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I saw something moving in the dusk. A black shape about 50m away on the river bed. I switched on my torch and saw him. A fox. With a big bushy tail. He turned to me and I saw his yellow eyes shine brightly in the torch light. Two points of yellow light. He moved closer. He paused. Then he backed off and stayed staring at me – the two yellow dots were all I could see. I didn’t think I’d see much wildlife. I watched him and he watched me. hope I don’t see a snow leopard like this.

A room with a view

Today’s goal was to camp in the river valley and watch the stars. The best place to do this was only 30km away, so I went on the detour (a 400m climb) to the Dankhar monastery. Perched on a rocky outcrop high above the valley, the monastery looks amazing from the valley, and the views from up there a incredible.

Climbing to the Dhankar monastery

View from the Dhankar monastery

View from the Dhankar monastery

View from the Dhankar monastery

It remains incredibly hot for being at 3500m. When at the monastery, I decided it was too hot to go and see the beautiful lake an hour’s walk away. Instead I chatted with some French backpackers and Barbara – a woman I met in Kalpa and Nako.

The setting up the tent and the cooking went well. I even have a foxy friend to keep me company tonight.