Up at 5.30 this morning to sort our hiking packs and get for what we come here for. Breakfast was at the hotel followed by real coffee at a cafe with Himalayan beans down the road. We left our suitcases and non hiking stuff at the Hotel Tara (along with passports) and then climbed into one of the two Mahindra 4wds that were waiting for us. Our group has now doubled with the porters now joining us. Bishnoo has paired up with me and will carry my pack for the journey. We were also joined with Dominqua and Ryan who we met at the Round House who will be with our group for the next three days or so.
It was an hour or so before we got to our first check point at Nayapul. Checkpoints are all along these routes as all trekkers are required to have permits. We had a masala tea here and continued on. The bitumen sooned turned to gravel and then to mud and rock and for most of the time single lane. It was rough but comfortable, with spectacular views. A Patrol or Landcruiser couldn't have done it, primarily as their horn isn't as loud as the Mahindra. Yes, even in the middle of nowhere, sideways in the mud on the edge of a steep cliff, a horn is still necessary. Because around every corner, someone could be coming the opposite way!
Another two hours or so we arrived at Banthanti where we had lunch at Fishtail Guest House. It was a thali meal with chicken curry, rice, roti, spinach and veg. I also grabbed a Mars bar for 300 rupees. Great views of the valley.
Then we finally got started on the trek. Ghorepani was our destination which is about 6km or so. Within about 500m we were met by goats and then not long after we spotted bee hives. What I think are vultures are often overhead. There are shops selling soft drinks, chips, beer, chocolates etc all along the track. We stopped about 3km in for a quick break and then made it to Ghorepani at about 4pm. There's another check point here which is manned by police.
We made our way to the Sunny Hotel where we had a room on the lower level. It's hostel style but my room has an ensuite but the hot water wasn't working: a quick visit to reception fixed it. The temperature here is a little cooler; 14 degrees compared to 25 in Pokhara. Our room has a cracked window frame so after the sun went down it got a lot colder!
The top floor is the dining room/restaurant which has a fridge full of beer and soft drink and a selection of wine, including Gossips from Australia. I opted for the beer. A fireplace surrounds the tables which makes it cosy. Our group played Uno (or Ek in Nepali) until the chicken curries arrived. Again, great food.
Going to be a cold night though! Beanie in bed I think. Note the tea houses and hotels supply bedding but your own sleeping bag and inflatable pillow is the way to go.
Today’s hike 6.2km/2hr28min/628m altitude gain, finishing the day at 2874m above sea level.
