POKING AROUND POKHARA I took a taxi 400rs to the Lake Vision GH. The imposing building had a steep driveway which the tiny Maruti car was unable to negotiate. I was greeted in reception and show to a very nice room with a fabulous view over the lake. The new hotel was well fitted out with smart furnishings and bathroom with tub and shower. Bruno met me in my room and suggested going to a café over the road to meet Paul who had joined the tour at short notice. The café was a perfect place to chill out; Paul was a French expat living in Norway as a French Teacher. We discussed ideas for the next few days. Bruno was to walk up the Sarangot Hill at 6am. It was the 4th time ascent of the 1500m peak overlooking the city. We discussed my hastily put together plan to ride s motor bike to Muktinath. Bruno reckoned it would be a 5or 6 day trip as the roads were poor. I had to think about it as anything here would be a bonus. Pokhara was such a chilled place and the hotel was in such a fabulous place; that perhaps I should revise my plans. A lot depended on the permit, which Bruno was to discuss with Kumar guide and organizer here. Paul went for a swim in the lake; Bruno and I took a lakeside walk (after a long wait for a pancake). We met Kumar and sat on rocks to discuss the trek plans. The trekking permit would be delayed due to the bank holiday. This meant that I would not have it until Tues. that would make a moto ride to Jomosom and trek to Muktinath impossible. The road in any case was bad in places; buses were taking up to 3 days to get there; so the only option was to fly. We all met up outside the Himalaya Restaurant at 7:15 with Bruno poking around walking gear shops for a replacement for his sandals that broke in the way back from the lake. I was amazed at the changes here. So much development and new roads; meant that Pokhara was almost unrecognizable. We had dinner in a good Chinese Restaurant. The food was cheaper then the beer. The Chow Mein was ok as was the Gorka beer. 350rs ($3.50) seems to be the going rate here; with the price of drink and food rising further up the mountain. I had a good nights rest and a long breakfast with Keith a Brit who has spent a lot of time in the Indian Sub Continent. We spent an hour or more swapping travelers tales until we left at 10:30am.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 05:55:35 +0000
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