A few days of trekking up the Annapurna range takes you to a magnificent valley. Here, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world, lays Manang. Aside from the abundance of trekkers, this tiny village at nearly 4000 meters above the sea seems to have quite a high average age in its population.

 

A quiet, isolated Saturday evening then? Far from it, the few youngsters remaining ride their motorcycles from across the valley to meet up for a birthday celebration. Vodka, local gyoza “momos” and laughing run around the room. American rap, smartphones, social media and veneration for Miley Cyrus’s dance moves are on the table. 

 

A living proof of the power of globalisation.