Today we finally start our trek! After an early breakfast the taxis drive us up into the mountains, through some more narrow and winding roads to Satovari, where we pick up the start of our trek and where the mules join us.
After taking our starting photo, we collect our prepared packed lunches and fill up our water bottles and packs. Spirits are high- we are finally ready to do what we came to do! We leave at 9.20am.
We begin walking along a narrow road, quickly turning off and descending along rough paths through rhodedendron forests. It’s cool and there is a breeze.
Quickly, the path becomes uneven and as we descend we have to take care. Cause it’s uneven, steep and very slippery. Our trek leaders and local guides are superb, offering help for the more tricky parts. The group are caring for each other, giving help and encouragement, and it’s lovely to see.
It’s usual for local dogs to join walkers- this was those first one of the day. They walk with us but are aloof and we keep our distance!
We descend for almost 3 hours, then have a steep climb up to our lunch stop. It is hot and humid, and we are reminded to keep drinking our water.
Just before lunch, we cross a very rickety suspension bridge, which some people really do not enjoy!!!
We stop at a rural school to eat our packed lunch enjoying the amazing scenic views. The rest is welcome but it’s short.
After half an hour we continue again, now climbing up through the forest. Here the path becomes loose shale, much steeper and very narrow in places. It is hard work for everyone, but we work together and keep going.
The path we are taking is not an official trail, just routes the locals use to walk between villages. We pass locals walking and working the land or minding goats.
We continue climbing up and the path is even more difficult. We have to take our time because the ground is uneven, a mix of rocks and grass. The team work has been great today as we really support each other to complete what has been a challenge.
At one point the path is really narrow with a sheer drop and time is needed to be taken to ensure we all our safe. All our trekkers take their time and complete it: the support they show to each other is incredible.
Near the end, a local cow joins us coming over a bridge posing for photos and causing quite a giggle!
We come into our first camp at 4.20pm and enjoy a welcome hot orange drink offered by our hosts, salted snacks and hot chocolate in the communal tent.
We set up our sleeping arrangements and sort ourselves out for the night before it becomes dark at 6pm. Our evening meal at 6.45.pm is home cooked curry, Dahl and chapatis. A welcome meal for the hungry trekkers!
Again, the trekkers have shared why they are doing this trip, and the love and esteem they have for St John’s. It’s humbling and incredible to hear.
This marks the end of Day 4, and day one the trek. There are 4 more trekking days to go so please donate if you can: let St John’s help even more people. Thank you.
