We've managed to find a guide for our trek around Dhaulagiri, a mountain range that is close to the Annapurnas. Dhaulagiri is the 7th highest mountain in the world at 8,167m. From there, we will link up to the Annapurna circuit, but will go against the normal flow over the high pass of 5400m. From there, we will head to Manang, a small town on the Annapurna circuit where we will buy some more food and then head to a high lake close to the Annapurnas, Tilicho Lake. We will camp a few nights at around 5000m before heading down in the other direction, linking up with the Annapurna circuit again, and then heading to the Annapurna base camp, another week-long excursion that won't be as high as the other sections, but will involve some camping again.
We were supposed to start off this morning, but I've had some health issues that have left me weak, so Hans and I are taking another day in Pokhara. He's rented a bike and is exploring the town, and I am spending most of the day in the sun, reading and resting.
Hopefully, things will be better tomorrow, and we will be off as planned.
Last night, while I went to rest after dinner, Hans went with our guide to buy food and fuel. Our guide, Arjun, took every effort to get Hans to pay more for things than what they are worth. We definitely are going to have to watch him, and do our own negotiating so that he doesn't have us gouged while on our trek. If it weren't for the snowy conditions where we want to go, we wouldn't have bothered with the guide, but routefinding can be difficult and maps can be inaccurate.
That's all for now. I should be able to write again in a month upon our return.
Namaste,
Bob
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