Passing through forests
and villages with the very welcoming tea houses, this
day's trek keeps us on the ridge with fabulous vistas
until Deurali (6,890 ft), the high point of this walk,
then descending to Bheri Kharka - Sheep Pasture, high
above the Modi Khola valley for lunch Not far away lies
Landrung where you will spend overnight at tents.
Day 08 - Landrung - Chomrung (6,726
ft)
A grand days
walk which takes you into the Modi Khola valley with
views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and
Machapuchhare. The valley you will be trekking through
in the next few days is all visible. First a short descent
to the river then begins the climb of the day. Lunch
is at Jhinu, Overnight at tents. a place which not only
welcomes it's weary travelers with good food but also
known it's hot springs.
Day 09 - Chomrung - Dovan (8,530
ft)
Despite modest
linear distance covered the trail makes a constant switch
back through the Modi Khola gorge. In the initial stage
of the walk the route gives the possibility of views
but later as the trail heads among rhododendron and
bamboo forests it gets scarce but here the birds and
Languar monkeys abound. You stop at Bamboo for lunch
- a teashop amidst, one can guess - bamboo. An hour's
walk reaches you to Dovan a place with three teahouses
in a narrow, shaded valley.
Day 10 - Dovan - Machapucchare
Base Camp (12,139 ft)
Now as you walk in the deep Modi
Khola valley the trail winds up among bambook thickets
and forest to the famous Hinku cave that once housed a
lodge. The cave lies separated from Deurali, the lunch
spot by a stream that flows right off the Hiunchuli Peak
that looms above you. Beyond Deurali the temperature vegetation
quickly transforms into short, stunted Alpine. Lying too
close to Machapuchhare and the surrounding Mountains the
views from Machapuchhare Base Camp may not be up to your
expectation. But to be able to enjoy the next few days.
Stay of a night here is a wise move.
Day 11 - Machapucchare Base Camp
- Annapurna Base Camp (13,550 ft) - Dovan
The trek to Annapurna
Base Camp ascends at a steady gradient, never very shortly,
but the altitude is likely to have a tiring effect.
Do not hurry, but ascend slowly & enjoy the expanding
panorama. It's a clear, well-defined trail and as you
gain height the lodge buildings can be seen ahead. The
final rise is the steepest. After some time at this
wonderful vantage point we turn back to retrace our
steps going all the way back to Dovan.
Day
12 - Dovan - Chomrung
Trek up to Chomrung
and spend overnight there.
Day 13 - Chomrung - Gandrung (6,362
ft)
This day you
descend to Kimrong Khola on a fairly steep trail through
Oak Forest for lunch. Then it's up again on the southern
side to the picturesque village of Ghandrung with the
last close views of Annapurna South and Huinchul. This
large and prosperous village is also the headquarters
of the very successful Annapurna Conservation Area.
Day 14 - Gandrung - Pokhara
For the last
time you descend to the Modi Khola valley as you first
head south then southwest towards the road head at Nayapul,
half an hour away after crossing the Modi Khola at Birethanti.
You meet your transport here that will take you to Pokhara.
After you leave Ghandrung the mountains can only be
seen on your drive from the road head to Pokhara. On
arrival check in into hotel. Afternoon free to relax.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 - Pokhara - Katmandu
Drive back
to Katmandu, On arrival check in into hotel. Overnight
at hotel.
