The many tourists on the Annapurna Circuit need a lot of food, drinks and other stuff. Only few of these things can be produced in the high mountains, most of them is transported from the lower elevations. Because there are no roads in the mountains, most of the wares are carried by animals. Only the very fragile or awkwardly shaped things have to be carried by humans.
It's astonished, how safe the porters move on the narrow, bumpy paths. Most of them are wearing only flip-flops, like the men on the photo. Because of their soft sole one feels by going each stone on the path. An European with such shoes and carrying so heavy packs would quickly sprain his ankle.
