The Annapurna range is the home to many of the highest mountains in the world with 13 peaks over 22,970 feet and 16 peaks over 19,690 feet including Annapurna 1 at 26,545 feet, the 10th highest mountain in the world and Annapurna II at 26,040 feet, the 16th highest in the world. 

Annapurna South is 23,684 feet.  On our way to  Annapurna Base Camp (ABC – red dot above) at 13,545 feet I estimate we actually climbed in excess of 30,000 feet with all the ups and downs.  We needed to traverse many valleys and then climb smaller mountains in order to finally reach our destination,  It was just me, John, our guide Prem and our porter Krishna.  Krishna (see picture at right), who is slightly bigger than I am, carried my duffel bag, John’s duffel bag and all of his own personal stuff on his back (at least 60 pounds) up and down throughout the entire trek as if it were nothing.  The people of Nepal are truly SUPER PEOPLE.  They start their strength regimen very young (see picture at left).

Although it would have been wonderful to reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), our original destination, the Annapurna region has even more to offer and I am so glad we made the decision to go to ABC instead of EBC.  The Everest region simply does not have so many of the world’s highest mountains concentrated in one area.  The sweeping views of lush terraced farms on the lower levels as well as the snow capped mountains on the higher levels made this trek absolutely unforgettable.  We were so fortunate to get to so many vantage points that are only accessible by foot.  I am so very thankful that I was able to make this trip.