Exploradus
NEPAL: From the Epicenter
From the Epicenter
An assessment of damage in remote areas
This is an Exploratory Trek. Our goal is to assess the effects of the earthquake of April 2015 as we move west from the epicenter. This trek will combine parts of many different routes in the area between the epicenter and the Marshangdi River valley and Pokhara in central Nepal. We will begin on the approach to the 8th highest mountain in the world – Manaslu; then join the Classic Around Annapurna trek before turning north into the rarely visited Naar and Phu area. From Naar we will head west toward Mustang crossing high passes along the way. We will spend a day or two in Lo Manthang, the capital of the Kingdom of Mustang, before heading to Jomsom and then back to Pokhara and home. This will be a long high altitude trek with passes as high as 18,300 feet. Most of the trek will be in support of local teahouses when possible. We will have traditional tents for use on the high passes and in remote areas where there are no lodges to stay in. This trek will document the effects of the destructive earthquake that struck Nepal in April 2015.
The trek can be divided into several parts depending on your available time and willingness to trek. Part 1 follows the route to Manaslu and then crosses the Larkya La (pass) before dropping down to join the Around Annapurna route. It is at this point (Day 15) you may head back to Pokhara and then home .The trek will continue into the Naar and Phu valley north of the Annapurna range. This area borders Tibet/China. It is possible to return from here as well if you do not feel comfortable crossing the last and highest pass from Naar Phu to Mustang, the Tri-La at over 18,000 ft. Once in Mustang we will visit Lo Manthang. Many of the residents who can afford to leave Mustang may be gone for the winter as the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting colder. We will then come down the Marshangdi River valley to Jomsom for our flight to Pokhara. After a short stay in Pokhara we will head home.
