Mountain Stories – Nepal By Road
Day 4 Mahendra Nagar
to Bardiya - Nepal By Road
After leaving from Mahendra Nagar, we were all thrilled to experience this journey. We left the hotel after a good heavy breakfast by 8 am in the morning and heading towards Bardiya. The weather was pleasant and perfect for rides. We kept clicking pictures and took amazing videos while riding, I was pretty much excited to click these boys and managed to do so; Meanwhile, Pee Man aka Kiran vanish from the sight and left no trace. As we need to stop multiple times to track him; it was quite difficult for us to coordinate the ride. Finally, we all tied-up together and took hold of the situation; we got to know he often takes a Loo break, and then a small verbal tiff occurred between the boys Oouchh! We were expecting a good steady ride but ended up the other way; here’s what I learned is the virtues of acceptance and tolerance; when you are out for a long journey you completely lose your patience and composure at times, your mind works on a minimum frame and often ends up with some unwanted clash and misunderstandings. We all felt a bit heavy after this scrimmage session; riding with friends has its own share of fun and sticky situations at times. We continued riding and took a halt near Karnali - Chisapani Bridge confessed to each other and made things clear then and there, we couldn’t buy the fact for an hour also to hurt each other’s sentiment in any manner and no matter what. Travel exposes you to people from all walks of life, it shatters all your inhibitions and opens your heart #Friendshipwins. We clicked end number of pictures, overstuffing local berries, spent some genuinely good glee times with each other, enhanced our very exhausted self, and finally left with a jovial light heart. At times it’s good to take a small break; the Right direction is much more important than speed #PeeManStory.
We reached the entrance spot of Bardiya National Park by2 PM in the afternoon stopped by some forest officials for usual security checking purposes and instructing us to follow some guidelines while crossing the forest. Following a minimum speed limit of 20kmph, No honking while crossing the park, and you cannot stop in the middle of the forest no matter what; this made me a bit scared, and was wondering what’s coming up next. We started riding by following the guidelines and were pretty much excited too.
Experiencing the typical peaceful balmy and beautiful view; level crossing in the middle of this sojourn jungle. Few minutes into the park, and I could not resist lifting my camera to capture some amazing landscape that was covered with mist. It was quite fun riding on a restricted speed limit and witnessing nature and beauty in small things. Suddenly in the middle of the ride what I saw left me completely mesmerized and shook at the same time; a sense of alertness grips in. Two Wild majestic huge Tiger reveals itself and approaching towards us from the thick foliage. Glaring at me……. just feet away, my heart forever gripped; one of those spine chilling moments. They were supposed to cross the road is what I believe and was waiting for us to leave maybe. My excitement turns into a nightmare and I started jumping out of fear, but unfortunately, these boys couldn’t witness as they almost moved a few meters ahead from the spot safely. Later I felt luckiest among the crowd to experience this; It was the best jungle safari insight I ever had. Shiny orange coat with black stripes this wild hangover was still there with me till the time we reached Bardiya town.
What happens in Bardiya stays in Bardiya - “Why should boys have all the fun”
We started hunting for hotels to stay and caught up by some mesmerizing beautiful resorts on the way. There was a small one-room cottage hut amidst a forest; so we planned to stay there for the night. We got freshened up and all set for the rave; drain all our negative energies into some positive fun-time. There were some locals staying in the same resort and few beautiful ladies too…Ahem Ahem. All boys got perked up with joy, dressed up well, and all set in for the night, their excitement was on another level; but this town doesn’t roll that way…"Wink Wink". The family was quite happening and fun, made us join for some grooving session on Nepali and Bollywood songs. Our boys initiated and dragged me to accompany them; we ended up dancing and grooving like crazy it was amazing. Suddenly these ladies expressed their interest in taking this meet to a new level; her approach was a little more direct for me. My first response was to think “what’s happening here”…I hadn’t seen it coming at all. My second response was to think “I can’t believe someone is propositioning me in front of my husband… how awkward is that”. though I was very calm and handled the situation quite easily, I was more in a fun-gala mode. and the next, my boys came for my rescue with a shattered heart, and the world went on turning. What I remember is the next day morning with some predatory stares from my clan, hahaha.......I can feel for them. But just had this one thing to say, that this city was so beautiful and calm, so close to nature and wildlife; did not feel like leaving the town such was the peace that unfolded there.
Day 5 Bardiya to Lumbini - Nepal By Road
The next day without much delay we left for Lumbini and kept riding for almost 5 to 6 hrs continuously; we hardly had our Lunch throughout the journey. And we kept riding as we need to cover 263 km that day. While heading towards the mountain we encountered two huge scenic giant Rockies on the curve. What a picturesque location stunningly and the marvelous view from the top; we got insanely good shots it was awesome and scary at the same time as heavy vehicles were approaching towards the sharp turn.
