Valleys of Naar and Phu trek |
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Day 6 Metang to Kyang Leaving Metang we follow the Phu Khola, on a fairly level trail through a juniper forest to Junam Goth. The walk is easy and enables you to enjoy the superb views of Pisang Peak to the West. Also worth noting is the bridge to Naar that crosses the Phu Kola over a narrow, deep chasm. We'll cross that one on the way back. Beyond the branch to Naar we start following an impressive ridge that runs along the western side of the Phu Kola and is called Chhomchomo Danda or 'Dancing Ridge'. It probably gets its names from the strata of rock that undulate in its flanks. It will accompany us nearly all the way to Phu. After a little over an hour's walk we ascend to the temporary Khampa village of Chyakhu. From here the trail is steeper as we climb first to Upper Chyakhu and then to Kyang with its long mani wall at 3830m. Despite its good location and great number of terraces Chyakhu seemed abandoned. Maybe there are now too few inhabitants in the region. Kyang is located on a plateau high above the Phu Khola. Again, many houses in Kyang seemed to be ruined or at least abandoned and I saw only 3 or 4 inhabitants. The sun at camp disappears early behind the ridge (at least it did in late October) and it gets a little cold. If you need to warm up you can take a walk around the village or up the side valley walking towards the spectacular Chombi Peak which towers over the end of the valley. The altitude at Kyang is 3830m and the walk from Metang to Kyang took around 4 hours walking time so it can be done in half a day. Some people may start to feel the effects of altitude. We gained 1200m in 3 days which is a little above the recommended "1000m in 3 days" ascent profile but still quite safe for most. But it is a good idea to watch for symptoms of AMS. On the way btween Junam Goth and Kyang I noticed two new modern foot bridges were being built so it looks like the region might be getting developed for tourism in the near future. |
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