This is probably the best long distance trek in the world, no doubt. The terrain, culture and scenery are constantly changing, adding to this fantastic experience and of course, you have the element of danger in tackling the not insignificant 5416m Thorong La. Thankfully the altitude section is quite short so although still a danger, get to the Pass and you are home and dry.

This is a comfortable 18 day trek, with built in acclimatisation and the odd rest day for potential injuries or bad weather. It can be done in less but you would need to be fit, durable and avoid injuries and illnesses. Longer and you would have a lovely time 'bimbling' along resting as you please.

The first third of this is through some quite harsh terrain and gets tougher as you pass through Manang. Be sure to acclimatise there (as most do). There is a Nepalese Rescue Association (NRA) station located there, normally manned by volunteer Dr's (usually US or UK). Take the time to attend their daily lectures on altitude sickness.

The next 3 or 4 days will see you up and over the Pass, one of the high points (literally) of the route. Make no mistake, the day you go over the Pass and down to Muktinath is a very long day indeed; the decent from the Pass is longer than most anticipate and it could well be covered in snow.

From here on on, you will be smiling! The sun is far more prominent on this side of the range and you are now trekking down the Kali Gandaki valley, even deeper than the Grand Canyon! On one side the mighty Annapurna's, the other the Daulagiri range. When you reach Tatopani, the wonderful natural hot springs will be waiting for you.

From here you have several options to exit the area, either directly south to Beni or up and over Ghorepani. The ascent to Ghorepani is up to 9 hrs so plan your itinerary carefully, at this stage of the trek, it's a tough call. Worth it though, Poon Hill is a relatively famous photographic spot and is right next to Ghorepani.

Soon it will be time to exit and if you don't have a tear in your eye when you do reach the end, you are not human or you don't like trekking! It really is a feat of endurance but one that you don't want to end either. Absolutely superb.

Written by  Terry Crosby.

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