Dhaulagiri Circuit - Kali Gadaki and Poon Hill

Typical street in Marpha

View of the eastern side of Dhaluagiri from Tuche

The bus from Tuche to Tatopani is the roughest I have ever been on!

Shortly after arriving a helicopter flew overhead and landed in a sport field. From it emerged our friends from Basecamp who we had left 5 days earlier. Their ride out was always 'Maybe tomorrow'. After almost 2 months at camp they were glad of a cold beer.

Laxmi Lodge in Ghara

Arriving in Gorepani

Early start from Gorepani for the sunrise from the top of Poon Hill.  From left Annapurna, Annapurna South (that is 1000m lower),  and Mount Machhapuchchhre (fishtail).

View north West to the Dhaulagiri Massif. Dhampus Pass is just right of centre

Food left after 13 days

Leaving Pokhara

Kathmandu International Airport

Dhaulagiri Circuit - Hidden Valley to Marpha

Route from Hidden Valley, over Dhampus Pass and down to Yak Kharka. The traverse under Dhampus Peak was completely snow covered.

Descending into Hidden Valley

Plugging steps down into Hidden Valley

First camp in Hidden Valley. Was a clear but extremely windy afternoon

Morning at our first Hidden Valley camp. The afternoon was very windy but died off after dark

A short day to our second Hidden Valley camp

Afternoon of relaxing, eating and drinking

Dhampus Peak

First views of the Annapurna massif from Dhampus Pass

Thuche Peak to the South

Traversing snow slopes, shame we didn't have skis, the corn was just coming on.

Traversing towards Yak Karka

Looking south down the Kahl Gadaki towards Poon Hill

Looking back along the traverse to Dhampus Peak

Looking north over the Kahl Gadaki towards Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit

 

Sunrise from Yak Karka Camp

Condor!

Arriving in Marpha