a bit of a departure - walking in #Nepal - part 3

On Monday we had two long ascents followed by two long descents to get us to Chomrrong, From there the trail climbed to a spur ridge overlooking Jhinu Danda (1,780m). 

Entering Kimrong Khola valley the trail actually evened out for a while and the walking was easy. (Compared to the rest of the walking which seemed to be exclusively up or down but never even.).

We then got to the junction with the route from Ghorepani - just beyond the village of Kimrong (1,780m).  After a series of short, steep switchbacks we were in open rock-strewn fields on the way to the 'Gurung' village of Ghandruk (1,940m).  This village has apparently grown large and prosperous thanks to the pensions of retired Gurkha soldiers.  


We arrived just before the sun set - and although the village did look prosperous - it was also the first place on our trek where we encountered alcoholics deep in a drunken stupor.

That night we celebrated our trek with a meal.  After the guides taught us what seemed to be a traditional dance. Our response was to teach them the actions and words of the Okey Cokey - something that they seemed to enjoy!

On Tuesday the trail descended gradually and then more steeply as we came down to the valley floor and its river.  Eventually we got to Nayapul where we rejoined our road transport to return to our hotel in Pokhara. 

On Wednesday we drove to Pokhara airport and flew back to Kathmandu.

Thursday and Friday were free days in Kathmandu and the surrounding area.  

Our treking party consisted of all ages - from teenagers to early 60's.  When some of us were gathered in a square in Kathmandu - waiting for our bus - some child beggars came up to the group.  



The "adults" amongst us ignored them - thinking that in all probability they were begging for someone a minder.  

Two of the teenage girls in the party had a more human response.

They wept.

Which shamed those of us who were older.  Sometimes youth can teach the old.

On Saturday we got our flight back to Doha and then from there caught a flight back to London.

a bit of a departure - walking in #Nepal - part 2

On Monday we were driven from Pokhara to the start of our trek at Nayapul  with some gentle uphill walking passing a suspension bridge in Tikedhunga and shortly after arriving at our overnight stop at Ulleri (1,960m).

On Tuesday our walking was far more up and down hills and stairways to get to Ghorepani  (2,750m).  On the way there we got our first view of Annapurna South. 

Over this week its amazing how much I have learnt about walking up and down tracks and stairs.  Put simply you quickly learn where the best place is to put your feet to get the maximum grip and to minimise the effort you need to put in.



On Wednesday we got up pre-dawn for a vigorous hike up to the top of Poon Hill for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range.  

After returning to our tea-house for breakfast, our hike followed a ridge for a while before a steep descent and then a final upward climb to Tadapani (2,590m).  Each day our porters would set off before us with 3 or 4 of our main bags on each of their backs.  In the mornings and evenings they'd prepare food for us and at midday we'd stop at one of the many trek side "tea" stations.

On Thursday we continued going down steeply and then climbed the opposite side of the valley we then entered the larger Modi Khola valley which leads up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. A short distance further up that valley we arrived at Chhomrong. 

On Friday we descended again to cross the Chommro Khola, then climbed up into the Modi Khola valley and up to the main ridge high above the river. 

On this day we were walking near a village at the time that school ended.  As we laboured up the steps on the trek with our light rusksacks and special walking boots small infants would go racing past us with only flip fops on their feet. Kinda made you a bit humble.

Following more walking up steep hills we reached the village of reach the village of Sinuwa (2,340m) and followed the valley climbing steadily uphill to Doban (2505m) and then onto our overnight destination, Himalayan. 




One of the customs I really liked on the trek was that of saying "Namaste"to others you met on the trek as you passed them.  As you say "Namaste" you make a slight bow with your hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest. I was told that in Hinduism it means "I bow to the divine in you" which seems a wonderful tradition to me.

On Saturday we had a shorter climb slowly gaining altitude going through Deurali (3,170m) and Hinko (3,100m) to reach the narrow entrance-way into the Annapurna Sanctuary and onto Machhapuchare Base Camp at 3,700m.  

On Sunday we rose early before dawn to trek up to Annapurna Base Camp (4,100m)

and then descended along the trail to Doban we retraced our route as far as Bamboo.

a bit of a departure - walking in #Nepal - part 1

In a bit of a departure from my usual posts about being a Rev's husband I'm sharing some posts whilst I'm away walking in Nepal.

Fortunately in our local church we have somebody who has several contacts in Nepal and they have organised a trip for 30 or so people to walk there.

Several others have pitched in to help with the administration and this has meant some great guidance and organisation on issues like immunisations, altitude sickness pills, insurance, flights, visas and organising guides and porters.

In summary the trip will be 15 days away with 3 days of so travelling at the start and finish and the rest walking in the Annapurna Sanctuary up to and down from the base camp at 4,130m under the south face of Annapurna.  Apparently it isn't a particularly difficult trek although there are some steep climbs and a few narrow bridges.

Last Friday afternoon as a party we got a coach to Heathrow to catch our flight to Kathmandu - with a stop over in AbuDhabi  - arriving Kathmandu late afternoon on Saturday and then transferring to a hotel.

The flights went fine and at the AbuDhabi stop over I had the wonderful experience of witnessing an arab gentleman in full traditional garb walking through the airport with a hooded hawk on his arm.  On the second flight they seemed very keen to serve us complimentary hard liquor.  Arriving at Kathmandu airport there is an entry slip you fill in with details of your already obtained tourist entry visa - and then in was onto a bus for transfer to our hotel and a group meal in the evening.

On sunday we all got onto another bus for a 6 hour ride to Pokhara