A peaceful day

We had a good sleep in our comfortable room although I woke early as I tend to do when travelling. The weather was mild enough for us to enjoy breakfast outside.

Shanti Stupa, the Peace Pagoda

At 9.00 we were picked up by Dan for a morning of sightseeing. First we drove up a steep winding road to the parking area for the Peace Pagoda high above the city. From there it was 480 steps up to the Pagoda itself.

This is one of a number of Buddhist Peace Pagodas around the world, designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. It is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter.

The reward for our climb was a magnificent view over Pokhara to the Annapurna Range beyond. There were a few clouds but most of the time we could see Fishtail Mountain quite clearly.

The area surrounding the Pagoda has some beautiful flowers.

To climb the final steps we had to remove our shoes and observe a respectful silence. Circling the stupa in a clockwise direction we saw the three gold and blue niches which Dan told us feature key moments in the Buddha’s life.

On our way down we stopped in one of several simple cafes for an excellent coffee and more spectacular views. We chatted with Dan about his experiences guiding Himalayan treks, his brother who is also a guide being recognised in the Wanderlust awards, his elderly parents (still active and in good health at 85) and UK politics!

Fewa Lake

Back at the car we were driven to Lakeside and to one of several boat rental places by Fewa Lake. We spent a relaxing hour out on the water, enjoying the views, the reflections and the peaceful atmosphere.

We got back to the hotel a little before lunch time. After we’d eaten we spent an even more relaxing afternoon by the pool, with little gentle swimming, reading etc. The water was a bit chilly, you might even say bracing, but the pool so lovely that it would have been a shame not to go in. And the view from our loungers was very special, with the mountains as backdrop.

In the evening we went to the Med5 restaurant just down the road, by the lake, as I’d seen good reviews. We shared a mezzo platter, then Chris had pizza and I had vegetable kebabs. The food was good but we found it a little pricy by Nepalese standards.