After 3 relaxing days in Pokhara we then drove to the start of our trek at Nyapul it was then an was an easy 3 hour walk to our first lodge at Tikendunga. We arrived just as the clouds came rolling in and the rain started. Our plan was to trek for another 2 hours to Ulleri but due to the rain that decided to set in for the afternoon we all opted to stay and relax for the afternoon.

The next morning appeared bight and clear and we were greeted by the stunning view of Annapurna south as we climbed the 3850 steps to Ulleri and continued to climb to our final destination for the day at Ghorepani. By the time we arrived 7hours later everyone was totally exhausted.

Day 2 After a good nights sleep we were up early 4.30am to begin our ascent to Poon Hill 3210 were we were greeted by a stunning sunrise and fantastic views of Annapurna 1 Annapurna South and Dhalaghiri. After 17 years of trekking just about every area in Nepal I am still in awe of its magnificent changing scenery from rice fields, stunning waterfalls to beautiful snow-capped mountains. Breakfast and then off on another 6 hour day which began with an easy ascent to another stunning mountain view before traversing the ridge and down through one of my favourite places forests of rhodondrums, tree orchids and luchin. It was then a steep descent to the river and a short climb up to Tadapani and another 1-1/2 hours to our lodge which was situated alone on the side of a hill looking over at Chomrong our next days destination.

Day 3 Again we woke up to another stunning day and a relatively easy walk to Chomrong. Our staff of 10 have been fantastic the boys cannot do enough to help everyone. They all come from the same village and are all relatives so they really enjoy each others company and being together makes it easier for them as I am sure that they miss their wives and children back home in the village.

Day 4 – 7 We steadily climbed each day towards our final destination of Annapurna Base Camp the weather has been so kind to us just a few showers in the afternoon and then stunning days. There are many other trekkers returning from ABC but we were fortunate on the day we walked from MBC to ABC to have the place to ourselves and we were the only group standing alone at ABC overlooking the glacier. Some of the group are keen birdwatchers so they have spotted many species of birds during their trek.

Day 8 – 11 We sadly leave MBC for our descent to Jinwa Hot Springs and a well earned relaxing bath the weather changed dramaticlly from cold to hot in 2 days. Unfortunately some of the group have had tummy upsets and the usual high altitude cough but hopefully when they reach Chitwan in a few days they will have recovered. I have fortunately stayed well the whole tour I guess after all the trips to Nepal I must have built up some kind of immunity.

Day 12 Today is our last day on the trail and I am sure everyone is proud of their achievement in reaching ABC but are of course are now looking forward to returning to Pokhara and enjoying the restaurant food. I must say though that given the facilities available to the cooks in the lodges they manage to produce an amazing variety of healthy fresh food.

Day 13 Today we are off to Chitwan for 3 nights of activities – will keep you posted on the wildlife

hopefully a tiger or 2.