We climb down the tight passages of Khembalung Cave to a small stream, then exit at another opening. The friendly local lama led us through the cave. The jungle has many botanical and aqueous delights, such as this small pool and waterfall. We descend from the jungle back to warm valleys and rice fields. We finally reach the broad Arun River, one of the Himalaya's largest.
Bananas grow in the warm climate here.
Our cook Pemba picks up some huge bananas in the market at Kharang. This man is making a mold for a brass water pot in Chainpur, a district center in the hills of eastern Nepal. He's Newari, a group that believes in both Hindu and Buddhist teachings. Rock slabs pave Chainpur's street. The town has multi-story buildings and electricity, yet is far from the nearest road.