Day 17 Jagat to Dharapani 15th July 2009

Our bed room

It rained all night yesterday till about 0500hrs… It was cold even with my socks on and base layer pants and sarong… Woke up about 3 plus due to the cold and couldn’t go back into deep sleep later… Finally woke up at about 0645hrs to have shower and get ready for the 3rd day of trekking.


Tibetan bread and egg

The clothes we washed yesterday wasn’t dry but we still wore it since it will be wet later on when we start our walk.. Packed up and went down for breakfast, half boiled egg became hard boiled egg with Tibetan bread (like poori but thicker).

I was sooo scared of the walk… as Rahul said it will be much tedious than yesterday… Still with all our energy we took our bags and left the cosy Mont Blanc Hotel at about 0830hrs. As it rained yesterday so the morning is gloomy and cooling.. Good for us to walk faster and conserve energy… We walked about 1 hr stopped for about 15mins at a lodge with the view of a waterfall, after about 5 mins we saw Lars and his guide with another 2 female tourists coming our way..Chatted to him a bit and continued our journey. Eventhough we left first they still caught up with us … Wahahah they all seems to be veterans…


The mountain goats we saw on the way


Lars,myself and Ramli


at a waterfall

Walk and walk and walk up hill about 45mins non stop… Ahhh my knees are giving way and my calfs are aching… Help me please!! Endured and walked till about 1230hrs, finally arriving Tal, Manang for our lunch.. Had Egg fried rice rested till about 1400hrs we left first, but again they caught up with us… Wahahahha …. Along the way the sky was getting clearer and we could see the blue skies… There is some waterfalls along the way and also Marijuana fields… When we refered to the map then we realized it I also stated on it.. Kekekek as the leaves are still “young” so no one is plucking it yet… Maybe another few more weeks I think it will all be gone. But the weird thing is seems that no one is looking after it as they are growing wildly and not in a fenced up area…

Todays walk is a little easier then yesterday due to the cool weather compared to sunshine yesterday.. But todays climb have so many uphills, both myself and Ramli’s knees just ache like mad…


Crossing a suspended bridge..


Ramli's turn to cross


please dont JUMP!!


waiting ..


thru the corn fields

At about 1630hrs we could see Dharapani village, 1860m abv sea level and I felt super relief, walked pass many hotels but didn’t seem to stop at any. Stopped finally but was to check in at the trekkers check point.. After about another 30mins walk than finally we arrived at Kangaroo Guesthouse… Check in the room and went to take our shower and wash the clothes… Today we stayed with Lars and the other 2 female tourists, haven’t make friend with them yet so didn’t know their names… The room is just simple with 2 small beds but clean…

Ordered our dinner, I’m having spaghetti tuna and Ramli waiwai Maggie… He didn’t know what to have so opted for Maggie… Not much adventure today but we crossed 3 cabled bridges… That was an experience..

Our legs are all aching real bad… Luckily we bought “yokoyoko” from home … applied and hopefully we will feel better for tomorrow’s more arduous walk up to Chame at 2670m….

Day 16 Bhulbhule to Jagat 14th July 2009

Break Fast


Everest Guest House .. Ramli and Me




Backyard of Everest Guest House

Morning started with breakfast, cheese omelet for Ramli and pancake with honey for me.. Got ready and waited for our clothes to soak in the final sunlight before we leave… My heart was thumping as I’m afraid I couldn’t make it for the trek…


View of Pisang Peak

After leaving Hotel Everest, walked about 15 mins to the view of Pisang peak. Snow capped peak from a far. Wow beautiful and not to forget the fantastic sunny weather today.. Clear blue skies… The first 2 hrs of the trek was good, passing a few villages took pictures with the locals, especially the children as we handed sweets to them one by one..Their innocent faces and smile just makes our day…Met a “speedy Gonzales”(little boy from Lachung village) look a like boy here..So cute and shy…kekekek


strong, small and stout..


with my shades... Cool


The whole geng ..

