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Showing posts from February, 2026

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

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  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 ...

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

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  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. ...

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

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  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...

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.)

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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 indirec...