Day 6 - To Upper Pisang
Hefting a load of firewood
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Photo by Alistair Adams
After securing the food, drink, or fuel (such as these several dozen hardwood logs) with string or by wedging it into a wicker basket, the porters attach a cloth or belt to the load and spread it across their foreheads. Some of the support comes from their backs, but the majority is focused on the skull and neck. They step slowly and carefully in their thin flip-flops or slippers, avoiding loose rocks and sticks. The average Nepali man is about 5 feet 3 inches tall.

At one stop, a large Norwegian trekker attempted to lift a small wiry Nepali man's load. He staggered and collapsed beneath the strain. The other porters fell over themselves laughing.