Chame: Annapurna Circuit Town

Many Annapurna Circuit treks pass through the town of Chame, the headquarters of the Manang District. This pleasant valley town typically houses trekkers for one night, and offers a chance to do a bit of shopping and even take a dip in some hot springs.

The route into Chame

Walking into Chame is often characterised by the great views of Annapurna II, one of the giants of the Annapurna Circuit. Trekkers will also see the Naw Khola joining the Marshyangdi River, as they walk through woodlands near a village called Koto, where there is a brightly painted gompa (monastery). Approaching the town of Chame, trekkers might see district officials riding up and down the trail on horseback, which is still the fastest means of transportation in this part of the Annapurna Circuit. Other locals also use the trail, such as women carrying wood cut from the nearby trees.

The entrance to Chame is through a beautifully decorated archway, and trekkers will then have the opportunity to admire one of the town's mani walls. These are walls of large stones each inscribed with a Buddhist mantra; the act of inscribing and placing these stones in the landscape is a method of prayer and meditation. Walkers should pass them on the left or circumnavigate them clockwise.

The town itself

Chame is a pleasant valley town, where most trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit will stay for one night in a tea house or hotel. A stay in Chame offers an opportunity to stock up on last-minute necessities, from woolly hats and gloves to the trekkers' favourite, chocolate. If the bank is open, it is possible to change money - although it is advisable to have done this in Kathmandu, as the rates in places such as Chame are not as favourable. On the north side of the river are hot springs, which offer a wonderful chance to rinse off the dust and sweat of the Annapurna Circuit.

Leaving Chame

The walk out of Chame is as beautiful as the one going in. Leaving the town, Annapurna Circuit trekkers will pass more mani walls. Further along the route are chortens, a water-turned prayer wheel, villages and hamlets. Gradually trekkers climb up, away from the Marshyangdi, through forests of juniper, pine and fir, passing lakes where wading birds can sometimes be seen. The scenery is incredibly beautiful and it's well worth setting an easy pace in order to adequately enjoy it.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6193746

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