So when you think of Nepal...you probably think Everst right? Which leads you to surmise that a major part of the country involves that Himalayn mountains. Well, this is all very true, but for such huge mountains, they sure have been elusive. They can be seen from where I live and from Kathmandu, and I've even seen them myself on a few rare and fleeting occasions. But, with a two week break from school, I decided to go take a closer look!
I was flying solo on this trek so I felt more comfortable keeping it short. Four days and three nights on the trail. But, once you get a little closer to the mountains...long trek or short, you do get to see those big white caps and man is it a sight to wake up to. Also, a good view is important when you are nursing sore muscles and a tired body....if I had woken up to clouds after all those uphill stairs, I might have had some nice not things to say to those mountains.
How to go for a trek? Well, living in Kathmandu, you start by waking up at about 5 a.m. Then, catch a ride to the micro bus that will then take you to Pokhara (starting point for pretty much all the trekkers in the Annapurna region). Leave on the micro at 7 a.m. and arrive just over 6 hours later, including one rode side stop where you may have to somewhat forcibly tell the driver to stop for a bathroom break or he will be cleaning some seats.
On day two, take another bus (or an expensive taxi) for 2 hours up to the village that sits at the entrace of the park and the trekking trail. Share your 2 person bus seat with a brother and sister, who although small, don't entirely fit in their seat. Plus, a two hour delay on the road for an accident.
Around mid-day I finally got to start walking, made it through the check points, and was immediately rewarded by walking along a beautiful river and up through the trees. During a late lunch break I met a German kid about my age and his trusty Nepali guide who told me where to stay for the night. The last few hours were a little rough. I was tired and it was up some seriously steep stairs, but worth the extra climb. I even got a hot shower, delicious tea, rice and a room all to myself.
The next morning I was more than happy to gaze at this view while eating breakfast. Sidenote: if you are into hiking, or the Himals, or just geography and decide to google a map, I was trekking in the Annapurna area, which is a little to the west of central Nepal whereas the Everest region is farther toward the east. I have yet to glimpse Everest and don't know if that will even happen. But, the Annapurna mountains are nothing to scoff at and you also get to see Machhapuchhre which is the famous fishtail shaped Himal that is sacred in Nepal. It is often the symbolic mountain of the country, and it is protected so no one is allowed to climb it.
This was my guest house on night one of the trek in a village named Ulleri.
These ponies or donkeys or a mix of the two (I couldn't quite decide what our equivalent was) carry goods up and down the trail to the different villages. Ever wonder how trekkers always have a nice bottle of water in their hands at the top of a mountain? I think these little guys pack it all up the hill.
Even though my chosen trek was short and easy to access, it is really popular. It is only the start of "the season" and I had lots of company on the trail. The destinantion for even the light hearted hiker is Poon Hill which is the highest point on the trek and has an amazing panoramic view. My second night I made it to the village of Gorepani which sits right below Poon Hill. Then, at about 4 a.m. you are awoken and told to move it up the hill to see the sun rise. Crazy as it sounds, all the trekkers take off in the dark and make it up the hill just in time for the sun rise, which is the best time for views before the clouds move in.
Views from Poon Hill.......
After taking in the views at Poon Hill, you head back to your guest house for breakfast and tea. Then, I packed up my bag to start off my third day of walking which was a little more up and down somewhat following a ridgeline parallel to the mountains for my next nights stay.
Figured I should have at least a few pictures of me or you would think I stole all the pictures from the internet and just said I went trekking!
Just before evening and some rain, I made it to my stop for the thrid night. I also walked the second half of the day with some very friendly Germans so I had some company along the way. We had a great view from the guest house both in the evening and the next morning. Below is the Machhapuchhre Himal that is so famous in Nepal.
And again Annapurna South....
On the last day, I had to leave the mountain views behind, but still saw some really beautiful countryside. I loved this house surrounded by the really green rice fields.
And last....these swings made out of bamboo...yes, that is giant bamboo....were all over Nepal during the festivals. I don't know exactly what the tradition means, but I think every Nepali (or maybe Hindu) is supposed to swing at least once in their life. Plus, you can imagine the excitement this brings on for all the kids! Unfortunately I wasn't bold enough to jump in with the Nepalis and try it, but they sure were cool looking.
