Got to first monastery late evening and checked in. Sounds like a hotel but definately not. Very peaceful with some prayers going on and a very serere atmosphere.
Went down to village for supper but as we were under a curfew (hard to believe at my age) at 9PM we had few beer and back to bed.

Prayers and drums started about 0450 hours and while disconcerting at first was very soothing and everyone drifted off to sleep again. Brekfast down the street at 8AM and then on a local bus to Mount Emai peak (3,500M) This took about three hours and near the top ice and snow was visible. After a short walk and a trip on a cable car we got to the peak which for the first time in days was clear with brilliant views towards mountain ranges far in the distance.

The reverse journey was again evetual with hairpin bends for two hours this time as we left the bus in a car park for a late lunch. With day packs then we set off up a narrow valley for a three hour hike. Monkeys were supposed to be visible but must have been sleeping.

After a very scenic and enjoyable hike we came to the hard part. The next monastery was on top of the mountain and the only way there was up 1257 steps. What a clmb but but well worth it to get a beer at Bettys (local cafe at the top).

This time the monastery was so hig that even the bedclothes felt damp with the altitude. Still very peaceful and had loos with a super view - wait for the photos.

Again we had a curfew but after the hike no one was complaining.

Next day the reverse journey started with the early prayers and the long walk back down the gorge and this time the monkeys were out in force. They were inclined to grab something if they thought you had food so we all were carrying sticks and these were needed at times as a threat only.

Bus took us back to the first monastery when we were to stay the night.

The afternoon took us to Emai town fro a massage which was hilarious. We dindt know we had so many joints in our bodies as we let off grunts of pain in unison.

Then it was off to a local food market / resteraunt street where all kinds of interesting delicies could be purchased, cooked and eaten on the side of the street. Dog, ducks tongues, snake, etc etc. The list goes on. Needless to say we had no bravehearts among us and went back to the village to eat noodles.

Again in for curfew and a very sound sleep.

Overall this emelent of the trip was fascinating and everyone wished they could have spent another day in the mountain.