Nepal, day 3: Kathmandu to Phaplu

We drove 10 hours from Kathmandu to Phaplu in jeep with 9 people packed like sardines (it was’n too bad). Started the day at 4:30 picked-up by the driver near our apartment, left Chabahil Chowk around 5:30 AM and arrived in Phaplu around 3:30 PM.  Part of the road is quite scenic, along a river and then up out of the valley traversing steep slopes. No time to stop for pictures, only a short break for lunch at road-side restaurant. We parked for the night at a small hotel across the street from Phaplu airport (not good for the price, toilet outside). The following day we started walking towards higher ground – day one of trekking.

Nepal, day 1 & 2: Kathmandu, prep for the trek

We have one full day – two nights to prepare for the trek. Our apartment is in a small building between Sorhakhutte and Pakanajol, on the border with Thamel. We went by taxi to Chabahil bus stop to buy tickets for jeep to Phaplu, did some shopping and rested in a tourist cafe in Thamel, wondered around a bit. We got first view of snow-covered peaks, just before sunset. We start next morning at 3 am. Hope to have some internet connection on the trail.

Qatar, on the way to Nepal

It is a long trip to Kathmandu: ORD-DOH-KTM = 14820 km, 17:40 hrs flying time (13:15+4:25), 20:50 hrs on the way back. We are breaking-up the trip staying over-night in Doha in hotel on the west side of town. We arrived one hour late,  but still had time for a quick walk along the water front, Doha Corniche Promenade,  from the park by the sea and Museum of Islamic Art to Souq Waqif for dinner, walking around more after dinner. In retrospect, clean room, clean bathroom, shower with hot water, good food before life on the trail. We talked with friendly restaurant owner who posed for picture and we got the final push with free upgrade to business class on the flight to Khatmandu.

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