Oct 14 Sama Gaon rest day excursion to Manaslu lookout. Manaslu trek, Nepal.

I got up 3 times last night for a call of nature. This hydration thing is a bit over the top, but I guess it worked, as my headache subsided. We decided to go for an excursion to the rim of Birenda Tal (Lake). On the way to it we got wonderful clear views of Manaslu, the namesake of this trek.

Rajesh missed the track, which was easy to do with the amount of shrub around, however it was an easy navigation exercise to locate the rim. We eventually found a boulder scree slope that provided an easier path.

The edge was precipitous and narrow. It was a scary feeling to be there, however the views were sensational. Usurp the fear, it is to be conquered as Manaslu was magnificent and needed some overriding awe.

We hung around for a while enjoying the sun and the views.

Coming back down, the way was clearer, and we were glad not to fight the scrub. Going down still gives you a bit of a workout, so it was good to sit down every now and again to rest and 'smell the roses'.

We got to look around the monastery in town, courtesy of an old Nepali fellow. We were not sure whether he was a monk, but he seemed to belong to the place. We provided 200 rupee for the guided tour.

The few dogs here were very quiet, shy and have white coats.

Rocks are a useful construction material, and there is much collection of material for animal feed. Yak dung is collected also for use on fires and sometimes to render walls or fill in air gaps.

Here, yaks are the means of transport, they carry huge loads. Also they provide milk and are consumed when they die. For the Nepalese, meat is not a huge portion of their diet.

I had a yearning to visit Birenda Tal at its lower shores, so I hiked up there after lunch and the various ramblings round town. I couldn't resist a swim, and as expected it was just above zero, so the plunge wasn't a long one.