The Annapurna Circuit

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June 2nd 2010

Published: June 2nd 2010

The Nepali view the Trans-Himalaya, the high altitude passes and valleys of the world's highest mountain range, with a great deal of reverence. Here the sun will burn exposed flesh within a few minutes, the wind can gust over 100 mph in the afternoons, and snowstorms can appear out of thin air. Someone flown in from sea level to a place like Thorung La (5416 M, 17800 feet) would die from lack of o... Read Full Entry

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The high road to Yak Kharka

On this day I head to Yak Khraka, which at 4050m/13100 feet is lower than Tilicho Base Camp. However, the hike over the high road is very steep and makes for a difficult day.

Gangapurna views

en route to Yak Kharka

Snowstorm

Before reaching Yak Kharka I get stuck in a freak snowstorm. This is the last picture I take before being enveloped in blizzard conditions. I arrive in Yak Kharka shivering and wet, but safely after a very difficult descent with low visibility.

Yak Kharka

The village of Yak Kharka was one of the nicer places I stayed. This is the view from my window on the 11th morning of the trek.

Thorung Phedi

At 4540 m/14800 feet, Thorung Phedi is the last stop before Thorung La Pass. I spend my 11th night here. This is the coldest night of my trek. While I have a room in the lodge, the lodges here aren't heated and it drops to -10C/ in the teens Fahrenheit at night here.

AMS Warning

This sign warns hikers of the various symptoms of altitude sickness.

Thorung Phedi Tea House

Thorung Phedi isn't really a village per se. Just a couple lodges for trekkers, guides, and porters heading over Thorung La pass.

The way to Throung La

The trail leaving Thorung Phedi climbs steeply to about 4900m before leveling out for a gradual ascent to the high pass.

The way to Thorung La

Ice Patterns

Approaching the high pass

Taken at over 17000 feet. Surprisingly I found this day to be relatively easy compared to the Tilicho Lake trek.

Thorung La

Leaving Throung La

10th June 2010

Catherine
non-member comment

wow
hey!! great pictures! how is the trekking going? and when are you going to come visit?

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