At the end of the conference I put enough clothes for a couple of weeks into the smaller of my two backpacks and, right behind Surya, climbed onto the roof of the bus that would take us to Bagnis where the trail to his village begins. The bus left Naryanghar in mid morning and traveled all day to Bagnis where we arrived late in the afternoon. Despite some risks riding on the roof of the bus is preferable to being inside because of it being slightly clasutrophobic inside the bus and because of the heat inside. The fresh air and view from the roof is luxurious.

Leaving Bagnis behind we started up this trail late in the afternoon. The trail is ancient. It could be hundred of years old and in the afternoon light it was enchanting, pulling us quickly up the mountain. It was a four hour hike from the road to Surya's village and we added an extra hour by stopping for chia a few times so Surya could chat with people that he knew well. He was excited to bring them news from the outside world.

We passed this small house after only a half hour, or so, on the trail and it was like Shangri-La with the gorgeous view down the south valley on one side and the more lovely view (below) of the Lake Bagnis to the west.