The Dal Bhat Challenge (aka Annapurna Circuit)

Nearly a month ago, Alan and I started the Dal Bhat Challenge. The goal: eat dal bhat (Nepal's national dish consisting of lentils, rice, and vegetables) everyday after walking long distances each day. Whose digestive system will reign supreme?

Yes, that's a YakDonald's in Kagbeni!

OK, the primary goal wasn't to determine whose stomach could handle the endless days of white rice. It was to trek the Annapurna Circuit, frequently deemed as one of the "classic" treks. It's approximately 128 miles long and traverses diverse terrain, from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet. The route goes through villages, so there's an opportunity to meet the different people living in the region as well as stay in a cozy (or really not so cozy, especially at 14,530 feet elevation) lodge each night. We would also get to 17,768 feet which would be the highest we've ever been. In a nutshell, it's the ultimate hike!

Why try to eat dal bhat everyday?

1) It really is yummy. Each family has their own secret recipe.
2) It's safe to eat. Nepalis eat it everyday, so there's high turnover of the ingredients. It's piping hot, so any nasties should have been killed off.
3) 24 hour power! Porters and guides love to eat the stuff, and they carry amazing loads at superhuman speeds. If it's good enough for them, it should be good enough for us, right? It's also all-you-can-eat, so it's perfect for those long days on the trail.

Sunrise at Annapurna Base Camp

So, you ask, who won the challenge...

Jennifer's DB count: 10
Alan's DB count: 7

Um, we were on the trail for a total of 23 days, so yeah, neither of us could keep it up for very long. You would think with my genetic makeup (my ancestors were all voracious rice eaters, after all) I would easily beat the Englishman.

Even though we both lost the DB challenge miserably, we both enjoyed the trail immensely. We loved the trail so much, we ended up extending it by adding the Annapurna Sanctuary trek to it. Not only did we see the most beautiful mountain scenery, we both got to meet the most interesting, intriguing people (locals, as well as fellow trekkers from around the world) and learn from them. Where else would you be able to learn how to race goats through narrow alleyways or how you would describe Baywatch to a mountain guide who has only ever lived in a landlocked country?

Kids attacking us on the trail on Holi