Nepal and the Himalayas (Annapurna)

Index

2009-04-20T20:31:00.040+08:00

Kathmandu Valley

Annapurna Circuit Part 1
(Besisahar - Braga/Manang)

Annapurna Circuit Part 2
(Braga/Manang - Tilicho Lake - Thorung Phedi)

Annapurna Circuit Part 3
(Thorung Phedi - Thorung La - Muktinath/Ranipauwa)

Annapurna Circuit Part 4
(Muktinath/Ranipauwa - Ghorepani)

Annapurna Sanctuary Part 1
(Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Annapurna Base Camp)

Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan

Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan

2008-11-15T06:31:00.042+08:00

Kathmandu's Durbar Square

Bhaktapur

Changu Narayan

Annapurna Sanctuary Part 1 (Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Annapurna Base Camp)

2008-11-07T04:41:00.048+08:00

~~~~~ Day 14 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 12

Ghorepani - Chomrong

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 7 Hours
~ Ghorepani (2750m) - Poon Hill (3193m): 60 Minutes
~ Poon Hill (3193m) - Ghorepani (2750m): 30 Minutes
~ Ghorepani (2750m) - Deurali (2987m): 70 Minutes
~ Deurali (2987m) - Tadapani (2595m): 90 Minutes
~ Tadapani (2595m) - Chomrong (2050m): 170 Minutes

~ View Picture Enlarged ~

~ View Picture Enlarged ~

~ View Picture Enlarged ~

~~~~~ Day 15 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 13

Chomrong - Himalaya

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 5 1/4 Hours
~ Chomrong (2050m) - Sinuwa (2340m): 100 Minutes
~ Sinuwa (2340m) - Bamboo (2335m): 90 Minutes
~ Bamboo (2335m) - Dovan (2505m): 55 Minutes
~ Dovan (2505m) - Himalaya (2920): 70 Minutes

~~~~~ Day 16 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 14

Himalaya - Annapurna Base Camp

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 4 1/2 Hours
~ Himalaya (2920) - Hinku Cave (3100m): 35 Minutes
~ Hinku Cave (3100m) - Deurali (3230m): 30 Minutes
~ Deurali (3230m) - Machhapuchhre BC (3700m): 105 Minutes
~ MBC (3700m) - Annapurna Base Camp (4130m): 100 Minutes

Annapurna Circuit Part 4 (Muktinath/Ranipauwa - Ghorepani)

2008-11-05T06:18:00.042+08:00

~~~~~ Day 12 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 10

Muktinath/Ranipauwa - Ghasa

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 2 Hours
~ Ranipauwa (3700m) - Kagbeni (2800m): 120 Minutes

Ranipauwa village in the morning, with Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche and Dhaulagiri II at the back

Leaving Ranipauwa

Signboards providing information about next village are frquently found on this side of Annapurna Circuit

~~~~~ Day 13 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 11

Ghasa - Ghorepani

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 7 1/2 Hours
~ Ghasa (2010m) - Titre (1500m): 90 Minutes
~ Tatopani (1190m) - Ghara (1700m): 130 Minutes
~ Ghara (1700m) - Sikha (1935m): 70 Minutes
~ Sikha (1935m) - Phalate (2270m): 70 Minutes
~ Phalate (2270m) - Ghorepani (2750m): 90 Minutes

Annapurna Circuit Part 3 (Thorung Phedi - Thorung La - Muktinath/Ranipauwa)

2008-11-04T05:05:00.115+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Annapurna Circuit Part 2
(Braga/Manang - Tilicho Lake - Thorung Phedi)
~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~

~~~~~ Day 11 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 09

Thorung Phedi - Thorung La - Muktinath/Ranipauwa

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 7 1/4 Hours
~ Thorung Phedi (4450m) - Thorung La (5416m): 210 Minutes
~ Thorung La (5416m) - Ranipauwa (3700m): 220 Minutes

New friends heading up Thorung La pass together
From left: Me, Sylvia and Peter (Netherlands), Mark (Ireland) and Paola (Italy)

And of cos Jose (Spain) who I have met a few times already along the Annapurna Circuit =)

Starting the climb towards High Camp in the morning mist

Almost at cloud level

Mini ice glacier

Reaching High Camp

And looking down towards High Camp

Most parts of trekking routes are quite obvious

Yakawa Kang (6482m) appearing in the mist

And also Thorung Ri (6144m)

Jose having a pose while putting on more gloves

Mark and Paola on a small wooden bridge

Trekking between snow-covered slopes

Getting closer to Thorung Ri

Great view of Putrun Himal (6465m) and Genjang (6111m) as clouds subsided

Putrun Himal, Genjang and Chulu West under the blazing sun

Surrounded by mountains!

