mountains... part trois! (Gorepani to Poon Hill and back, 2hrs)

The view from Poon Hill is supposed to be amazing at sunrise.  You can see several peaks that break the 7000 meter threshold all in a stunning panorama (Annapurna 1, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri peaks, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre).  The trade-off is that you're definitely not alone up here, there were about 100 people with tripods and lenses on their cameras that put mine to shame.  We got up at 4 am to do the 45min hike up 400 meters, and found a nice spot to stake out before the rest of the crowd arrived.

Locals carrying baskets full of snickers bars and jugs of hot tea flew by us while we huffed and puffed up the steep ascent.  These are not small baskets - they're about 3-4 ft long and 2 feet across at the top, and they carry them by attaching a piece of material across their forehead, which is protected by a piece of cloth.  It kind of makes your neck hurt just to watch them.

There was a point when the crowds of people quieted down as the the sun was rising, making it easier to enjoy the beauty without distractions.  On one of the hillsides nearby there were prayer flags in various stages of repair, that had been drapped up over the years, and it really added to the serene atmosphere as they silently rippled in the breeze.  It was pretty spectacular to see these mountains so close, and on such a clear morning.

It was pretty chillly on the way up, much different from where we started down in Nayapul, or even Ulleri, so I indulged in some overpriced mountain top milk-tea to keep my hands and body warm.