Nepal 2007: Pokhara - A gateway to the Annapurna Circuit...

"The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach..." - Benjamin Mays

30 April 2007
Day-4 : Sunset and Moondance at Phewa Lake

Pokhara was only 200 km from Kathmandu but we have to drive along a winding mountain road which took us 6 hours to reach the resort city. Pokhara is one of the tourist hub of Nepal, one of the happening places, where you can find almost everything. We stayed in Barahi Hotel a minute walk from Lake Phewa. Barahi Mandir is a tiny temple island on Phewa Lake, has an exceptional view of the Annapurna Range as the backdrop.

(Sunset reflections on the Phewa Lake)

01 May 2007
Day-5 : Breathtaking view of Sarangkot

(The spectacular Anapurna Range)

Sarangkot, 1600 m high hill situated at the Northern shore of Phewa Lake where we could view the Pokhara valley and the spectacular view of the Anapurna range. To the south we could view the Phewa Lake and its tributaries. Sarangkot is also famous for paragliding.

(A paragliding site with a scenic view)

02 May 2007
Day-6 : Off the beaten trail

(Very clear water of Begnas Lake)

10 km east of Pokhara, we trekked along less frequented trail up to a vantage point where it offers lovely views of two lakes with a breathtaking mountain-scape. On one side we could see the Begnas lake and the other side the Rupa Lake. We rented three boats to transport us to the other side of the Begnas Lake.

(An open Mountain Museum)

The beautiful Fishtail Mountain dominates the northern horizon of Pokhara and its name derives from its twin peaks. On the hill overlooking the lake from the South is the World Peace Stupa. That evening the sunset was magnificent. We met the rest at Moondance restaurant for a sumptuous dinner of local fish delicacies.

(Flowers blooming everywhere)

On the way back we visited the International Mountain Museum and later stopped at the Tibetan Refugee camp to observe carpet hand-weaving.

(Underground waterfalls in Gupteswar Cave)

We went to Devi’s fall and explored the Gupteswar Cave. The water comes from the Phewa Lake and thunders into a hole and disappears only to reappear underneath Gupteswar Cave. At some part of the cave, the walkway is too narrow that we need to crawl. But it was worth the effort as there is impressive underground scenery of Devi’s fall. I have not seen anything like this before.

03 May 2007
Day-8 : Long and winding road

The trip back to Kathmandu was eventful, the scenery beautiful. We stopped to experience crossing the hanging bridge across the river. There were so many mountains and rivers, with their tributaries created deep gorges and impressive canyons. The road was narrow, winding and bumpy.  When we took a sharp corner, everyone held their breath. A roller coaster ride will never be fun any more after this. We even had the opportunity to pick cannabis along the route.

(Caves and underground rivers)

04 May 2007
Day-9 : Mt. Everest mountain flight

This morning we went for a mountain flight on Buddha Air which cost us USD200/pax. The 20-seater plane circled the mountain range twice and we had the opportunity to take pictures of the magnificent Himalaya range and Mt. Everest from all angles. It was an hour of breathtaking views from around 25,000 feet.

(Chartering a private plane)

Although this morning the weather is a little cloudy, we enjoyed an endless chain of snow capped peaks, over glaciers and lakes, rivers and gorges.

(A painting of the Everest)

Today, I didn't climb Mt Everest, but I touched it with my heart....

Namaste!

👈 2007: Chittagong, Bangladesh

2007: Katmandu, Nepal 👉

Nepal 2007: Kathmandu - The fabled and inaccessible Shangrila...

"Live your life and forget your age..."

27 April 2007
Day-1 : On the Hippie Trail

(Attraction around Durbar Square)

I joined the Puspanita group for a 10-day trip to Nepal. And dear hubby took time off from work and joined me together with Sara. Our flight supposed to be at 8.30 a.m. was postponed to 5 p.m. To while away the time we stayed in the departure area, listening to musics, and reading story books. I have my sudoku book with me to keep me busy.

(With Sara at the hotel lobby)

The 4-hour flight reached Tribhuvan International Airport at 11.30 p.m. Nepal’s time. We checked-in Vaishali Hotel at Thamel, a lively tourist area. We had late supper of chapatti and hot chocolate at the restaurant.Tonight, we slept like a log although the bar next door was playing loud funky music all night long.

(Souvenirs shopping in Thamel Street)

28 April 2007
Day-2 : Colorful scenes of Kathmandu

Today we walked along the Thamel streets. The shops were colourfully decorated. T-shirts, pashminas and cashmere shawls were sold cheaply. There were exotic collections of precious stones. Bargaining was highly encouraged here. We bought us lots of t-shirts and other things and later stopped at Shalimar Restaurant for a hearty beriani lunch.

(Nepal embroidered t-shirts)

After lunch, the rest went shopping. We walked along the Royal Palace back to our hotel. At the hotel we slept till 9 p.m. and later ordered room service of roti nan and vege curry.

29 April 2007

Day-3 : Exciting History and Culture

(Painting of little Nepal girls)

There are numerous historical monuments, old palaces, shrines and temples featuring ageless traditions and legends. The Kathmandu Valley boasts of seven UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites all within a radius of 20 Km. The birth place of Lord Buddha is in Lumbini. In the morning, we spent time visiting the two most important Buddhist stupas, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

(Snake charmers by the road side)

After lunch some wanted to go back to the hotel and rest, some continued shopping. The three of us took a trishaw to Durbar Square located at the heart of ancient Kathmandu. It is a complex of beutiful temples and shrine, both Hindu and Buddist. Most of them are built pagoda style with intricately carved exteriors. We visited a unique temple, where the entire structure contains no iron nails or supports and is made entirely of wood from a single tree.

(Buddhist Stupa and Shrine)

Kathmandu

Think I'm going to Kathmandu,
that's really, really where I'm going to.

If I ever get out of here,

that's what I'm gonna do.

I'm tired of looking at the TV news.

I'm tired of driving hard and paying dues.

I figure, I've got nothing to lose,

I'm tired of being blue.

That's why I'm going to Kathmandu,
up to the mountains where I'm going to.
If I ever get out of here,
that's what I'm gonna do.

(Bob Seger)

👈 2007: Phokara, Nepal

2007: Dhaka, Bangladesh 👉