64 Annapurna South

Background 

When I did my first Nepal trek, of Annapurna Circuit in 2006 .. I had not completed the South-leg of that trek, that sometimes includes the ABC Sanctuary;  i.e. going into Annapurna Base Camp area. So I decide to do that missing bit in Dec-2016. 

But, I realized this was an easy 8-9 days trek from Nayapul, near Pokhara. On asking Suman Neupane of Asian Hiking Team, if I could extend that with some middle-hill treks he suggested a newly opened 'Community-Lodge Eco-Trek' in the foothills of Annapurna South, which he said comprised of stunning Snow Peak views from Mohara & Khopra Danda. He said it may be better to do that part first and then join the ABC Trek directly at Chomrong. It seemed a good suggestion to me, so I decided to do exactly that.

Pre-Trek Prep

I left for Kathmandu on 2-Dec-2016 by a direct Mumbai-Kathmandu Flight of Nepal Airlines. I landed in KTM at 8:30PM and met Suman at the airport and he took me to the 'Hotel Annapurna Lodge' in the same lane as his office in Thamel.

I took a DBL room (#205) with attached bath at NRs 1300/- per night. 

Next day (3rd Dec) I met Suman at his office and finalised the trek schedule and he introduced me to Nirmal (Dil) Basnet, who was to be my Porter-Guide for this trek. Later, I went to the "Kalapathar" shop in Thamel with Suman to buy/hire a down-jacket and some other trekking gear.

On 4th Dec I left my Lodge at 5:30AM, with Nirmal Basnet, to catch a Bus to Pokhara dep at 7:00AM. We reached Pokhara around 3:40PM. We went to Hotel Chedhim(?) where Suman had pre-booked a room for me. In the evening I walked around the Lakeside area. Pokhara is a nice place, with a touristy feel. 

Next Day 5th Dec 2016 we took a taxi to Nayapul from where this trek started. Day-wise Trek details are in the sub-pages in the box below.