Leeches and hot pools

Day 7 - Tadepani-Toulung-Jhinu Danda

Up at dawn again for the best views of the trip. Stunning vistas and crystal clear in the morning.

The most stunning breakfast spot

From Tadepani we could see Jhinu Danda, our destination, but knew we had quite a bit of 'little bit up, little bit down' to get there.

Down to a valley we went, through millet and ripening rice. Saw a massive jumping spider the size of my palm. Then up and over ... and through a 'shortcut' through rice paddies. Great to go off trail and see farms and gardens rather than guest houses with wifi and coca-cola.

Tea stop at Toulung, overlooking Jhinu Danda. Two men playing a game that was a cross between air hockey and pool. A slaughtered goat being cut up and prepped. A cheeky dog managed to run off with the stomach. The meat was being divided and parceled up, the intestines washed for casings.

Down to Jhinu Danda and the 'poshest' place we've stayed at, Hotel Namaste, centred around a lovely courtyard.

Bharat in the Hotel Namaste courtyard. Expansion is in the overflow tent!

Then off to the hot pools, a short walk away. Max and Hazel both got 'leeched' on the track on the way down. Small and harmless leeches though. First time I've seen leeches.

Hot pools were lovely and warm (not hot hot hot) and relaxed my muscles nicely. Max took underwater photos of the porters.

Lasagne and Chocolate Mousse for dinner. Yum! Our only complaints with the food is, not enough dal bhat. They're giving us western-esque food to make things 'easier' but most of us would prefer Dal Bhat or something Nepali.