DAY 16- Tatopani to Ghorepani
I’m exhausted! Today’s hike was almost 20 miles straight up hill! A climb of about 5,000 ft. At least my blisters don’t bother me climbing hills. The hike to Ghorepani was beautiful. Altitude here is 9,200 ft. There is this whole section going up the side of the hill that is marble. A staircase of sorts has been carved out of the green marble.
The hike wound around a valley along terraced sections of land. There was this incredibly huge cactus that just seemed so out of place here. Apparently this side of the mountain is so hot and arid that the cactus just thrive.
From this vantage point high on the mountain we have spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, the world’s 7th largest peak at 26,795 ft That whole mountain range is spectacular! I’d like to go on a trek there the next time we come to Nepal.
Dhaulagiri Mountain
Dhaulagiri Range
We had lunch in the small village of Ghara. The rain was coming down lightly and sitting around too long actually made me a bit chilly. This part of the circuit is entering into a Hindu region. There were a bunch of people across the way from us who were performing a sacrificial rite. Looks like another goat gave its life for a Hindu God.
Ghara
Hindu sacrifice
It started to rain heavily just as our tent went up. We spent the rest of the evening huddled in the sleeping bag. Tomorrow we have a steep downhill climb for 8 hrs. Where’s a taxi when you need one?
Poon Hill sits at 10,475 ft and it’s a heck of a hike to get to it. The views at dawn are spectacular and well worth the grueling hike.
