Travel
Why Himalayan hiking trails in Nepal are a photographer’s dream
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
The longest and highest trail in the region is the 15-day Annapurna Circuit, which encircles the Annapurna massif. The trail starts in the green lush lowlands, where rice grows and villages burst with life. As the elevation increases, the landscape becomes drier and trails wind through sparsely forested valleys.
In Manang, at 11,545ft, teahouses (mountain guesthouses with restaurants) serving plates of momos (Nepalese dumplings) sit next to traditional stone houses for herds of yaks.
Photograph by Annapurna Mellor (Top) (Left) and Photograph by Annapurna Mellor (Bottom) (Right)
The highest point of the hike is the Thorong-La Pass, at 17,770ft, a few days’ hike beyond Manang. The pass has been used for generations to transport yaks and produce between the valleys either side. Today, a stream of trekkers risk the lack of oxygen to take in the views and cross to the Mustang region. Photograph by Annapurna Mellor
The pilgrimage village of Muktinath is the first stop after crossing the brutal Thorong La Pass, and where most trekkers will find their first hot shower in days Photograph by Annapurna Mellor
The architecture in villages like Kagbeni and Jharkot is in the Tibetan style, with whitewashed walls and monasteries at the heart of the communities.
The Shree Muktinath Temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and many pilgrims travel from across the sub-continent to visit. The Mustang region is cut off by the high Himalayas and has historically had more trade with Tibet than other regions in Nepal.
Photograph by Annapurna Mellor (Top) (Left) and Photograph by Annapurna Mellor (Bottom) (Right)
A side trek from the Annapurna Circuit trail to Braga Ice Lake is good acclimatisation for hikers preparing to cross the Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs to 15,092ft and has breathtaking views over the Annapurna massif. Photograph by Annapurna Mellor
Another popular trek in the region is to Annapurna Base Camp, a shorter trail that usually takes around 10 days and can be added to the Annapurna Circuit to create an even longer hike. Photograph by Annapurna Mellor
The route takes travellers into the heart of the massif, with incredible views over Annapurna South and Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world at 26,545ft. Photograph by Annapurna Mellor
A side trek from this trail is to Ghandruk, a traditional and well-preserved village that’s home to the Gurung people. Photograph by Annapurna Mellor
It’s a perfect place to spend a few quiet days soaking in local culture, feasting on plates of dal bhat (lentil curry) and sipping cups of sweet chai over sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. Photograph by Annapurna Mellor
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