Around the World with Hardy(T)Around the World with Hardy(T)...continued from Annapurna(1)
After camping at the villages of Bhadure and Shavli Bhati, we turned onto the main Annapurna trail and trekked up to Ghandrung. At Landruk we visited the Gurung museum - interesting as our guide, Ramesh, was a Gurung - and also a visitor's centre showing how the Annapurna region was being protected from the ever increasing number of trekkers. From now on we encountered many more of the 'tea house' trekkers and the trails got much busier. However, we were now much closer to Machhapuchhare and the views of this sacred peak were just utterly spectacular.
From Ghandrung,
we dropped down into the valley and crossed to the other side, returning
to Pokhara via Tolka and Dhampus. We swam (and washed!) in the icy waters
flowing down from Machhapuchhare, bought local crafts from the villagers
and enjoyed more local entertainment and hospitality. Unfortunately one
night's 'hospitality' ended up with Dr. Mikey and I exchanging garlands
of flowers - a symbol of our marriage. It was also amusing to note that
small bottles of Kukhuri Rum were used as loose change in some of the bars
and tea houses. This came in particularly handy on Pip's birthday!
The trek ended back in
Pokhara, with a visit to a Nepali disco - the Police came round to enforce
the strict 10pm closing time - and a few rousing choruses of Bohemian Rhapsody
back at camp! Our group of tired but happy trekkers then made its way on
to Damauli to start the Seti River rafting adventure...