Late-afternoon walk through Okhrey's lanes

After a morning at Barsey, or on a rest day, walk out from your homestay along Okhrey's lanes in the late afternoon. Paths link the houses across the slope, passing vegetable gardens, potato and maize terraces, cowsheds and small chortens. Mani walls, stacked with stones carved with the mantra om mani padme hum, line some paths; walk past them keeping them on your right, as villagers do.

This is a working village, so you see daily life: children back from school, women carrying fodder, men repairing a roof, prayer flags renewed on a bamboo pole. Greet people with a smile and a namaste or tashi delek, and ask before photographing anyone. A local guide, about ₹500–800, can explain who lives where, what grows when and how the community organises festivals and funerals.

Light is best from about 3 pm, when the sun drops towards the Singalila ridge and the hills to the south turn gold. Wear shoes with grip, as paths can be steep and muddy. Keep away from dogs guarding houses, and close any gates you open. Be back before dark, which comes early, around 5 pm in December.