ANNAPURNA ROUND TREK- JOURNEY THROUGH A BEAUTIFUL WORLD

An end October afternoon in 2013, we were on the train from Howrah for Raxaul in Nepal border for a pleasant trek round Annapurnas. The next day we reached Raxual, crossed Nepal border and went towards Besisahar by car. The road winds through the foothills cutting various rivers and rivulets and gradually the path goes steeply upwards, especially after crossing Chitwan National Park on its way. We reached Besisahar after darkness set in.

The next day began with amazement by looking at the morning glory of Lamjung Himal. After securing permit for the trek, we boarded a share jeep for Chyamje. It was a bumpy ride  full of discomfort, but beauty of snow peaks and Marsyangdi River was enough to pass it into oblivion.

At Chyamje, our bumpy ride ended. A landslide was nearby which we had to negotiate on foot. It was a fine October evening. Cascades washing down emerald hills, rivulets flowing under the clear blue sky made a happy beginning of our journey.

Next morning we started from our overnight homestay at Danaque for Chame. The path is as leisurely as the  approaching winter in this Himalayan terrain with hosts of beauties to offer on every side. We had a glimpse of Mt Manaslu before reaching Chame (9000 ft approx).

Next day we started for Pisang (10,000' approx). The path winds through beautiful dales, apple orchards and canopy of trees with the river accompanying us most of the way. Occasionally we had distant glimpse of snow peaks. We reached Pisang in five hours in the mood of strolling in some idyllic countryside.

Spending the night at a homestay at Pisang, we started next morning for our next stop over, Manang. Beauty abounds with breathtaking views of Annapurna group of peaks, Tilicho and other peaks. Yaks grazing in the fields, wind blowing, sun shining profusely through the terrain showing signs of Tibetan roughness, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze made our march pleasantly exciting.

Having reached Manang in five hours, we had leisurely time at our homestay after having lunch. Next day we started for Latdar at about eight in the morning. The path goes upward from the very beginning. Tree line had already ended as we went past eleven thousand feet and would reach an altitude of fourteen thousand feet within a span of eight kilometer leaving spectacular views on every footstep.

The next day we reached High Camp at an altitude of sixteen thousand feet from Latdar walking five kilometer. The path is steep towards the end. Effect of height gain could be clearly visible on us coming from plains.

We started early at four in the morning next day for crossing Thorang La (17,789'). It was still dark and bitterly cold. There was overnight snow in some parts making movement slow and cautious amidst the darkness before dawn. The chill increased as the early morning sunlight touched the distant mountains while we were still at shade. Hump after hump we craved for reaching our goal, but it alluded us for a substantial period of time. Finally at about eight in the morning we made it to Thorang La top.

The path goes downward towards Muktinath (approx 13,000'). Going downhill, we reached Muktinath by four in the afternoon. Our trek ended at Muktinath. Now what remained was of mere formality and eagerness to end our journey by motor road via Jomsom and Pokhara  and railhead from Raxaul to return to our sweet homes to tell the tale of this beautiful and picturesque trek.