For me, October was a busy month, packed with personal training and then leading a mountain biking group on the Annapurna Circuit which meant less time with a camera. My focus on organizing the expo last month initially led me to neglect my regular mountain biking routines, forcing me to prioritize catching up on rides early in the month.
Exploring the paths around Bungamati, Ichangu, and Bhimdhunga not only allowed me to resume my biking program, but also allowed me to observe wildlife such as the Black-lored Tit, Black Drongo, Buntings, Black Kite, Barking Deer, and many other species of plants and birds.
Despite being excited about the Annapurna Circuit journey, the cancellation of the Besi Sahar-Manang segment last year due to constant rain and landslides loomed in the back of my mind. This day, however, the weather was clear, and the ride began on time from Besi Sahar.

It was my first trip to Manang since the pandemic began. The paved stretches of the road heading to Manang greatly improved this year, making the journey simpler. However, the elevation rise and grade in certain spots gave the trip a worthwhile challenge.
The vegetation began to change as we moved up from an elevation of 750 meters. The Lamjung side’s small valley included cliffs above the Marsyangdi River that hosted huge hives of the Himalayan giant honey bee. As I made our way through the valley toward the Manang district, I noticed pockets of damage caused by the 2021 flooding.
Many houses were rebuilt in Tal when the Marshyandi River swept away the old ones. A section of the riverside containing some hotels on the way to Dharapani was also swept away, with a new road in place, navigating the remnants left by the river.

Riding uphill toward Timang, the enchanting forest canopy has always captivated me. Towering trees on either side of the road filter sunlight as I pedal uphill, eagerly scanning for Himalayan Langurs, though unfortunately, I couldn’t spot one this year.
Upon reaching Chame, signs of flood damage were evident. After a drizzle in the evening, the morning graced us with much-needed sunshine, casting a golden hue on Manaslu to the east, Lamjung Himal to the south, and Annapurna II to the west.
Continuing toward the Upper Temperate and Alpine vegetation, the landscape transforms, showcasing Himalayan birch, West Himalayan Spruce, Himalayan hemlock, Himalayan Rose, and other plant varieties. Passing through expansive apple plantations as the valley widens, the distant Manang village comes into view.
With autumn drawing to a close, most of the vegetation has undergone a colorful transformation, except for the evergreen trees and shrubs. Himalayan Blue Pine, Black Juniper, Himalayan Birch, Himalayan Juniper, and numerous shrubs and small flowers adorn the landscape, particularly above Gangapurna Lake. Domestic Yaks graze freely in the vast meadows of Braga.

High above, I spotted a couple of Himalayan Vultures gracefully riding thermal currents. Down below, near a small tea shop amid Black Juniper bushes, a Pika darted into its nest. I lingered in anticipation, hoping to witness its emergence again, but luck was not on my side this time. I was also able to spot a Nepal Comma Butterfly.
On my previous trips, I would always spot Blue Sheep on the way to Thorang La base camp but, this year I failed to observe one. Despite this, an unexpected encounter awaited me—a bird I had once seen and photographed from a considerable distance.
While trekking to the High Camp, I noticed a flock of Tibetan Snowcocks engaged in their usual foraging activities near the hotel. Upon closer inspection, I was surprised to find a Himalayan Snowcock feeding alongside them. This bird had always been elusive for me, and encountering it up close was a pleasant surprise.
Unfortunately, I regretted not packing my telephoto lens for this trip, having to rely on a 20mm prime lens instead.
The remainder of the journey towards Mustang and later Pokhara didn’t yield any further wildlife encounters. However, during my time in Pokhara, as I embarked on a boat trip on Phewa Lake and hiked to the Peace Stupa, I observed a snake (might be a Keelback) swimming towards the shores of the Raniban forest.
The hike provided opportunities to identify various plant species, including three types of ferns, a forest dominated by Indian chestnut, a couple of Wood-decay Fungi, a couple of Knotweed species, Stinging Nettle, and numerous other plant varieties.
As the month concluded, the 14-day journey around the Annapurna Circuit also wrapped up. November appears to be a particularly busy month in the outdoors with a schedule that takes me to Pokhara, Bhorle, and a trip to Dolakha for a mountain bike event, where I work on the technical aspects of the race with the Himalayan Enigma organizing team. Stay tuned.
Below are some of the species of flora and fauna I was able to spot or, photograph during October.
Bird:
Tibetan Snowcock, Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Vulture, Black Drongo, Himalayan Bulbul, House Sparrow, Spotted Dove, Long-tailed Shrike, Common Tailorbird, Black-lored Tit, Barn Swallow, White-throated Kingfisher, Cattle Egret, etc.
Insect:
Nepal Comma, etc.
Mammals:
Pika, Barking deer, etc.
Reptile:
Rock Lizard, Keelback.
Flora:
Nepalese alder – Uttis (Alnus nepalensis D.Don), Indian chestnut – Dhale katus (Castanopsis indica), Walking Maidenhair fern, Lady fern – Unyiu (Athyrium filix-femina), Vegetable fern – Niuro (Diplazium esculentum), Fishbone fern – Pani amala (Nephrolepis cordifolia), Black Juniper (Juniperus indica), Himalayan Rose (Rosa macrophylla), Gentiana depressa, Water hyacinth, etc.
Ajay Narsingh Rana
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