Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal

Flying to Pokara from Kathmandu is both cheap and fast but I'd have missed out on the scenery. But the 9- hour bus journey was hard on my backside. The tourist bus leaves from the terminus outside the US embassy, a good 20-minute stroll from the backpacker area. TIP: always opt for the tourist bus which is clearner and with more comfortable seats over the local buses.

To be honest, it was scary to travel by bus as it often skirted the edge of the ravine. Looking down the river below forced me to utter prayers  in rapid successions.

The main attraction in Pokhara is Phewa Lake.

Boating on the lake is a popular activitiy but I noticed that life vests were not provided. There is a tiny island in the middle of the lake with  a Hindu shrine popular with devotees.