I'm bloody knackered. Sleeping eight hours a night, but still tired. Other than that I'm good, so I can't complain - not even so much as a blister!

Click here for more pictures from Day Three

Day Four, 29th September - Chame to Pisang
Day Five, 30th September - Pisang to Manang
Day Six, 1st October - Free Day Manang
Day Seven, 2nd October - Manang to Yak Kharka
Day Eight, 3rd October - Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi
Day Nine, 4th October - Thorung Phedi to Mukinath - Crossing Thorung La
Day Ten, 5th October - Mukinath to Marpha
Day Eleven, 6th October - Marpha to Ghasa
Day Twelve, 7th October - Ghasa to Tatopani
Day Thirteen, 8th October - Tatopani to Ghorepani
Day Fourteen, 9th October - Poon Hill Sunrise then Ghorepani to Hile
Day Fifteen, 10th October - Hile to Nayapul then Pokhara by Bus
Annapurna . . . Finiss! 11th October - Reflecting on the Trip from Pokhara

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