Pokhara
christina
The plane ride out of the valley and over the mountains was spectacular. We could see the whole mountain range and get our first glimpse of Everest and the other high peaks. The airline itself, known as Yeti airlines, was a little nerve-wracking – a propeller plane with only 2 seats on one side and 1 on the other but we managed and it was a real thrill being up there. So beautiful.
Arriving to the Pokhara region we were immediately taken with the fresh and clean air quality – especially after being in Kathmandu. The lake itself, the surrounding mountains and the serenity were a dream.
Pokhara is known as the base camp for multi-day trekking on the Annapura Circuit but since it was still winter we weren’t really up for an overnight hike (definitely still on the bucket list!). We were able to do a wonderful day hike though to "Australian Camp" (aka Thulo Kharka) and down through the village of Dhampus, which was challenging but gave us a taste of the circuit itself. We did not use a guide but did it on our own which is totally doable if you are considering it. We organized a taxi to Kande and hiked up the stone path to Australian Camp for about an hour. Up at the top we had a great cup of chai in the mountain air while taking in the peaks including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapurchhre, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal.
We then descended through the forest to the beautiful village of Dhampus for about another hour and stopped again to take it in. From there, you can continue down the old stone steps into Phedi (for about another 2 hours). As we were navigating these old steps and taking in the views while breathing hard into the elevation there was an older woman sprinting up the steps back home – it was incredible to see how in shape and adapted to the environment she was (as compared to us!). The trek itself is perfect for a day hike if you start out early and arrange for the taxi to meet you where you exit. The climb was spectacular and I wish we would have known to stay up there - there's a great modest guesthouse called Angel's up there if you want to check it out.
Back in town, we took it easy, walked around the lake, spent a lot of time working from OR2K, which is a waterside café with western treats and great wifi. We also made a new friend who is a Korean travel writer who told us all about the Camino de Santiago in Spain and her life on the road for the past 15+ years. It put traveling as a lifestyle into perspective for us and inspired us to continue on. Thank you Nam Hee!
Staying at the Pokhara View was so inviting and the host made us feel like we were at home, inviting us to dinner with his family in celebration of Chinese New Year. We also learned from him and his friends more about Nepal as a political entity in a tug-of-war between the giant emerging economies of India and China. Very eye-opening, though not surprising given the vast beauty and ecological natural resources present in the region.
I feel like we are just scratching the surface of this incredible place and its beautiful people and can't wait to come back and explore more. Viva Nepal!
The plane to Pokhara. Yeti airlines. Wow
Arriving to Australian Camp at the foot of the Himalayas enjoying a chai tea after the mild hike
The subtle beauty and vistas of Pokhara. Seemed a million miles form the busy steam engine of Kathmandu
The most excellent ping pong table ever
We hiked to the town of Dhampus where Christina made a friend