Ambar Tamang: January 2013

Regarding my plan which is to research at least one new area in the off season, where I haven’t been before. This time I went to see the trail between Ghalegaon and Siklis in Annapurna region, from 7^th of January to 13^th of January 2013. I found the trip unique and totally off the main tourist activities. This off beat track is rarely visited by trekkers. This unnamed rough country trekking for adventure seeker could be great opportunity to explore and enjoy the splendid view of mountains. I named the trip myself Ghalegaon-Karapu Danda-Siklis Trek (GKS). The GKS trek offers unfolded natural beauty, fascinating pattern of Terraced, dense bushy forest and alpine meadows below the towering Annapurna-II, IV and Lamjung Himal are some of the key features of trek that I found.

The GKS trek begins from Ghalegaon after 7-8 hours jeep drive from Kathmandu, where we can experience the hospitality of local Gurung people and their cultural. Ghalegaon also provides spectacular mountain views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Lamjung Himal and neighboring foothills. The trail goes through several big Gurung villages including Bhujung, Pasgaon and Singdi. Bhujung is one of the largest village in the area occupied by Gurung people. There are more than 400 household in such a small area. The trek continues to the west, climbing through the dense bushy forest to the top of the Karapu Danda approximately 3000m. Kaapu Danda is a focal point of the GSF trek and it provides absolutely stunning and closest view of snow peaks including all the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himal Chuli, Buddha Himal and Manaslu North. The trek continues further west pass by another two large villages of Gurung people Tanding and Siklis located just in front of Annapurna-II, IV and Lamjung Himal. The trek could end at different point depending on your vacation. Do not miss to explore this wilderness world before getting crowded and commercialized so just go and feel the excitement.