more arid environment where subsistence farming is the main employer , where locals live a more traditional lifestyle , and the adventure moves up a gear , we ’ re amongst it and living local , camping on the banks of the Kali Gandaki river , amongst the goats and cows of a local farm . The spirit of adventure heightened by the ever-present Dhaulagiri looming high above , the world ’ s seventh highest mountain controls the weather of the region , during the day when the sun is high it is warm and pleasant , when the sun disappears so does the temperature . In late Autumn , the overnight temperatures are bitingly cold . Big Agnes ‘ four season ’ tents protect the altitude riders from the cold .
Following the Kali Gandaki , the Mustang region is reached and with it the historic town of Marpha . The maze-like construction of narrow streets and hidden walkways a must visit for any traveller . Further up the road Jomson beckons , a chance for a well-made coffee whilst permits are checked , stamped , and rechecked . A process that Vishu , and his team , are happy to help with or even take care of .
The riding on becomes harder , the road conditions are still a mix yet now fresh grading is the best one can hope for . Altitudes climb , and although just over 4,000 metres is the highest reached , Acute Mountain Sickness ( AMS ), altitude sickness , is a constant . Symptoms can sneak up ,
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