<< Day 3

Nepal :: Annapurna Sanctuary - Day 4

Day 5 >>

Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail)Fantastic View of unclimbed Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail, 6993m) from Chomrong Pass

Fantastic View of unclimbed Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail, 6993m) from Chomrong Pass

Tadapani to Sinuwa

Trekking Summary

Fourth day was real roller-coaster.  Down-up-down-up was motto of the day.  Trail circles hillside terraces and passes through several Nepalese villages on approach to Modi Khala drainage which leads deep into Annapurna Sanctuary.  Scenic highlight of the day is Chomrong Pass;  fabulous in-your-face view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (or Mt. Machapuchare), commonly known as "Fish Tail" -- rumored to be home of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology and thus off limits to humans.  For that reason Nepal government will not issue climbing permits, and only recorded ascent by British Team in 1957 stopped 150m vertical below the summit. (There are also unconfirmed rumors about crazy Kiwi climber that summited in 1980, climbing without permit).    I was high in anticipation of this view;  many times perusing various web imagery while planning the trek, but now finally able to see it with my own eyes.  It will be seen from different angles and constant companion for the rest of the journey to ABC Sanctuary.

Day started by several 100s of meters drop to suspension bridge over Kimrung Khola drainage, followed by ascent to Kimrong village and more open hiking towards Chomrong Pass (~2500m).  There are couple of lodges here, and I took extended lunch break in warm early afternoon sunshine enjoying magnificent views.  Besides Fish Tail, Annapurna South also makes impressive appearance and remainder of the journey to ABC becomes apparent.  Clouds start rolling in and obscuring peaks fairly early, and by mid-afternoon they will descend upon entire approach valley.  Steep descent (stone staircase, what else) with loss of ~500m vertical leads through Chomrong Village to suspension bridge over Chhomrong Khola drainage, where ascent resumes towards Sinuwa.  Khomrong is big village and center of the area, with schools, lodges, restaurants etc.  ACAP checkpost is here too, since it is also on junction of more direct trail coming from Jhinu Danda (my exit route couple of days later).   Finally I called it a day in lower Sinuwa upon encountering fairly nice lodge with good food and good shower.  By this time I really enjoyed ABC trek and went to sleep with that famous tingling caused by anticipation of finally venturing in such iconic area.

Gallery