We did it!! We're back safe and sound (back to Pokhara that is). We've summed up the day by day trek for your reading enjoyment. To avoid repeating ourselves, it is safe to assume that everyday we were: either really hot or really cold, almost got pushed off the trail by burros, sheep, or goats, and entertained a lot for porters, children, and/or other trekkers by our dancing and minimal language skills.
We trekked the Annapurna Circuit, which is about 200 miles around the Annapurna Range in the Himalayas (annapurna I being the 10th largest Mt. in the world). We crossed over the biggest pass in the world (almost 1800ft) and saw the deepest valley in the world. We didn't take a guide (and we never once felt we needed one) and carried our own bags (a rare thing on this trek) We don't like to brag or anything, but we were told we were brave multiple times, but multiple people. Dun dun dun...
Days 1-3
We took a bus ride from Pokhara to the trail head (5 hr.) and then hopped on another bus that was supposed to take us to the next village where the "official" trail began. About 10 min. and 2 flat tires later, we decided to listen to the "danger" warnings and walk the road to the trail. We crossed some questionable suspension bridges while dodging the oncoming donkeys plowing through us. The trails starts out through Jurassic park-like scenery and so far we've had no problems carrying our own packs or with the trail, although it is starting to become more intense.
Days 4-6
The hike is getting harder and Carrie is getting some really bad blisters. The trail is crossing through the jungle lands and becoming more forest-like, as well as getting much colder. The views are getting better. We had our first encounter with the Maoists, who were blocking the trail demanding money. We refused and charged through. Day 5 was our Hell day. We woke up to a rain storm and after walking for less than an hour we hit snow line (which we weren't thinking we would hit until at least day 7 or 8). We breaked in a village and warmed up by the fire, but when I stood up to get my water I tripped and fell on the stove. I got severe burns on my hands. We were forced to keep going because the rain had washed out parts of the trail behind us. Carrie's blisters are really bad and each step is painful for her.
Days 7-9
After hitting about 11,000ft. we were forced to slow our pace due to the elevation. We spent a few days doing half day hikes and acclimating. We did a few scrambles to higher elevations and then returned to a lower elevation to sleep. We're almost completely adjusted now to being dirty, not changing our clothes, and using the "toilet" wherever is convienent. We've met quite a few groups of people moving at our pace and we are enjoying the views and the company. Other than slight headaches and naseua, we are acclimating well and no signs of AMS.
Day 10!
17, 800ft! We made it over the pass!!!! We left High Camp ( 16,000ft) at first light. It was soooo cold...and hard. At that elevation it is hard to catch your breath. About 200-300 yards from the top I could only take a few steps without having to stop and rest. It was a long, long day but completely worth it. The other side of the pass was steep down, but after escaping the wind wasn't too bad. We stayed at a hotel with a hot shower and it was the first time I took off my down coat in 5 days (including nights).
Days 11-15
It's nice to be in a warmer area, but the steep downhills are taking a toll on us. Carrie's knee is tweaked and she is in pain going down hill. We were informed that in the village we stayed in after the pass a French women died. We are not sure of the details, but it was really scary to learn...AMS or Hypothermia-not sure...really sad and scary though.
We pressed on through "apple" country (picking apples of the trees which were really yummy) and passed a restaurant called "yak donalds" In the mountains, they burn yak shit for fuel... Yaks are everywhere (I also saw one being butchered, which you can imagine how I felt about that) We are ahead of schedule and nearing the final few days...We ran into Maoists again, but our friend Andy saved us from them and we ran on through. We've been lucky and haven't had to pay them once...
Days 16
LAST DAY!!! We left at first light to make the long, steep trek back (descending nearly 5000ft). It was a hard day and Carrie took a bad fall that made her already swollen knee worse. It was slow going, but we made it back to Naya Pul, the last village in time to meet up with a Boulder couple to share a taxi back to Pokhara . (pretty random to meet a US couple-we've met very few americans travelling here). Seeing busses and cars was also wierd, but with relief as well. We took care of our bodies pretty well, my open burned blisters managed to not get infected and neither did Carries huge open wounded blisters. In Pokhara we had a huge list of wants and needs, but eating, showering, and sleeping beat out the rest. We managed to consume french fries, an entire pizza each, and 4 mars bars between us. After that, we showered and slept. It doesn't get much better than that...
- * A special thanks to our trail friends: Isreal 1, Isreal 2, OP, Red, Red Guide, The Boys, Belgium, France, Ernie & Germany, Andy, all the porters who wanted to walk and talk with us (and dance and sing with us)**
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