Traverse of Western Nepal (2008)

Leg 7: Beni to Dharapani (October 26 - November 3)

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In Beni we started trekking along the over-trekked Annapurna circuit, in the reverse direction. Each day we met several times more trekkers than we had seen during our entire trek before Beni. On Thorung La pass (5416m) we saw trekkers carried on the back of porters. In Thorung Phedi (4450m), each day, helicopters were rescuing sick trekkers and flying them back to Kathmandu. The recent road that fully connects Beni to Muktinath is also a true disaster. It is mostly used by trekkers and their crews, and only brings dust to the locals. We chose to hike from Beni to Muktinath, trying to avoid the road as much as possible. Fortunately, the sceneries along this circuit are stunning, especially beyond Jomsom (Lower Mustang) and in the Marsyangdi valley, and the local people remain very welcoming.

Annapurna I (8091m)

Nilgiri (7061m)

Porter loads

Shrine in Marpha

Kali Gandaki river soon after leaving Jomsom

Klobhatti village

The old part of Kagbeni village

Apple grove near Kagbeni

Looking toward Thorung La pass (on the right, hidden), with Jharkot village at the lower center

Jharkot village (3550m)

The monasteries of Jharkot (top) and Muktinath (bottom)

The tea house at Thorung La pass (5416)

Mountain sceneries while descending from Thorung La

Gangapurna (7455m)

Prayer wheels (the old and the new)

An interesting sign posted at the entrance gate of Manang (3440m)

Views of Manang

Small lake near Manang, with Thorung peak in the background

Annapurna III (7555m)

Annapurna II (7937m)

In the valley of Marsyangdi river

Gompah at Braga

A chorten and its paintings

Painted windows

Pisang peak (6091m)

Small green lake near the village of Lower Pisang

Another peak in the Annapurna range