It’s suddenly dawned on me that we are thee separate treks as each one involves a return to the valley floor and a long suspension bridge over a lively torrent. So far we have ticked the Tamang Heritage trek and today we will tick off the Langtang trek to climb high into the Helambu before crossing the 4,600m pass which will allow us finally to descend to the Kathmandu Valley. There have been a lot of ups and downs. I suspect there will be a lot more and the statisticians are having a ball.
Yesterday’s threat of weather came to nothing and, from what we could see of the sky, from within the deepest recesses of the valley, it appeared clear and sunny.
The first couple of hours was supposed to be downhill but the path wriggled sideways as well as rippled up and down only gradually losing height.
Lunch was spent precariously balanced in a lodge cantilevered out over the gorge. Pomegranate for pudding was a real treat.
The trail then twisted it’s way down to the river before turning steeply left and then zig zagging up and up through bamboo forests alive with birdsong and the odd monkey. The climb was relentless until we crested a ridge for a welcome tea break.
Up a bit more then down to our most aerial of suspension bridges spanning the forested gorge and the torrent that carved it. We dipped down under the bridge and then had a long slog up through the terraces and villages until we found our lodge.
The village had obviously suffered badly in the earthquake but rebuilding had proceeded at great speed. Our lodge (Peaceful Lodge) has brand new double rooms with tile bathrooms, solar hot showers, electricity and Wi-fi. The dining room is warm and cozily decorated with tomba pots, musical instruments and a huge, chinese log burning stove. Just what was required after a long slog through the jungle clad hills. In fact, it’s so good Maddy wants to stay for a week!
On a personal note I have developed a huge respect for amoxicillin and codeine having been below par for the last few days with relentless coughing night and day. After two sleepless nights and no improvement it was time to reach for the medicines chest. The codeine rendered me unconscious for 10 hours and I have no idea whether I coughed or not. By the next day the amoxicillin has begun to work - it’s magic!