Amazing, Astonishing, Astounding, Awesome, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek!!

An Epic Trek in the "Heart of the Himalyas'

Sunrise at ABC

Duration - 12 days

Degree of Difficulty - moderate to strenuous. A 12 day trek on steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 1,000 and 4,130 metres

Maximum Altitude – 4,130 metres

Accommodation – Teahouses and Lodges

Destination - ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) in the Annapurna Sanctuary

Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin, a natural mountain-ringed amphitheatre, described as one the most dramatic settings in the Himalaya, with a 360-degree panorama of snow-covered peaks including mighty Annapurna I, Annapurna South and the sacred “fishtail” spire of Machapuchare. The only entrance -a narrow pass between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Machpuchare.

 

Sacred Machapuchare (Fishtail)

Looking back towards Annapurna Sanctuary

(This photo was taken on our way down)

Just a bit of background info - The entire sanctuary wass held as sacred to the Gurung people, one of the many native people to inhabit the area. They believed the Nagas, the serpent-gods of India, stored gold and various treasures here. The sanctuary was believed to be the home of several gods, from Buddhism and Hinduism as well the older animistic gods. The peak of Machapuchare at the entrance was believed to be the home of the god Shiva, and the daily plumes of snow were thought to be the smoke of his divine incense. Until recently, the local Gurang people forbade anyone from bringing eggs or meat into the Annapurna Sanctuary, and women and untouchables were prohibited from going there as well.

That’s your little bit of education for the day! Cool information, eh!

To reach this sacred, towering kingdom, we trekked through a stunning array of landscapes, from brilliant green rice terraces, bamboo groves, and rhododendron forests of Gurung country to the dramatic glacier realm surrounded by Himalayan giants. We passed over, under and around waterfalls, viewed life in the local villages and smelt the wildflowers.

Our guide and my champion – Ram (AKA the amazing Ramster)

Our sure footed, man of steel, porter – Raj (AKA Raj)

 

 

Highlights – That goes without saying – THE SCENERY in god’s own country.

Lowlights – Rain, mud, crumbling landslides, slippery boulders, narrow ledges and LEECHES!

 

A lesser landslide conquered on the way down!

 

Conclusion
We did it!!!!! 12 days trekking - up, down, zig-zag and Nepali flat. We definitely earned our trekker stripes.

 5 days pissing down rain, leeches, mud, a few bruises, sore muscles and tired feet. I stepped outside my comfort zone and faced my demons (fear of heights, falling, clambering over slippery surfaces).

Was it worth it?    MOST DEFINITELY!!!! An awesome experience! We got right up close and personal to some of the highest mountains in the world and they are magnificent!

 

Rating - FIVE STAR ALL THE WAY!!!!!!

 

The Four Musketeers