Himalayan Odyssey(17)

Thursday, 18th October, 2007

Because we were told that we would fly out at 9am we are up and packed ready for breakfast by 7:30am. It is a brilliantly clear day so everyone expects the flights to be on time. Of course - we don't know what conditions are like in Kathmandu. After waiting a while the lodge Didi tells us that Kathmandu is fogged in.

So we waited (and waited ...) at the lodge until eventually, just before midday, we are told to make our way to the Airport (this is about a 150m walk). While waiting we had watched some of the planes landing and taking off on the short airstrip.

Plane landing at Lukla

Plane taking off at Lukla

One pilot left his touchdown a little late and used all of the strip plus the turnaround area at the top to be able to stop before ploughing into the concrete wall which stops the planes from coming into our hotel.

Eventually our flight leaves at 13:05 arriving in Kathmandu with no dramas around 13:40. Since we had previously agreed and arranged that we would go to Bhaktapur for a few days - where Barry's friend Tulsi lives - he (Barry) has to contact Tulsi to let him know that we have arrived and need to know how to get to Bhaktapur. The deal turns out to be that we are to wait for Bimhal - Tulsi's son - to meet up with us. Barry and Dominic had to go down to the main gateway to the airport to meet up with him otherwise he would not be allowed into the area. Eventually the three of them come back - Shirley and I had been minding the bags - and arrange a mini-bus to take us to the Bhaktapur Guest House which is owned by Tulsi's uncle.

The trip out was uneventful but the guest house is at the top of a hill and we have to walk up because the mini-bus can't make it up the steep, rough track with a full load.

The guest house is a large modernish complex generally used for conferences and as a training venue. It is currently empty and we have good clean rooms over the dining room. There is electric light, hot water any time for the en-suite shower, and even TV - what luxury!

After getting settled in Bimhal takes us to meet up with his father and sister Tripti at their house which is just behind the guest house. They are a very nice family and very friendly. Barry and Shirley met Tulsi when he was at the ANU in Canberra while Bimhal and Tripti were only about 5/6 years old. Since Bimhal is now about 17/18 that puts it at about 12 years ago.

(Dominic) Tulsi, Bimhal and Tripti at the house near Bhaktapur

Tomorrow Tulsi is going to take us up to the Shiva (Hindu) Temple which is a bit further up the hill behind the guest house.

Being so far away from the main road it is very quiet and peaceful up here at the guest house - a total contrast to the noise and confusion of Kathmandu which is only about 45 minutes drive away.

The rest of our gear is still at the Yanki Hotel in Thamel so we plan to pick it up tomorrow. I also want to go into the Thai Air Line office to see if I can get an earlier flight back to Australia - there is no point in me hanging around here. If I can get back earlier Pat and I might get away elsewhere for a few days before I have to go back to work.