Easy Peasy Lemon Powder

Today's blog is named after one of our lead guide's favourite phrases - always followed by his famous laugh! Ram is lead guide, and we have Kamal (54!), Dambar and Naran (who also carries 20kg like a porter so we guess he's a guide in training, but it's one of those things that might be a little sensitive to ask too much about.

It was 4C in one of the rooms this morning, but we were stuck out on the end with 3 external walls so we reckon it was colder than that. The ice on the window certainly indicated that!

Fortunately the main communal room was hot, actually probably too hot. A hearty breakfast at 7:30 and on the trail well before 8. As seems to be usual it was a tough climb out of the village, as it makes sense to situate them in shelter led vallies. After that it was a lovely day's hike - mostly flat (aka just a gentle incline), sunny, with most of the group together chatting.

We got into Manche (4300) at a good time and enjoyed some sunbathing before lunch - I wasn't expecting fantastic pizzas and chips at this altitude.

A couple of us got a little restless after lunch and hiked up the ridge, mostly to follow the climb hike, sleep low mantra that helps with altitude sickness. Jo's developing a little cough so decided not to go all the way and rest up.

It wasnt far or high, but we were rewarded with amazing views and up/down the valley, as well as on either side. We are literally nestled in the middle of the most spectacular mountain range in the world!

We even spotted some wild life on the way back down, and (eventually) found the bakery with amazing brownie. Another nice meal that evening, and heat from the yak dung fuelled pot bellied stove (no, it doesn't smell!)Read more