Travel Nepal 3 - Pokhara

Captivating view of river, mountains and villages on the way to Pokhara, Nepal

Road trip to Pokhara about 200 km from Katmandu was a nightmare. The road was simply horrendous - badly paved, narrow, dusty, winding and jammed with heavy vehicles both ways. It took more than 6 hours to reach our destination, the Shangri-la Village Resort. For those who plan to go to Pokhara by road (especially ladies), please be aware that you really have to empty your bladder first and refrain from drinking water. There is no toilet stop along the way! But God is merciful, the torturous journey was being compensated by stunning natural beauty of valleys, mountains, green rice fields, clear river, colourful villages and fantastic scenery.

The terraced-rice field where Hamlet restaurant is. On the way to Pokhara.

Having lunch at an open air restaurant, Hamlet restaurant,  in the midst of terraced-rice field. With Badri Nepal, our guide. 121012

On our way to Pokhara, we stopped at an open village restaurant a midst green rice field, the Hamlet restaurant, for lunch, prayer and toilet. The food was marvelous. The chapatti and vegetable massala were delicious that everyone consumed so much with enjoyment. Definitely I recommend this restaurant if you go that way.

From Shangri-la Village Resort restaurant, the Fishtail mountain could be seen even though blocked by trees.

The 5 senior ladies with Izan, the  petite pretty, young travel agent as the leader, in front of Shangri-la Village Resort, Pokhara. 

Shangri-la Village Resort was amazing. The restaurant served variety of breakfast and the Himalayan mountain range as the background although it was partly blocked by trees.
The most memorable visit in Pokhara was our early morning trip at 6.30 am to Sarangkot, a high lookout point for Himalayan sunrise and mountain range.. The walk up to the point from the parking bay for the bus was already exciting with fantastic valley view and dim, shadowy Himalayan Range.

Waiting for sunrise at Serangkot . 131012

Magical sunrise at Serangkot, Pokhara, Nepal. 131012

Low clouds at Serangkot

With Ramlah, my room-mate, at Serangkot. 131012

The valley  and the Himalayan mountains from Serangkot.

At Serangkot with Himalayan mountains as background. 131012

Fun senior ladies at Serangkot, Pokhara, Nepal.

Low clouds at the foot of Himalayan mountains make it look like lake. Taken from Serangkot.

Serangkot before sunrise 131012

With Badri Nepal, the guide throughout our tour, taken before the sunrise in Serangkot.

At the top, there were lots of people, tourists and locals, waiting for the sunrise. In my excitement to take photos, I left a strategic place which was soon occupied with people who waited for the sunrise patiently. When the first glow came out, all cameras were clicking and the sun rose slowly dispersing glow and colours across the sky. It was sheer magic. I managed to take a few shots in between standing people but I was happy. The mountain range was mysteriously beckoning especially the Fishtail and we were quite reluctant to leave.
After breakfast, our next visit was to the Tibetan Refugee camp. Since it was Saturday, the craft workshop was closed but the showroom was opened. Many of us bought Tibetan purses for souvenirs.

Davi's Fall, Pokhara 131012

Intimidating Davi's Fall at the background.

Next, a visit to Devi's Fall. A story was told that in 1961, a Swiss lady fell in the hole of the waterfall about 100 meters deep and her body was found 2 months later. The Fall was majestic but rather intimidating. The ladies, including me, spent some money there at the stalls for souvenirs.

Lake Phewa, Pokhara.

Boating at Lake Phewa, Pokhara

We left the Fall for an open boat ride at Phewa Lake. I was disappointed. I thought it would be a leisurely cruise in a roofed boat but no, an open one under hot sun.

Charmingly calm Lake Phewa (Fewa) 131012

I abandoned my intention to read a story book while cruising.
I have never done 4 hours of straight shopping in my travels. In fact, shopping was never my favourite activity. I am more into exploring new places and activities. I guess group influence pulled down my defenses this time. The four ladies are great shoppers, walking endlessly at the lakeside shops. I was with them ending up picking unnecessary things but happily bought a birthday present for me - a birthstone pendant, yellow topaz, and a silver chain. I also bought a set of pretty dress for Rania and some other souvenirs. By 6 pm, my feet hurt and I wanted to sit and rest but the ladies still went on shoppimg and window shopping. Oh God.

Napalese traditional dance resembling the Sufi dance I saw in Egypt.

Traditional Napalese dinner.

We had a traditional Nepalese dinner with traditional Nepalese dances show. It was fun but we were tired and took leave at 9 pm to prepare for tedious road trip back to Katmandu.