Teahouse near Thorung Ri

Clouds come and go

Good views of Syagang (6026m) and Thorung Ri (6144m)

Looking back at the great panorama of Putrun Himal, Genjang and Chulu West

Feels great to be up here!

Almost as high as the mountains!

You can even see Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III in the distance

Me and Mark feeling absolutely euphoric

Chased by an avalanche?

Trails between snows and ices

Close up view of Thorung Ri

And Yakawa Kang

Finally stretch to Thorung La pass!

You can finally see prayer flags in the distance!

Finally, reaching Thorung La! I was already tearing with joy =)

Top of Thorung La pass, marked with prayer flags

New height achieved in my life, 5416m!

A little teahouse on top of Thorung La pass for the tired and cold trekkers

Thorung Ri thru prayer flags

Looking towards Muktinath

Israelis trekkers dancing with joy

Not forgetting to take some pictures with my new friends

Last look at Thorung La pass and its teahouse

Long descend towards Muktinath

Good views of Thorong Ri and Khatung Kang from different angles

Good panorama view of mountains towards Muktinath

Close up view of another awesome eight thousander Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche (6920m) and Dhaulagiri II (7751m)

Admiring some wonderful sceneries

Dwarfed by mountains

Getting all airborne!

Long descent towards Muktinath and good view of the valleys

First settlements after Thorung La pass

Awesome landscape of Muktinath and towards Upper Mustang restricted area

Welcome to Muktinath!

Looking down onto Muktinath and Ranipauwa

A scared hill behind Muktinath with prayer flags leading up to the peak

Overview of Muktinath Temple complex beneath the hill

Reaching Muktinath proper thru its stone gateway

Little statues in walls of stone gateway

Entrance to Muktinath Temple complex, a holy pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists

Sangdo Gompa, which used to be residence of Muktinath Lamas

Shiva Parvati Mandir Temple surrounded by 4 smaller temples, each dedicated to Vishnu, Rama, Krishna and Ganesh

Vishnu Temple, central temple of the complex

108 brass water spouts behind Vishnu Temple

To bath under freezing water of all 108 spouts is said to bring salvation to Hindus

A serene feeling of isolation

Another peek at Upper Mustang landscape

A local weaving

A Tibetan Monastery in Ranipauwa

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Annapurna Circuit Part 4
(Muktinath/Ranipauwa - Ghorepani)
~~~~~ Next ~~~~~

Annapurna Circuit Part 2 (Braga/Manang - Tilicho Lake - Thorung Phedi)

2008-10-31T06:27:00.162+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Annapurna Circuit Part 1
(Besisahar - Braga/Manang)
~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~

~~~~~ Day 7 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 05

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 1,200 NPR ***
Food and Others: 1100 NPR
Accomodation @ Tilicho Peak Hotel: 100 NPR

Braga/Manang - Tilicho Peak Hotel

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 3 3/4 Hours
~ Braga (3450m) - Manang (3540m): 30 Minutes
~ Manang (3540m) - Khangsar (3730m): 120 Minutes
~ Khangsar (3730m) - Tilicho Peak Hotel (4000m): 70 Minutes

Annapurna III and Gangapurna rising behind Braga village
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

500 years old Braga Gompa

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Three-storeyed high Chorten temple

Flat rooftops of typical Tibetan houses

Main temple itself made from red bricks
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A small stupa stands

Tibetan Prayer Wheels

Farmers back from their farms
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Neat stone carvings

Information about side trek to Tilicho Lake
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Heading out towards Manang

Walking along the wide Manang valley

Stone gateway at entrance of Manang

Various side treks that can be taken from Manang
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Sign that points to Tilicho Lake trek via Khangsar Village

Gangapurna Glacier and Lake
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

First sighting of Grande Barriere and Tilicho Peak (7134m) on the right

Khangsar Khola Valley that will lead up to Tilicho Lake
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Great view of Annapurna III and Gangapurna enroute to Khangsar
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Small teashop after a steep ascent, waiting to earn tourist's money

Looking back towards Manang

Approaching Khangsar Village

My first coke break! Haha...sinful...

