This was to be an easy day. A quick descent to the river and back up the other side and then after a short “Nepali flat” stretch, just one hour more, we would be in Chomrong in time for lunch. The morning went pretty much as advertised, although the steep descent with majestic views of the wide open valley slowed us down a bit with numerous photo ops.
Like most of the trail, it’s hot in the sun and chilly in the shade. The intensity of the sun should not be underestimated. We encountered many beet-red trekkers in sleeveless tops chugging up the hills.
Shortly after noon we reach Chomrong. The guest houses at the top of the hill have incredible views -something like at Ghorepani but from a different angle. Again the peaks are blanketed in clouds when we arrive. It’s the typical weather pattern – clear in the morning and cloud covered peaks in the afternoon.
Chomrong is the washing station. Past here we’re told it’s too cold to shower, especially to wash your hair. And drying laundry occupies nearly every sunny spot of the guest house’s terrace. Excellent View Top actually has washing machines. You can get your laundry done for 25 rupees (about $.30US) per item and collect it on your way back out.
We had lunch on the terrace, unfortunately already shaded by 1:30 pm. Tomato soup and veg burgers. I’m finally regaining my appetite. The food is fine and the view is, well, “excellent” even if the peaks are shrouded in clouds.
As the sun starts to dip behind the hills people huddle in the diminishing rays of sunshine. Out of the sun the temperature plummets quickly.
October 31, 2012
For links to all the posts related to the trek see the Annapurna Base Camp page.
For links to all the posts in this series see the Nepal page.
WOW, those views are stupendous!! You took some really brilliant shots that have made it into my wallpapers folder for future viewing on my computer screen! I think I currently have one you took of the Pyranees on there now lol. I’m really enjoying this blog, thanks Debbie! 🙂
You’re too kind Hali!