Day 7 is a rest day in Manang. We arrived yesterday in the afternoon and were happy to take nice hot showers Yes, surprisingly there has been hot water, showers and typically phone (cell) services all the way up the mountain. This is definitely different that 9 years ago where we had 1 shower in 15 days! The bathrooms are also better with the standard squat toilet - our previous experience had every shape and size of outhouse you could think of. This time the bathrooms are generally attached to the guesthouse (not outside in a separate building) and in some place you even had a private toilet in your room - talk about luxury.
We have also noticed that there have been a lot of improvements to the suspension bridges. Except for one, so far, which was old wooden planks, with holes and broken pieces (which was standard 9 years ago), the bridges are now all steel and cable. This seems to be the spot where finally we are running into several other trekkers intending to cross the pass - same as us. For the first time on the trek, we are up late in the dinner room - which is warmed by the smoldering yak dung fire in the potbelly stove in the middle of the room - talking, playing cards, and comparing travel stories with other trekkers. As the night goes on the guides start singing and drumming. A fantastic evening. Today we will take a short day hike to acclimate. From here we have unbelievable views of the Ganapurna massif and glacier. Rest days are good days.
