The slightly knackered duo of Burdett and Fowler clambered aboard the Green Line bus to Pokhara. After the Kakkerbhitte experience Fowler declared another false economy so they went slightly more upmarket. A very pleasant journey followed and a dal baht at the riverside spring resort halfway was just what the doctor ordered. Getting into Pokhara the usual mob of touts appeared - but the pair were heading to the Nirvana Guesthouse on a recomendation so the hotel owners had little joy. Pokhara is a very beautiful place with a huge lake one side (Phewa) and the huge Annapurna range (the aim of the trek) just to the North East. Hotel was nice and the pair thought it would be good to have a warm up trek from Sarangkot to Pokhara which would also hopefully offer some good mountain views. Sarangkot was good although was more like a military look-out than a touristy view point. The mini trek went well and it was great to see many paragliders floating down the mountains amongst the one or two eagles that were soaring around.
The next day, permits for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek were purchased and it was soon time to embark. Another early start at about 5:30am was made amongst last minute preparations. Trying to make a backpack as light as possible while still having enough kit for potentially 10 or 11 days was quite tricky - but the pair were glad they made the weight reductions as some of the climbs that were to come really did make for hard work.