Pokhara R&R

22 - 26 September

Following a tough two weeks trekking we (the trekking group minus David and Laura) decided that we had earned some time off, so we headed down to Pokhara; about 180km away from Kathmandu to the north west. The journey was something of a worry to the group since we had all had our finger burnt on buses in Nepal, but since it was the only option we had to just grin and bear it!

In the event, the bus wasn't too bad. We only had 9 hours on it, we stopped for both breakfast and lunch, and apart from a particularly pissed off bloke throwing rocks at the bus (and Olivia being sick out of the window) it was pretty uneventful.

By the time we arrived the rain had returned in earnest and within a minute of stepping off the bus we were soaked. However, the ever entrepreneurial locals were there to offer us taxis and hotels. We availed ourselves of one such offer and found a rather nice, if not damp, guest house awaiting. Things in Pokhara were looking good.

After a bit of searching around town we found ourselves a bar and then a restaurant (which served steak!) and relaxed.

Since Pokhara is so much more peaceful and less busy than Kathmandu we decided to get some motorbikes and mopeds and go and explore. The simple process of finding suitable equipment took all morning however, but with much excitement we finally mounted up! First stop; the mountain museum.

A surprisingly good museum covering all aspects of the mountains, from human geography to physical geography and even this chap!

Having enjoyed the museum we decided to go and check out old Pokhara. This was not a highlight however as there isn't a lot to see so we didn't stick around. Since we still have some daylight left, the 'lads' decided to take a ride up into the mountains while the girls went shopping. A wise move in the end as some of the tracks were somewhat unmade!

Chavving it up in the mountains!

With stories of mountain exploring to replay to the girls (Olivia and Nicky) we found another bar/restaurant complete with pool table.

The following morning we woke at half 5 with our fingers crossed for good clear weather. We were in luck, clear skies. Reason being; a trip up to Sarangot to admire the views over the lake (second biggest in Nepal - didn't seem that big to me...?) and Pokhara.

Following a 45 min ride up into the hills we reached the peak just after sunrise and were rewarded with some cracking views.

View from Sarangot

The views throughout the day were stunning, with us catching our first glimpse of the Anapurna mountain range the overlooks Pokhara.

Part of the lake and a mountain of the Anapurna Range in the background.

View from one of the bars - the main street of Pokhara

Having enjoyed the views of the mountains from the shore, we decided to take a small group onto the water to get even better views. Olivia must've had a bad experience in a Kayak once - she hated it! oops.

Olivia taking to kayaking like a duck to water...?

For a slightly drier source of entertainment we headed down to the Gurkah Memorial Museum. It turns out that the British Army recruits just outside Pokhara so it made sense to take a look. It was a cracking little museum with stories about how all the Victoria Crosses were won. 

The final day lead us to explore the 'Bat Cave'. Not exactly sure what to expect we were amused by the total lack of safety equipment. The cave had a staircase down into it but that was the extent of the modifications. From there on in (and out) it was a case of climbing and scrambling - following a guide  - up the rocks inside the cave. Luckily we did manage to see some bats roosting (do bats roost??), hanging upside down from the cave ceiling. It would have been an awesome experience were it not for the twenty or so Indian shouting, singing and generally ruining the atmosphere!

Intrepid caving types!

The exit to the cave was seriously amusing. You basically had to climb up what a rock-climber might call a chimney, into a small space no bigger that the size of the entrance to a sleeping bag, then wiggle your way along (lying flat) until you eventually emerge! It is difficult to work out what is going on in the photo below, but Olivia is moving into the wiggling stage of the maneuvering...

A small shimmy more and then she's free!

All in all, Pokhara was a really great way to relax and get away from the hustle bustle of Kathmandu.

View of the beautiful mountains the morning we caught our bus back to Kathmandu.