October 16, 2012
IMG guide Justin Merle reports that the team reached Manang, the main village on the north side of the Annapurna range. The elevation here is about 11,500 feet (so this is about the same as Namche Bazar in the Everest area). Like Namche, Manang is also a historic trading village where goods (like hides) coming from the south were traded for salt coming from the north. Now the terrain starts to look more like Tibet, with fewer trees and drier vistas.
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- Camp near Manang (Lobsang Sherpa)
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- Annapurna 2 and 4 from Upper Pisang Monastery (Eben Reckord)
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- Annapurna 4 from across the valley near Chulu Far East (Mingma Sherpa)
The team has spectacular views with Annapurna 2,3,4, and Gangapurna on one side and the Chulu peaks rising on the other side of the valley. Justin reports that everyone is doing well and the weather’s been stable and clear with evening clouds. The plan is to take two nights here, and tomorrow the team will take an acclimatization hike.
Eric Simonson