Entering Kimrong Khola valley the trail actually evened out for a while and the walking was easy. (Compared to the rest of the walking which seemed to be exclusively up or down but never even.).
We then got to the junction with the route from Ghorepani - just beyond the village of Kimrong (1,780m). After a series of short, steep switchbacks we were in open rock-strewn fields on the way to the 'Gurung' village of Ghandruk (1,940m). This village has apparently grown large and prosperous thanks to the pensions of retired Gurkha soldiers.
We arrived just before the sun set - and although the village did look prosperous - it was also the first place on our trek where we encountered alcoholics deep in a drunken stupor.
That night we celebrated our trek with a meal. After the guides taught us what seemed to be a traditional dance. Our response was to teach them the actions and words of the Okey Cokey - something that they seemed to enjoy!
On Tuesday the trail descended gradually and then more steeply as we came down to the valley floor and its river. Eventually we got to Nayapul where we rejoined our road transport to return to our hotel in Pokhara.
Thursday and Friday were free days in Kathmandu and the surrounding area.
Our treking party consisted of all ages - from teenagers to early 60's. When some of us were gathered in a square in Kathmandu - waiting for our bus - some child beggars came up to the group.
The "adults" amongst us ignored them - thinking that in all probability they were begging for someone a minder.
Two of the teenage girls in the party had a more human response.
They wept.
Which shamed those of us who were older. Sometimes youth can teach the old.
On Saturday we got our flight back to Doha and then from there caught a flight back to London.
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