Left: Prayer flags express compassion at this monument to fallen climbers, at Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. Annapurna I (center right; 26,545 feet elevation) is the world’s 10th highest peak. On the left, Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse; 23,684 feet / 7219 meters) misleadingly appears higher due to proximity. Annapurna South was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. (Panorama stitched from 2 images.)

Hindu Deities:
Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests."  In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture, and an avatar of Durga, who is a fierce demon-fighting form of goddess Parvati, the wife of powerful Hindu Lord Shiva. (Shiva, the Destroyer, personifies both the destructive and the procreative forces of the universe.) In Sanskrit, Parvati means "She of the Mountains", because she was the daughter of Himavan, lord of the mountains and the personification of the Himalaya. Parvati is also known by a number of other names, including Ambika (mother), Gauri (golden, fair), Shyama (dark complexioned), Bhairavi (awesome), Kali (black-colored), Uma, Lalita, Aparna, the maternal epithet Mataji.

---

October 22-31, 2007: Our group of seven trekkers hiked 10 days from Phedi to the Annapurna Sanctuary returning via Naya Pul, walking up and down a total of 21,000 feet. Throughout the trek, we slept in comfortable teahouses with private double (or triple bed) rooms. We ate good quality hot meals usually prepared with good sanitation. I recommend hiring a guide and/or porters (like we did) to help carry your sleeping bag and extra clothing, and to run ahead and reserve rooms early in the day, since in high season (October-November), lodging on this trail can fill up in the evenings. A minor health problem for us was the common cold virus, plus excessive coughing due to dry high altitude air and dusty trails (which become a more serious problem on the higher altitude Everest/Gokyo area trek). At altitudes above 10,000 feet, I recommend wearing a scarf or neckerchief over your mouth to hydrate the air and keep out dust. I recommend washing hands frequently using soap and water, or waterless hand sterilizer. 

A. Pokhara

Left: Tourists enjoy colorful blue boats on Phewa Lake (or Fewa Tal), in Pokhara, Nepal.

Below: Water buffalo at Phewa Lake (or Fewa Tal), in Pokhara, Nepal.


Left: Our chief guide Chhatra gave excellent leadership for our team of porters and trekkers, always with a smile.

Below: Neem, our second in command, also did a great job supporting our trekking group.

Maps

B. Start at Phedi to Tolka to Chomrong

Alternative spellings: Chomrong = Chhomrong = Chhomrung = Chhumro (7250 feet elevation).
Left: We started trekking at Phedi, 3710 feet, along the Yangdi Khola river valley shown in this image, flanked by fertile rice terraces, near Pokhara, Nepal.

Below: Rice, wheat, maize, millet, potatoes and other crops grow on these steep terraces near Tolka, Nepal.


Left: The south face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters), seen at sunrise from Tolka, in the Himalaya mountains of Nepal.  Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga.

Below: Rice terraces ready to harvest, near Dhampus, Nepal.


Left: Teahouse at Tolka (5870 feet elevation), in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. The south face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters), in Nepal.  Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga.








Below: Night view of teahouse lodging at Tolka (5870 feet elevation), our first night (after leaving the paved highway at Phedi and trekking 7 hours, 3400 feet up, 1600 feet down).


Left: Winding trail near Dhampus in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.



Left: Water buffalo and calf near Dhampus in Nepal.

Below: Children at Chomrong (7250 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.



Left: We met these children near Samrung & New Bridge, between Tolka and Chomrong, a Gurung tribal area in the Annapurna Range of Nepal Himalaya mountains, on the trail to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Below: Trekkers climb a steep stone stairway up to Chomrong (Chhomrong, Chhomrung, or Chhumro), in the Annapurna Range, in Nepal.




Left: A pretty yellow flower shaped like a slipper, growing near Chomrong in Nepal.







Below: Magenta and blue trumpet shaped flowers growing on a vine  near Chomrong in Nepal.



Left: A waterfall between Tolka and Chomrung, just downstream of New Bridge and Himalpani, in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.





Below: The south face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters) rises high above rice terraces and buildings in Nepal.  Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga.

Nepalese Teahouse Food

Left: In the Nepali language, the three words "Daal bhaat tarkari" mean ‘lentil soup’, rice, and ‘curried vegetables', respectively.  This local staple food dish is commonly available in teahouses for trekker meals in Nepal.

Below: Momos are Tibetan steamed or fried dumplings. This food dish is commonly available for meals in trekker teahouses in Nepal.


Left: Swiss Rosti with egg and cheese. This food entree is commonly available in teahouses for trekkers in Nepal.

Below: Pizza (some good, some mediocre) is commonly available for meals in trekker teahouses in Nepal.

