Samdo to Dharmasala 9 November 2019

Dawn the skies are clearer than yesterday Samdo before the sun gets over the mountains Roosting the honey is both very sticky and very cold at breakfast Enjoying the sun
We decide not to wait in Samdo but to push ahead to Dharmasala Departure photo Mingma leads the way Leaving Samdo behind Very basic power plant on the way to Larke Bazaar
Warming up and shedding a layer Crossing stream and climbing to Larke Bazaar Mani stones on our way Samdo on its bench below us IMG 4221
Climbing The trail ahead We're finally wearing our heavy clothes A long gradual climb IMG 8180
High peaks more visible Trail panorama On and on IMG 4224 IMG 4225
Where it gets steeper there are steps cut into the mountain IMG 4230 Looking back Approaching a bifurcation in the valleys We get a message from Vivianne
we are all thrilled! We then keep moving Ice peaks come into view IMG 2174 More steps
Staying hydrated Selfie with ice and debris backgrounds IMG 2180 All the local guides confer Break time
... for a lot of people Turning up toward the Larke Glacier IMG 2182 Signs of where the glacier used to be Peering back into the side valley
Ice peaks IMG 8317 IMG 2183 Welcome to Dharmasala ...all you could possibly want!
Arrival photo catches Greg at a bad moment Trekkers conferring about the conditions Tents for guides and porters The client containers Reminded us of stalls for cows in an alpage
... but it sure beats a tent! IMG 8196 IMG 8184 Peaks and potties Dining hall
Resting in our container what do you want for dinner? ... transferring photos to iPad the incoming trail Some blue sheep finally
Bri took off for an afternoon climb From which she could see Manaslu (back right) IMG 2203 ...and the broader landscape Bri at the high point of her day
Chillin' with the eighth highest mountain in the world Our settlement View from our front door Last light P1000167
P1000168 Moon rises in the east Vectors of infection? Waiting for dinner