Pokhara 11/11/08

48 hours at this idyllic lakeside tourist ghetto. We have decided to eat only things that were not available on the trek. Within 3 hours of arriving here, we had consumed a pina colada, a black russian, a glass of red wine, a steak and a slice of tiramisu. Deep joy.

So we left Kag Beni and took about a week to get down here, the highlights were Marpha, Tukuche & Dana - the lowlights being the road construction that is taking place on this side of the pass. The day we arrived at Dana, saw us leave in the cold, surrounded by potato & corn growing areas, to arrive in a place with limes, oranges, bougainvilea, tree tomatoes, hibiscus and frangipani. Only I think in the Himalaya could this be possible? We loved Marpha & Tukuche, traditional whitewashed Thakali villages with intricate wood carved windows and doors. We had been reading 'Annapurna' by Herzog, the story of the conquest of the first 8000 m peak, he had been based in Tukuche which gave it added poignancy. Dhaulagiri dominated the first few days as we entered the worlds deepest gorge, and then Annapurna South took centre stage. After 5 weeks away we decided not to make the trip to the basecamp - we've clocked up over 200 miles, including many ups and downs, and our heavy packs are taking their toll! But it has been a brilliant start to our extended break, and yet again Nepal has come up with the goods.

TOP 5
Going over Thorung La
Seeing Lo Manthang for the 1st time
Hot shower after Mustanf trek
Being blessed by the Lama at Precken Monasery
Our room with a view in Upper Pisang

WORST 5
Muktinath shower- came out dirtier than I went in
Dodgy 'swiss rosti' in Jomson, causing a sound & light show.
Flushing a 'Western style' toilet only to find it wasnt connected, wet tevas
Being eaten alive day 1
Trekkers in lycra - lets just say it wasnt only the menu where you saw steamed momos.