The Lonely Planet says that there is significant danger of avalanches and landslides along the route to the Annapurna Sanctuary.  Trekkers have died and trekking parties have been stranded in the Sanctuary for days.

This was pretty evident throughout our trek, the aftermath of many landslides meant we had to change our route adding many extra hours.  We always checked with the oncoming trekkers the condition of the route ahead and being given the go ahead, we still encounter small and large slides that were both difficult and scary to cross – one wrong foot and it was good night Irene!

Tika, a guide for over 20 years, says there have been more larger slides in 3 years than in the last 15, a result of the increase in downpours due to global warming.  Last year 29 people lost their lives in one slide alone.

These pictures depict the enormity and difficulty of the slides.  Tika wasn’t very happy that I was taking photos, like all guides, he is worried that these photos when shown will deter potential visitors. 

Don’t let these pictures put you off, professionals like Tika will guide you safely. I’m pretty sure they don’t get slides outside of the monsoon season.