The Nepalis call the Annapurna Sanctuary trail the Heavenly Path. We set to find out for ourselves on a 10 day hike along the trail to the summit of Annapurna Base Camp.

Along the way we passed through quaint villages with stone walls, flower pots and children playing on the path asking for sweets, pens, and chocolates. We hiked through thick rhododendron forests, along mountain streams and through endless fields of rice terraces. After five days on the trails, we reached an elevation of nearly 15,000 feet at Annapurna Base Camp. Here we were rewarded with a panorama of soaring Himalayan peaks. Around us were colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind against the blue sky. While the majestic mountain scenery was breathtaking, a leopard jumping out on the path 20 feet in front of us will surely stand out as the highlight of the trek.

Check out photos above for scenes from our journey.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.