Low Camp to High Camp
Today we reap the benefits of our extended hike yesterday by having a shortened hike at higher altitude from Low Camp (2970m) to High Camp (3540m).
We commenced at 0820 and walked through forested areas of Rhododendron. I understand this area is gorgeous when in bloom in spring. But we had no such luck in late autumn.
We took a couple of rests, 30 mins and then 20 mins, through the day. A particularly scenic stop at Hotel 360 coincided with a spot of sunny weather.
Otherwise, the scenery was misty and pretty repetitive. We had a view of the Annapurna range on our left on and off and it was pretty much from the same angle as we were walking parallel to the range. It only differed by the amount of cloud cover.
The hike was a mix of forested tracks and steps. I let out an occasional grumble when we come to the steps but I was reminded that steps were put in so that we do not face dusty or muddy slippery slopes. We always need to be grateful for what we have!
We arrived at 1220 at High Camp four hours after setting of in the morning including rest breaks. It was a shortish day but that’s a good thing as it allowed us to adjust to the higher altitude.
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- Machhapuchre (6897m) or Fish Tail Mountain at breakfast.
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- Fellow hikers eating breakfast outside.
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- Scenery on the hike this morning.
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- Rest stop at Hotel 360.
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- Rest stop at Hotel 360.
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- Scenery on the hike this morning.
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- Looking back down at Hotel 360.
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- Scenery on the hike this morning.
At High Camp
After lunch we relaxed. There wasn’t much to see with heavy mist. There were some breaks in the cloud which unveiled a bit of the Annapurna range.
At High Camp, we met Mr Bhim who had worked in Malaysia for four years. He speaks Malay well, in fact, better than some Malaysians. Having worked in several countries he also speaks English and Arabic! What a man!
We repacked before bed so that we would do the climb to Viewpoint tomorrow with just water and snacks, with empty room in our packs in case we have to remove some layers if it warms up sufficiently.
With tomorrow’s wake-up at 0330, we retired around 0830. Waking up before midnight for a wee, I saw the Annapurna range and Machhapuchre in the clear dark night sky, illuminated by the waning moon. It had been full moon only a day or two ago.
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- Our accommodation at High Camp.
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- Our dining hall at High Camp.
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- The clouds part to give a glimpse of the Annapurna range.
