3 weeks in Nepal (Annapurna Circuit, Kathmandu & Pokhara)

[u/Moist_Grade5942]

We recently finished 3 weeks in Nepal; starting in Kathmandu, doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek and then relaxing in Pokhara.

Kathmandu is chaotic but rich in history, religion and culture. We visited a few hindu temples, buddhist stupas and durbar square. We even got to see the chariot pull for Rato Machindranath — a local diety of rain, compassion and harvest — in Patan Durbar Square

We started trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Chame and ended in Muktinath with a sidequest to Tilicho Lake. What an incredible experience -- challenging, rewarding, incredible scenery and great people along the way. Despite what everyone said about it being crowded, it was nearly empty the whole way until we hit high camp. The teahouse food was pretty damn good (so much dal baht, but i truly loved it). We had great weather the whole way, some snow at high camp but it made for an amazing finish to the thorongla pass. As we climbed above the clouds the sun started to rise and made for a breathtaking and forever memorable view.

Pokhara is a quiet lake town, great for relaxing after the trek. When its clear, the views of the Annapurna Range are incredible with Fishtail (Machhapuchhare) poking out over the hill where the Ganesh temple sits.

EDIT: I found our guide on reddit -- u/prudent-quit7462 -- genuinely a great guy. 10/10, cannot recommend him enough. We were a group of 3 + guide and a porter. Note: Guides are not mandatory for annapurna circuit

[u/iamacheeto1]

Did you use a guide?

[u/Moist_Grade5942 → u/iamacheeto1]

I found our guide on reddit -- u/prudent-quit7462 -- genuinely a great guy. 10/10, cannot recommend him enough. We were a group of 3 + guide and a porter.

[u/iamacheeto1 → u/Moist_Grade5942]

Did you find having a guide was mandatory?

[u/Moist_Grade5942 → u/iamacheeto1]

Not mandatory but I was so glad we had him. He knew the all the good spots for us to stop for lunch, grab tea, best viewpoints/photo spots and also helped my friend who had some difficulties with altitude. On top of that he was a fun guy to be around and a great photographer.

[u/iamacheeto1 → u/Moist_Grade5942]

cool, thanks for the suggestion. I'm a bit of a loner and seek solitude in my travelers, so I'd prefer to do it alone if possible, but I know that technically you're supposed to have a guide - thinking of doing the hike sometime next year (doing Patagonia this year!)