“On a Mish” #421 Changing Lives – Mine Most of All. Ganesh Himal Charity Trek (Part Five). Dhaling Besi. 4.11.2024. Today was the longest day of the walk so we were worried how Mark would go. We were given a packed lunch after breakfast and set off via the local mill house where they were grinding the millet and rice into flower. Then off on the downhill leg which was on very steep unformed paths that you would never even notice if you weren’t aware of them. This was hard on the legs and a bit treacherous but of course the porters did it in record time even while carrying huge loads…
One of the porters has been staying with us and carrying a fold up seat for Mark to sit on. There were a couple of stops at the river. The Aussie ladies got in but we Kiwis chickened out although the cold water was great as it was a hot day.
After the second swim we set off on what we thought was the main uphill grunt. This was very steep but Arjun went on ahead and kept the pace slow so I was pleased to find I could manage it ok and the same for Mark. We stopped at the top at an old shed with spectacular views. Then off we went on the road which was easier walking. Had to have a stop at one of the many swings which are randomly right on the road.
Then the last leg of the day turned out to be even more uphill than earlier!
Great to finally reach the top and see the camp set up. It feels like this is the last big test for Mark – so good to know he has made it this far. Our mate Sudeep, the youngest porter, was waiting for us looking very downcast as he had left his handmade cricket bat at the last camp. But he somehow managed to find something to use and poor old Jeremy had to get back on the field yet again.
Dinner tonight was vast quantities of carbs – pasta, rice and even potato rosti with an egg on top. Not much after-dinner conversation as everyone was totally knackered.
Felt more light-hearted the next morning knowing the big day was over. Beautiful spot to wake up in, as they have all been. Mark is doing amazing – so pleased he can still get enjoyment out of the trip. This is such a special place to be. We set off this morning on what we thought was going to be a nice gentle stroll but turned out to be ‘Nepali flat’. Quite a lot of uphill on the road then a climb up the side of a hill. I thought that would finish Mark off as we all found it really tough but he still found the energy to climb to the top of the rocky peak which gave us some amazing views and was the last high point of the walk.
Then it was time for another adventure! A public bus pulled up and we all got on. It was dusty and packed and we were there only non-locals on so caused quite a stir. Bumped our way down to the town of Dhaling Besi. Strange to be in a town again and a bit of an assault on the senses after nine days of peace and quiet. Saw our first kwide or western tourist in the town. Weirdly he wasn’t a climber or hippy, just a very pale plump Englishman who looked even more out of place than we did!
We had a bit of a walk to our camp which was out of town near a river. Had a bit of a splash in the water then after lunch some of us walked into town. I had seen a cricket bat in a shop front from the bus and was determined to find it for our young friend Sudeep but it took a while. Fascinating walk though. At one stage we saw some police who were packing what looking like old-fashioned shotguns.
Back at camp had our last bucket shower then a final dhal bhat feast before the big farewell campfire and boogie with the boys. They are amazing. One who’s called tumecki (which is the word for neighbour as he lives next door to Arjun’s family in the village) is an amazing dancer and does it all in jandals. We all had to join in and have a dance. Going to miss these guys so much….