After the 3rd hr which is about 1130hrs, my shoulders is aching and I am panting like “sh*&t*… Im so going to die I thought to myself, trying my bests all the way to maintain the pace… Another 2 hours Rahul said we will stop for lunch… My bag maybe weighing about 8 – 10 kg and I know Ramli’s is much heavier with laptop etc… Finally arrived at the lunch stop at about 1300hrs, phew what a relief for me… a long rest finally !!! Ordered our lunch Dhalbhat which is cooked from scratch so took about 1 hr.. Yahoo I thought longer rest… We took off our shoes to let our shoes and socks cool down from the hot sun…

While resting saw baby ducklings passing heading for the puddle of water up front… chicks following the hen strolling around the streets and finally took shelter near the place we were seating… the villagers was just seating around and doing their own stuffs or doing nothing and staring into space…

Ramli knew that my bag was quite a burden for me so asked me to give him some of the things to put in his bag, I didn’t want to burden him too much but he kept asking for more.. In the end my bag was quite empty… Ermmm

Lunch was ready about 1345hrs, nice Dhal bhat with mint chilli… Yummmy When lunch was finished I knew the time to move on is near.. I actually dreaded this moment cause im so tired already and same time also felt like a BIG LOSER… Wahahahha so swallow whatever thoughts we left and continue with another 4-5 hrs of walking …


A desk and some plastic bottles


village kids brushing their teeth

We walked about 45mins or so and arrived at a small river, seems no one wanted to take out their shoes to cross.. Rahul tried crossing first but failed and got his shoes all soaked in water as the current was strong and the rocks wasn’t high enough to pass the water level… After Ramli tried with Rahul trying to help put some rocks in for us to pass with ease… He tried while Ramli attempted to cross but the rock wasn’t big and stable enough so Ramli’s right leg went into the water and soak his socks and shoes all wet, he got fed up.. So just walked pass the river no more trying to keep his shoes dry since one side already soaked… Keekke I was last so when I saw this situation I decided that I wanted to take out my shoes and cross barefooted.. I rather take the trouble to wear my socks and shoes again and not wanting to have my shoes and socks soaked…. Wahahahah Rahul was telling Ramli that women sometimes are so smart, they stand behind, monitor tthe situation before making any moves… He ask if he could pour a bottle of water in my shoes so I will be like them.. No way I said!! Wahahahah

The road after here is all up hill and I hate it!! Kept panting and panting and after about 1 hr we rested at a food stall for a while and met 4 guys who was carrying a big load on their heads… They rested for lunch and was getting ready to move off … We looked and asked Rahul what they are carrying as one of the man have a big huge baggage with him… After he asked, we were really shocked. One of them is carrying 4inch super single mattress x 5 pcs .and the other 4 is carrying wooden planks size like for a single bed… They are sending to the hotel at Pisang… One of the places we will stop by maybe on the 4th or 5th day… Rahul spoke with the guy and found out they need 7 days to arrive at Pisang and they just left Bhulbhule today.. Still have another 6 days or so to go… Me and Ramli really really salute the locals there… Is really amazing what they can carry. We also saw a man carrying a desk with plastic bottles on his head… My good ness… How do they do it? Made me more determine to complete today …

After about 2 hrs of walking, we pass a junction where the government is doing some blasting to build roads and clearing for hydro power station .This was it … We had to climb a steep hill with blasted stones for about 30 mins to get over the ridge to the other side.. Die liao this time… After passing the critical blasting sites, I turned and realize Ramli and Rahul was quite a far distance behind me.. Hmmm than saw that Ramli was panting very hard. Ish must be the super heavy bag.. I feel so bad bad bad …. Rested for a while continued uphill.. Ramli had to stop at the tip cause his calfs, tighs and ankles all cramped… Alamak… Kesian my dear husband… Rahul kept asking us to continue walking cause over the ridge about 1hr we will arrive at the hotel… Ramli still having his cramps and we rested at a hotel café for while and Rahul offered to carry Ramli’s bag and let Ramli carry his small bag. So off we went slowly but surely looking forward to arrive at the hotel..

