Walking the trails in the Himalaya is unlike most hiking to which we're accustomed. Aside from the mounumental mountains, ardent vallleys, and as many downhill sections as uphill stretches - we see villages inhabited by hardy, friendly people. There are young men, women, and beasts of burden hauling up loads of supplies for both trekker's needs, as well as for those who live in the high mountain villages.
The beauty and immensity astounds in the Himalaya.
Our guides posing at a viewpoint.
Arriving at the village of Khumjung
A long and ancient Mani prayer wall - one of the longest in the region - is inside the town entrance gate.
Sir Edmund Hillary helped fund and build a school in this village in the early 60s that is still in use as a secondary school for hundreds of children in the region.
Immersed in this heavenly realm, those we meet enhance the feelings of scaredness with the traditional "Namaste" greeting - often with palms pressed together, while making full eye-contact. Men, women, and children (even toddlers) all say this us. Trekkers too - all the various nationalities - adopt the expression, so there are nearly a hundred "Namaste moments" per day. The local people are living in the present - perhaps out of necessity, but their simplier lifestyle is captivating in many ways.
There are Buddhist monasteries (aka gomba or gompa) in or above many of the villages.
Welcome to our lovely lodge in Tashinga - "Namaste".
Some early evening views from the lodge.
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