From Shikha to Chitre to Ghorepani, we have to climb 600m and walk 6-7km in the forest area. The rain makes it difficult to trek through the forest due to wet and muddy trail. The tall trees in the forest provide good shelter for the many kinds of fern that parasite on decaying tree trunks. As there are no obvious paths in the forest, it would be too dangerous to travel without a guide.
After our early lunch in Chitre, we continue with our journey trekking through the forest. Approaching Ghorepani, we are "greeted" by a bunch of Maoists. Donation is requested but extortion is apparent, if not robbery. The Maoists ask for Rs200 each and we insist to settle Rs600 for all. A receipt is issued, so to speak, as a proof to the other Maoists that might stem the way in the rest of journey.
Ghorepani is the southern main gate on the Annapurna trek, for long and short distances. The attraction of Poon Hill nearby makes it an appeal to all the trekkers. As result, accommodation is constrained and Prem needs to send in advance one of his porters for early booking. In Ghorepani, one will find more fun in town and more varieties in shops. Needless to say, electricity and telecoms are running more normal than the other villages on the trek.