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Annapurna Circuit - Day 6

Tue 15th Sep 2009 — drew
image(s): 
Pisang in the morning
early morning peak
Annapurna II and IV (we think)
Annapurnas across the fields
forest walk with peaks in the background
Webbers enjoying a walk in the woods
dramatic skies over the mountains
looking up the valley towards Manang
beautiful colours
yak
Day 6
Start Lower Pisang (3200m)
End Manang (3540m)
Distance (day) 15km
Distance (cumulative) 90km
Height climbed 340m

We woke up to see a mountain lit up by the morning sun shining through the curtains. Drew suggested a quick walk across the valley for a magnificent view of Annapurna II in the morning sun. Although we set off about 6.30 and were back in time for our tsampa porridge at 7, we then had a very slow start and didn't get on the road until 8.30. However, it was a very short day so we relaxed and took it very slowly.

We certainly began to notice the thinner air as even the gentle climb that the day started with had us out of breath. The giant Thermos of tea that we had drunk for breakfast and perhaps not sweating quite as much as previous days had us nipping into the bushes every few minutes; what with this and the fantastic views and hundreds of photos – progress was glacial. Devendra didn't seem to know what had happened we were so much slower than usual!

We were now getting almost above the tree line and the scenery had changed once again, becoming slightly more barren, very dry akin to the Tibetan plateau. We were very easy targets for freshly baked cinnamon rolls which were strategically revealed as we walked past Humde, a small town with an airstrip on the route. With this to keep us going, we decided to push onto Manang (the day's final destination) for lunch. Even though we were going slowly, we were feeling a bit tired and happy about the idea of a rest day tomorrow.

As we came into Manang we spotted our first yak of the trek down having a drink from the river – a big furry beast, perhaps a distant cousin of the Highland cow? Fittingly, we then went to stay in the Yak Hotel and were lucky to get the best room with amazing views out all three windows – down the valley at Annapurnas II and IV, across the valley at Gangapurna glacier and Annapurna I and up the valley towards Tilicho Tal.

After lunch we had a relaxing afternoon, resting and reading. We went for a walk round Manang which is quite a large place even having 'cinemas' – small, dark rooms where they play pirate films. We decided against a film and instead found ourselves watching a local volleyball game. Not being experts in volleyball, both teams looked quite good and it was a close, exciting game. However, the pitch was on the edge of a big drop and unfortunately an over-enthusiastic shot sent the ball tumbling down the steep slope with players scrabbling after. We thought it would take some time to recover the ball and so left before the end of the game.

Dal Bhat for dinner; 6 out of 10 - we went for the special dal bhat, nice veg from the garden, not spectacular but big portions, nice radish and chilli powder (dulu corsani)