Day 7 - Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.” Buddha

I wake early but, let Donna sleep a little longer. By 6AM she is up and wants to have some coffee and breakfast. After eating she feels much better and said I can make it to ABC. I always knew she would do it. Govinda agrees to carry her back pack to lighten her load. By 7AM we are off on the final leg to the top. Little chilly but, looks like it will be another beautiful sunny day.

Sunrise behind Fish Tail

The trail goes steadily up for the first 3.5 miles (5.6Km) gaining 1700 ft (518m) until Machhapuchhare Base Camp, elevation 12205ft (3720m). The trail turns left and takes a nice gentle slop gaining 1345ft (410m) the final 2 miles (3.2Km) to Annapurna Base Camp, elevation 13550ft (4130m).

Machhapuchhare Base Camp

The views going up this final leg are magnificent. We begin to get panorama views all around that include Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail).

The view in front of me

The view behind me

Just beautiful

Trekking to ABC

Annapurna South

Our lodge under Annapurna South

By 11AM we reach ABC. We both feel that this was a pretty easy hike compared to yesterday. The day is wonderful with blue skis fairly warm, about 45F (7C), no wind.

ABC we made it!

Our lodge is in the lower left hand corner, Annapurna South left, Annapurna I right

It’s amazing to be completely surrounded by 6000m (20,000ft) peaks and the only way into this area is through the gorge we just hiked. It’s an unusual feeling, realization of being so small yet so significant and connected. An encounter with interdependency? perhaps.


I ran out of words to say

We check into our room, have some lunch, then take a lot of photos. Donna wants to sit and relax but, Govinda, Ram and I hike up along the Annapurna glacier which gives us a great view of the surrounding area.

Donna with some hot tea

Looking back at base camp

Annapurna Glacier

Annapurna High

Prayer Flags

Some people sleep in tents

Returning we sit and talk with other trekkers in the common room. All together we have people from, France, USA, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Australia. Almost like a UN. As the sun starts to set we get some beautiful red colors on the surrounding mountains. We go outside to take a few more photos. Back inside it’s starting to get very cold, freezing, inside.

What a lovely couple

Govinda

Fish Tail at sunset

To get some heat into the room they place a open flame propane heater under the table. It provides a nice bit of heat but, the fumes are terrible. Also not sure it follows any fire safety code. We have our diner, some laughs with all the people then head off to bed.

Having some fun in the common area

I set my alarm for 2AM because it’s a full moon and I may try and get a night picture, if I’m not to cold.

D & T send love and peace

Today’s hiking totals were 4 hours, 6 miles (9.6Km), elevation gain of 3100 ft (930m).

Love and Peace from D & T