Around Annapurna
(vero;2017-Feb-28)
Coming from Manaslu we joined the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani. We had already done this trek in 1995 and again in 2001. In 1995 there was no electricity, in 2001 there was no road, so we were expecting many changes and not always for the better. However we were surprised to see that this trek is still very enjoyable.
For once the weather got better from the moment we started in Dharapani and although it was often clouded we could at last enjoy mountain views, a dream after the frustrating days on Manaslu. There were relatively few people around and the side trip to Tilicho Lake as well as the days spent around Muktinath and Kagbeni in the midst of a busy Hindu festival were definitely the highlights of our whole journey.
Then came the trek down the Gandaki Valley and we agree with the guide books: it has been spoilt by the road and the alternative trail on the other side of the river is not up to the job as it feels artificial and is often not very well maintained. If we ever come again, we will take a bus from Jomson to Tatopani to avoid that part.
The last leg from Tatopani to Pokhara was better as we were at last off road again but we were now in October and the season was well on the way with too many groups around. Furthermore, the weather turned unexpectedly to rain and clouds so we could not enjoy the mountains as good as we would have liked.
- Part 1: From Dharapani to Manang (4 days, 19 Sept 2016 to 22 Sept 2016)
- Part 2: Side Trip to Tilicho Lake (3 days, 23 Sept 2016 to 25 Sept 2016)
- Part 3: From Manang to Kagbeni (5 days, 26 Sept 2016 to 30 Sept 2016)
- Part 4: From Kagbeni to Pokhara (10 days, 01 Oct 2016 to 10 Oct 2016)
As ever, there are also the Index and the Map pages for this section.
$ updated from: Around Annapurna.htxt Fri 16 Aug 2024 15:40:10 trvl2 — Copyright © 2024 Vero and Thomas Lauer unless otherwise stated | All rights reserved $