Pokhara is located approximately 6/7 hours by bus (always with “Mountain Overland“).. This place does not really have any beautiful things to see, but its hippy aspect carries a certain charm, and there are lots of nice activities to do..beginning with the famous 10 day trek like the Anapurnas trail among others.. Given the weather forecast, I had to content myself with a few days of trekking with a guide, and sleeping at night at the locals house, and then in a the Australian camp refuge in mountains with a fantastic view over the snowy summits..
Trekking..
A beautiful experience, rather particular, and difficult physically (Strangely enough, I suffered vertigo, and height sickness ) But I have a lot of good memories of this walk through the sublime landscapes.. I learnt a lot about Nepalese culture by discussing it with my guide during these few days of the trek, even though for 3 days straight he tried to convince me to marry him… Slightly annoying I have to admit, especially seen as i was alone with him during the whole excursion, as there were no other backpackers … So there was no escape hahaha
In short, except these few setbacks with my Nepalese admirer, sleeping with this family which welcomed me warmly into their home, sharing their meals with me on the floor in the corner by the fire, eating food with our fingers, and communicating even if we did not speak the same language, also showed me just how different our worlds our, and enlightened me to the harsh reality of these Nepalese who have hardly any electricity, and live in an archaic way, and in great poverty.
And for those who are interested in a trek (Anapurnnas, Manaslus, Everest, know that you need a licence that can be more or less expensive according to the destination of the trek, a carrier per person, and an experienced and competent sherpa /guide. More information with a specialist of treks here.
Not such a Women’s place ..
It is also important to realize that in Nepal, the treatment and view of woman is shocking, and more than ancestral.. It is truly terrible.. They do not exist legally without the authorization of men.. So basically a woman has real no value, she is given away at a very young age to the person who asks for her hand in marriage, and having been forced to marry, the girl will share the rest of her life with the husbands family, between working in the fields (reserved for the women), cooking, and the education of the children..
Often beaten and neglected, they are not allowed to speak of course. So naturally when a white and unmarried girl arrives in Nepal alone, it is a complete mystery, and culture shock to a lot of people.. And throughout my journey I had to justify myself, and sometimes raise my voice to enforce my point in front of men, who are used to being obeyed by women who owe them submission.. In short, that was sometimes a big challenge, but also a good exercise for me.
Wandering in Pokhara ..
- Lakeside..
After my ballad in the mountains, I spent several days in Pokhara, in the “new friendly home” a guesthouse situated at the ” lakeside “.. Rather Spartan like, and without hot water, but unbeatable prices, my small bedroom was sufficient. And especially, having slept in a hut without heating, with my hat on, and 3 pairs of socks in a straw bed during my trek, it was rather a big luxury;) My plan for these few days by the Pokhara kaje ; horse riding, shopping, paragliding, and finally a flight over the valley in a tiny motored plane, and more shopping.Absolutely awesome, a couple days filled with emotions;-)
- From the sky ..
Paragliding.. we jump in tandem from the “Sarengkot” hill.. I prefer the morning, from 10 am because the visibility is better, and the view of mountains is clear.. A brilliant experience even if I was a little afraid when it came to jumping off the cliff, and my stomach did not appreciate the acrobatic tricks that my partner performed just before landing (I fell on him prior to this so naturally he wanted payback;-) I screamed the place down but it felt good.
Small plane.. I also went very early in the morning at 6am. The view was just magnificent.
- In town
Shopping.. There are a thousand temptations in Pokhara because we are surrounded with shops and sellers of Nepalese or Tibetan crafts.. We can find everything, Tibetan bowls, medallions, traditional objects, jewels, incense, woolen jumpers, hats, baggy trousers etc… And you can negotiate everything. But it remains an excellent place for bargains and we can really indulge ourselves..
Massage.. To relax, sooth aching muscles and strains after a long walk, visit “Seing Hands”.. It is a massage parlor that uses only blind masseuses. I love this concept, and the massages were exceptional. The masseuse that I had, felt exactly the knots and pains on my body, with an infallible precision. I absolutely recommend this place to you…
Food.. There is a very large choice of restaurants at the Lakeside, with lots of small places that were cheap and very nice , excellent cafes, like the Buddha café, and the freedom café at the end of the lakeside. The black and white cafe that was just opposite my guesthouse also served good meals. In short, there is something for everyone And finally, as a little spot luxury does not hurt anyone, I was able to find my “usual” in the Fish tail lodge, time for a dreamlike breakfast with an exceptional view. It is in fact a luxury hotel which is in the middle of the lake, we have access to it by boat.. I went there very early in the morning, enjoyed my pancakes by savoring the view of the lake and the mountains.. And it is named after the famous Fish tail mountain which you can see from the lodge 😉
Ten days later, I returned to Kathmandu to enjoy Thamel and its so special atmosphere, and of course to get some more souvenirs, even though it was not really necessary because I had already filled my bag in Pokhara, but I couldn’t resist, and left with a Tibetan wooden door, woolen socks, tea, spices, jewelry, basically 20 kg more in luggage… And after a last visit to my beloved Monkey temple to give me some last good vibes, I returned to Paris in complete Zen mode, with a smile from ear to ear, and lots and lots of amazing memories and souvenirs. I had found my happiness again…
Namasté …
More post about Nepal here :
Translation @Natalya Paupe
Picture : me + my iphone
