Kiki Soso La gyal lo! (warrior cry to be shouted out three times when reaching the top of a mountain pass or peak)
The jingling of pony bells and the humming of their carers...I open my eyes and see only darkness as I am deep within my down sleeping bag. I close my eyes again ready to sleep a little longer when "What would you do if I sang out of tune..." erupts into the cold morning air and a cup of steaming tea is thrust into my hands.
Soon I am breathing heavily as I attack a harsh ascent one foot at a time, energised by my peanut butter breakfast. Is this becasue of the high altitude or because we are shouting out Beatles songs accompanied by Kai's harmonica or both?
Discussing favourite books, I take in serene, expansive valleys thick with red and gold poplars, skipping over streams (and sometimes falling in!). The dramatic views over the surrounding rocky and snowy peaks are conversation-stopping and remind me ominously of where I am.
Generous servings of delicious hot food over card games and readings of The Alchemist are relished before a celebratory dance party with our guides around a fire, featuring the classic song "Missed Call".
The lessons from this awesome Himalyan adventure are clear:
1 - From our inspiring trekking snack: "Have a chocolatey Perk and take it lightly!"
2 - From our beloved Beatles: "I get by with a little help from my friends..."