Looking towards Grande Barriere great ice barrier

Chatting with a Nepali local of Tibetan origin

Information about high and low route to Tilicho Lake
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Nice wood-carved signboard pointing towards Tilicho Lake

Awesome Grande Barriere
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Spliting paths towards Tilicho Lake and Yak Kharka

Cabbage farm at Tilicho Peak Hotel where I stayed for the night

Great view of various small mountain peaks

Sunset over Khangsar Kang (7485m) aka Roc Noir

Ngadi Chuli (7871m) and Himal Chuli (7893m) on the left

Spinning in the mountains

Tare Kang (7069m)

Clouds moving in fast in the strong wind

Sunset glow over Ngadi Chuli and Himal Chuli

~~~~~ Day 8 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 06

Tilicho Peak Hotel - Tilicho Lake - Tilicho Base Camp

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 6 Hours
~ Tilicho Peak Hotel (4000m) - Tilicho BC (4298m): 130 Minutes
~ Tilicho Base Camp (4298m) - Tilicho Lake (4949m): 150 Minutes
~ Tilicho Lake (4949m) - Tilicho Base Camp (4298m): 75 Minutes

Tilicho Lake Information
Tilicho Lake on Wikipedia
Tilicho Lake Trek Description A
Tilicho Lake Trek Description B

Clear view of Grande Barriere and Tilicho Peak in the morning

Tare Kang and Khangsar Kang

Frozen stream in the morning

Great view towards Manang

Path spilts here between high route and low route

Close up view of Khangsar Kang

Beautiful bright red flowers

Landslide area that will need to be traversed before reaching Tilicho Base Camp

Start of landslide area and scree slopes

It can be quite dangerous in a very windy day if these huge rocks come tumbling down...

Or you go tumbling down into one of them...

Peek at Khangsar Kang through a cave

Porters skillfully navigating scree slopes

Concentration is definitely a must for untrained!

Taking pictures with some porters (not mine thou lol...)

Thanks for risking your life to cross the landslide? haha...

View of Grande Barriere nearer to Tilicho Base Camp

Finally arriving at Tilicho Base Camp after some exciting landslide navigation

A huge glacier dome between Tare Kang and Khangsar Kang

Great view of Khangsar Kang and Grande Barriere as well as glacier below it

Annapurna I (8091m) can be seen rising just slightly above Grande Barriere on the right

Rise and shine!

Great Himalayas mountain panorama in the distance towards Manang! On the left, Chulu West (6419m), Chulu Central (6584m) and Chulu East (6429m) look magnificient, while sharp Pisang (6091m) peak protudes out in the centre and awesome eight-thousander Manaslu (8150m) stands all the way on the right
~ View Picture Enlarged ~
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Finally reaching snow line and taking in full glory of awesome Grande Barriere

It's snow everywhere! =)

Even better view of glacier dome

Looking back towards Manang again for magnificient panorama

A small pond below Grande Barriere, definitely not Tilicho Lake!

Following cairns and trails to Tilicho Lake

And finally reaching Tilicho Lake!!!

It is situated at a altitude of 4919m, and was once alleged to be highest lake in the world
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Panorama view of Tilicho Lake
~ View Picture Enlarged ~
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Definitely worth all effort getting here

Trying out some leviation haha =p

Trekking back down to Tilicho Base Camp

Relaxing and enjoying the panorama again on way back down
~ View Picture Enlarged ~
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

You can get sunburnt easily walking in a clear day as you are very exposed with no shelter at all from strong sunlight

Trail that leads all the way back down to Tilicho Base Camp on exposed scree slope