Left: A Nepalese child asks for a handout.

Below: A Nepalese porter carries chickens for sale.


Three porters carry loads up stone stairs by marigold flowers and a bright cyan blue painted brick teahouse building, at Taglung (7152 feet / 2180 meters elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.

C. From Bamboo to Deurali

Left: Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare), the Fish Tail Mountain (22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation) rises high above the Modi Khola river valley, here about 8000 feet elevation.







Below: Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare), the Fish Tail Mountain (22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation) a sacred peak, illegal to climb. This view is from the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary, upstream from Bamboo, Nepal.




Left: Fresh strips of bamboo tied in loops lie next to a complete woven bamboo basket (dhoko) at the village of Bamboo, at 7580 feet elevation, in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal.






Below: We watched a porter weave this bamboo basket (dhoko) at the village of Bamboo, at 7580 feet elevation, in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal.



Left: Carol admires the mossy rain forest near Bamboo.

Below: Ferns drape from a mossy tree branch near Bamboo.


Left: Deurali village teahouses, nestled in the deep valley of the Modi Khola river, in the Annapurna Mountain Range of Nepal.

Below: Yellow fall leaf colors (after the end of the monsoon season) in a forest between Bamboo and Deurali, in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.


Left: Our trekkers crossed a makeshift bridge over a stream near Deurali, Nepal.



Left: Peaks rise through the fog, above Deurali village (10,600 feet / 3231 meters elevation), in the deep valley of the Modi Khola river, in the Annapurna Mountain Range of Nepal.

Below: Waterfall and fog, above Deurali village (10,600 feet / 3231 meters elevation), in the deep valley of the Modi Khola river, in the Annapurna Mountain Range of Nepal.


Left: Trekkers explore the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary, along the Modi Khola river in the Annapurna Range, just upstream of Deurali, Nepal, at about 11,000 feet elevation. Straight ahead, the rocky Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli) rises to 18,684 feet / 5695 meters, and behind it on the left is the snowy Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak; 21,328 feet / 6501 meters), and just right of it is Glacier Dome (Tare Kang; 23,192 feet / 7069 meters).

Below: Trekkers walk the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary, along the Modi Khola river in the Annapurna Range, just upstream of Deurali, Nepal, at about 11,000 feet elevation. On the right is Ganggapurna (or Gangapurna; 24,457 feet / 7454 meters; the world's 59th highest peak). On the left is Glacier Dome (Tare Kang; 23,192 feet / 7069 meters)



Left: Beneath steep glacier carved cliffs, trekkers admire the valley of the Modi Khola river (on the trail to the Annapurna Sanctuary and Machhapuchhare Base Camp, MBC), looking back towards Deurali, in Nepal.

D. Annapurna Sanctuary

Below: Map of the Annapurna Sanctuary marking Bamboo, Deurali, MBC, ABC and the impressive amphitheatre of surrounding mountains:

Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC):

Left: Steep glacier carved cliffs in the valley of the Modi Khola river, on the trail to the Annapurna Sanctuary, at Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare) Base Camp at 3700 meters or 12,140 feet elevation, in the Annapurna Range.


Below: Trekkers wander in wonderful Annapurna Sanctuary above Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare) Base Camp (MBC). The sun rises over Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare), the Fish Tail Mountain (on the right; 22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation) a sacred peak, illegal to climb, in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. Center left is the sharp peak of Gandharba Chuli (20,500 feet / 6248 meters).



Left: Machhapuchhre (or spelled Machhapuchhare), the Fish Tail Mountain (22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation) a sacred peak, illegal to climb, in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. This view is from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC, at 3700 meters or 12,140 feet elevation in the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Below: The teahouse at Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare) Base Camp (MBC, elevation 12,140 feet), in the Annapurna Sanctuary, of Annapurna Range of Nepal, in the Himalaya Mountains.

Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC):

Left: Sunset: The last rays of sunset hit Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare), the Fish Tail Mountain (22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation), a sacred peak, illegal to climb, in the Annapurna mountain range, in Nepal. Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags fly from this monument at Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Below: Sunrise: The moon sets behind Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse; 23,684 feet / 7219 meters) at sunrise, as seen from Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation), in the Himalaya of Nepal.


Above: Moonlight strikes Annapurna I (on the right, 26,545 feet), the world’s 10th highest peak, as seen from Hotel Paradise Garden & Restaurant, at Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. On the left is Annapurna South, which appears higher in this perspective because it is closer. Stars streak the sky, and the headlamps of motel residents make wavy lines of light as they pass by, in the 3+minute time exposure. (Panorama stitched from 2 images; at 6:50pm October 27, 2007)


Above: The full Moon sets at dawn over Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse; 23,684 feet / 7219 meters), as seen from Hotel Paradise Garden & Restaurant, at Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation), in the Himalaya of Nepal. On the right is Annapurna I (26,545 feet / 8091 meters elevation), the world’s 10th highest peak.  (Panorama stitched from 3 images.)


