Nepal - the country
Official Name - Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.
Capital - Kathmandu
Population - approximately 30 million
Nepal is a land-locked country; it is located between China to the north and India to the south.
Much of Nepal’s land mass is situated in the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. The most famous area is Mount Everest; which is the highest peak in the world (approximately 8,848 meters / 29,031 feet - above sea level).
Religions in Nepal are mainly Hindu (81%) and Buddhism (9%) - Islam, Christianity and small tradition religions make up the rest.
Annapurna Circuit - it is approximately 162 km or about 100 miles. A trekker can see many different mountain peaks while on the trek. Our group completed it in 12 days.
Primary crops in Nepal - Rice, Maize (corn), Barley, Buckwheat, Millet, Wheat
Caste system in Nepal- Brahmin (priests), Kshatriya (warriors), Vaishya (merchants), Sudra (laborers)
Tourism Industry is an important part of Nepali economy.
Pujan started as a porter in the trekking business. A porter is a person who carries luggage for trekkers.
With more experience Pujan has now become trek leader.
Highlight of Annapurna Circuit - Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass
Tilicho Lake - (below) is the highest lake in the world. It sits at 4,919 meters above sea level.
Thorong La (below) is a mountain pass with an elevation of 5,416 metres (17,769 ft) above sea level in central Nepal. Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang are the mountains forming Thorong La. The pass is located on a trail which connects the village of Manang with the temple of Muktinah. Thorong La is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit.
Trekking group at the the top of Thorong La Pass
Trek to Thorong La Pass
Village Life in Nepal
Padam works in the trekking / tourism industry in the fall and spring. In the winter and summer (monsoons) he returns to his family where he works on the family farm.
He lives with his wife, 3 children and his parents.
He grows rice, corn, wheat, millet. He also grows vegetables - like spinach, potatoes, beans, cabbage, and carrots. And he has 10 water buffalo. His family uses the buffalo for milk and he sells milk in the market at his village.
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Photos of village life on the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepali woman winnowing maize (corn).
Nepali woman at prayer wheel
Young boy near Muktinath
Religious leader in Nepal