Day 2: Sumdo to Yangthang

Early wake up, cardamom tea and washing water brought to our tents, morning stretch, big breakfast whilst the crew packed up the campsite…..that became our routine, and a great way to start each day of the trek. Alan planned for us to start off by 8am at the very latest…...so we left Sumdo around 8.45 (by the end of the trek Alan gave in to our tardiness!).

We reached Chagatse La at 3,800m - our second high pass and the half way point of the day's 5.5km trek. 

I've added a couple of Alan's photos to show our campsite at Yangthang. How privileged we were! 

My memories have faded a bit now. What I do I remember is ……..feeling ever stronger on the trek, despite the more challenging terrain; Greg setting up his canvases for the afternoon - the rest of us were mesmerised as two of his four paintings emerged; a stretching session with Viv in what must be the world's best therapy site; Angie, Priyanka, Viv and me soaking our feet in a bowl of the most refreshing water from the camp's mountain stream; a fun filled ride on the back of a truck to a very warm welcome and mint tea in the local village; and Alan delighting the locals - he and Rigzin had stayed here in February, and Alan gave them photos of their families and friends, as he'd promised them he would.