I'm sitting here on my Ethiad flight on my way home, trying to think how best to describe the last truly amazing three weeks and how to put across the sights, emotions and experiences... There are too many to describe every moment (and always best to leave a little as a surprise for when you go).

I have picked three moments or occasions which will truly stay with me for a long time to come, I only hope I can do them justice...

'Jam Jam', and we're off ... A very familiar call now on day 6 of the trip; roughly translated; 'let's go'. Today we are trekking from Lower Pisang to Manang, this is, simply put one of the most stunning days for scenery i have ever experienced on any trek (and this was echoed by a good few of my very well travelled companions).  Throughout the day not only the variety of environs, from forest track to wide open spaces but most of all the impact of the mountains, and the views of them; from a hint earlier in the day moving round to a full panorama of most of the Annapurna massive. They are not a small snow covered peak in the distance, but right there, right before you.

A few days later, 'jam jam' ….with about 2 hours to go we head up to the Thorung La pass. I've just taken my mitts off and can now be comfortable with one pair of gloves, the sun is just beginning to warm and wake us up a little more as it creeps over the nearby summits. Setting out by torch light at 5am, this was the first time I have trekked in my down jacket, so yes, bring those layers!

A couple of hours further on and we are going at a steady pace, not forgetting to look up and take in this stunning location, looking back a slow snake of people can be seen making their way. The weather conditions about 4 weeks ago has most certainly not been forgotten, this along with it being the 11th of Nov today and pure effort required to get there, mean that turning that last corner and seeing the prayer flags at the top - their meaning, beyond words; Everyone shed tears of respect. We hung prayer flags and held a minutes silence to respect those we have lost, both here and at home.

We have now travelled down from Muktinath to Tatapani and have been trekking all day making our way up to Ghorepani; a lovely day working our way through villages and forests – a beautiful contrast from the last weeks trekking on the Annapurna circuit.  Today certainly works those quads and glutes with an ascent of over 1500 meters; however after a tough but beautiful day, we are greeted at our lodge by 10 smiling (full of energy) porters. 

After dinner the smiles continue; the guys treat us to an evening of Nepalese folk songs and dancing – simply brilliant. A few of us did do our best at dancing, although I think this was then more entertaining for our crew! 

Our Sirdar, Dhan and assistant leader Kancha most defiantly stole the show.  We danced, laughed and did our best at joining in on the songs until around 10pm (if you’ve trekked you’ll know this is considered a very late night!).  A most unexpected but fabulous evening was had by all…. And a good warm down for those leg muscles!!

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