70.27 Nepal: Kalabang visit via the mountains, temples and lake, part-2, completion.

  This concludes our 2-day overnight visit to Kalabang via the various temples and villages across the mountains overlooking Fewa Lake below and the Annapurna Range across the way plus the many local sights along the journey. 

Jen returning as she heads down to Shanti, situate to the right. The approach is from the left.
Flora power 'waves' to Jen as she continues down the steep slope and steps.
Views from height are invariably good; this one was superb.
Probably the highest point of the hike with steps thrown in for good measure.
On the ridge passing through villages, we head to the Buddha Icon in the distance. The route follows the ridge.
A view down below from the ridge.
Jen heads for dinner...it's called 'working for food'.
A youthful Buddha relaxes while Jen struggles to reach the icon.
From the temple, we notice where the locals like to enjoy a meal on a weekend outing.
When Lord Shiva travels, invariably on a cruise ship, he prefers to have a presence of himself in some form at the temple during his absence.
The price of eating food with the hands on a hike is calculated as 'egg-on-the-face', hard-boiled, of course.
An elderly woman has precedent for a pose with Lord Buddha.
Down below is a smallholding which is some 3,000 feet above the lake.
Following the ladies' performance, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will sing a song to Shiva as they bid him a relaxing cruise. While some might sing for their supper, others are more than happy to sing for a Coke (across the way).
One of us was fortunate to spot this rare species in the bush close to sunset. It is a very attractive but rather shy creature that tends to enjoy the outdoors but prefers to sleep indoors. Go figure!
As we return to the town, the water makes a dam(n) wonderful impression.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

The basket's purpose (or case) on the tree is as yet, unknown.
This was a tough negotiation with young Atira, a delightful and nearly independent girl of 16 months. We paid 'top dollar' (rupee) for the cabbage which she reluctantly released. Proud Mom, the proprietor, watches closely.

70.26 Nepal: Rupakot Resort, reaching over 3,000 feet (part 2), with video.

  This is part-2 of the second climb and return from the luxury resort of Rupakot. It's in a beautiful position atop a mountain and surrounded by very little but the natural elements. While we love the climb and return, staying there is a little outside what one expects from Nepal. To be plain, we prefer the ordinary life rather than luxury. It somehow does not fit with the culture of the country.

  Actually, after completing this intense climb, any relaxation following such an experience can be considered luxury. To paraphrase Jen's sentiments, the effort expended each day on trails and the adventure in general, have proved to be a daily blessing. 

As we commence, the sun has not influenced life at ground level, yet.
Walking down a steep mile to reach the bridge in order that we can reverse our direction upwards. Nature is not always considerate.
Machupachare is ghost-like in the distance. Not a bad sight to view each day.
Part of the Annapurna also in view.
More mountain but the bridge in view providing perspective.
We reach a position at which we are able to view Begnas Lake.
Jen just crossed the bridge on return and climbing steeply, for a change. Rupakot Resort sits on the mountain at rear.
Looking through another beautiful Nepalese blossom tree.

A good perspective of the bridge across Rupakot Lake.

From the patio of the resort, we view both lakes, Rupakot (left) and Begnas.
A view of the bridge through the telephoto from the patio.

Below is a video of some of the highlights, including Jen's partial path to the peak. It was a wonderful experience, yet again, as we changed direction and did something different from the previous occasion. 

To watch the video, follow instructions and ensure you press the 'full screen button', the square icon.

 

70.25 Nepal: Twin Towers above Kristi with emphasis on the flora and steps.

  This hike was another vist to the towers at the peak, another tough but rewarding day. We have included a video pasted at the end which shows the magnificent coloring enjoyed during this early, spring period. A number of photographs show Jenni in the climbing stages, many steps, as well as the beautiful flora scenes. Heck, what's not to like (love) and enjoy. It was a cloudy day and so the fabulous Himalayas took the day to rest from continuous showing off. No matter how often we view the range, one cannot tire of them. 

