The Adventures Global Annapurna trek team are winding up their expedition. They spent a wonderful day in Pokhara yesterday, browsing through the many shops and enjoying the Tibetan handicrafts. Today they fly back to Kathmandu for a celebration dinner at Rum Doodles, the classic celebration spot, followed by a relaxing, good night’s sleep at the Shankar Hotel before heading back home tomorrow with many tales to tell.
And so another wonderful expedition from Adventures Global draws to a close.
The Annapurna trek team retraced their steps through the Himalayan Hotel to Doban. They passed above the potato and wheat fields of Taglung, and headed down through forests until the trail drops steeply to Khumnu at 1780 metres.
They then climb steeply out of the beautiful valley to reach Uri before descending gently to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk.
From the Himalayan Hotel, the Adventures Global Annapurna trek team moved on to Deorali. After following a narrow trail up against cliffs, they descended to meet the Modi Khola. A short while later, they reached an area known as Machhapuchhare Base Camp where they took in the breathtaking mountain views with a panorama of Hiunchuli, Annapurna, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare.
They then climbed up to the Base Camp before beginning the journey downwards (what a relief!) to reach Deorali where they spend the night again.
Yesterday, the team crossed the Chhomrong Khola and, after moving though forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak, they reached Sinuwa. Then, after a long steep descent, they got to Bamboo Hut at 2340 metres.
Today, the well-rested team will traverse several avalanche chutes before finally reaching Doban. Beyond this, the trail becomes muddy and they cross over another avalanche track until they reach the Himalayan Hotel at 2900 metres to spend the night.
Yesterday morning, the Adventures Global Annapurna expedition took an early morning excursion up to Poon Hill for an unobstructed view of the high Himalaya before heading back for breakfast. Later they headed east and, after a steep ascent, they reached Tadapani at 2590 metres.
Today, they dropped down from Tadapani again enjoying excellent views of the upper Modi Valley. Soon after, they arrive at Chhomrong, the highest permanent settlement in the valley, to spend the night at a lower 2040 metres.
Yesterday the Adventures Global team flew the 200 kilometres to Pokhara (see pic). From there they were transported by bus to the trail head at Nayapul where they crossed the Modi Khola to Birethanti, a prosperous, bustling town at 1065 metres above sea level.
They then followed the Bhurungdi Khola, climbing steadily to reach Tikedungha at 1480 metres.
Today they reach the village of Ulleri, then climb up to Banthanti at 2250 metres. After passing through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests, they will eventually reach Deorali, at 2834 metres. Quite a climb!
Yesterday the team got to enjoy a half-day tour of Kathmandu accompanied by a very knowledgeable local guide, which included a visit to the well-known Boudhanath Stupa with its striking Buddha eyes. They then spent the afternoon doing a final gear check with a chance for last-minute shopping for any forgotten items. This morning they fly to Pokhara.
The Adventures Global Annapurna team landed in Kathmandu yesterday morning for the start of their great adventure. After settling at their hotel and a short briefing, they took in the wonders of this fascinating city with its maze of cobbled streets and ubiquitous rickshaws. Then it was back to their hotel for a good night’s rest.
Adventures Global heads off to Kathmandu to begin another exciting expedition tomorrow: our Annapurna trek. Keep an eye on us for daily news of the adventure. Led by Ronnie Muhl, this group of eight intrepid trekkers range in age from 32 all the way up to 78! Good luck to all, and enjoy.
The team slept like babies last night at Mweka Camp; it was certainly well deserved. After an early breakfast, our support staff of twenty-nine sang their farewells to us and we said our grateful goodbyes.
We then walked down to Mweka Gate at 1800 metres where we picked up our gear and drove to the Kilimanjaro Resort.
Let the clean-up and the celebrations begin!!
