It was a real struggle to leave this morning. The wind it was a-howlin' and the snow was outrageous. The sky made no indication of letting up and we were already cold. But our guide, Ajoy reassured us, with as many convincing English words as he could muster, that it would only take about 30 minutes to get off the mountain plaines and down into the jungle where the wind would cease and the rain would be caught by the canopy of trees. Turns out, the man was right, and before long we were enjoying the lush warmth of the Gorkhey jungle. Today's trek was the longest - 31km, mainly downhill, along the border of West Bengal and Sikkim. We cut it in half, walking 15km in the morning and then eatting lunch in a beautiful farmland nestled between the mountain. In the afternoon we reached Saman Den, the lost valley, where it is said that mankind had his first altercation with the Yeti. It was there that we were greeted by two dogs who then walked with us for over 7km through rough terrain. When we stopped for tea in Rammam I gave them cookies and a belly rub for their companionship. Two hours and a 500m drop later we arrived in Srikhola, at the Goparma Lodge. We had been told that the last destination of the trek was the worst, but at first sight of it, we knew we'd been put on. The Goparma Lodge was situated on a rocky river that came down from the mountains. The view was spectacular and best of all, there was a big bucket of hot water waiting for us to take a much needed shower.
Once again, I was howling inside for Charlie as I ate a warm meal by candlelight, surrounded by the rustic comfort of a wooden lodge with the roaring river sound outside.
Read Day 17
Once again, I was howling inside for Charlie as I ate a warm meal by candlelight, surrounded by the rustic comfort of a wooden lodge with the roaring river sound outside.
Read Day 17
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