My very first trek to BNG and BNM, I travelled in a group of five visitors plus two guides. These two German gentleman had been enjoyable company during the three days.

Ahead of them on the path is the Akha spirit gate, protecting the village.

Later visits, I usually travelled alone with a guide, and the last trip in December with two guides and my wife Dorothy. I found once I was known in the vilalge, I could actually do more without having other tourists in my pictures.