We left from there within half n hour or so, It was closed to dark now and hardly 60 km left but seems like riding for ages but couldn’t reach the destination. As it was pitch dark not even a single street light was there; an open field hardly any human is seen, also very foggy with minimum visibility, and to make the situation worst it started raining there. In this difficult situation and state of uncertainty, we need to reach the destination as soon as possible; as zero visibility and approaching darkness can mess things here. We kept riding and hoping to cover the distance safely. All I could sense was the fear of darkness and some weird wild animals screaming out of nowhere; this made all of us scared a bit. Winter was at its peak and we were not able to find any town or local markets nearby as if this place was some primeval forest or something. After a few hours of courage and steady ride, we finally reached Lumbini Town and got the hotel to stay overnight; also a good small pub for boys to honor the night. Quite an eventual and challenging day for us; little we know what’s brewing next….
Day 6 Lumbini to Pokhara - Nepal By Road
The next morning we left a bit early as we need to explore this place Lumbini and reach Pokhara on the very same day. We left for the temple visit in the gloomy smoggy morning, to the birthplace of Buddha one of the holiest places and spiritual sites.
Inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar refers to the spot as the birthplace and is said that newly born Prince (Siddhartha) took his first seven steps and delivered his peace and humanity message here for the first time. Bodhi Tree covered with prayer flags situated next to the pond it was so mesmerizing, you can walk around the garden or find a peaceful meditative spot to contemplate; Mayadevi Pond is the place where Buddha’s Mother took bath before giving birth. You can spot beautiful Monasteries, admire the spectacular and diverse sandstone carving and architecture they showcase its pure divine. Catch Monks and Nuns performing a monastic chant that makes this place even more serene and tranquil; there is so much this place has to offer.
After this spiritual and unique experience, we left for another place hardly a few KMS away World Peace Pagoda – Lumbini Peace Stupa build by Japan represents peace and harmony.
We left a bit early from there as we need to reach Pokhra the very day and approaching towards the Mountains.
Mountains Mountains…..All I could see is those stunning also a scary sky-high-jagged peak; the entire Cliffside is engulfed with smog with a tantalizing valley view, love at first sight. It’s has become dusky now and we still need to cover a good distance so we kept riding; soon the view became coal-black its 100 times scarier than daylight crossing; my heart started pounding like a train on a track! These curves were never-ending; as I couldn’t witness any vehicles around just "Us" on those windy sharp bending roads on the mountains full of twists and turns “ZigZag-ZigZag”. Josh aka Eccentric Abba was leading here and I was accompanying him as a pillion. All I could sense is approaching the never-ending darkness and riding on guts, believe me, it was hell scary, the darkest night it seems, But soon we somewhere started connecting with the mountains; authentic pure, and powerful like something deeper. It’s as if being amidst of things greater than ourselves; like shut the world out. Somehow without trying, you are able to confront your demons and fears maybe it’s that dose of Fresh Mountain air or some sort of healing powers. I felt enormously better as if there is an energy that rebalances you; felt like more accepted now some sort of achievement and living the moment to the fullest calmer, and concord now. As if I have answered a long-overdue question to myself; fearless and least bothered what's coming on our way. This was my #MountainGirl moment; I left a piece of my heart in the mountains – or more accurately took a part of them with me.
I remember when we were hardly 10 km away nearing Pokhara It seems like a fairy tale, the view was spectacular from the top... We rode on an incredible and most amazing terrain; with the tears of Joy and pride rolling down my eyes...... "Yayyyeee," we made it. I was so proud and happy for each one of us especially the boys. Well-coordinated Ride/Immense conviction/Riding in proper sync; keeping each other’s back in that low vision/Riding Non-Stop - Josh, Kiran, Gautam, Rahul, Kenny, Nikhil & Mangesh; None of them stood back out of fear; it takes a lot of faith and fortitude to do so...
Pokhara City - Nepal By Road
Finally, we reached the famous Pokhara city and the hunt for Zostel started as it was a pre-planned venue. We reached Zostel freshened up and left for din-din dinner scenes to the nearby recommended Pub at Busy Bee Café. The Club was superb as said and the food was amazing too.
Forthcoming Final Blog on Rider Mania and Exploring Nepal; Homestretch Part 3
# ToBeContinued……..
Hi sunita, you have articulated it so nicely.... 👏🏼👏🏼 well done girl! Great job!! 😀
ReplyDeleteGlad...Thank You for Reading :)
DeleteVery good post about your road trip from Mumbai to Nepal. Nicely written. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteGlad...Thank You for Reading :)
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