Everyone made it to the top of Poon Hill (3,210m)! Trekking phase going well and nearly complete ... next stop Pokhara!

Fee Bellamy reports on receiving a brief update from expedition leader Martin: 

Wednesday: Trek going well. Only an hour to go until lunch and then the bus to Pokhara. The team have done brilliantly despite a day of what seemed like a thousand steps yesterday. Everyone made the high point at Poon Hill, though Monsoon rendered views "zero" the achievement was "100%". They have seen how wonderful the nature of the Nepali people is. Amazed at the loads they carry through the mountains, always accompanied by cheery and mischievous smiles. Su and Hari, their guides, have been stars!

Martin has been desperately trying to send us photos, but there has been no internet connection at all during the trekking phase. Please be assured that this is not unusual for Nepal - all is well - and we will post photos as soon as we receive them.

Nepali porter, often Sherpas, in Annapurna Himalayas

'The Gang' will have been roused from their beds at first light (probably 4 am) on Monday to make the climb up to Poon Hill (3,210m). As you can tell Martin was justifiably proud of the 100% effort and achievement from everyone in the group making it to the top. What a shame the cloud cover ruined the views when they reached the top. The descent on Tuesday from Poon Hill to Tirkhedhunga (1540m) was down some 3,260 stone steps! 

Today, they're making their way along the banks of the Bhurgundi River and following the trail along the river to Nayapul. Here they will board the awaiting vehicle and head to Pokhara for a well-earned rest.

Tomorrow they begin the Cultural & Educational Project phase of the expedition. 

Here are some typical sights and scenery that 'The Gang' will have enjoyed on trek.

Typical trekking terrain

The natural stone staircases - going up, up, up and then down, down, down

Nepali mother and daughter, Annapurna Himalayas

Expeditioners are into day 3 of their trekking phase: heading for Tadapani today ...

Communications and receiving signals is proving problematic (as we knew it would be) during the trekking phase of the expedition. We will post any and all news when we receive it ... and when we have comms!

It's now day 3 of the trekking phase in the Annapurnas* where 'The Gang' will be trekking through colourful villages, rich forests, traversing rushing mountain streams and spending the night in traditional tea houses.

On Friday, they left Nayapul (1,070m) following the Modi Khola Valley to Syange (1160m). Yesterday (Saturday) will have been a tougher trek up to 1,940m. They will have climbed through the rice paddies and up stone staircases to the 2nd largest Gurung settlement of Ghandrung home to many Ghurkhas. The temperature up here is cooler than the monsoon heat of Syange - which will be a relief! Clouds permitting (!) we hope that the expeditioners will have seen some good views of the Annapurna range and the sacred Fish Tail Mountain Machhapuchhre.
Today they will be trekking to Tadapani.

Some typical scenery on trek: 

*For reference: The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. Annapurna I is the world's eighth highest mountain (8091m). The area boasts of a variety of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, tribes and castes including the Brahmins, the Chhetri, the Newars, the Gurungs, the Magars, the Manangis and the Tibetans. This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows and windswept desert plateaus. The area is home to over 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, languor and the elusive snow leopard.

Machhapuchhre

*For information: Fish Tail Mountain ... Machhapuchhre  ("Fish Tail" in English), is a mountain in the Annapurna Himal of north central Nepal. It is revered by the local population as particularly sacred to the god Shiva and hence is off limits to climbing. It is one of the most photographed and distinctive mountains in the world.

All arrived in Pokhara. Trekking begins in Annapurna Himalayas

Fee Bellamy reports following brief communication from Martin the expedition leader:

Group has arrived safely in Pokhara and are now heading off into the Annapurna Himalayas for the start of the trekking phase of their expedition!

Typical Himalayan views of the Annapurnas from Pokhara 

Lake Phewa - Pokhara