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| Kali Gandaki river bed |
The first part of Annapurna circuit trek logically ends at
Muktinath. It involved climbing up the Marsyandi valley from Besisahar and cross
Thorung La to reach Muktinath in Kali Gandaki valley. While this took 10 days
the other half involved climbing down the Kali Gandaki valley to Naya Phul. The
second half needs about 7-8 days.
Muktinath. It involved climbing up the Marsyandi valley from Besisahar and cross
Thorung La to reach Muktinath in Kali Gandaki valley. While this took 10 days
the other half involved climbing down the Kali Gandaki valley to Naya Phul. The
second half needs about 7-8 days.
But this has changed with road construction along Kali
Gandaki valley. Less number of people prefer walking on this stretch. There are
few detours but most of the time one has to walk along on this dusty road
giving way to vehicles. Trekkers now have multiple options.
Gandaki valley. Less number of people prefer walking on this stretch. There are
few detours but most of the time one has to walk along on this dusty road
giving way to vehicles. Trekkers now have multiple options.
– Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. This is the
most favorite option for Indian pilgrims visiting Muktinath. It just takes 20
minutes from Jomsom to Muktinath on flight. But weather and winds at Jomsom are
unpredictable and flights cancellations are normal.
most favorite option for Indian pilgrims visiting Muktinath. It just takes 20
minutes from Jomsom to Muktinath on flight. But weather and winds at Jomsom are
unpredictable and flights cancellations are normal.
– Bus/Jeep from Jomsom to Beni. The distance
is about 120 km on extremely bad roads. It takes 7-10 hours depending upon the
mode and the vehicle. From Beni it is another 90 km to Pokhara which takes 3-4
hours. The roads are good.
is about 120 km on extremely bad roads. It takes 7-10 hours depending upon the
mode and the vehicle. From Beni it is another 90 km to Pokhara which takes 3-4
hours. The roads are good.
We took the road option. There was a direct bus to Beni that
departs Jomsom at 7AM. This was ideal for us else we had to change vehicles at
Ghasa and Tatopani which would elongate our journey time. We reserved our seats
on previous evening. The reservation counter and the bus stop are opposite to
Airport. Foreigners (including Indians) have to shell out more money for Bus
tickets.
departs Jomsom at 7AM. This was ideal for us else we had to change vehicles at
Ghasa and Tatopani which would elongate our journey time. We reserved our seats
on previous evening. The reservation counter and the bus stop are opposite to
Airport. Foreigners (including Indians) have to shell out more money for Bus
tickets.
It was one of the
most uncomfortable journey we had. The bus departed late (common in Nepal) and
moved slowly (bad roads). There was confusion in the seats as they allocated
same seats to multiple people!! Unfortunately it was our seat that was also
allocated to others but fortunately we had seated before them. Somehow the
conductor managed to adjust.
most uncomfortable journey we had. The bus departed late (common in Nepal) and
moved slowly (bad roads). There was confusion in the seats as they allocated
same seats to multiple people!! Unfortunately it was our seat that was also
allocated to others but fortunately we had seated before them. Somehow the
conductor managed to adjust.
At one place, a lady in the bus wanted to do some shopping
and the bus stopped for 10 minutes!! In another place we had to wait for a
passenger for 30 minutes. Twice we (and other trekkers) had to get down and
register ourselves at check post.
and the bus stopped for 10 minutes!! In another place we had to wait for a
passenger for 30 minutes. Twice we (and other trekkers) had to get down and
register ourselves at check post.
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| Goat being carried on Bus |
The only solace in this backbreaking and cramped travel was
the scenery around us. Waterfalls were numerous which kept was engaged for some
time.
the scenery around us. Waterfalls were numerous which kept was engaged for some
time.
Finally, at 3PM the bus pulled into the dusty streets of
Beni. This was the place that was
attacked and temporarily seized by thousands of Maoists in 2004. Things are
peaceful these days with Maoists in the Government.
Beni. This was the place that was
attacked and temporarily seized by thousands of Maoists in 2004. Things are
peaceful these days with Maoists in the Government.
On our arrival in Beni bus stand, we were ushered into
Pokhara bus by over enthusiastic bus agents. The bus was full and seemed to
move faster on asphalted roads. But
somewhere half the journey, the bus was partially full and the driver declared
that he would not continue until he gets more passengers!! With nothing to do,
we loitered in the streets hoping that the driver would find some passengers. It
was too much for an Australian gentleman who had endured this journey from
morning. He just got down and jumped into a Taxi that was going to Pokhara. The
fare quoted by Taxi driver was astronomical but he just did not care!!
Something in Pokhara was pulling him like a magnet!!
Pokhara bus by over enthusiastic bus agents. The bus was full and seemed to
move faster on asphalted roads. But
somewhere half the journey, the bus was partially full and the driver declared
that he would not continue until he gets more passengers!! With nothing to do,
we loitered in the streets hoping that the driver would find some passengers. It
was too much for an Australian gentleman who had endured this journey from
morning. He just got down and jumped into a Taxi that was going to Pokhara. The
fare quoted by Taxi driver was astronomical but he just did not care!!
Something in Pokhara was pulling him like a magnet!!
The driver’s effort was futile and he reluctantly continued to drive. It was 7:30PM when we landed in the bus stop of Pokhara. It was a long day. Crossing Thorung La was must easier than this bus journey.
ರಾಜೇಶ್ ನಾಯ್ಕ
It is a waterfalls show!
Vineeta Yashswi
Amazing…
Aravind GJ
Rajesh,
True. The lower reaches of the mountains in this part of Himalayas are "filled" with waterfalls 🙂
Vineeta,
Thanks.
Sebastian Chuter
Amazing information for our next travel. Backpackers love to see the stunning waterfalls from your country. We’ll visit Pokhara soon! – Gazebo and Bali Hut Super Store
Aravind GJ
Thanks Sebastian for your comments.