Walung chung gola journey continued

We have come to a place where there was an open ground. There were two routes in different directions from here. One route went straight down and the other was by left hand side into the woods..
We first proceeded along the straight down route .. We walked for a few minutes and suddenly tsering felt it wasn't the correct route.. So we turned back and joined the route where we came from and followed along the left hand side route. Trail and error became our route finding method.. We have been walking for 10 hours in the rough terrain and now even the darkness fell on us. I felt some relief when we arrived a log bridge and we found better broader foot path on the left bank of the river. I felt comfortable with the identification of bridge as this land mark was recognizable in the map. I guess the foot path we joined must be leading to "Tipti La - Trade route to Tibet" towards north. I was not in mood to appreciate that. I was on look out for a safe place to rest for the night. My guide's memory also got refreshed and he was able to recollect where "WalungChung gola" is and expressed confident that we are on correct path.
I asked him how can he say and how far is it ? His answer: Can you see to ridges meeting to a point in distance from two directions.. Yaah, it's located at the foot of the left ridge.. Wow!!.. what a description I thought.. It gave me an impression that we still had two good triesome hours to go. He still persisted that I should not use my head torch. the path at some places was dragged off by the landslides.. there were several streams joining into the river at several points.. We had to be very careful with these as well. Fearing that I might slip into the river at one of these landslides I had switched my torch ignoring his superstition that we will not be able to reach the village.

I was under extreme thirst and used every opportunity to stop and quench my thirst at all the streams that came our way. He was aptly using these breaks to take a sip of "Chinese alcohol". He kept offering me, thinking that I might get inspired by the cold to take a gulp. I did take one sip on the top of the pass.. It's toxic taste was vivid in my throat. I felt water from the streams was very refreshing to drink and wash my face.

As I read in the books and consulted with the locals, I learnt that walungchung gola is a big village and power supply was there. But We couldn't see any lights in the distance. This kept bothering me.. but he kept assuring that we are on right path.. I wondered if the complete village has got shifted to some other place.

At that moment we suddenly hit at a place where there was a long bamboo pole erected.. soon we arrived at a village entrance land mark. We sat down at the wooden bench constructed.. It was relief and happy to see the village. Atlast we have a place to rest for the night. Soon other concerns creaped into our hearts. there are police..what would they think of us.. and how to answer their questions..

As we walked into the village.. The dogs started barking with out stop.. and a window opened inquiring for the intruders in the night. We were escorted into the police chowki. Soon, All that is inside our rucksacks was dumped on the ground and we were frisked until it gave them satisfaction that we weren't any threat to that treasure house. I was asked to prove my identity.. Who is this black man wandering in these remote places of Nepal. I showed my Passport, maps, and a bit of Everest story put them at ease and soon enjoyed their hospitality with a hot " Nepalese chai".

Tsering gave his uncle's name. The police helped to search his house in the night. He locked it tight from inside. His young daughter was sleeping alone there; she was affected with cold and fever. Finally we could locate his uncle and made the house doors open and we walked in. It was 9PM by then. we were too exhausted to care for food but he insisted that we had.. and his daughter lit the "Chuli"/stove (kind of) at that hour.

The owner asked me, what would i prefer as sabji/"curry?".. I said anything is a treat!.. I knew even a single chilly/"mirch" and an onion is a treasure in these places but such is the hospitality of these people. I had wonderful dinner along with a cup of milk and curd..

I felt humbled.
Every time I am sit for meal at home now, their faces appear in front of my face.

~