Pokhara and above

Known as the “second city” in Nepal, Pokhara is simply beautiful.  Surrounded by mountains and situated on placid Pehwa Tal (lake), the magnificent Annapurna peaks dominate in the distance.  It’s quiet, peaceful, and is the starting point for the famous 18-21 day Annapurna Circuit trek.  The lake looks inviting enough for a dip, perhaps when the weather is a little warmer.  The nights are cold, but it is still a warm 78F when the sun is out.  A string of guesthouses, restaurants, and shops runs along the lake, just conveniently enough.  Most of the restaurants amusingly offer identical fare – Indian, Nepali, steaks, Italian, and

Mexican from one menu…  We were a bit skeptical of the steak, but the big chunk of tender beef, served with vegetables, fries, and a drink for $4 was a steal.  And the pasta with salad and “garlic bread” was ok for a little over $2.

Nearby Sarangkot occupies a prime spot over Pokhara below.  Not only can you hike up, but also it’s a great place jump off the mountain and paraglide.  So we put the fear of heights aside and signed up for the next morning.  What a thrill it was to glide through the air and spiral up the mountainside afternoon thermals, only to be deposited several hundred feet higher in the 7000 ft clouds!  The cold wind rushed through and you could even smell and taste the moisture. While soaring with the Griffin vultures, kites, and eagles, we rode the thermals over several mountaintops with views of Phewa Tal and the Annapurnas.  Hoping to catch one last ride up, the thermal broke up, so we were headed down. The tandem instructor performed a few acrobatics on the way down to a perfect landing.  The hour felt even shorter than the mountain flight a few days before.  I’m already calculating whether I can afford another jump.