After Manang, the daily mileage goes down as trekkers forsake distance for altitude. We only hiked 3 or 4 hours this day, but went up to about 13,700 feet. At this point in the trek, there are no longer villages -- simply a few spots containing a guest house or two, designed specifically for trekkers on their way to the pass. In season, these spots are packed. At this time of year, we were fairly isolated. The landscape, too, becomes more barren, consisting mostly of rocks and dirt paths, leaving behind the trees and vegetation characteristic of lower altitudes. All of this lends to the growing drama associated with approaching an 18,000 foot pass, and tends the hiker's focus toward that singular element of the trek.
The "Om Mani Padme Hung" mantra written on a rock marks the Thorung valley, and provides the only relief to an otherwise harsh landscape. This type of terrain had us focused more than ever on getting over the pass.
Rachael makes her way along a prayer wheel wall just outside one of the last villages we passed.
An old stupa with several mani stones at the base. Look for a future post highlighting the intricate work that can be found on these stones, most of which say "Om Mani Padme Hung."
At these altitudes, ice didn't melt so easily. This section of a stream looked like it was settling in for the winter.
The guest house that is Upper Yak Kharka, where we stayed for the night, is in the lower right of the photo.
Yak Kharka means "yak fields," and sure enough...
Annapurna III as seen through the gate to our guest house.
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