~~~~~ Day 9 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 07

Tilicho Base Camp - Yak Kharka

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 5 1/4 Hours
~ Tilicho BC (4298m) - Tilicho Peak Hotel (4000m): 105 Minutes
~ Tilicho Peak Hotel (4000m) - Yak Kharka (4018m): 210 Minutes

Tibetan Tsampa Porridge, one of my favourite breakfast

Try the Monkey-Donkey? Haha...
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Great friends I met on the way! =)
From left: Me, Katrina (Malaysia), Shiri (Israel), Ahilesh (Malaysia) and Yuvial (Israel)

Last view of Grande Barriere and Khangsar Kang before leaving

And of Tare Kang

Traversing landslide area again...

Some scary looking path!

Looking back towards Grande Barriere and landslide areas

Of river and mountain

Beautiful red flowers

Great view towards Manang

Back to Tilicho Peak Hotel again

Great mountain view while having lunch

Someone actually cycled here!

Huge cabbage, bigger than his head! Haha...

Me and Richie (England)

Taking seasonal trail to Yak Kharka, from where you can continue the Annapurna Circuit

Looking back at deep valley towards Tilicho Lake

Looking towards Manang

Arriving at medieval buildings at old Khangsar

Gangapurna rising high above Old Khangsar

They have long been abandoned by locals who have shifted to Khangsar

A huge pasture near Old Khangsar where livestocks still roam

Few majestic hawks flying above me =)

Stunning view of Manang valley

And also of valley leading towards Thorung La

At viewpoint where 3 valleys meet

Trekking among naked trees

Among other shrubs and bushes

Spotted some Sea-Buckthorn plants too

Good view of Chulu Peaks enroute to Yak Kharka

You will be linked up with the Annapurna Circuit again after crossing this bridge

Good view of Annapurna range

And guess wat! I manage to catch a glimpse of the rare blue sheeps!

Awesome looking!

~~~~~ Day 10 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 08

Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 2 Hours
~ Yak Kharka (4018m) - Letdar (4200m): 35 Minutes
~ Letdar (4200m) - Thorung Phedi (4450m): 90 Minutes

A big fat yak in town! =)

View of Annapurna III from Yak Khaka

Looking back at Annapurna Range again

Crossing another long suspension bridge to Letdar

Gorgeous white horse

Safe Drinking Water Station @ Letdar

Looking back at Letdar with Annapurna range loaming behind

Look at the huge horns of this huge bull yak!

That's Me! =)

A rest area with a good view of Putrun Himal (6465m) before crossing a landslide area to Thorung Phedi

Landslide area leading to Thorung Phedi

Looking back at landslide area and Gangapurna from Thorung Phedi

Arriving at Thorung Phedi Base Camp

There are lots of lodges for trekkers to stay to prepare themselves for final assault tomorrow morning, Thorung La!!!

Dorms with simple mattresses

Lazing around in dinning area and chatting with new friends

They serve great food, including this creamy lasagne that I ordered!

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Annapurna Circuit Part 3
(Thorung Phedi - Thorung La - Muktinath/Ranipauwa)
~~~~~ Next ~~~~~

Annapurna Circuit Part 1(Besisahar - Braga/Manang)

2008-10-27T05:37:00.117+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Kathmandu Valley
~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~

~~~~~ Day 3 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 01

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 1,250 NPR ***
Transportation: 900 NPR
Food and Others: 300 NPR
Accomodation @ Ngadi (Seasons Lodge): 50 NPR

Kathmandu - Besisahar

Transport Information
Bus from Kathmandu to Dumre: 450 NPR (About 5 hours)
Bus from Dumre to Besisahar: 250 NPR (About 2 hours)

A stopover place enroute from Kathmandu to Dumre

Besisahar - Ngadi

Transport Information
Jeep from Besisahar to Bhulebhule: 200 NPR (About 1 hour)

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 3/4 Hours
~ Bhulebhule (840m) - Ngadi (930m): 50 Minutes

Bumpy jeep ride from Besisahar to Bhulebhule

Finally starting my Annapurna Circuit trek!

Lots of long bridges like this built across rivers along the circuit

Trekking between farm lands and houses

And also alongside the green rice terraces

Local with her buffaloes

A small waterfall

A swing made with bamboo poles as support

International sport, soccer!

A local house with lots of corns hanging on the second floor

Sawing wood

Trekking route usually follows along a river and its valley

First stopver night at Ngadi

My guesthouse for the night with a wonderful host!
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Simple guesthouse with a nice garden and outdoor dining area

Simple accomodation

Power cut are common, but a lamp will do =)