Passing the trail to the hotel, Rahul showed us some wild cannibis or marijuana!! Wahhh seems no one pluck any yet… Is the season now Rahul said but said the villagers aren’t interested… What a waste I guess is any “fans” would get to know… Quite a lot of the it around that area… Kkekeeekke

About 45 mins later we finally arrived at the hotel.. Must be huge relief for Ramli… Finally!! He lepak at the benches at the courtyard of the hotel.. Another cosy and nice place… Especially the courtyard, you can see the views of the mountains from here … We rested for a while took our showers and washed whatever we need to wash.. .And again waited for dinner, tuna pizza and veg + egg fried rice with mint tea again…

After the nice dinner we sat for a little chat and it started raining heavily so we retired to our rooms to have a early night as tomorrow according to Rahul is more tedious then today as we need to climb upwards and arrive at our destination for tomorrow Manang which is about 1800km+ above sea level.. Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
Hoping for good weather and energy to walk…

Day 15 Thamel, Nepal to Bulbhule 13th July 2009

Trekking Starts

0613hrs the sun is right up in the sky, got up and checked if the undergarments and socks we washed is dried? Hmmm seems the under garments is drying up nicely but the socks seems hopeless..

0700hrs Rahul came and gave us a morning wake up call and send our laundry which was all crisp and smelling good yahoo !! Clean clothes finally and costs NRP175 for 3.5kgs, this is cheap.. about SGD4.00, packed up and headed downstairs to meet him and go to the bus station by taxi.


A man trying to push up a big sack with his head...

When we arrived at the bus station to take the bus to Besisahar which is the starting point of the trek to our first stop Bhulbhule. There was a van taxi awaiting for a few more passengers before they could go so just nice the 3 of us came and almost fill up the van. Met Lars from Holland with his guide whom is also going for trekking, chatted with him for little. He is 21 yrs studying medicine and have 5 weeks of for his summer holidays. Will spend this time in Nepal and after will meet up his girlfriend at Delhi to explore North India than head back home.. The journey was about 5 hours to Besisahar and as per normal with so many stops on the way to fill up the van. There was once the van already full but they still took in another 2 persons. A Nepali lady in Sari had to stand beside me than after about 10s she pushed my legs awaying asking to let her sit.. Hmmm beside me there is another lady how can I spare seat for you… Hmmm never mind la squeeze lor… and she keep moving my tighs so she could seat down..Wah lau this is afirst… After about 10mins they got down at their village… Phew relief!!

Bus finally pulled up at our starting point, Rahul have to check in for us at the trekking check point. While we prepare ourselves for the start of our trek.. Carried our bags and was excited!!


River on the way




the blonde twins...


this lady volunteered for a picture


Village men ploughing the land with their buffalos


the grumpy twins


taking a breather

During the 3 hours trek we had to take off our shoes twice to cross a mini river. And true enough we met children from the village and gave them some sweets and took some lovely pictures with them.. . As the trails are all well marked and even jeeps can pass thru.. Hmmm But the mountainous views is fantastic as weather was good today… We started at about 1414hrs and arrived at Bhulbhule at about 1715hrs, Rahul went and checked us in at the trekking post and we went to the hotel for the night… Hotel Everrest… Very nice and cosy place with a communal toilet and shower. The hotel is well maintained and clean..




Dinner!!

We rested for awhile and took our showers, washed whatever we need to wash and waited for dinner… Tuna with Macaroni, Tuna with Fried noodles and Mint Tea…The mint leafs was freshly picked from the garden… Woooo nice..

Dinner was good, chatted with Rahul about Nepali ghosts, about his job, about discovery channel and shared with him what ever we know and he did the same… About 2200hrs we retired to await the next day for a whole day of trekking… Ishhh daunting for me..

Day 14 Thamel, Nepal 12th July 2009

Finally morning... the local bus ride for the whole 17hrs!!!

