3 men and 3 women remaining; 1000 m up torturous climbs
In the morning we all gathered at the dining hall for breakfast. After many photos taken it was time to say bye-bye to those leaving for Pokhara where they would spend one day holidaying. After that they are supposed to move on to Kathmandu for another night before flying home
Weng, Keok, Kelly, Jamie and Shoo Chan gritty girls all
After some you-hug-me-and-I-hug-you, Chang, Old Lee, Keok and Weng were then led by Rosan and two porters to a jeep.
We the remaining 3 men and 3 women just waved them a happy journey and then we continued on our way out of Tatopani. We were left with our guide Sandra, Sherpa Citra and 3 porters. Now only 11 of us, out of the starting 19.
According to the schedule, we were supposed to trek up to Ghorepani at 2750 m, up 1700 m from Tatopani at 1050 m. That would be too exhausting for us even though our muscles are now strong for climbing slopes. So today we set out to reach Sikha, a half-way village. And tomorrow we will get to Ghorepani.
We soon found ourselves scrambling on extreme slopes. We passed by some remote houses and villages. These folks should be known appropriately as slope dwellers! Over the ages they have built thousands of steps with large marble and granite slabs. It is a marvelous feat of strength and skill the way these mountain people turned thousands and thousands of granite and marble slabs into series of steps on mountain slopes.
A village perched precariously on slopes
A staircase paved with stone slabs
Many dwellings by the trail had been converted into lodgings for trekkers and tourists. We stopped at one for lunch and then we moved on to Sikha. We reached Sikha quite early, totally exhausted from the long climb. But we are happy to be in a scenic hotel known as Hotel Serendipity. The lady owner of this place is a good cook and we were served delicious dinner.
Lodging, among some excellent ones
Tonight we need not sleep in our sleeping bags for here we are given thick and warm blankets. And tomorrow we will wake up to a delicious breakfast.
No , no I’m not getting out of this! You can have my breakfast!
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