Annapurna Circuit - Week 2

Trip Start Mar 22, 2008
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5
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Trip End Oct 05, 2009


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Monday, May 5, 2008

Going into the second week of the trek I was feeling really strong. For Mona, Mary Ann, Dave and Jason they were looking to take things a little slower as this was their first trek. Plus the pull of hot springs in a few towns was like a magnet to Mona and Mary Ann each time we passed one! I decided to press on, agreeing to meet up with the gang after the trek.

I got to Manang at 3500 metres and spent a day acclimatising. There I met Todd from the US who I trekked the rest of the circuit with. We also met Katja and Monika from Germany, Brian from England, Karl and Lydia from Dublin among others. This was the group that I went over the pass with.

The day we attempted the pass we had to begin at 5 a.m as the weather often deteriorates in the afternoon at this altitude Old lady opens monastery for us
Old lady opens monastery for us
 . It took about 3 or 4 hours to reach the top of the Thorung La pass at 5416 metres. As we trekked over the pass and down the other side clouds formed below us. Quite an experience to be walking down into clouds below you (I hope the pictures do it justice). From the pass, we had to trek down 1500 metres to the nearest town of Muktinath - that was tough on the knees. It had been a long day but we couldn't resist the lure of the Bob Marley bar in Muktinath which claims to be the highest bar in the world at 4000 metres. It had been a long day and at that altitude even a couple of beers had a lethal effect! A great session was had by all though. We didn't start out too early the next day anyhow!

The rest of the trek was all downhill so it was quite enjoyable to take in the stunning scenery at a leisurely pace. Back in Pokhara we all met up again for a few nights out and some swimming out on the lake. Great times...
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