~~~~~ Day 4 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 02

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 950 NPR ***
Food and Others: 850 NPR
Accomodation @ Tal (Manaslu Guesthouse): 100 NPR

Ngadi - Tal

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 7 3/4 Hours
~ Ngadi (930m) - Bahundanda (1310m): 80 Minutes
~ Bahundanda (1310m) - Syanje (1100m): 95 Minutes
~ Syanje (1100m) - Jagat (1300m): 90 Minutes
~ Jagat (1300m) - Chamje (1430m): 60 Minutes
~ Chamje (1430m) - Tal (1700m): 140 Minutes

Planning my trekking route over breakfast

First glimpse of the Annapurna's mountain, Ngadi Chuli (7871m) aka Peak 29 or Manaslu II

Great view!

Crossing a simple wooden bridge

A mule caravan

Another long metal bridge

Nice conical hill

Lots of corns!

Following the signboard towards Manang direction

Porter with a heavy load

Spectacular rice terraces carved out from hills

Valley of Marsyandi River

Nepali kids playing some sort of dice game

Some cheap and juicy oranges for a break!

A Gurung man with a traditional Nepali hat

Village of Jagat

Locals celebrating Tihar festival with a dance performance

Chamje village

Nice waterfall view from Chamje village

Crossing another metal bridge after Chamje

A multi level waterfall

Great view of the deep river valley

A board listing trekking time from one village to another
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Gateway that marks the boundary between Lamjung and Manang district

Navigating along the river on a small path towards Tal

Can be quite a balancing challenge!

Finally reaching Tal, ending a real tiring day...

Safe drinking water stations can be found in various villages along the Annapurna Circuit to discourage trekkers from buying mineral water bottles which cause serious environmental problems
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

~~~~~ Day 5 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 03

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 950 NPR ***
Food and Others: 900 NPR
Accomodation @ Bhratang (Maya Guesthouse): 50 NPR

Tal - Bhratang

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 8 1/4 Hours
~ Tal (1700m) - Karte (1850m): 85 Minutes
~ Karte (1850m) - Dharapani (1900m): 30 Minutes
~ Dharapani (1900m) - Bagarchap (2160m): 40 Minutes
~ Bagarchap (2160m) - Danagyu (2300m): 25 Minutes
~ Danagyu (2300m) - Temang (2500m): 80 Minutes
~ Temang (2500m) - Koto Qupar (2600m): 105 Minutes
~ Koto Qupar (2600m) - Chame (2670m): 30 Minutes
~ Chame (2670m) - Bhratang (2850m): 95 Minutes

Small garden of Manaslu Guesthouse in Tal

Walking thru the small village of Tal

A Tibetan Mani Wall

Large satellite dishes?

Long bridge leading to a path carved out from the cliff

A cute Nepali girl

Scenic river valley

Another waterfall

Sun rays slowing exposing the hills and valleys

Lots of rubbish!

Nice colorful flowers

Nepali at their daily chores

Information about Dona Lake (aka Manaslu Lake)
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Horse riding

Arriving at Dharapani

First ACAP checkpoint stop at Dharapani

Tibet can be reached through in this direction, just 50km away across Larke La pass =)

A separate permit will be needed to go up to Larke La pass
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Houses scattered along the river valley

Danagyu village

Another safe water station in Danagyu

A peek at the water treatment devices which include filtering and oxidation of water

Tibetan prayer wheels

Another glimpse of a mountain behind the clouds

Porters climbing up the steep slope

A small Tibetan stone stupa

Arriving at Koto Qupar from which side trek to Nar and Phu villages can be taken
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Entrance to Chame guarded by a stone gateway, typical of a Tibetan village

Celebrating Yarthung Festival (long ago actually but the banner is still here lol...)

Locals dancing themselves away happily for the Tihar Festival

Water-powered prayer wheel

Safe water station in Chame

Walking through Chame

Locals gambling and celebrating

Tibetan prayer flags hanging over the bridge

Tibetan Mani Wall and prayer poles

Very unique stupa gateway

Colorful Tibetan paintings inside the stupa gateway

Tibetan scriptures carved onto rocks

Lots of mules!

Winding river

Porters taking a break from heavy loads

Riding on narrow path

Have to be careful crossing such landslide areas

Beautiful orchard garden with various fruits like apples

Finally making it to Bhratang after a long day trek

