Pokhara

 We were up early in Nagarkot to attempt a sunrise view however the clouds resisted and stayed around after the rain the night before….still, there was a lovely view from the hotel room.

It was another lovely breakfast (they have been great on this tour just about everywhere) before boarding our bus to take us back to Kathmandu airport where we caught a plane to Pokhara.  As we flew west, the Himalayan mountains could be seen out the window to the north…just stunning!

We were originally booked on the 10.30 flight but arrived in time to take the 9.30 flight…lucky we did as that flight didn’t leave until 11.30!  We arrived at our hotel around 1 - just time to freshen before heading out for a lovely lunch in a restaurant that overlooked the lake.  Having sufficiently refreshed after a hearty meal of Chicken Sekawa (a bbq chicken served on a sizzling plate) and garlic naan, we walked to the edge of the Lake.  

Phewa Tal (Phewa Lake) is the second largest lake in Nepal.  It is fresh water and on the many sides is surrounded by native bush land.  We jumped onto a small paddle boat (life jackets on!) and went across the other side to quietly observe native wildlife - a kingfisher - and some rather large fish - tilapia in the water.   After the lunch (with a GnT) I was feeling rather sleepy, and so felt the boat ride was very very relaxing…I just hung out the side watching a plethora of water craft (paddle boards, canoes, paddle boats and paragliders) all over the lake.  There was a little rubbish which was unfortunate.  The lake is fed by the melting snow from the Annapurna range.

We then rode in our bus via a very steep and windy road to Anadu Hill where the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) is situated.  As we alighted the bus, a heavy downpour of rather large rain drops poured down so we took shelter in a tea house and enjoyed the native spiced black tea (you could have milk tea if you wanted).    When there was a break we continued our walk towards the Pagoda along a relatively rough path.  Lo and behold another downpour happened rather quickly and luckily we were next to another tea house - this time needing to take refuge from rain and hail for around 20 minutes.   On clearing we continued to the Pagoda.  We caught glimpses of the Annapurna’s and a lovely view back across the Pokhara valley.  

The late plan time and more time stopping for weather ate into our free time so it was almost straight to dinner at the hotel restaurant where I enjoyed a beautiful Chicken Thukpa - a lovely chicken, vegetable and noodle soup which was wonderful.  A hot shower afterwards and I was asleep in minutes!

The next morning we needed to meeting in the foyer at 5 am for a bus up another hill in order to see the sunrise.  It was rather fresh (which I really didn’t pack for - even with a few layers the cold was seeping in).  Our bus driver overtook a number of buses on the incline and I was a little concerned as the road was narrow and had many hairpin bends….I understood why when we got to the top as bus after bus arrived.  Luckily we were relatively early and had prime seats to watch as the light hit the peaks of the Annapurna range.   Before the sun was visible the light reflected on the eastern faces of the mountains, initially a pale pink and then slowly turning gold before white.  The transition was absolutely magical….while the peaks were pink and gold the hot orange ball of sun rose to the east….words and pictures fail me….I just could not capture it as it really was - a truly magical experience.  

We identified Annapurna 1, 2 and 3 and the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare all to the north, while to the east we saw the Pokhara Valley.  

After another lovely breakfast we took a little ‘breather’ time before heading to the International Mountain Museum where we learned about Mountain trekking, the history, the people, the international connections and the geology.  It was a very informative hour!

The next stop was one of our highlights.  We visited the Tashiling Tibetan community - refuges who fled Tibet 50 years ago when China made some moves to extinguish their culture.   Dolna was our expert host who taught us how to make vegetable and chicken Momo.  Of course, once they were made and cooked, we had to eat them!  They were absolutely delicious, and with great guidance, were surprisingly easy to make.  I’m awaiting the recipe so I can make them at home next time some guests are planning on visiting (hint hint!).

Before ending the day we had a brief stop at the Tibetan Information Centre on the site and then visited another of Intrepid’s sponsored activities - Helping Hands which provides opportunity and training for those traditionally excluded in Nepalese culture - solo mothers, those with a form of disability.   We experienced loom weaving and were able to see a variety of workers weaving, crocheting, painting and sewing.