Tal 1700m to Timang 2750m (12km)

This morning we got up a bit earlier, Mikael got re-checked by the doctors and we got to go ahead to head off. We started walking at a pretty good speed and enjoyed the landscape along the way. Every turn offered great new views. After passing the first checkpoint where our permits were stamped we had lunch at a little place in Bagarcchap. It was time to try the infamous Dal Bhat (Nepals national dish).

While waiting for the food we played a game with the local kids. It consisted of throwing three coins on the ground from which the opponent then selcts one coin. You then have to hit that coin with a stone, or get close to it. The kids kicked our asses. After a refill (which is very common for this dish) it was a bit of a struggle to get back on the road.

My map stated times and elevation changes between the downs we passed through and it look like we were at a good speed, until we got to Danakyu and had to head up to Timang. The map stated it was a decent of 30 meters but it actually was an ascent of at least 350 meters. So the stated 30 minutes dragged on and on and became a good hour and a half.

We called it a day then at Timang and stayed together with the Israelis from the Jeep. We learned how to play another game, very popular in Israel. Jungle speed but again we will need a bit more training to compete.

Once the sun was gone it immediately became very very cold. It was like a light switch and stepping out of a house into the cold. Luckily the guest house offered us some very thick blankets and together with our sleeping bags it was possible (although not comfortable) to sleep.