~~~~~ Day 6 ~~~~~

Trekking Day 04

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 1,200 NPR ***
Food and Others: 1000 NPR
Accomodation @ Braga (Buddha Hotel): 200 NPR

Bhratang - Braga/Manang
(via High Route)

Trekking Information
Trekking Time Today: 7 1/4 Hours
~ Bhratang (2850m) - Pisang (3200m): 130 Minutes
~ Pisang (3200m) - Ghyara (3670m): 105 Minutes
~ Ghyara (3670m) - Ngawal (3657m): 90 Minutes
~ Ngawal (3657m) - Munji (3482m): 90 Minutes
~ Munji (3482m) - Braga (3450m): 25 Minutes

Simple accomodation

My Tibetan host family

Walking through forest

Magnificient view of Paungda Danda, a granite cliff that looms like a gigantic wave high above

Peaks of Lamjung Himal (6983m)

And first view of Annapurna II (7937m)

Wide Manang valley and you can see Pisang Peak (6091m) in the distance

It was -2 degree celcius in the morning forest and even the mud floor was frozen

Arriving at Lower Pisang through its stone gateway

Finally the Annapurnas are in sight...Annapurna II at 7937m and Annapurna IV at 7525m

Nepali kids

Safe water station cum general store in Lower Pisang

Taking the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal to Manang

Information about the upper route
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Crossing the bridges which lead towards Upper Pisang

Fantastic view of Annapurna II and IV enroute the high route

Small lake (Mring Tso) hidden away from the main trail

More Tibetan Mani Wall

View of Annapurna III (7555m) and Gangapurna (7455m) further down the Annapurna range

Almost reaching Ghyaru after a steep and long tiring climb up

Magnificient view of Annapura II and IV up here is definitely worth all the hard work!

Now you see me...

Now you dun! =p

Local at her daily chore

Ancient mediaeval village of Ghyaru with its flat-roofed stone buildings

Narrow walkway through stone houses

Tibetan Prayer Wheels

A Tibetan Chorten with Annapura III and Gangapurna

Lots of prayer poles on the roofs which produce a resounding sound under strong wind

Village of Ghyaru dwarved by the sheer scale of the Annapurnas

Pisang Peak rises high above Ghyaru village

Looking down at the valley where the lower route to Manang will be

Lamjung Himal range in the far distance

Closer and closer to Annapurna III and Gangapurna

You can see Ongre's airstrip at the bottom and Tilicho Peak on the right

Chulu West (6419m), Chulu East (6200m) and Chulu Far East (6060m) rises high behind Ngawal village

Another mediaeval village of Ngawal with its pastures

Tibetan Prayer Wheels with Annapurna III and Gangapurna

Bright white Tibetan script painted onto rock

Good view of Annapurna III and Gangapurna now

Little trees above the tree line

Sun setting behind Annapura III and Gangapurna

Nice rock formation

Fresh Seabuck Thorn juice is definitely a thirst-quencher

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Annapurna Circuit Part 2
(Braga/Manang - Tilicho Lake - Thorung Phedi)
~~~~~ Next ~~~~~

Kathmandu Valley

2008-10-25T09:51:00.005+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Index
~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~

~~~~~ Day 1 ~~~~~

View of Himalayas range from the plane on my flight to Kathmandu from Singapore...
You can even see Everest!!! (2nd peak from right)

Kathmandu's Streets

Interesting Nepali masks and puppets for sale
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Anywhere on the streets can be a marketplace
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Nepali desserts which bring back memories of those I found in Pakistan

