There are routes to the sanctuary other than through Ghorepani, but most trekkers come this way for the view from nearby Poon Hill (10,476′) at sunrise. It takes about an hour to make the ascent of 1500′; we left just before six. I’d guess that 100+ trekkers made the pilgrimage that day. It was crowded.
Poon Hill
Unfortunately, it was too cloudy and hazy for great pictures, but here are the best of the lot.
Machhapuchhare just before sunrise
Dhaulagiri at sunrise
Sunrise from Poon Hill
Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare at sunrise from Poon Hill
On the way back to the lodge for breakfast, I spied a tall tree with yellow flowers–the only one I saw.
After breakfast, we began the descent in earnest. From Ghorepani to Ulleria involved a descent of over 2200 feet.
The steps outside the hotel
The steps through town
The Medical Outpost & The steps at the edge of town
More steps
There were, of course, more rhododendrons, but I also happened upon some orchids.
Orchids
As we followed a stream, there were waterfalls large and small.
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We encountered a pack train of mules laden with food supplies for the lodges.
Would you like chicken for dinner?
Check-out the path, more steps
The driver wore crocs!
Many of the men from these villages serve in Gurkha regiments of the British Army overseas.
I really have to concentrate on my feet going down hill, so I don’t see much of my surroundings unless I stop. That coupled with the haze and low-hanging clouds which obscured the mountain peaks meant I took no mountain pictures the entire day after leaving the top of Poon Hill.
We stopped in Banthanti (7,546′) for lunch around 11:30.
My porter in Banthanti
It took less than an hour to reach Ulleri (6791′). As this was our stopping point, I had lots of time to take pictures.
Sawing wood
Thatch-roofed building
How do you like the steps to the woodpile?
I stayed at the Mira or Meera Guest House.
Mira Guesthouse, Ulleri
The terrace of the Mira Guesthouse in Ulleri
The Mira's dining room
The Mira's nasturtiums
The Mira's toilet
I had a great corner room here that would have provided fantastic views if it hadn’t been engulfed in clouds. It also had a bathroom, a most interesting one.
The shower
The toilet
From my window I could look down at the activity at the spigot.
An interesting way to scrub your clothes
