Surviving the Coronavirus (# 15) - Virtual Travel to Nepal

Holiday in the Annapurna Region

Up to this point on our stroll in Nepal the weather had been good and, since we were all good walkers, we were ahead of schedule. Thus, we were able to enjoy a holiday. 

Our camp was in a gorgeous location with a truly spectacular view of Annapurna II just an easy quarter mile from our camp. We enjoyed a sunny day encamped just above 8,000 ft. We did laundry, rested, and read.

Sikles 

The next day, we descended slowly through thick forest towards Sikles, the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region (just over 6,500 ft.). The men of Sikles have had a long tradition of supplying some of the finest soldiers to the Gurkha regiments of both the British and Indian armies. 

The huge ‘whaleback’ peak of Lamjung Himal (22,920 ft.) dominates the skyline above Sikles, a mere 6 ¼ miles distant. Our campsite above the village provideed stunning views, particularly at sunset and sunrise.

The following day, our descent from Sikles was a long steady drop of about 1,600 feet to the Mardi Khola (Mardi River). 

In the valley we continued to follow the river downstream. Heading south we passed through small villages and cultivated fields, stopping for lunch at Tabrang Pheding.  

Our afternoon hike is short and we camp by the river in the small Chhettri, Brahmin settlement of Laamokhet (about 3,000 ft.). This area along the Mardi river is sub-tropical, with a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Continuing downstream the next day, we cross the Mardi Khola to the east bank, trekking an easy trail to our lunch spot at Bhainse. After lunch, we climb steadily through terraced landscapes to Kalikasthan. 

Our final campsite is only a short distance further on, the site of an old palace from the Gorkha dynasty. Here there is an unrivalled panorama of the high snow peaks from Dhaulagiri (26,794 ft.) in the west to the Annapurnas, Manaslu (26,758 ft.), Peak 29 (24,740 ft.), and Himalchuli (25,718 ft) in the east.

On our final morning, we were up with the sunrise (and it was worth it).

But wait, there's more . . .