Well after spending 3 nights at 17000 ft all you want to do is get back to sanity. Thats what we did, all downhill from here on folks. All the way till Stok village. We got up early morning packed our bags, and folded our tents

The breakfast was superb as usual. And the crew was ever so courteous and kind. I was feeling heavy in my heart as we started our walk towards Manikarmo. There were new taems at the base camp they will push for the summit some will succeed some will not. The mountain will stay for ever. I was missing my son his baby face and the cute smile. some day I will be here with him now. That will be great fun. On my last trek I had decided to name my unborn daughter "Pumori" if I was blessed by one. This time around I was returning from a trek to my son, life has its own schedule and plans you should be ready.

Manikarmo just a downhill, and we reached there in just over an hour. Wanted to stop for tea but then dropped it as Dorjey had plans for his morning rituals on the way. So we halted at the confluence of Stok-La route and the trail we were on for around 30 mins. I just clicked and clicked, the eroded desert terrain was making us look liliputs in front of the huge walls of rock all around.

After walking in the valley full of small rocks and huge boulders jumping over and crossing the same stream several times we reached a tea stall run by a bihari. Guess what he is from Lalu's town. Bihari serving Ladhaki chai, how delicious. But there are a lot of biharis in Ladakh working in horrondous conditions maintaining roads for the Indian Army and tourist alike. Sometimes for less than 200rs a day.

After refreshing lemon tea, we followed the valey towards village Stok. Milind and Jayant were almost running while me and hiten happy clicking last few pictures of the trail. The trail is well beaten and easy, also you will find aatleast 2-3 groups walking in opposite direction. You need to cross the river atleast at 2 -3 places so you can end up with a wet shoe. My blisters were killing me as I dragged myself to Stok. Pravin and Arun came to pick us up. We celebrated Deepak and Jayant success and as a whole team's summit attempt with more healthier option than Champagne; Fresh Apple juice and milk choclates. I remember checking into Leh's hotel Kidar on Fort road by 2PM, I was dying for a hot water bath

Some of us dejected not reaching the top some of us happy and excited to tell the story of thier success, but in all every soul was satisfied with the 6 day adventure in the himalayas. I think even our injured memebers who had to return would have enjoyed their stay here. Its the Himalayas; you got be  enjoying. I think some will fail some will succeed, the failed guys may or may not try again,what matters is the enjoyment embeded in the hardship. Himalayas throws its blessings on every soul that goes there. Everyone in team cursed me for making them travel by road from Manali to Leh, one hell of a bumpy ride, but now, all have a story that they will tell their folks for a long long time.

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