The bus drove all night, all our cramp legs, feet is looking forward for the arrival in Kathmandu. We didn’t have any food the whole night as we weren’t sure what they serve and me I have no appetite to eat cause the bus journey was quite an “experience” for me..And for Ramli his long legs just couldn’t fit the space properly. I feel so bad for him but all thru the journey he kept telling me all is fine.

During the journey Ramli got to know a guide Rahul from Sikkim whom is also heading to Kathmandu for work. So he offered to be our guide since we are keen to go for trekking in Nepal. We didn’t spoke in detail until the bus finally stopped at about 0830hrs at a different bus terminal which was further away from Thamel. Luckily Rahul was there to inform us otherwise we would be lost in that place trying to get accommodation. He offered to bring us to the hotel he was staying in Thamel which costs Nrp500 and as he claims is clean and nice. We thought it was a good deal so we agreed. And shared a taxi with him into Thamel with his assistant guide whom is just a boy about 12 yrs or younger. He followed Rahul during this trip to learn the ropes to be a guide.


Toilet of the hotel


our messy room..
We arrived at Thamel about 15mins later and checked into the Hotel Hana. The room was clean and nice, with a clean toilet and also a balcony!! We took out the clothes we wanted to send to the laundry, finally!! And cleaned our bags which got real dirty when we put it in the lower cabin of the bus. Mine was all dusty but Ramli’s got a bit of mud on it… Yucks…

Rahul later came and showed us the map on where he would recommend us to go during this monsoon season. He recommended to go on the Annarpurna Round trek which takes about 12 days in total. And we will pass the Thorung La pass at 5400m abv sea level, when Ramli heard he got all excited. So now about the price, he told we just need to pay him guide fee at USD20/day and the food and lodging is excluded. He said the food is about Nrp200/pax and the lodging about Nrp150-250/double room. We made some calculation with the bus ride we need to take to the starting point and than the return car and bus ride from Jomsom to Pokhara. Ramli made the calculations and total costs for the 12 days is about USD510, hmm that is a good price as compared to Yumesamdong and Yumthang valley for 3D2N we paid USD300.. Eventhough I have my doubts as no matter what we only met him during the bus ride, but since Ramli trusted him as he is quite knowledgeable and can speak a few different language. We agreed to have him as our guide will start out trekking tomorrow and gave our photos and passport copies to apply for the trekking permit.

While he was doing that, we went for a shower finally!! Than went out to explore Thamel and their outdoor shops as Izar and Irma kept telling us they have plenty and ask to be careful as we might “overshop”.. First stop was to the money changer to get more Nepalese Rupess for the trekking trip and some minor shopping.. Next was the provision shop to get some stuff for dinner, wai wai Maggie and ayam brand canned chilli tuna.. Not forgetting the chocolates to boost our energy during the trek.. Walked around the place and true enough they have so many outdoor trekking shops and loads of stuffs which just catches our eye… since we are not returning home soon we had to get the appropriate things only. Went in search of hats, for Ramli a quick drying t-shirt and for me the Punjabi look a like pants which Irma bought for me 1 pair when they visited earlier this year.. Izar and Irma as you can imagine how “controlled” we were knowing what Thamel have!! Ish we are just controlling ourselves so much, fingers, hands, leg, head all itchy to get something!! But before that we need to get some food to fill our growling stomachs… Went into some restaurant selling all sorts of food, Ramli ordered a Dhal Bhat and myself Veg and Egg Fried rice with a side dish vegetable spring roll and 2 diet cokes. The quantity of rice they serve is humungous!! But both of us manage to finish it but had trouble with the spring roll as we expected to tbe small finger food but it turned up to be huge and 4 pcs… Had to tapao the last one as I really cant stuff it in.. Total costs about NPR395 that’s not bad for such a big meal.


streets of Thamel







super big spring roll


Ramli's Dhal Bhat


My Egg Fried Rice


Hehehe feels fresh



Just next door there is a internet café, so headed in to check our mails, FB and to update the blog.. Ramli managed to chat with our “missing” friends our dearest Mr Izar on msn … After I had to call Mr Hari to arrange to meet up to pass photos and some school funds for his kids from Izar and Irma.. Hari was the porter with them when they visited Nepal earlier… So spoke with him and made arrangement to meet at our hotel at 5pm..

