Started off bright and early before the other lodgers to tackle about a 3000+ stair climb and the hardest day of my 5 day trek. Or so I was told. One of the New Zealanders who I met this morning at breakfast said later in the day that it was the hardest hike he’s done in Nepal yet, and he’s been here hiking for quite a while now – so I guess it was! There was a lot of climbing, but I really didn’t think it was too hard – but it certainly helps to have someone carrying your pack for most of the way.
My guide’s name is Deepak, and he’s 21 years younger than me, so I don’t fret too much when I run out of breath, and he’s still quietly breathing through his nose. He was born and raised in a small village just like the ones we’ve been walking through, so he can explain what life is like for the locals from personal experience. He’s also a registered guide with the Nepalese government and completed 45 days of training in culture, history, flora, fauna, anthropology, first aid, and more.
Day 2 Hike of the Annapurna Circuit
Map of the route “Annapurna Trek Day 2: Stairs, Stairs, Stairs”: 20,533 m, 1,401 m of climbing and 139 m of descent, elevation between 1,498 m and 2,767 m, time 06:55:53. It starts at 28.35148, 83.74261 and ends at 28.40327, 83.69999 (latitude, longitude).
It’s been an amazing hike so far, getting more and more Spectacular the higher you climb. And colder and colder. We ended the day’s 20km hike at a ridge (at 2760m), staring straight at the world’s 7th and 10th tallest mountains. Snow from last week covered the area around our guesthouse, and it was 10C in my room, but I had a wonderful private bathroom with a great hot shower, and I brought plenty of warm gear to put on.
By evening, the guesthouse had a warm, cozy ski-lodge atmosphere when they lit a big fire in the dining room and served me hot vegetable curry over rice, masala tea, and hot apple crumble with custard for dessert.
