A Short Trek to Poonhill - DAY ONE
DAY ONE
We took a bus from Kathmandu on a Thursday afternoon after running all the necessary errands to crash in Pokhara by 11 pm which is very late given that there is no nightlife (Sad face). On the very day we started our always-limited-to-plans trip, warning struck us.
Never ever eat at a highway hotel without enquiring the rates first.
The wretched realization came to us only once we paid twice the price for a plates of fried fish. 'The Famous Malekhu Maccha' became almost metaphorical in our talks to aware ourselves about watching our pockets that time onward.
What more does a Kathmandu-ite wish for amidst the dusty forever under construction roads? Ah, Fresh air.
I would be lying if I tell you it was all fun. Inexperienced legs start giving up when the uphill climb commences from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri. It was only Day 1 and a monologue started in my head for taking an unwise decision coming here. It was defeated however, maybe due to nature calling because the sprinkles of rain washed away the fatigue and few cheery foreigners we came across inspired us in more ways than one. Each one of them at least knew the word ‘Namaste’. Seeing them savoring the landscapes and the hospitality, enjoying the diversity and the unity, it was difficult to contain my joy knowing how welcoming we Nepalese are. Pride swept over us.
One of the most worn out trails in our country, The Annapurna Circuit
appeals quite a number of tourists even during off season. According to the pre-research we did before setting off, I'm glad we did some; to our excitement it noted probable snowfall. We had never experienced one before, none among the six of us.
Following the suggestion of a friendly tourist guide who very humorously named his customer couple as Mama and Maiju, whom we met almost every day on the route, we skipped Ulleri and rather decided to stay the night at Banthati. Since on a budget, we tried bargaining our lungs off to settle at a fair enough deal. Amid the roar of noisy wind, a perfect full shaped moon, star studded sky, reds of rhododendrons still holding onto the green branches and the warmth of blankets, we wished each other Happy Valentine’s Day and dozed off.
