Most Inspirational Moment
The entire trek inspired me, from the lovely people in the group,and the leader and his assistants, to the friendly and generous Nepali people who have little, but are happy to share all. The final trek up to the sanctuary left me silent and reflective, ( not something my fellow travellers had seen before...!), I was completely overcome by the beauty and majesty of the mountains. I will never forget sunrise at Annapurna Sanctuary. I will also never forget how quickly the clouds closed in the day before and how small and insignificant we were as the mountains disappeared from sight. I also loved the hot springs we visited ( another 35 mins down to the river, 55 mins back up after a very long days trekking) with our guides, the cleanest I'd been for some long time! As a non tea drinker before the trek, I am now addicted to ginger, lemon honey tea.....but not at 05.00..
Thoughts on Group Leader
Prasant was knowledgeable, organised and looked after us all with much care. He gave us excellent advice about our health and well being and went out of his way to make sure everything ran smoothly. if Prasant said "no beer", we knew no beer was the best! (Only at altitude tho'!) We were also indebted to our assistant guides, "uncle", Lak Phar, And BJ who were always there when needed but never in the way and organised our food and drinks with efficiency and cheerfulness despite none of us ever remembering what we we ordered and eating each others ( you know who you are...!) Lak Phar and BJ were particularly cheerful at 06.00 each morning with "Excuse me Claire, lemon tea". If you are reading this, I was trying to be cheerful back, but mornings aren't my best time!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do it, just go, you won't regret it, it was the best thing I ever did. Do as much training as you can, I found it challenging especially the long downhills towards the river, beautiful but always aware that his would be followed by an equally strenuous uphill the other side of the valley. Be prepared for the altitude to affect you how ever fit you are. Slowly, slowly, find your own pace, listen to your body and try not to bring up your tea on Poon Hill as I did...trying to keep up with others rather than listening to my heavy breathing and slowing down. Practice your squatting, personal thanks go to my Pilates teacher for my ability to hit the target... Drink loads, eat Dhall Bat and apple porridge, and veg noodle soup. I was lucky enough to share rooms with a lovely lady, an experienced trekker who taught me so much, including how to seal 4 day socks in a freezer bag and how not to pee on your clean trousers, and how to laugh and laugh like school girls at the daftest things, thank you lovely Ella.
