Hi everyone,
So, we left the craziness of India a few weeks back and have been having a great time in Nepal. We arrived in Pokhara after a 13 hour bus ride from the Indian border, which believe it or not was only 200km.
Pokhara is a cool little tourist town within close proximity to the Annapurna ranges. Our intention was to trek around the entire Annapurna masif, but after a few warm up day hikes we decided that it was probably not the best idea to put Robyn’s recurring knee injury through the 27 days it would take to do both that and the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
We spent a little time in Pokhara just chilling out, which was a nice change after how hectic our time in India was. We then decided we would do some white water rafting and headed off on a 3 day trip. The rafting itself was very fun, but the rapids were only graded 3-4. At night we camped on the river banks and sat by the camp fires. After a few days on the raft, we were getting a little bored of just going down the rapids and talked our guide into letting us intentionally flip the raft. After a few unsuccessful (if you call getting Robyn to fall out of the raft unsuccessful) attempts, we finally got it to flip. The best part about it was that we got it captured on video!!
After the rafting, we decided to just try the Annapurna base camp trek which was a 10 day hike up to 4130 metres. The scenery was diverse ranging from beautiful rain forests to sparse mountainous areas. When we made it to the Base camp we were rewarded with 360 degree views of the Himalayas, including the 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna 1. At base camp, there was some porters playing a game of high altitude volleyball which I couldn’t help but to join in on. It was a little bit harder playing sport at 4000+ metres, but in case you were wondering, I was still AWESOME!!! The trek itself was a lot different to all other treks we have done as you don’t need to carry a tent or even food, all along the track there are “tea houses” that provide these too you. The temperature never dipped below freezing, but this is likely to change when we do the next one.
During the trek we met some Americans who we walked with for half of the days. It was good having more people to play cards with, and we are now thinking of all heading to the Everest region to do another trek.
That’s all for now, we hope everyone is well and that we hear from some of you soon.
All the best, Robyn and Glen
A morning on the lake in Pokhara
Robyn and her Tibetan Momos (dumplings) and Thoupa (noodle soup)
Our tents during the Rafting trip down the Kali Gunduki river, Nepal
The rafts on the river bank of the Kali Ganduki, Nepal
A stream where we refilled our water bottle during the trek
A veiw of the Annapurna Rages from Poon Hill, Nepal
Fish Tail peak at sunset, Annapurna Ranges, Nepal
Fish Tail peak at sunrise, Annapurna Ranges Nepal
A typical day along the trek
Robyn enjoying some lunch with amazing views of the Annapurna Ranges
Jason, Warren and Glen warming up with some hot tea after a chilly morning
This would have to be one of the highest Collingwood flags in the world at 3700 metres
Jeff, Jason, Glen, Robs and Warren at Fish Tail Base Camp
Yes, we made it!!!
Some of the Tibetan prayer flags that are all over the hike
Some of the 360 degree panoramic views at Annapurna Base Camp
Robyn relaxing at Annapurna Base Camp
Robs and Glen from Annapurna Base Camp
Glen playing high altitude volleyball
Sunrise from Annapurna Base Camp
A shot with the full moon lighting up the mountains
Robyn nearing the top of Annapurna Base Camp
Glen and Robs relaxing in the hot springs on day 9 of the 10 day trek
A typical day along the trek
Robyn’s Mars and Nutella Sandwich, only she would order that!
The World Peace Pogoda, Pokhara, Nepal