After went shopping!!! We got a “Columbia” and “north face” hat for NRP450 after a lot of haggling which some shops couldn’t agree to.. And Ramli a Lowe Alpine quick dry shirt at NRP1300 which is said to be genuine.. Hopefully it is and works as the tag says.. Than round we went trying to remember every corner we turn so we wont get lost as we didn’t take down the hotel address and for Ramli worst! He cant remember the hotel name, talking about excited… Wahahahha So my turn to find my pants, at first it was 1 than I needed another 1… Kekekke couldn’t help it la.. Its so cheap!!! 1 is NRP200 and other is NRP400… “finish” our shopping and went explore the rest of Thamel… We were impress with the outdoor shops but weren’t impress with some of the restaurants and café they have here… Is too over the top, some cafes look like scenes from Paris and some are so proper and neat which we think should be catering to the needs of those luxury tourists… Near our hotel they even have a striptease dance club, hmmmmm

Anyway time came for us to get back to the hotel as Hari has sent us an sms to inform he had arrived. Finally got to see him in person chat with him a bit and pass the things I had to give.. Asked him advise on the trekking we agreed to and he told us is expensive as normal price is about USD15/day and cautioned us to make sure this Rahul guy has the trekking guide license as he worried we might get cheated and he might “loose” us during the trek which is very dangerous… I thought maybe USD15/day is what the travel companies pay to the guides direct and what Rahul quoted is marked up a bit for his profit which I think was alright. But I’m worried about the trekking guide license. As Hari’s home is 17km away from Thamel and he needs to rush home for dinner we ended our conversation and he offered to bring us for dinner the next day or before we leave Kathmandu and bring us around for some sightseeing. Will keep in contact with him..

Went to our rooms then Rahul came and gave us our trekking permit and ask for some advance for the guide fee. Ramli gave him USD100 and asked him if he could show us his trekking guide license. My heart was thumping so hard as Im afraid that I would hear he doesn’t have one. But he took it out from his pocket and showed to us than we were relieved, phew!! So he went thru the things we need for this trek and offered to bring us to get our walking sticks just next door. So we spend another NRP1500 for a pair and headed back to the room when he told us that his assistant guide will not be coming with us as he have some knee problem and need to go back to Sikkim the same night.. My goodness another 17hours ride to the border!! We felt extreme pity for him but we guessed this is what they are used to…

So now no assistant there isn’t anyone to help us carry our 15kgs and 20kgs bag..How siah??? I told Ramli seriously I know I cant do it even though Rahul offered to carry my bag if I couldn’t make it, but I think is too much for him and what if Ramli also have trouble… hmmm. As the trek is ending at Pokhara which is also near to the border to pass over to India which we could enter into Varanasi to continue our India journey, it is a bit troublesome for us to leave the bags at the hotel and come back again to Kathmandu to pick it up… We think and think and think and decided that leaving our bags at Kathmandu is the best option as we don’t want to burden ourselves or Rahul with the weight and not able to enjoy the scenery cause we are just too exhausted to look.. Anyway we haven’t explore Thamel thoroughly and haven’t even visited the sights..

Than we started sorting out what we need to bring what we don’t need to bring and packed those unwanted in the cargo bag. And sametime hoping that our laundry will be done by tomorrow morning otherwise we will be in “trouble”.. Rahul told us to also buy some packets of sweets or toffee for the trek to give to the children in the villages, so we went out again to get the sweets and water and headed back to the room to cook dinner.

Cooked whatever was left of the rice from Darjeeling and cooked the Maggie… Ate the rice with the canned tuna and the last of our he bee hiam!!! No more!!!! Enjoyed our dinner while watching tv than after got to sleep for the next big day!