Gompa Stompers!

Picture - Lamayuru Gompa at top (Buddhists appear to like high places). Dzos (a cross between a cow and a yak) threshing barley at bottom.

Just got back from four day trek from Likir to Lamayuru (with a few jeep hitches in between). Hard going at times but worth it. Amazing Gompas and friendly Lamas (Tevo even got a cuddle) and we've seen the most amazing Tibetan artefacts.
We were well looked after by our Tibetan guide Pemar, who even carried Roisin on his shoulders at one point (and is an awesome cook and camp setter upper). Not sure our driver Khan can read the local signs (Better be Mr Late than Late Mr & Drive like hell and you'll be there soon) as we raced alongside the Indus, round gut wrenching hairpins and steep cliffs. Mind you, he got us back to Leh safe and sound, so hats off to him. Have managed to spend a months budget in less than a fortnight (flights to Leh and organised trek, plus the trip down to Manali) so plan to chill out in the Kullu valley and then Dharamsala for a while. All overland to keep costs down, so have a bus ride from hell to endure. Takes two days to get to Manali, 10hrs on 1st day then 6 hrs or so on the 2nd day. Going over the third highest motorable pass in the world! Think we're well acclimatised now, though here's hoping (and I stocked up on sick bags off the plane just in case :)
BIG LOVE TO ALL AT HOME!