Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp
We took a look at the mountain behind our accommodation block around 0630. It was partly obscured by the clouds but we were assured that better views are yet to come.
The breakfast at 0700 didn’t turn up till later due to the large number of guests and guide. We did manage to set off at 0800 though.
Around 0845 we took a stop at Green View Hotel (2200m) where we had a good view of Annapurna South (7219m). I’m not sure why we didn’t press on a little further to this place at our nightstop last night. We could have made it here and wake up to this gorgeous view but I’m sure the guide had our best interests at heart.
The 40 min break was longer than what we needed or wanted but Suzan needed time for photography, videography including some work on the drone.
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- Scenery from Green View Hotel.
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- Scenery from Green View Hotel.
We continued around 0920 for another uphill slog to Forest Camp (2520m), getting there around 1200. This was our nightstop according to the itinerary but Sital decided that it’s better to push on and have a long day today at lower altitude, rather than have a long day tomorrow at higher altitude.
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- Scenery on the way to Forest Camp.
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- Scenery on the way to Forest Camp.
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- Arriving at Forest Camp.
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- Arriving at Forest Camp.
Forest Camp to Low Camp
After lunch at Forest Camp, we continued around 1310 uphill. Sital found us some bamboo poles to purchase about 90 mins into the walk. It was quite timely as we were getting tired and the natural terrain through the woods and roots required some balance.
We got to Low Camp (2970m) around 1550, which was nearly 8h after setting off with a 40 min break, 1h10 for lunch and other little breaks. That’s about 6h of walking, mainly uphill.
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- Porters on the steps to Low Camp.
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- Scenery on the way to Low Camp.
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- Our nightstop at Low Camp.
Staying at Low Camp
Sital led us to our room in a simple teahouse called Hotel Laigurans Garden. The room was dark and unappealing. Fortunately, before we got too comfortable, he knocked on the door and shifted us to the property next door.
Glorious view of Machhapuchre (6897m) or Fish Tail Mountain glowing in the evening sun.
Hotel Dreamland, while simple, was much better with clean white sheets. For our wash, it was a shower tonight rather than bucket and scoop. The gas-powered heater was temperamental but apparently there had been a kink the gas hose and once untwisted, it worked better if not fine.
Around 1730, we were treated to a glorious view of Machhapuchre (6897m) or Fish Tail Mountain glowing in the evening sun.
This teahouse was a one-man show. Sital stepped up and cooked dinner for us and helped in the preparation of meals for other guests too! He’s truly a high-energy person and worked like he knew our owner well (or even acted like he owned the place) even though they had only just met.