Instead of climbing up to Ghorepani in one day, we decide to finish half way in Shikha. Though the distance from Tatopani to Shikha is a mere 7Km, we still need 4h10m to complete the section.

Starting from Ghar Khola village, we have to climb past the terrace fields one after the other to reach the crest of a ridge. The crest is painted with graffiti recording the various conquerors of the 300m slope. Here you can take a brief recess and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Ghar Khola and its surrounding on one side. And on the other, you can preview the mountain top of Shikha awaiting ahead for completion. We hit the road again after recess and go down a short distance into a valley. Thereafter it is a 500m ascent for the rest of the journey and our lunch break is near Shikha.

It is a lazy afternoon after we have done our laundry. Prem is keen to find a lamb for dinner and therefore keep his porters busy in the kitchen. The warmth of sunlight in the courtyard is so inviting and tea in the garden is a perfect match. Life is no better with beers in our hands and popcorns enhance our enjoyment. Who says trekking is a painful experience！？