Nepali men gathering for a chatting session
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A mini "Boudnanath" hidden in the backstreets
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Love how the Tibetan prayer flags loom gracefully above the stupa
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A Tibetan monk feeding pigeons
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Stupa silhouette during sunset
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Kathmandu's Durbar Square

Temples at the north entrance
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Hindu deity Shiva at his most fearsome
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Tending to candle offerings
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Most temples have multi-tiered roofs
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Pigeons manifestation
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Wooden replicas of the King and Queen looking out the window of a temple
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Even taller temples at centre of Durbar Square

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Views from top of one of the temple

As crowded as it gets

A old Nepali woman watching the day goes by
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A Nepali man wearing a traditional Nepali hat
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Fruit sellers

A deity statue stands in the crowd
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Nepali kids
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A tireless porter walking by
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Boy selling candy floss

Vendor hawkering a sweet and sour Nepali dessert with a smile
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Kumari Temple where "The Living Goddess" resides
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Intricate carvings
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Nepali woman selling postcards outside the temple
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A small Nepal Sanskrit University tucked in one corner of Durbar Square

A Tibetan woman earning her livings in the bazaar area of Durbar Square
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Tibetan "Singing Bowls" popular among foreigners as souvenirs
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A Nepali kid looking out curiously
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A soldier stands guard at his post
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

One of many "Holymans" hanging around Durbar Square, hunting for tourists to have their pictures taken for a "donation"...
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Making and selling flower garlands for the religious faithfuls

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Colorful powders for sale
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Contrast between new and old
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

You will be surprised to find erotic carvings on roofs of some temples!

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Cannot believe my eyes!
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Statue of Ganesh covered with colorful offerings
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A strange looking deity statue
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Entrance to old palace
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Sunset at Durbar Square
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Amazing views with the flying pigeons
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~~~~~ Day 2 ~~~~~

Swayambhunath Stupa
(Monkey Temple)

Entrance guarded by numerous Buddha statues
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Tending to candle offerings
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Popular face found on stupas among many other things
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Long flight of stairs leading up to the main stupa

Main stupa of Swayambhunath Temple
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Prayer wheels commonly found in Tibetan influenced areas
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

It is also known as Monkey Temple due to the large monkey population roaming the ground

Great view of Kathmandu city from top of the temple

Many small stupas

Lots of Buddha statue around

A small stupa at a compound behind the main stupa

Tibetan Monastery

Eating eggs thrown to the monkey by locals

Looking for more food?

Nepali kids

Scambling up the stupa to do some offering

Mani wall, also commonly found in Tibetan influenced region

Scripts carved onto rocks that make up the mani wall

White-washed Stupas

Local Nepali food for breakfast

Huge Pamelo

Another view of Kathmandu City

River dividing the city

More erotic carvings on temples enroute to Swayambhunath Stupa

Pashupatinath Temple

Numerous white stupas that lined the Bagmati River

Bagmati River waving itself through the temple complex

Main Pashupatinath Temple

Carving on the temple entrance

More stupas littered around the temple complex

Sadhus of Nepal

Fire cremation of the deceased

A newly erected cremation platform

Performing some ceremony for the deceased's body

Deceased's clothes are thrown into the holy Bagmati River

Erotic carvings can also be found on some of the temples

Boudnanath Stupa

Humongous Boudnanath Stupa

It is a important pilgrimage center for Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal

