Day 13

Chomrong to Bamboo

Manchapuchre

2353 stairs down to the river then up 1/4 of that again then back down to the river!  This was a long day but not half so bad as it would be on the way back down the river because for us the 2353 stairs were going down, in 4 days we would be going back up them (that's when Ben counted them all!).  After Chomrong we began to ascend the river valley that would lead us to the sanctuary in 3 more days of walking.

 The whole way was jungle trail doted with some terraced fields, and stunning views of Manchapuchre, a sacred mountain to the Nepalese, translated it means fishtail.  We arrived in Bamboo when there was still sun on the lawn and decided we should stop early to relax and enjoy the afternoon sun.  The minute the sun went down it was frigid!  We met our new friends, Andy from Germany, and Alejandro from Spain, who we would continue hiking with for the next 4 days.

Day 12

New Bridge to Chomrong

The view from Chomrong Annapurna III (left) Manchapuchre-Fishtail (right)

We headed off early in the morning to a town called Jinu, an hour up river to check out the hot spring.  The trail followed the river through the jungle.  There were flowers everywhere and the hot springs were great after 10 days of trekking.

Then we headed up the hill to the town for a delicious lunch of french fries and fried eggs (common trekking meal apparently) on a sunny flower filled terrace.


We were content, relaxed, and full, then came the climb to Chomrong! Steep sun exposed steps, eroded in places and uneven...very hard hiking after such a relaxed morning.  

Day 11

Kara to New Bridge First day of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek

The first day of our new trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary started with a splendid view of the range at a place called Australia Camp, already this trek was proving to be a whole lot better than the circuit had been.  We hiked through many quaint villages all with mountain views, then up over the hill and into the jungle along a slippery schist staircase to another beautiful town full of flowers and more mountain views...We then descended to the river and crossed a very old rickety bridge with a slight tilt to one side, and arrived at New Bridge and our guest house for the night. 

Typical Gurung house

All the trails were stone...and lots of steps!

Annapurna III at sunset

Day 10

Pokhara

We tried to catch a bus to Pokhara early in the morning but missed it...so we walked to the bus station and on our way our friendly faithful buss driver from Kathmandu hollered for us to get on his bus and he would make sure we got to Pokhara...he found us a taxi...good for us because the driver drove slow and safe!  We arrived in Pokhara at 1 and had the rest of the day to enjoy the sun, the lake, and the delicious food, oh and spectacular views of the mountains! Finally!

Day 9

Christmas! Ghermu to Besisahar

Beautiful sunny morning, with a view of a waterfall for breakfast and pointsettas and bougenvia shinning in the sun.  We hiked to Bahundanda for lunch and then on to Bhubule to catch a very crowded bus to Besisahar.  We had a nice warm shower, pizza, momo (Nepalese potstickers) and curry for our Christmas dinner, plus a nice thick foam mattress to sleep on! Great Christmas!

Day 8

Christmas eve Tal to Ghermu

Back down the dusty road to Ghermu. A nice sunny patio at the guest house full of flowers and a beautiful waterfall...looks promising, but once the sun goes down the spiders come out and fill the dinning hall and our room! 

Day 7

Back to Tal via Odar and Nache Village

For the hike back, instead of retracing our steps we took a longer detour up the hill to a small stupa and then on to a small village that according to or trekking book has been untouched by modern tourism...aside from the satellites...

Then on to Nache Village, a monumental climb up the eastern side of the gorge along a narrow stone path chipped from the overhanging rock.  The village is situated on a plateau 1200ft above the river with a beautiful lake and peak behind.



 By far the bet views we have had thus far!  Then back down 1200ft to the river then down river to Tal.