We emerged into the cold, damp, dark morning and stumbled up onto a flat viewing area. The dawn was just breaking and the mountains were emerging from the gloom. As we waited for the sun to rise, the boys brought round piping hot water for tea and coffee.
As we all stood there trying to take in the ever changing light and wonderous mountain views there was a respectful silence, as words were not really necessary. It was a sight to behold and one that will live in our memories for a very long time.
The usual routine kicked in and then we were off again, this time taking a steep stepped path straight up from the camp site to a temple and view point a hard two hour climb away.We were now at 2500 m, the highest point of our trek. However we were rewarded with tremendous sweeping vista of the Annapurna range, taking in seven peaks. Again because the weather was clear the panorama was breath taking.
After an hours stop, taking in all we could from the view and small temple, we descended for about an hour and half down steep, near vertical steps to arrive for lunch at a grassy clearing.
After yet another excellent lunch we all had a lay down and had to be awoken by the guides with the now infamous phrase, "jum jum", meaning lets go!
We descended for about another hour and half to our final camp site at Badauri. Here we were told the local villagers wanted to put on a small show, in return for a small donation to their community projects.
Therefore after dinner,(again up to its usual standard) we settled down for the show. To help the evening go with a swing, the staff had generously plied us with a hot fruit and rum punch throughout dinner. This was continued throughout the show as the large tea kettle did the rounds as we (tried) to perch on our camp stools!
After an hours stop, taking in all we could from the view and small temple, we descended for about an hour and half down steep, near vertical steps to arrive for lunch at a grassy clearing.
After yet another excellent lunch we all had a lay down and had to be awoken by the guides with the now infamous phrase, "jum jum", meaning lets go!
We descended for about another hour and half to our final camp site at Badauri. Here we were told the local villagers wanted to put on a small show, in return for a small donation to their community projects.
Therefore after dinner,(again up to its usual standard) we settled down for the show. To help the evening go with a swing, the staff had generously plied us with a hot fruit and rum punch throughout dinner. This was continued throughout the show as the large tea kettle did the rounds as we (tried) to perch on our camp stools!
The show was a magical event, as the locals put on a display of both male and female dancing and local song. What made it more appealing was the fact that these were not professionals, but local rural people and they were embarrased by the applause and photographic interest show in them.
Of course the lads were not going to be left out and they joined in enthusiastically - aided by the 'tea' from the never emptying pot! Then it was our turn to join in the fun as the crew pulled us up to mix with them and the local people. It turned out to be tremendous fun and again another lasting memory - especially the 'Hokey Kokey', which made the locals shriek with laughter.
The evening was rounded off with some singing by the lads, lead by Shiva, who had a great voice, accompanied by Ram on the drum. Of course we had to reply, so we sang a Christmas carol!
We retired to bed, much the worse for the now dreaded 'black tea', and was grateful for the knowledge that the following days trek was only a half day!
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