25 - 26 September 2008: Gear shopping

We're having a really lovely time in Pokhara, getting ready to go into the Himalayas. As we've been travelling with light rucksacks for the last four months, we had to do some serious shopping yesterday to make sure we're properly equipped for high-altitude trekking. We bought down jackets, sleeping bags, 'Gortex' waterproofs, boots, etc. at knock down prices. (Photo shows only half the stuff we bought!)



It's very inspirational to be in the shadow of some of the world's highest mountains. These include the Annapurna range (the highest point of which is 8091m) and Machhapuchare or Fish Tail (6997m. Further away are Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Manaslu (8156m). We're planning to trek around the Annapurna range first (16 - 18 days) and then hopefully continue to the Annapurna Base Camp (10 - 14 days). So we may be away without much access to the internet for up to a month. The highest point on the Annapurna Circuit is the Thorung La pass at 5416m which will be our highest altitude gained so far.



Today we went into the Tourist Office to apply for our trekking permits for the Annapurna Conservation Area. We also had to register our insurance details in case of search and rescue.



We had lunch at a hotel with lovely views of the Fewa Lake and the high peaks around Pokhara. Many famous people had stayed here, including Prince Charles in 1980. As we left the garden, Andy spotted a 2m-long snake amongst the plants. Jen had already walked past it, but thought the rustling she heard was a gecko. Just as well as she would've had a panic attack!