Trekking in Dhading Part II - Baseri
Waking early at our guide Amish's house in Baseri I looked out of the window to see a half-hearted sunrise and clouds hanging low in the valley beneath the village. The morning was spent exploring the village and getting to know Amish's family and neighbours as preparations were made and supplies bought for our trek.
Hindu temple in Baseri
After a brief slog up steep steps through the village we stopped in a tiny store for extra supplies (mainly local whisky).
We passed through a section of the village inhabited mainly by Gorkha people - made famous in the UK for making up several regiments in the British army and being renowned for their bravery.
A site for religious ceremonies for the local Gorkha population.
We were camping every night and had to take all our food and cooking equipment as well as the camping gear – I was very glad that we employed the services of a couple of local porters. I felt a bit bad carrying my camera/lenses and a few clothes while they hauled massive loads up but they didn't seem to mind – incredible strength especially for guys of their age.
Our porters taking a well-earned rest
There was a box being carried up the hill by Amish that had a picture of a mini hifi system on the outside. I wondered why we were carrying that all the way up the mountain and how we were going to power it, until I heard clucking and realised it was a live chicken being carried up the hill to be slaughtered for our dinner! I'm not entirely sure about the ethics of this although would imagine the chicken had a much better life than your average battery hen.
We continued to climb sharply upwards at times passing through thick vegetation, until we reached a clear plateau. After a short traverse we arrived at our first camp site where water was fetched and much-welcomed hot, sweet tea was made over an open fire.
The chicken was swiftly despatched by cutting it's head off then efficently plucked and butchered, while our hosts knocked up an excellent curry from scratch over the fire with fresh garlic, ginger, onions and an array of spices.
Following the delicious dinner we played a few rounds of cards together, accompanied by a fair portion of the whisky, then retired to our tents.
