Loaded up and ready to go

 

Looking back down to Namche

 

Small group pose . . .

 

and on my own

 

Waiting for the Dzo team to pass - we always stand on the mountain side of the path

 

Some of the more colourful Mani stones

 

Looking up the valley . . .

 

and passing more Mani stones . . .

 

before we head into

 

a wooded section

 

There is quite a steep drop here

 

It has been cold in these parts

 

Building site . . .

 

where all the stones are shaped by hand

 

Discarded Mani Stones . . .

 

each one being covered by intricate carving

 

At the side of this tea shop . . .

 

dung for the fire has been stacked to dry

 

This used to be the type of accommodation that people lived in

 

One of our 'Boys' with his load

 

A pause at the Stupa . . .

 

gives time for photos up the valley . . .

 

and across to some frozen waterfalls . . .

 

in the rocks . . .

 

and crevices . . .

 

Time to sit in the sun . . .

 

and take in the view

 

The new monastery at Thomso . . .

 

has very ornate decoration - but it was locked

 

The old Monastery, or Nunnery is much smaller but more atmospheric

 

The Nuns were busy . . .

 

working on a 'clay production line' . . .

 

making plaques . . .

 

using two different designs . . .

 

which were left in the sun to dry

 

A pristine wall and staircase - all cut by hand!

 

Back at the tea house time for drinks . . .

 

before continuing on our way

 

One type of house we passed on the way . . .

 

but this one has its own satellite dish!

 

The views are always fantastic . . .

 

and the path makes for easy walking (or it would if it wasn't at about 12,000 feet!)

 

Yes, that's our path

 

But first we have to descend . . .

 

to cross over the bridge

 

Snow-capped peaks

 

Another Monastery . . .

 

with surrounding buildings . . .

 

above Thame

 

An evening view