The Annapurna Circuit

Well, I arrived at my last "new" country to go to. After this its only countries I've been to before while on my three week detoured trip back home. While flying into Kathmandu in the distance above the clouds you could see Mt. Everest. The world's highest peak sat there looming aboving the clouds almost mock the planes altitude as we descended into Kathmandu. It was the first flight I've ever been on where almost everybody got out of their seats to look out one side of the plane.

Annapurna I

After arrive I settled into my hotel and started trying to plan my time there. First on the list was the Annapurna circuit, that was the main reason I was there. I got my entry permit and bus ticket and headed off.

Annapurna II

The first day was all travel by bus. The main part was from Kathmandu to Besi Sharha and then from there in a four wheel drive bus on a jeep track to the starting point. The next day I was off. The trek was epic. So much diversity and so many beautiful mountain views. On this trek you can see the world's 7,8 & 10th highest peaks. Altogether, it covers over 120 miles and ascends to 17,764 ft go over the Throng La Pass, supposedly the world's highest foot pass. The surrounds changed from tropical rainforest with innumerable waterfalls to arid alpine. The trail ran along river after river through deep valleys and gorges and then up over the pass and then down through the mystical and revered Mustang district. Each night I stayed in "tea houses" which are make shift mountain hotels that are basic but accomidating (besdies a bed, what do the really need?). The food was basic and increased in price along with altitude. There was a strong Tibetan influence in a number of the villages. The best part had to be the suspension bridges. Since you had to cross and re-cross all the rivers and gorges you used suspension bridges. Not quite the Indiana Jones style, some were builts by the Swiss and most were steel. Towards the end some of them were wooden planks with vegitation starting to over take it but I felt comforatble crossing it after watching donkey trains go over.

Annapurna III

Annapurna IV

Annapurna V

Annapurna VI

Annapurna VII

Annapurna VIII

Annapurna IX

Annapurna X

Annapurna XI

Annapurna XII

Annapurna XIII

Annapurna XIV

Annapurna XV

Annapurna XVI

Annapurna XVII

Annapurna XVIII

Annapurna XIX

Annapurna XX

Annapurna XXI

Annapurna XXII

Annapurna XXIII

Annapurna XXIV

Annapurna XXV

Annapurna XXVI

Annapurna XXVII

Annapurna XXVIII

Annapurna XXIX

Annapurna XXX

Annapurna XXXI

Annapurna XXXII

Annapurna XXXIII

Annapurna XXXIV

Annapurna XXXV

Annapurna XXXVI

Annapurna XXXVII

Annapurna XXXVIII

Annapurna XXXIX