Pokhara

Our local guide and driver were waiting for us and we headed into Pokhara, a much cleaner and more attractive city than Kathmandu.  

Our first stop was the interesting Ghurka Memorial Museum.  The museum celebrates the history of the Ghurkas, a proud Nepali regiment whose history dates from the 19th century Indian Uprising thru two world wars and today.  The Ghurkas fought for the British and Indian armies, and currently are part of the British army and Singapore police force. 

Next stop, we headed towards the beautiful Lakeside region.

And for a private row boat on Phewa Lake.   All of $9 for the boat and driver for 45 minutes. 

The temple on the island in the middle of the lake, popular with locals.

After our boat tour, we met our trekking guide Om and headed for a late lunch lake side.   A little reminiscent of Lahaina.

Great lunch.  Nepali Thali...

And my chicken masala.

Back outside after lunch, we picked up our porter Sumich and hit the road for the hour drive to our drop off point, just south of the town of Birethanti.

 Not exactly the smoothest road with lots of rough patches from erosion from the past summer's monsoons.

And off we go, with a 45 minute teaser trek to get us to our first lodge of the night.

The town of Birethanti.

And our first lodge of the trek, The Sanctuary Lodge.

And a great first night meal.

Delicious Nepali Mo-Mo's.