Above: Annapurna I (on the right; 26,545 feet / 8091 meters elevation) is the world’s 10th highest peak. The lower jagged peak at center left is Fang (or Baraha Shikhar 25,088 feet / 7647 meters). On the left is Annapurna South, which is shorter and closer than both other peaks, but looks taller from this perspective. This dawn view is from Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC; at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags fly from a monument which honors fallen climbers. (Panorama stitched from 4 images.)


Trekkers admire sunrise light on Annapurna I, at a monument to fallen climbers, at ABC. Annapurna I was the first ever 8,000 meter peak to be climbed. Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit on 3 June 1950, in a French expedition.

Left: Moon set over Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse; 23,684 feet / 7219 meters) before dawn, seen from Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation), in the Himalaya of Nepal.  

Below: 23 minutes later, Annapurna South is warmed by golden sunlight and kissed by the moon.


Left: The yellow rays of sunrise hit the peak of Fang (or Baraha Shikhar 25,088 feet / 7647 meters), in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.

Below: The golden light of sunrise strikes the east face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet / 7219 meters), in Nepal. Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga. On the far right, further away, is a higher peak called Fang (or Baraha Shikhar 25,088 feet / 7647 meters).


Left: The silhouettes of trekkers stand against the impressive mountain face of Fang (or Baraha Shikhar 25,088 feet / 7647 meters), in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.

Below: Sunrise on the east face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet / 7219 meters), in Nepal. On the far right, further away, is the impressive mountain face of Fang (or Baraha Shikhar 25,088 feet / 7647 meters), with foreground silhouettes of trekkers, in the Annapurna Sanctuary of Nepal.


Left: A reflection of the east face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet / 7219 meters), in Nepal.  Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) was first climbed in 1964 by a Japanese expedition, via the North Ridge. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests."

Below: Our porters and guides stand beneath the sharp peak of Gandharba Chuli (20,500 feet / 6248 meters), at ABC.


Left: Porters carry large red packs in the Annapurna Range of Nepal, on the Annapurna Sanctuary trail, beneath the sharp peak of Gandharba Chuli (20,500 feet / 6248 meters), which is fluted with ice ridges.








Below: Porters carry loads past a seasonal herders' shelter towards Annapurna South (23,684 feet / 7219 meters; also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse), in the Annapurna Sanctuary, Nepal.  Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests."



Left: Trekker Cecile Disenhouse paints mountain scenery with her watercolor inks at Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.






Below: The east face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet / 7219 meters; also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse) rises above Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Sanctuary, Nepal.


Left: Annapurna I (26,545 feet / 8091 meters elevation) is the world’s 10th highest peak. This view is from Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC; at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal.



Below: This late afternoon view is from Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC; at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. Annapurna I (26,545 feet / 8091 meters elevation) is the world’s 10th highest peak. (Panorama stitched from 2 images)


Left image: Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare), the Fish Tail Mountain (on the right; 22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation), is a sacred peak, illegal to climb, in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. This view is from Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Sanctuary.  The leftmost peak is Annapurna III (24,786 feet / 7555 meters). The sharp center peak is Gandharba Chuli (20,500 feet / 6248 meters). On the lower left, the rock covered South Annapurna Glacier melts further below into the Modi Khola river. (Panorama stitched from 2 images.) [Upon request, I can show you another panorama including Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak; 21,328 feet / 6501 meters), and the rocky Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli; 18,684 feet / 5695 meters), the base of which you see on the far left.]

Below: Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags frame the peak of Annapurna I (26,545 feet / 8091 meters elevation), which is the world’s 10th highest peak. This view is from Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC; at 13,550 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. (Panorama stitched from 2 images)


Prayer flags express compassion at this monument to fallen climbers, at Annapurna South Base Camp (ABC, at 13,550 feet elevation), in late afternoon in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. Annapurna I (center right; 26,545 feet elevation) is the world’s 10th highest peak. Annapurna I was the first 8,000 meter peak to be climbed. Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, of a French expedition, reached the summit on 3 June 1950. On the left, Annapurna South (also known as Annapurna Dakshin, or Moditse; 23,684 feet / 7219 meters) misleadingly appears higher due to proximity. (Panorama stitched from 2 images.)

E. Back to Dovan to Chomrong

Alternative spelling:  Dovan = Dobhan (8530 feet elevation).  Chomrong = Chhomrong = Chhomrung = Chhumro (7250 feet elevation). 

