The sign says 3,581 steps. That’s our challenge for the day. That’s easily a few mars bars worth.
My porter/guide Ganesh and I catch a taxi from Pokhara to start our trek. For 45 minutes we wind our way on on even roads to Naya Pul. From here we start walking. We not alone. This is the starting point for many travelers trekking the Annapurna region. There are many different trails in the region so we might be starting at the same point but we will most probably be going off in different directions. Ganesh and I travel at an easy pace, up. We pass through many villages and as the day advances, the views become more dramatic and the temperature cools. From what I gather, most of the Trekkers seem to be from Germany, Belgium, Switzeland, and Korea. There are some Chinese as well and Ganesh and I are determined to not be passed by them! We both have a dislike for Chinese and Indians because of their bully tactics over Nepal. We lunch at Tikhedhunga. The trail we are on aren’t there just for us. These trails are essential thoroughfares for life in the region. There are no roads now. Transport of goods is mainly by donkey and horse. There are human porters as well. The animals are amazing. They negotiate the steep steps with great care and concentration, following the instructions of there masters. Bottled gas is a big part of the load. Gas is so important to the many hotels on the trail. They will promote on their signs that they use gas for their cooking, not forest timbers.
We arrive to Ulleri around 3.50pm. This is home for the night. The hotels here have amazing views, and hot water! What a treat. Our hotel is Hotel Four Seasons. When we arrived there were only three guests but by the end of the day, nearly 30 people have gathered here. Ganesh has to help the staff cook for everyone. This is a big day for the hotel. Many of the visitors are Nepalese, including a family of four from Pokhara. They teach me a local card game and we do some card tricks. I’m in bed by 8.15pm.
angusmccoll 