Annapurna Expedition 2013

August 19, 2020 Holden

Since COVID-19 has curtailed all my travel plans for the foreseeable future, it is now a good time to post about some of my past trips that I didn’t get to write about. I shall start with this amazing trip to Nepal that I undertook in end-2013, which stretched into 2014.

Nepal is one of my top three favourite countries in the world. My first visit was in 2012, when I managed to do some white water rafting and squeezed in a three-day trek to Poon Hill. I loved the backpacker’s vibe in Thamel and the serenity of Pokhara. I spent only eight days there and it was way too short. If anything, it made me hungry for more.

I was extremely fortunate that the opportunity to visit Nepal again came very soon, in late 2013. This time, it was a long, 19-day trip and the best part was that I had the company of a wonderful band of brothers and sisters. We spent 14 days trekking around the Annapurna Circuit, taking in the marvellous views of the snow-capped mountains along the way.

We were incredibly blessed with good weather throughout. It was the start of winter and it had not begun to snow yet. Trekking in snow would not have been very fun. Instead, we experienced sunny skies in the day, which allowed us to have tremendous views of the mountains. At night, the temperatures dipped drastically but our thick down jackets and sleeping bags kept us warm and snug.

Waking up each morning to a different view of the snow-capped mountains was a joy. The air was so crisp and fresh, because there were no motor vehicles around to pollute the air. Life was simple and straightforward. Stripped of our mobile phones, we revelled in each other’s company. We shared heartfelt stories about our lives as we watched the sun disappear over the horizon while the moon emerged.

Along the way, we motivated each other as we encountered hill after hill. Eventually, we conquered the never-ending stone steps and forged friendships through our shared experiences.This is a trip I will never forget.

I have selected some of my favourite photos to chronicle those 14 perfect days spent in the Annapurna mountains. I hope these images will inspire you to visit the beautiful Nepal someday. Namaste.

DAY 1 (16 Dec 2013)
Singapore to Kathmandu/Pokhara

Dad and mum are always there to send me off

Departed on Silkair flight MI412 to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal

Upon touchdown at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, we immediately transferred to a Yeti Airlines propeller plane for the domestic flight to Pokhara

First look at the snow-capped mountains as we approached Pokhara

DAY 2 (17 Dec 2013)
Lumle to Birethanti (elevation 1,050m)
Trekking distance: 7.5km
Duration: 3 hours

A glimpse of Phewa Tal from our hotel at Lakeside in Pokhara

The Nepali are some of the most beautiful people in the world

These rivers are made for white water rafting

DAY 3 (18 Dec 2013)
Birethanti to Tikhedhunga (elevation 1,577m)
Trekking distance: 9km
Duration: 3½ hours

A convoy of horses passing through as we took a rest at Sudame

A sparsely furnished room at Indra Guest House

This is how the bathroom looks like…loo with a view

These mules are made to work really hard

DAY 4 (19 Dec 2013)
Tikhedhunga to Banthanti (elevation 2,210m)
Trekking distance: 6km
Duration: 3½ hours

Finally reached Ulleri after conquering a long stretch of steep stone steps

The key to my room at Machha Puchhare Guest House at Banthanti

You can tell that beer is an essential item here in the mountains

All wrapped up as the temperature fell with the setting sun

The furnace is a very popular place to stay warm and dry your clothes

Love these lamps imprinted with Om and Buddha Eyes

DAY 5 (20 Dec 2013)
Banthanti to Chitre (elevation 2,390m)
Trekking distance: 12km
Duration: 5½ hours

Passed by Ghorepani on the way to Chitre. Love the illustrations on these signboards.

Lovely place for afternoon tea, at our guest house in Chitre

DAY 6 (21 Dec 2013)
Chitre to Tatopani (elevation 1,190m)
Trekking distance: 14km
Duration: 5½ hours

Woke up to this view of Dhaulagiri mountain

Farming is a way of life up in the mountains

The mighty Kali Gandaki river. Will love to raft in this river one day.

Need any shoe shining services in Tatopani?

DAY 7 (22 Dec 2013)
Rest day at Tatopani, no trekking

Bob Marley Restaurant at Tatopani…pretty sure he did not come here before

The song *Lemon Tree* by Fool’s Garden comes into my head when I see this

“Tatopani” means “hot water”. This a natural hot spring area, so that’s how it got its name.

Went for a soak at the hot spring to soothe our tired muscles

DAY 8 (23 Dec 2013)
Tatopani to Chitre (elevation 2,390m)
Trekking distance: 14km
Duration: 6½ hours

The mighty Kali Gandaki river once again

One of the many suspension bridges we crossed

Back at Chitre after a long and tiring trek

DAY 9 (24 Dec 2013)
Chitre to Ghorepani (elevation 2,860m) + Poon Hill trek (elevation 3,210m)
Trekking distance: 4km
Duration: 1½ hours