There is something magical in the mountains. There is something in the mountains in Nepal that talks to your soul, heals your soul and frees your soul – even long after you have left.
Part of a G Adventures Nepal Adventure tour, we spent 3 days in the mountains and the 3 days was enough to convince me to go back in the near future. We took a very bumpy ride from Pokhara to our starting point of the trek, Naya Pul. I can honestly say that I did not know what to expect of the 3 days but I was excited. Our first day consisted of uphill trekking, passing the foothills of the Annapurna Region as well as a lot of baby goats and locals.
My first night on the trek was interesting to say the least. We stayed at Breeze Guest House and Restaurant in Ghandruk, surrounded by snow capped mountains and marigold flowers awaited us after a long day of trekking. I paid for a single supplementary and received a recently revamped room with 2 beds and personal bathroom. The rooms were clean and spacious. I ordered an ice cold beer on arrival, which stayed cold for a long time due to the coldness of the early evening. We ordered food from the on-site restaurant and they have a variety of vegetarian dishes as well. The food was really good and freshly prepared.
We had the option to buy Wi-Fi, which I did as it was my dad’s birthday and I really wanted to make that WhatsApp call. I was surprised that I can buy Wi-Fi but there is no hot water at the guest house. But, nonetheless, I decided that I am brave and I will attempt that cold shower. Never in my life have I been so cold that it felt that my teeth were chattering non stop. I wrapped myself in both beds bedding trying to warm up. I was the only one brave enough (if I can call it brave) to shower that night. Will I do it again? No way but I see it as part of the experience.
Day 2 we started the day with a rooftop sunrise, wrapped in bedding and my legs felt a bit sore due to all the uphill trekking the day before. Freshly prepared breakfast was available and some hot beverages. We ventured from Ghandruk to Landruk and made a stop at Jhinu Danda for a rest next to the river and a soak in the hot springs. We crossed the Jhinu Danda suspension bridge which is 287m long and 135m high with great views all around. We received a Khata (traditional ceremonial scarf) to write messages for our loved ones and hang it on the bridge which was a very symbolic experience.
On the 2nd day we passed a lot of donkeys (even on the suspension bridge) as this is one of the main transportation available to bring goods into the mountains. Every time I walked passed a friendly Sherpa; I was amazed by their friendliness, their strength and with the weight that they carry. The last hour was very hard for me – still uphill and my legs were tired. Our group was now broken up and I made friends with a baby goat while taking a break before I attempted the last 200m uphill.
Night 2 was spent at Maya Guesthouse and Restaurant in Landruk. The room was small but clean. Here we had the option to pay an extra fee for a warm shower, which most of us gladly paid. The bathrooms were communal and shared by everyone. Dinner was also on-site and delicious and we spent the night playing games in the restaurant section. There is also the option to buy Wi-Fi for your stay and both guest houses had bottles and filtered water available to purchase.
Day 3 started with some giant flapjacks followed with a short uphill trek before we would get mostly downhill. You would think it would be great at this time, but it is not – now you have a different muscle working while all the others are sore and tired. We stopped for a nice lunch and we trekked another few hours and ended at Kande where we boarded our bus to take us back to Pokhara to catch our paragliding trip which was organised by G Adventures as an optional activity.
Over the 3 days, according to my health app we walked 42km. At some stage you walk in a small group and during other stages, you walk by yourself. You have hours and hours by yourself with your own thoughts. Sometimes I did think I was crazy to do this walk as I felt my preparation was not enough. At times I would set goals for myself to reach certain points.
But it was all worth it. I learned more about myself. I have realized that I am capable of more than I believed I was. I was stronger than I thought I was. The experience also made me more grateful for what I had back at home, grateful for things we take for granted on a daily basis. In some way, Nepal and the mountains changed me and will forever have a piece in my heart.
Happy travels
Chrisyy