Post-trek relaxing in Pokhara Lakeside

Annapurna South Base Camp el 13,550 ft

The major peaks encircle us in this spot, the very heart of the Annapurna range. Part of mountaineering history, ABC also honors some world-class climbers who perished on the difficult and dangerous climbing routes. Looking up at Annapurna South, you can barely detect where climbing camps could be placed as the terrain is so severe with huge glaciers and steep rock and ice walls. Climbing on Fish Tail Peak is not permitted as the mountain is sacred to the local people.
We spent hours up here in awe of the mountains but it was time to start going down. A sharp wind suddenly picked up blowing lots of sand, and reminding me not to linger too long. Going back was much easier, again as the air grew thicker, we made it all the way back to Himalaya lodge el 9,432 ft. Kerosene-fired popcorn and pizza with Everest beer for dinner to celebrate.

Close up of Fish Tail peak, Machhapuchhare Base Camp el 12,139 ft

Right underneath the main Annapurna peaks we've been hiking around for the past few weeks, the ridges, glaciers, and avalanche gullies are visible to the naked eye. It is very cold here. Contrary to the previous picture of hikers in shorts, we will wear almost every piece of clothing tonight in the MBC lodge. The plan is to hike from MBC early in the morning two additional hours up to Annapurna Base Camp, our final destination before turning around and walking out the way we came in. We walked from a bamboo jungle up and down along the side of a gorge the last two days, gradually increasing elevation to the alpine zone. It's a rigorous walk but our previous acclimatization is really helping as no ill effects from altitude.

Peeling delicious small potatoes at base camp

Basking in afternoon sun, Deurali el 10,597 ft

Continuing toward Annapurna Base Camp, we've met interesting hikers from New Zealand, Holland and Sweden. Pictured below are a Dutch pediatrician and nurse who went trekking after a philanthropic medical mission to a remote village treating 1000 kids over seven days. The cause of some of medical issues had to do with lack of education around hygiene to reduce chance of encounter with bad bacteria and proper nutrition, eg eating fruit and vegetables.