The porters are ready with hot drinks at 6am this morning: most of the group are awake by then to watch the sun rise over the mountains. It’s a beautiful time of the day to reflect on what the challenge has meant for us all.
We pack up for the final time. The trekkers are excited- last day today, and then they will have completed their personal challenge. It’s been really tough.
After breakfast, Catherine Butterworth, Director of Income Generation, congratulates everyone for taking part in the trek, and thanks them all for what they’ve done for the hospice.
Alison Bargh, one of the Hospice Trustees who has been on the trek, then thanks the portering and guide teams and gifts them the tips the group have collected for them. The guides and porters have been absolutely brilliant, and have really made our camping as clean and comfortable as it could be. They have been attentive and kept us safe on our trek.
We start out at 8.30 am for the final time. It is all downhill. But very steep. It is rocky with some areas of loose shale. We take our time. Immediately it starts to warm up, and the trekkers enjoy some warm sunshine as they descend.
It’s tiring and we walk slowly. We can appreciate the view as we come down towards the town. We stop regularly to drink water – we need to be more hydrated than ever with the increased heat.
Our lunch stop is at the Shiva cafe at the Bhagsu Waterfalls. We finally feel as if are back in civilisation. There are proper toilets!
We rest and have lunch, then carry on with the last 15 minute walk to the hotel.
Then finally the trek is finished! The group has completed their challenge! We share hugs and tears, and a real sense of achievement. It’s been an amazing 5 days- wild camping, huge amounts of up and downhill trekking, and some fantastic food from our porters.
The group then go to their hotel rooms for a warm shower and to change, and rest.
Ready for our celebratory evening meal! We haven’t been told much about out it, just meet at 6.30pm. It’s very strange seeing us all back in everyday clothing, without backpacks and walking boots!
We head off in taxis to a fusion restaurant. The food is amazing, lots of dishes to try. It’s a real celebration of achievement and development for us all.
Well done to all of you, what an achievement also looks like you have been well looked after by the porters, safe journeys home.xx