Today we are reaching the highest altitude of the trek. We get up early, have a breakfast of pancakes, toast and cereals. Before we set off Phil, of our trekkers, leads us in a stretching routine. Our muscles are tired and sore from the last 3 days, so there are a few groans but again it helps to get the blood flowing.
The landscape is beautiful. Our campsite sits under three Himalayan peaks. It’s where nature remains in control and cannot be tamed. It’s wild and rugged. Roads cannot be built up here, travel is on foot or by mule, and the only sounds are the local crows and our transport mules braying!
As we are returning to the same campsite tonight we don’t have to pack up like on previous days. It puts us all in a more positive mood!
We set off, it’s cool but we quickly warm up as we head upwards. Today we have a 500m ascent. It’s rocky and the steps are deep, often 30-45cm which is hard work at altitude with tired muscles. But as usual the trekkers encourage each other over the next 5 hours. We stop regularly for water, and rests.
We stop at a shrine in the way and our local guides bless us to help us on our way.
We continue upwards, viewing spectacular scenery. Moon peak is the highest peak here.
We eventually reach the top at 1pm. Here we leave prayer flags and Maddy Bass, our Director of Nursing says a few words about celebrating the lives of those who we have loved and lost. It’s an emotional time for everyone.
This is a temple the locals often visit, and there is space to sleep over next to it. We move back down. Everyone is quiet and contemplative. We reach the Snow Line Cafe and stop for lunch.
As we are about to leave to descend the mist rolls in and temperature drops. We descend slowly.
And always time to laugh!
After two hours we arrive back in camp, chatty and light-hearted. It’s been a cathartic experience today.
The porters again serve hot drinks and freshly made pakoras which are delicious! The temperature drops quickly in the evenings, we need to layer up. The sunset is beautiful over the mountains.
Our dinner is exceptional- pasta, noodles, pizza, chips….and some veg!
Then two beautiful celebratory cakes which the team made for us all. We are all really touched.
After another campfire under the moon, we retire to rest before our final day. It’s been amazing and everyone is so upbeat.
Looks like your guides have really looked after you all x
Looks amazing!
Well done, hope its not been too chilly at night
xx
Enjoying reading this . What a great effort by you all . Well done ! 👏