This morning we leave Tansen to trek to Annapurna Base Camp, in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. This is the first major trek we have taken, so it should bean experience to remember. The kids are excited, but also can’t understand why it is necessary, as we can see the Annapurnas from their schoolyard.
For those who wish to follow along, I include below our proposed itinerary. We will obviously adjust this if the kids or we are having trouble.
April 10: Travel from Tansen (1200m) to Pokhara by car
This is a very windy road, which we have travelled many times. Jacob is concerned about motion sickness, as he normally gets sick on this trip.
April 11: Pokhara (820 m) – Nayapul (1070 m) / Ghandruk (1940 m)
A one and a half hour bus drive, and then seven hours of walking. We walk through forests, towns, a couple of suspension bridges, and a big stone staircase. We end up in Ghandruk, at 1940m, with great views of the mountains.
April 12: Ghandruk / Chomrong (2170 m)
Six and a half hours hiking to Chomping, with a stop in Taglung for lunch.
April 13: Chomrong / Bamboo (2335 m)
After the breakfast, 1 hour descent walk to Chomrong Khola. It takes next 2 hour gently ascent walk time to reach Sinuwa (2340 m). Next 1 and half hour gentle ascent walk we will be at Khulidhigar (2540 m). And after next half hour of descent walk to Bamboo (2335 m) we stop for lunch and overnight.
April 14: Bamboo / Deurali (3200 m)
After the breakfast, it takes 1 hr ascent walk to Doban (2505). Next gradually ascent and descent of 2 hr walk time to Himalaya (2920 m). Himalaya to Deurali 2 hrs ascent walk. Lunch and overnight will be at Derail.
April 15: Deurali / Machhapuchhre Base Camp -MBC (3700 m) / Annapurna Base Camp-ABC (4130 m)
It takes two hour gradually uphill walking time to MBC. We stop at MBC for tea/Coffee. Next two hrs uphill walk to ABC where we stop for lunch as well as overnight.
April 16: ABC / Bamboo (2335 m)
Staring the downhill phase. Lunch will be at Himalaya, 4 hrs descent walk. And next 3 hrs descent walk to Bamboo. Total 7 hrs walking time.
April 17: Bamboo / Jhinu Danda (1780 m)
Bamboo to Chomrong is 4-5 hrs walking time. Lunch will be at Chomrong. After the lunch, next 1 hr descent walk we will be at Jhinu Danda where we stop for Overnight. Total 6-7 hrs walking time. There’s hot springs to be enjoyed at Jhinu Danda.
April 18: Jhinu Danda -Tolka (1700 m)
After B/F, steep down walking & cross the river then get to Landruk (1565). Next few hrs flat walk to Tolka. Tentative walking 4-5 hrs.
April 19: Tolka to Dhampus (1650 m)
From Tolka to Dhampus it is roughly3-4 hrs walking on flat and descent walk to Dhampus. Dinner and O/N at Dhampus.
April 20: Dhampus to Phedi (1100 m) to Pokhara (820 m)
After B/F, we walk 2 and half hr to Phedi then 40 mins drive to Pokhara.