The east-west trekking route crosses south flowing torrents so there is much climbing ( 9,000 metres in the 9 days ) and, with signs of snow at Lamjung La, we reached over 3,500m - excellent acclimatisation for the challenges to come. All along the trail are symbols of the Buddhist religion - mani walls and stones, prayer wheels, village stupas and gompas. There is always something to catch the eye from the mundane - pictorial signs on good health practice, evidence of overseas aid to protect the environment - to magnificent rhododendrons and magnolias. Beyond Junbesi we captured our first sight of a distant Everest, almost insignificant within its whole range. At Ringmo we joined a major 'transport' route with many horse, mule and dzo porter trains. Reaching the Dudh Kosi ( Milk River ), the lowest point of the trail, we entered predominantly Sherpa country and turned north - though our first settlement, Jubing, was inhabited by Rai people, a reminder of the cultural mix of Nepal.

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Photos Main : Kathmandu : Days 1-4 : Days 8-10 : Days 11-13 : Days 14-16 : Days 17-19 : Days 20-23