"It Ain't Easy..."

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Around Annapurna Trek

We began this 14-day trek in Pokhara, a small town residing Lake Fewa. After spending several days resting and enjoying the amazing chicken liver at Lima's (she really managed to target the Israeli taste) and hiring a nice porter-guide, we took the early morning bus to Besisahar, the starting point.

It took us 6 days to reach Manang at 3500m, long days of 4 to 8 hours walks. The trail starts at a relatively low altitude so the first days were quite easy, but as we approached Manang things became more difficult and views became more Alpine-like. Rivers roared below when we crossed the shaky suspension bridges and white peaks popped out everywhere.

We enjoyed a clear and sunny weather most of the days. The guest houses along the way were good and so was the food served. The local people smily and welcoming, though this changed a bit in Manang, where they were less friendly.

We spent two days in Manang for altitude acclimitisation in which we celebrated over the cinamon rolls and chocolate cakes offered by the good local bakeries. We also made it to HRA lecture about Altitude Sickness and found its details quite important.

We then started the second, more difficult part, of the trek - 3 days of of walk toward the pass. We waded towards Letdar and then Thorung Phedi at 4500m. On the third day we woke up early and started the steep climb toward Thorung La Pass at 5416m. 3:20h later we were on top, hugging and kissing. It was quite a relief after 10 days of tedious walking. Good we weren't aware of the 4 hours ahead of us, in which we had to go down to Muktinath in a knee-killing descent. But we made it eventually.

At night in Muktinath we felt great, knowing that the hard part is behind us. We still had 4 days to reach Beni, the last point, but it was all downhill, easy and enjoyable.



The Title is taken from David Bowie's song "It Ain't Easy" (Lyrics) which I found myself humming all the way to the pass...

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Photos

Thorung La Pass
The lagune near the pass

They're RED HOT!
Red hot chilli peppers being dried in the sun (way to Manang)

The Plateau near Tal
As we approached Tal, this wide valley was dramatically opened

Buddhist Gompa
Buddhism is the dominant religion in this region.

Blow Your Way Out
In parts the trail was actually blown by dynamite

Himalayan Views
As we gained height, the views became more impressing, Alpine-like peaks pop up everywhere around us

Gangapurna Glacier & Lake
Just 15min walk from Manang, this amazing lagune and glacier can be found.

Gangapurna Lake
The lake near Manang, as seen from the viewpoint

Leaving Manang
The sign showing the way to the pass as you leave Manang

Yak Karka
Yak Karka village, on way to Letdar

High Camp, 4900m , 4:00AM
Arriving at the High Camp after 1 hour of steep climb from Phedi

Way to Thorung La
The long way up the Thorung La Pass

Thorung La Pass
Approaching the Pass

Thorung La Pass - 5416m
Finally, we are there! Thorung La Pass at 5416m above sea-level.

Solar Cooking
On the way down from the pass we noticed this strange way of cooking system - a pot being heated by the sun.

Comments

[anonymous]

"It Ain't Easy" but it's Great !
Dear Yak and Ox, congratulation for the new blog. We missed taking with you the Annapurna trek, but we hope and we trust and even promis, that next time you visit Nepal, we'll do it together. we may even consider taking the EBC trek. so what say you? meanwhile, keep on creating more new blogs, tell us of your future adventures in contries you plan to visit. very nice pictures and useful hints. raising my hat (the one that lily the ox knitted). love from the mukamels.

[eran]

admiration
This is an admiration comment from your "squerey" bro. how get up every morning at 05:30 and goes to work, while others ( like u) travelling the world and living the real short time we have here on earth. applause............... next time u r going to nepal i also will not come.