The twin towers in the distance as seen from the halfway stage.
Jen hangs on at the final climb, admittedly, a rather dangerous position.
A classic position while climbing the steps.
We found this stunning. We've seen these trees over the region.
Someone is not that happy following a typical stiff climb.
The previous week we hiked to Buddha Park, to the left of the hotel (white building) and past it, at the horizon. On the right, looking through the branches, is Shiva Temple, a midpoint.
A view from near the peak of the river below.
Could not resist another showing.
As well as part of the City of Pokhara.
A little more color near the peak...mustard seeds. This is a very high-positioned terrace which cover a sizeable portion of the land.
Below is a video of some of the highlights, including Jen's partial path to the peak. It was a wonderful experience, yet again, as we changed direction and did a loop, somewhat different from the previous occasion. To watch the video, follow instructions and ensure you press the 'full screen button', the square icon. Unfortunately, I 'lost' the music so it will be a quiet 2 minutes.

 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

70.24 Nepal: A Brief (very) introduction of two magnificent but tough hikes...Rupakot Resort at Begnas Lake, and Sarangkot Tower via Methlang. (A day-in-between.)

Section: 1...Sarangkot hike. 

Love it.
After 1.25 hours, Jen enters Methlang (bottom of photo.) heading for a visit to our 'breakfast friends'. After departing from the restaurant, we have near on 2 hours climb to Sarangkot Tower. It sits on the peak in the background. Notice the 'big' mountain to its right. (By the way, we view the tower on the peak from our bedroom...will show a photograph another time.)
  To reach Sarangkot Tower from Lakeside, one must climb at least 2,900 feet. However, there are places when one has to drop-down, therefore, losing elevation, and having to regain it later. This adds another 300 feet at least, making a net gain of 3,200 feet. Of course, there are many routes that one can take so the numbers will vary depending on the selected path. 

  We enjoyed a wonderful day on this tiring climb (ask Jen) and tricky descent. Our route, briefly, began at our front door near Lakeside, heading up through the jungle to Methlang (an indirect hike). Thereafter, we cut across the hills toward and through the villages and approached the peak from the east. The walk (climbs?) through the villages is one of our favorite types of hiking, particularly in Nepal. Upon reaching the peak and after enjoying a rest, we headed down south passing through other villages and entered a jungle. Actually, the day was spectacular. I found that I could hardly rest as I was excited just being there and feeling alive. The day was enhanced further by the interactions with friends made and others who have their own charm, never forgetting the kids who are most entertaining. They keep us young(ish). 

Lake, city, island temple, and mountains served on a platter.
Approaching the tower from the east.
Distractions along the route. Spot the trunk (trees), not the elephant though, that comes later.
Jen climbs the steps on the latter part of the hike to the Tower. At rear is where we commenced the second part of the hike, that is, in Methlang.
We arrived at last, visiting the Sarangkot Tower and Ganesh Idol or idle elephants.
Section 2: Hike up to Rupakot Lake and Resort in Begnas. 

The bridge crosses Rupakot Lake, the Annapurna Range creates a border.
Jen climbs and climbs and appears to be going round the bend of the tree trunk. Lake below.
Another section of the Annapurna. The villages have spectacular views of the range.
Jen stands before the bridge and contemplates her options...to swim, walk, or turn around. She settles to keep her cap on her head.
From the Rupakot Resort patio, the telephoto brings in a small section of the bridge and lake below. 

  Jen stands on the patio after a 3,000 feet elevation day (the balance still to come). For a woman who could not even walk during October and part of November, I stand before her in amazement and wonder. I also hope she'll carry me over the tricky parts that await us. In front of her is Begnastal (lake). On her left, is Rupakot Lake (left hand points to it).
Earlier, a typical day on the stones, rocks, sand and steps.
At last, standing and feeling like a million Rupees on the patio of the Resort. It truly is a wonderful feeling after quite an effort.
Jen returning from Rupakot Resort which sits atop the mountain in the rear. One can make out the buildings at the top of the photo'. We cross over three mountains to reach the summit.
Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

A little early evening treat from the Himalayas.