London to 5416 meters

Our small expedition team included me, France and Indian two mates Marianne, Purbasha and our Sherpa Lok. Each of us had varying levels of experience walking, hiking, trekking and climbing. Our ages ranged from 30 to 36 years young.

The 240 (150Mile) kilometer Annapurna Circuit(Thorong La pass)is rated most difficult and physically challenging trip. Originally, we planned three passes trekking in Everest since last year. Due to the bad weather in Lukla we quickly changed our plan. It is not hard in the ‘technical’ sense, but you need to be in good physical condition and know how to acclimatization. May 1st 2013, we have planned to climb Thorong-la pass. We slept in High Camp. I gave open option to stay in Phedi or High camp, finally we had been high Camp, and even Marianne not wants to go high camp. It was above 4850 meters high so it’s made for a not great sleep. At 4.30 am, we had hot breakfast, very excited and paired up with packed lunches (some cookies and chocolate). We planned start at 5 am but they took further 25 minutes to fix Gaiters. Normally, one hour are enough to reached first tea shop but it took Purbasha one and a half hour, and Marianne took half an hour faster than us. Now, we finally divided in two groups which Lok and Marrianne walk faster and running and Purbasha and I walking slowly. I need to follow her because of I should be take care of everyone but Marianne walk very well so that I stay with Purbasha. Continues walking, looks like to touch the sky even though we could not see the top. Purbasha asked me how long? How many KM? Within five minutes but still far and its came many mountain terrence. Finally, we reached top at 10.10 am. Marrianne and Lok were waiting us. We have very expensive cup of hot tea (Rs. 200 per cup) than have few photos, video on the top. We did it!!!!

We have still more than 10KM to walk with very steep and snow sleepy path. After the pass the way continues down, down ……………….. till to Muktinath Phedi (4200m). Purbasha fell twice and Winnie once. By the time we had varying degrees of abrasions on our knees, hands, elbows and shoulders. In the towns, when anyone asked to Purbasha, ohoo, I run everyday…. I have…. I can…….. About them, we said they were the result of a ‘adventure attack.’ It sounded way cooler. Marianne is real adventure sicker so she took very easy. She was looking more adventure but partners not like hiking anymore. It is very hard and disturbed for her. Marianne and Lok already left when we been Phedi. No worry chicken curry!!!! We must to keep walking to Muktinath further 1.30 hours. We did not quit. Thanks Muktinath to gave one more chanced (18th times) to run your feather even through Purbasha mentally prepared to return from Chame/Manang. We have already cancelled Tilichho Lake too. Muktinath kept us motivated and laughing all the way. By Suman (Team leader) 1st May 2013.