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Day 11, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
Five hours after crossing the pass, with an injured back and sore knees, we arrived at the Hindu pilgrimage town of Muktinath (3710m) and immediately indulged in luxurious activities like drinking beer and hot showers, which we were deprived of for the duration of our trek.
Pool tables, reggae bars, internet cafes and tourist buses welcomed us back to what vaguely resembled a modernizing civilization.
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Day 11, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
Soon after crossing the pass, the landscape changed dramatically and we were surrounded by mountains covered in rocks and gravel and views of the never-ending valley. We were warned that the trek downhill would be more difficult than the trek up to the pass.
We had a knee-breaking, steep 1800 meter descent to the holy town of Muktinath, where we would spend the next two days resting and we only had a few hours to get down before the afternoon winds kicked in.
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Day 11, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
Thorong La Pass (5416m)
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Day 11, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
After eleven days of trekking through one of most beautiful landscapes in the world, we arrived at the Thorong La Pass situated at 5416 meters (17, 1769ft) above sea level. We were welcomed by thousands of prayer flags strung across the pass, a sign of celebration of the thousands of trekkers, porters and guides who successfully reached this point.
Filled with happiness and pride, trekkers hug each other and yelps of joy and sighs of relief are heard amidst the cold winds.
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Day 11, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
At an altitude sickness seminar a few days ago, the doctor told us that when you spot Buddhist prayer flags in the distance, you are fifteen minutes away from reaching the pass.
And, so we were……
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Day 11, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
Speechless.
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Day 11, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
Barely fifteen minutes into our trail, we were caught unawares by the humongous, snow-filled mountains that surrounded us.
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Day 10, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
Unlike other trekkers, I did not use Diamox, which is a recommended medication that aids acclimatization and helps you sleep soundly.
In the below-zero degree weather, with no heating systems; I laid awake and restless in bed all night, very similar to many of the previous nights. But tonight, nerves had a big role to play in my insomnia.
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Day 10, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
I witnessed the most beautiful sunset of my life when the sun peaked out after a long, stormy day floating above one of the highest mountain ranges in the world, carrying with it the coldest winds and the softest clouds.
Thorong High Camp (4800m) was our last stop before crossing the Thorong-La pass the following day. My mind was occupied by nervousness and excitement that evening.
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Day 10, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.
We had to share our trail with two mule trains that were approaching us in opposite directions. The animals got mixed up, some ran away to graze, some refused to accept orders, the men ran after their animals with sticks while we stood still, hoping not to get knocked off the cliff. Wasted a precious twenty minutes watching a donkey traffic jam.
