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We have been warned..I woke very early around 0530 and got up to enjoy the spectacular view of Annapurna II from the decking of our guesthouse. The evenings and early mornings are cold now so long trousers and fleece top are necesary. We took a walk up to the Gompa at the very top of Upper Pisang after breakfast. I stuck my head inside but it was rather dark despite a few candles burning. There seemed to be a lump under a red blanket so we didn't want to disturb a monks sleep and made a quick exit after making a small donation. We hit the trail at 9am and the familiar pattern soon emerged with Darren striding ahead, me behind and Hari bringing up the rear with the packs. There are very few trekkers on the trail at the moment, we have bumped into a only a handful of people. It is off season and and Maoist issue in Kathmandu probably warned off any tour groups or trekkers of a nervous disposition. At times it feels like you have the Himalayas to yourself (but for the convoys of donkeys and heavily laden porters transporting ridiculous loads from village to village). It's great for
Porter crashed out
Clearly exhausting work us but not so great for the locals who greet us on arrival at each village imploring us to stay at their guesthouse.
There were fantastic views all the way to Manang in fabulous clear blue skies. Throw in the Gladiator soundtrack which is perfect for the drama of the mountains and all is good in the world! There are a few more trekkers around here in Manang as most trekkers will stay a minimum of 2 nights for altitude acclimatisation. We had dinner in the Buddha restaurant next to our guesthouse along with Peter a guy from Texas whom we met on the trail. Darren seems to have gotten over the loss of his cherished walking stick which he aquired from an unsuspecting tree in the lower valley a few days back. Personally it's another thing to carry for me so I just use my trusty 2 pegs. We are now settling in for a 2 night stay at the Gangapurna Lodge, Manang.
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