Trekking day one we crossed the lake and climbed to the Bhuddist temple. I've posted pictures of that a couple days ago, then we got in the van and drove to the trailhead at Annapurna National Park.
This is John by the bridge at the park entry. Note the Bhuddist prayer flags.
These are our porters loading up. They get paid by the weight of the packs. I think they are making about $30 a day.
They strap the duffle bags together and wrap a plastic strap over their forehead then carry this huge load on their backs. They are known to carry 200lb for 10 hours. Some haul up to 400 lbs. we are in an area with no roads so everything has to be carried in.
We stayed at the Sanctuary Lodge.
It was raining when we started off the next day.
A rest stop area. ;) Note this is perched on the edge of a cliff.
People are selling stuff along the road. The people are very friendly and welcoming. Occasionally the kids ask for "candy" or "chocolate".
These two said "Namaste". That is the standard greeting.
These 8 year old girls were cutting forage to take home to their animals. They are both carrying big knives.
This is a typical trail scene. The steps are anything from 3-18" high and aren't nearly as uniform as this picture implies. We hiked about 3 hours the first day and 4 the second. Then jumped to 6 and today was 8. Today was mostly downhill which is much easier, but has challenges of its own.
There are water buffalo along the route and about every hour there is a mule train that comes through.
I guess I don't have a picture of a mule train but there are horses and cows around.
I will try to load this and see if it goes.
No comments:
Post a Comment