Left: We descend the valley of the Modi Khola river, beneath steep glacier carved cliffs, below Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC), in Nepal.

Below: Firewood is stacked in a tall cylinder beside this farm house near Chomrong (or Chhomrung; 7250 feet elevation), Nepal.



Left: Trekkers ascend steep stone steps up to Chomrong (alternative spellings Chhomrong, Chhomrung, Chhumro; 7250 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.





Below: Trekking through agricultural terraces at Tilche, near Chomrong in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.


Left: Leslie meets two Nepalese children at Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet) in Nepal, in the Himalaya mountain chain, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary.

Below: Trekking past water buffalo through agricultural terraces near Chomrong (or Chhomrung) in the Annapurna Mountain Range of Nepal.



Left: Vegetables growing on steep terraces near Chhomrong.

Below: A donkey train carries burlap sacks past trekkers on a stone road near Chhomrong, in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.

F. Chomrong to Ghandruk to Naya Pul end

Alternative spellings:  Chomrong = Chhomrong = Chhomrung = Chhumro (7250 feet elevation).   Ghandruk = Ghandrung (6530 feet elevation).  Naya Pul = Nayapul (3510 feet / 1070 meters elevation).

Left: Rice terraces cover the hillsides below Ghandruk (or Ghandrung), along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal.







Left: A donkey with a large bell and bright colors in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.








Below: A donkey train carries loaded burlap sacks on a stone road in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.


Left: Trekkers and a water buffalo descend stone steps near Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet) in Nepal, in the Himalaya mountain chain, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary.

Below: Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters), seen from below Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet) in Nepal, in the Himalaya mountain chain, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary.


Left: Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters), seen from Gurung Cottage, at Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet) in Nepal, in the Himalaya mountain chain.

Below: The mountain on the left is Annapurna South (23,684 feet / 7219 meters), above a corn field at Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet), in the Annapurna Range of Nepal. On the right is Machhapuchhare (or Machhapuchhre), the Fish Tail Mountain (22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation) a sacred peak, illegal to climb. Annapurna is Sanskrit for "Goddess of the Harvests." In Hinduism, Annapurna is a goddess of fertility and agriculture and an avatar of Durga.


Left: Machhapuchhre (or Machhapuchhare), the Fish Tail Mountain (22,943 feet / 6997 meters elevation) is a sacred peak, illegal to climb, in the Annapurna mountains (part of the Himalaya range), seen here at sunrise from Ghandruk, in Nepal.

Below: Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet) in Nepal, in the Himalaya mountain chain, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary.


Left: Colorful green and red doors, seen along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal.

Below: Children at Ghandruk village (or Ghandrung, 6530 feet), beneath the south face of Annapurna South (23,684 feet /  7219 meters), in Nepal. 


Left: A Gurung man carries a balanced pair of loaded baskets up a stone road past a shop house drying corn, near Kimche, in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal.

Below: A small store at a house in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.


Left: Trekkers with hiking poles walk by rice terraces near Kimche, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal.

Below: Signs for "Hot Shower" and "Solar Electricity" on an intricately carved balcony along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal.



Left: Carol walks a stone path through rice terraces along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary, near Kimche, in Nepal.

Below: Corn cobs dry under a porch ceiling in Nepal.


Left: A man and woman cut and harvest rice between Ghandruk and Syauli Bajar, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal.




Below: Trekkers hike by harvested rice drying in the sun, between Ghandruk and Syauli Bajar, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal.


Left: An orange, black and yellow butterfly in Nepal, mating with another.

Below: A black and yellow butterfly in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal.


Left: A yellow moth held by hand, found at Chomrong (alternative spellings Chhomrong, Chhomrung, Chhumro; 7250 feet elevation) in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal.

Map ending at Naya Pul:


Left: Children ride the back of a truck, passing two loaded donkeys, in the town of Naya Pul, an important gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area, in Nepal.



Below: A farmer contemplates rice terraces near Kimche, along the trail to Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal.
    Nepal Index:

• Page 0:  Highlights of Nepal
• Page 1:  2007 Kathmandu ( history , Durbar Square , shopping , Patan , Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath ,  Kathesimbhu ) ~ Show gallery of 83 images.
• Page 2 (this page):  2007 Annapurna Sanctuary, 10-day trek ~ Show gallery of 180 images
• Page 3:  2007 Everest/Gokyo, 14-day trek ~ Show gallery of 185 images
• Page 4:  1981 Photo-essay: 24-day trek from the Terai to Kala Patthar / Everest area, "To the Abode of Snow"