I arrived in Kathmandu during Diwali celebrations (festival of lights). I had four full days in Kathmandu before the trek commenced so I did lots of walking while visiting the main attractions.
I stayed at the Woodapple Hotel & Spa, an excellent hotel located close to Thamel, friendly & helpful staff with great views from the rooftop restaurant. Kathmandu Darbar SquareBuddhist templeSwayambhunath temple, also known as the Monkey templeYou need a lot of patience when taking photos of monkeys as they are constantly on the move. Two young ladies spin the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. You should also walk around the temples in a clockwise direction.Patan Durbar SquarePatan Durbar SquarePatan Durbar SquarePatan Durbar SquareBoudha Stupa, also known as Boudhanath is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist monuments in the world. I managed to get this photo of the Stupa just before the rain commenced. The Stupa is surrounded by shops and cafes. BhaktapurThe ancient city of BhaktapurView of Kathmandu from the Woodapple rooftop restaurant the morning after the rain, temporarily removing the hazy skyline that normally hangs around Kathmandu.
The trek commences
View of the village of Taal as we trekked up the path heading towards Dharapani. There were some steep sections on the trail so it was a tough first day of trekking. I remember thinking, did I really sign up for this… what was I thinking?We stopped for lunch at Syarku with great viewsWelcome to Chame, quite a big modern town that had a proper cafe shop, bank, motor mechanic and even a snooker & pool hall. We stayed at the Hotel Eagle Eye.
Chame to Pisang
Morning view from the hotelWe had lunch at the rooftop restaurant. Lovely view from my room at Upper Pisang
Pisang to Manang
Morning view of Annapurna II from my room. Annapurna II is the second-highest mountain of the Annapurna range at 7,937m. Unfortunately, you can’t always capture the mountains in the best light as you arrive late in the day and leave early the next morning. The best time to photograph mountains is in the morning as clouds tend to develop around lunch time.The Green Lake located near PisangScenic view of the township of NgawalLunch at guesthouse in NgawalLate afternoon photo of Annapurna III as we approach Manang
Manang
We had two nights at Manang to allow for an acclimatisation day. Lots of trekking excursions available from Manang.Gangapurna Mountain (7,455m)A dzo is a hybrid animal that is a cross between a yak and a domestic cowPrayer wheels at Manang
Manang to Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Lower base camp of Thorong Phedi
Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Celebrating with Sandesh & PrajwalTownship of Mukinath
