Eventually I summit and sit down. Dowa (our trekking guide) is not even out of breath and there certainly is no sweat on his brow but why should there be, he does this every week of his life. When I gather myself after a serious drink of water I gaze around along with everyone else, quietly. The views are amazing especially because here we can see three valleys now all converging into one with more high mountains than I have ever seen and all heavily laden with snow and ice. The sky is a rich almost royal blue canvas with these enormous mountains painted all over it. The silence is broken but then Joanne and Katy are usually pretty vocal and why not now, everyone is filled with a sense of wonderment and achievement, hugs and congratulations explode all around. Its far from over yet as we have a long gruelling descent which is difficult on your knees, still a cup of tea on arrival, nice.

After lunch a few of us strolled through the village settlement to the top where the internet café is but unfortunately it was shut and would not be open for a couple of weeks till the trekking season gets busier which is no good for us. Strolling back down the street we call in at a few shops and I manage to replenish my by now fourth, very bloody and dirty hanky which has not gone unnoticed by my fellow trekkers.

We arrive back in the lodge and all I want to do is sleep. Trying to sleep at altitude at night is not easy. You are encouraged to stay awake until 9pm and it is only 4.40pm still dinner is at 7pm so I read a little and chat but my appetite has diminished. Not many of us want food and would accept bed as a substitute any day.