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It was supposed to be a 0630 hrs start with Bed-Tea brought round by the cook boy followed 15 minutes later by a bowl of hot water for washing. However, several of us could not wait for tea and we were up and around from 0520 hrs. The reward was some clear views across and down the valley. We also saw a squirrel and some blue magpies looking for food. The support team were collecting fodder for the horses and dzo, and the chef was already preparing the porridge. The sun crested the hills and shone into our site as the Bed-Tea was served. After the damp day before it was great to have the warming sunshine on our bodies. After a strip wash and pack we sat down at the breakfast table for a feast.
Most of the trek was uphill to our campsite at 3700 metres at Phedang. On our steep ascent we passed trekkers from Spain, USA, Holland, France, Czech Republic and Germany. We also saw lots of fully laden horses and dzo moving down the narrow path. We passed through some ancient rhododendron forest with some of the trees still in bloom.
Just below the tea stop at Thoska there were clear views of the Pandim Range with its jagged ridges and snow-capped peaks. The overall distance covered was not far but at the end of it our legs were tired. In camp the team gathered in the mess tent and chatted about the trek, read books and played cards. Several colourful birds played and fed in the deep red rhododendron beside the tent. After a while the majority of the team were involved in the game of cards or the humour surrounding it. Later, the mist was all around the site and the cook team rehearsed their singing as they prepared the evening meal.
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