Hi all, Great news! The team have successfully navigated crossing the Thorung La Pass (5416m) the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit and have now arrived in Muktinath (3760m) exhausted but exhilarated! Everyone is well and looking forward to a hot shower and a well earned rest. The day started at 5 am with what was a perfect day for the crossing; the weather was stunning which allowed for breathtaking views as the night slipped into the dawn and the sunrise was awe-inspiring. Well get to see Cheries photos a little later once she gets a connection. The pass summit is identified with traditional prayer flags, stone cairn and the official wooden sign. The views are outstanding; you can see the Annapurnas, Gangapurna (7454m) and Khangsar Kang (7485m), a heavily glaciated peak. Amazingly there is a teashop serving refreshments on top of the pass. The long steep descent from the pass provides stunning views of the seventh highest mountain in the world, Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the distance across the valley. The name Muktinath means ‘place of Nirvana’ and is home to the unique Muktinath Temple (3800m) as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a sacred pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours (one of the pictures). After roughing it a bit at High camp last night the team are thrilled with their accommodation at Muktinath and just what they needed after the big trek today. Well done team, were proud of you! The pictures are of the trail from the Pass and the table of flowers is where the team had lunch after the crossing. The last two pictures are from Muktinath; the water spouts at the temple and the hillside decorated with hundreds of prayer flags. Enjoy! :)
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 10:05:21 +0000