Traverse of Western Nepal (2008)

Leg 6: Dunai to Beni (October 19-26)

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Beyond Dunai (2100m) we crossed the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. We had a series of very strenuous days across a complex network of steep ridges and valleys. We reached Dhorpatan (2960m) in 5 days, during which our cumulated elevation gain was 6100 meters. On the second day we crossed two passes, Jang La (4535m) and Purban La (4540m). Later we crossed three smaller passes, Derali La (3950m), Phagune Dhuri (4110m), and Jalja La (3510m). Beni was the only relatively large town on our itinerary. We barely saw any trekkers on this section, except near Beni where the itinerary coincides with the Dhaulagiri circuit.

On our way to Jang La pass, with the Kagmara mountain range in the background

View from Purban La pass

The valley of Seng Khola river

The trail down to Yamakhar village

Yamakhar is a small village built on a steep slope below the trail shown above

Pelma village seen from Yamakhar

Trail above Pelma village

Thankur (3370m), a mule station below Phagune Dhuri pass (4110m)

Peaks of the Dhaulagiri range. From left to right: Putha Hiunchuli (7246m), Churen Himal (7371m) and Dhaulagiri II (7751m)

A closer view of Churen Himal

Dhorpatan (2960m). Dhorpatan means flat place.

Meat of mountain sheep drying in Dhorpatan

Early morning puja in Dhorpatan

Mani stone in Dhorpatan

Apple trees near Dhorpatan

A recently burnt rhododendron forest above Dhorpatan

Trail below Jalja La pass (3510m)

Rhododendron forest on the other side of Jalja La pass

Machapuchare at sunrise seen from Moreni (2650m)

Gurja peak (7193m)

Horses on the trail carrying rice bags

Peaks at the southern end of the Dhaulagiri range

Field plowing

Terraced fields near Dharapani

Rice-based delicacies drying in Dharapani

The beautiful morning light of the low-elevation Myugdi Khola valley near Beni

Pictures of Shri Krishna as child seen in a tea shop before reaching Beni