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Tangled Trunks
I kept imagining Red Riding Hood and the wolves and goblins of old fairy tales as I walked through the cool, mossy, rhododendron forest near Tadapani, Nepal.
I’ve said it before: walking through the rhododendron forests of Nepal is like being in the enchanted world of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale (see: Waterfalls, Mystic Forests, And Clouds). The colours and textures of the trees, the mosses, and even the damp and rocky pathways captured my attention and imagination.
The rain had stopped and the skies were clear. It was late March and the tall and twisted trees were in bloom with Nepal’s national flower, the lali gurans, or red rhododendron. Considered a welcome sign of spring, the 30-odd species of lali gurans that are native to the central and eastern hills of Nepal are a subset of the much larger rhododendron arboreum family. Thriving at altitudes between 2000 m (6500 ft) and 3900 m (1300 ft) in the Himalayas, they are a welcome sight to trekkers.
My husband and I were on Day 5 of a slow circuit trek in the Annapurnas under the guidance of Angfula Sherpa: from Nayapul to Ghorepani/Poon Hill and Ghandruk. Most of our small group were on the slippery side of middle-age, and most of us were carrying heavy camera equipment, so the magnificent mountain and forest views were a welcome excuse to stop, take photos, and admire the scenery!
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View from our Terrace
I have set my alarm early so that when I exit our Tadapani guesthouse room onto the terrace, I can watch the skies lighten over Fish Tail (Machapuchare).
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Sunrise on Annapurna South and Machapuchare
What could be better than being treated to this view?
Prayer Flags, Roof Tiles, and Rhododendron Flowers
It is now 6:30 on a spring morning. The world behind me seems to drift off into a dream.
“Good Morning, Tadapani!”
I pause for a quick selfie before going back in to pack for the day.
Annapurna South Looms Large
“You Are Here”
There are regular trekking map boards along these popular routes.
Flowers Overhead
We head off, south east into the forest. There are rhododendron flowers in the tall trees overhead, …
Flowers Underfoot
… and even more petals on the ground.
Path Winding Through the Trees
Heavy Load
We have the luxury of walking these tracks for pleasure; local people use them to meet their daily needs, …
Porters on the Path
… or to make a living transporting tourists’ belongings.
Nature’s Still Life : Colour and Texture
Fallen Leaves
Shaggy Bark
Everywhere I look, the colours and textures grab me.
Mossy Trunk
More Colour and Texture
Fallen Flower in the Grass
Rocks and Trunks
The moss on everything makes the scene magical to me.
Light on the Leaf Spores
More Flowers
Going Down
It is always a relief when the path drops down instead of climbing!
Into Bhaisikharka
It is even better news when it becomes obvious we have reached a town! Chances are good that we’ll stop for food.
“Welcome to Bhaisikharka!”
The other great pleasure of reaching a town is chatting with the locals.
Young Man
I’m always impressed by how willing people are to have their picture taken.
It wasn’t yet 11:00 o’clock, but we had been up early – and I am always ready to eat!
But, I knew we’d be on our way again soon to finish our walk for the day (Watch this Space!).
Until then,
Happy Walking!
Photos: 23March2017
Magical memories!
It’s always lovely to see you here; good memories indeed!