Finally in Samagaon, the last village before base camp! The team is ecstatic that tomorrow is a rest day…well kind of a rest day with only a short day hike around the village planned. The last few days of steep trails, in rain, heat and increasing altitude have been tiring. The team will acclimatise here now for a few days and rest up before moving to base camp only a few hours walk from the village.
Samagaon has around 102 families and only 4 lodges, not quite Namche, but it’s the Namche of the Manaslu region (3600m). It certainly has the feel of Expedition Central with helicopters buzzing daily dropping off climbers and supplies, and pitched tents in fields.
Unfortunately for our climbers, there’s a cards playing (i.e. gambling) ban enforced in the village. Our team are keen not to be fined by their strict Buddhist hosts so it’s early bed and no marriage playing tonight.