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 of the photo.

Jharkot village (3550m).

Monastery of Jharkot.

Monastery of Muktinath.

Teahouse at Thorung La pass (5416).

Views over mountains during the descent from Thorung La.

Gangapurna (7455m).

Prayer wheels (old and new).

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.

Gompa at Braga.

Chorten and its paintings.

Painted windows.

Pisang peak (6091m).

Small green lake near the village of Lower Pisang.

Another peak in the Annapurna range.

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