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ABC Day 03 - Ulleri to Ghorepani

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Leaving Ulleri

We had met up with Brandon's group (and children) the evening before, and had all set off from Ulleri (elevation : 1960 m) together that morning, just shortly after 08:00. The day had had a slow start as we had spent a fair amount of time marveling at the wonderful valley views of Annapurna South (elevation : 7219 m) and Hiunchuli (elevation : 6441 m) that lay to the north-east, way before we had even left the lodge.

The sunrise catches the summits of Annapurna South (elevation : 7219 m) and Hiunchuli (elevation : 6441 m)

We began the hike up the stairwell towards Banthanti (elevation : 2210 m) slowly, as rays of soft sunlight beamed down and skimmed across the tops of the mountains. The mountains dominated the views here, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli hogging the limelight, and Machapuchare (elevation : 6997 m) peaking out every now and then. The stairwell however, was dominated by livestock. Donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) were fairly common, as were goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), and we would occasionally see a horse (Equus ferus caballus) or two munching away on the grass that fringed the stairwell. The buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) however, made their presence known not only by the trotting of hooves as they descended the stairs, but also by the lingering smell of their faeces and the incessant buzzing of the flies.

Hiunchuli (elevation : 6441 m) in the distance

The stony stairwell

Next (Day 3) : Ulleri to Ghorepani (Part 2)
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