Ever intriguing expression

Close up of a Tibetan flag with scripture on it

They are commonly found hanging high over Tibetan Stupa

A Tibetan monastery

Great view of the Stupa from a rooftop restaurant

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Annapurna Circuit Part 1
(Besisahar - Braga/Manang)
~~~~~ Next ~~~~~

Kathmandu Valley's Nearby Attractions

2008-10-12T23:40:00.000+08:00

Patan's Durbar Square

- 5km from Kathmandu City
- Entrance Fee (NPR 200)
- Bus from Kathmandu (NPR 7)

Patan's Durbar Square
Patan - Wiki

Everest Mountain Flight

- USD 166
- Domestic Airport Tax (NPR 170)
- 1 hour flight

Everest Mountain Flight

Nagarkot

- 32km from Kathmandu City
- Bus from Kathmandu (NPR 150 / 2 hours)

Nagarkot - Wiki

Changu Narayan Temple

- Entrance Fee (NPR 60)
- Bus from Nagarkot to Tharkot (NPR 8)
- 1 1/2 hour walk from Tharkot

Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple - Wiki

Bhaktapur's Durbar Square

- Entrance Fee (NPR 750)
- Guide (NPR 200)
- Bus from Changu Narayan (NPR 8 / 30 mins)
- Bus back to Kathmandu (NPR 12 / 40 mins)

Bhaktapur's Durbar Square
Bhaktapur - Wiki

Kathmandu City's Attractions

2008-10-11T12:16:00.001+08:00

Kathmandu's Durbar Square

- Entrance Fee (NPR 200)
- Walking Tour from Thamel (2 - 2 1/2 Hours)

Bring your passport and one photo to the site office to apply for a visitor pass which allows access for as long as your visa is valid.

Kathmandu's Durbar Square
Kathmandu - Wiki

Pashupatinath Temple

- 6km from Kathmandu City
- Entrance Fee (NPR 250)
- Bus from City Bus Station (NPR 7)
- Best visited in the morning

Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple - Wiki

Boudnanath Stupa

- 7km from Kathmandu City
- Entrance Fee (NPR 100)
- 20 mins walk from Pashupatinath Temple
- Bus back to Kathmandu (NPR 7)
- Best visited in the evening

Boudnanath Stupa
Boudnanath Stupa - Wiki

Kopan Monastery

- 15km from Kathmandu City
- 1 hour walk from Boudnanath Stupa
- Opening hours (9:00am - 11.30am, 1:00pm - 4:30pm)

Kopan Monastery
Kopan Monastery - Wiki

Swayambhunath

- Entrance Fee (NPR 75)
- 45 mins walk from Thamel

Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath - Wiki

Planning and Information

2008-10-10T18:17:00.000+08:00

Nepal Visa

- Valid 30 days (Multiple Entries)
- USD 40 or equivalent foreign currency

Nepal Visa can be obtained at the airport or any entry point upon arrival. An application form is to be filled and submitted together with a photograph.

Nepal Immigration

Nepal Embassy in Singapore

Royal Nepalese Consulate General
1 North Bridge Road #18-05 High St Centre
Tel: 6339-9967

Flights (Singapore to Nepal Return)

Singapore to Kathmandu
Flight: Silk Air Flight MI412 - Economy Class
Depart: Singapore (SIN) - Sat, 25th Oct at 9:05am
Arrive: Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM) - Sat, 25th Oct at 12:00pm

Kathmandu to Singapore
Flight: Silk Air Flight MI411 - Economy Class
Depart: Kathmandu (KTM) - Sun, 16th Nov at 1:05pm
Arrive: Singapore (SIN) - Sun, 16th Nov at 8:15pm

Airport Taxes

International
- NPR 1000 + Tourism Development Fee (NPR 500)
= NPR 1500 + 13% VAT
= NPR 1695

Transport (Airport to Kathmandu)

- Taxi (NPR 250 - 300)

Transport (Pokhara to Kathmandu)

- NPR 300
- Leaves from the Tourist Bus Station at Lakeside at 7:30am

ANCAP and TIMS Permits

- ANCAP fee (NPR 2000)
- TIMS fee (Free)

ACAP Office
~ Kathmandu
Opening hours (Sunday to Friday except on public holidays)
• 9am – 5pm (mid February to mid November)
• 9am – 4pm (mid November to mid February)

~ Pokhara
Opening hours (Sunday to Saturday except on public holidays)
• 10am – 5pm

Trekking Agency
Service Fee (NPR 500 + NPR 500)
Phone: 977 1 5526571 / 73
Address: PO Box 7312, Kathmandu, Nepal
Website: info@kmtnc.org.np
Contact: Email Nirmal - n2@vianet.com.np

Accomodation in Kathmandu

Hotel Encounter Nepal
• Basic Shared Bathroom Room (USD 4)
• Free Airport Transfer!

Hotel Encounter Nepal