Day 52 - Dhampus, Phedi, Pokhara (Annapurna Range, Nepal)

Day 52 – Hers.

We awoke early, feeling refreshed and again watched the sunrise over the mountains. From the balcony we could see 6 of the 7 major mountains of the Annapurna range.  Tek pointed out and named each one – we tried to remember – but I think I need to buy a map or guide to the region to get it to sink in.

Our last breakfast from the Annapurna set menu, group photos on the balcony, tips and goodbyes for our porters and Dennis – and then off for the last 2 hours to Phedi where our bus would pick us up.  About halfway down, we began to hear traffic noise – parp, parp, rev, rev – and with a sigh, resigned ourselves to rejoining civilisation. The forest disappeared, in its place terraced rice paddies, edged with soy beans.  Children in the little cottages, dressed in their uniforms ready for school, used water from pumps to smooth their hair.  One last surprise on the flora and fauna front – we saw a maple tree with leaves nearly as big as my umbrella – honestly, who knew things could grow that big?

So – for this trek – (at least at the end of September) – you do NOT need: puffer jacket (though I did wear my fleece one evening), woolly hat, gloves, thick socks.  You DO need: suncream, sun hat, a GOOD rain jacket, water, salt, a lot of toilet paper, and at least 2 quick drying bras, shirts (that cover your shoulders for modesty) and long shorts or trousers (that cover your knees for modesty). About twice the amount of money you first thought is also a good idea.....

Anyway – we finished our trek at a little stone bridge that crossed one last stream adjacent to the road.  Our minibus collected us with all of our gear – and took us back to our hotel in Pokhara.  We knew we had once again joined the main Nepalese highway when we had to overtake twenty colourful lorries and fifteen local buses (We saw a man actually climb out of one bus while it was moving to retrieve something from the roof rack and then climb back in...) all on a treacherously narrow, potholed and winding road halfway up a mountain.....

Back in Pokhara, we had a free afternoon.  I read, found an internet cafe and sat by the beautiful lake.  Action girl Tien, of course, had to fill it with something a bit more exciting so went paragliding. (Actually it sounded quite cool; I might try that sometime....)  Barry and Cindy, like me, chilled, did laundry, and got in touch with children, etc.....

Tek took us to a lovely restaurant by the lake for dinner – with another show of local dancers. (We recognised the songs this time and sang along to the ‘Song of the Mountains’.)  It was such a shame that we were nearly the only customers.... I am certain it will be full when peak season starts.