A man on foot or a bicycle will see more in one mile than the motorized tourist can in a hundred miles.

Leg 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 20 / May 16 – Kathmandu to Benighat

The first two days in KTM I spent searching for a new tyre. Everybody in KTM uses MTB cycles, and finding a tyre for hybrid cycle is difficult. I finally managed to get a fairly good used one at Himalayan Single Track. A big thanks to Julian for servicing the cycle too.

The following seven days were spent exploring KTM’s cultural and historic landmarks. In a few days, I’ll write a separate post about things to do and see in KTM.

I started early from KTM and made it to Benighat before suffering another puncture. Fortunately, a hotel was close by. Although certain sections of the Prithvi highway were under repair and expansion, the journey was otherwise enjoyable. It was mostly rolling terrain.

The resort has many activities like zipline, sky cycle, rafting, etc., which I wanted to do, but an hour after checking in, there was a huge thunderstorm and so I had to cancel the plans.

Distance: 79.71 km
Elevation: 810 m
Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Hotel: Trishuli River Side Resort
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7150937311

Day 21 / May 17 – Benighat to Bandipur

I got going a little later than I intended because the thunderstorm the night before had caused landslides and uprooted trees which were been cleared.

It was rolling terrain without much tree cover, so it was hot, dusty and tiring. Also got caught up in a number of victory rallies of winners of the local municipal elections which slowed down the ride.

Along the way visited the Manakamana temple. Getting to the top of the mountain where the temple is situated involves taking a cable car ride. The wait line to get into the cable car was nearly an hour long.

Distance: 57.91 km
Elevation: 830 m
Time: 9 hours
Hotel: Marshyangdi River View Resort
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7157218016

Day 23 / May 19 – Bandipur to Pokhara

Stayed an extra day at the resort to rest, then left for Pokhara the next day. Similar terrain to the previous route, hot and dry, and lacking tree cover. I reached Pokhara around 4pm.

Distance: 76.18 km
Elevation: 1,201 m
Time: 9 hours
Hotel: Tristar
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7168129120