After our not too bad bus ride experience from Kathmandu to Bakhtapur, we thought we could make it to Nagarkot via public transport too, but not so simple this time.
What happen was, we manage to board the right bus at the station and that was when there were still space to stand (not seated ok), both Julie and I squeezed ourselves in at a space next to the window behind driver's seat. We stood in the bus and waited patiently, 15, 30, 40min past, still there is no sign of the driver; but people are continuing to fill up the bus, there was almost no space for us to breath! Finally Julie and I agree with one another that if the bus do not move by 2pm (conversation was made 15mins prior), we'll take a cab. Well, at least we try! Expectedly, we took a cab, the ride up from Bakhtapur took only about 35 to 40mins.
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| the valley was no doubt very pretty |
We did not make any room booking before departing from Kathmandu, as we were told that there should have a lot of rooms available since most people make day trip to Nagarkot and usually do not stay overnight. We could have trek up to Nagarkot by foot, it was such a waste when our travel dates clashes with festival and it cost too much to hire a guide and a taxi.
I think it was due to the tiring bus experience from Kathmandu, at that time all we want was to just have a room to shower, rest and have our lunch. That was how we ended up at the Galaxy View hostel after enquiring our first hostel which did not have water.
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| Galaxy view hostel |
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| There was a few foreign volunteers hosting a group of children from orphanage, other wise the hostel will be so quiet |
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| The delicious fried rice at the Galaxy view hostel |
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Hot lemon tea
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After lunch, we had a quick chat with one of the hostel staff where he told us where we should be going to get the best view of the mountains, and he was also trying to promote the sunrise tour for us, fortunately Julie said no need, other wise I might fall for the trap...
After politely told the hostel staff that we will stick around hostel view, we left the hostel lobby area, and went up to the 2 view points behind our 1 night hostel room.
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| Hotel view voint that has the best view of the mountains in Nagarkot |
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| the beautiful sunset Julie and I witnessed that evening |
While it was icy cold outside, we thought we can warm ourselves with a hot shower, unfortunately to find out there isn't hot water cos sun's already down. That night I only rise myself with water.
Nagarkot at night is extremely cold! Thankfully the room is warm enough for a good night sleep.
The next day, I got up at 6:00 am for the sunrise.
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| view from our hostel roof top |
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| since the hostel roof top don't have a full view of the mountain range, I walked a little further to another view point |
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| sun slowly beaming into the Nepal world beautifully at approximately 6:20am |
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| my handsome fury boyfriend that watched the romantic sunrise with me that morning |
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| skies here during our visiting period (mid to end October) do not seems to be clear, as you can see, view weren't as clear |
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| patrolling eagles just above our head |
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| This must be those aeroview ride to see Everest |
After a very slow breakfast at the hostel, time to head back to Kathmandu again! This time we made it to take public transport all the way. Bus ride from Nagarkot to Bakhtapur took us approximately 1.5 hours compared to the 40min taxi ride. And Bakhtapur to Kathmandu approximately 45mins.
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| Nagarkot bus stop - when the bus seats are filled up, people will start filing up the bus roof |
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| local kids in the bus |
Julie and I initially wanted to make a pit stop around Bakhtapur, but somehow after the 1.5 hours bus ride down from Nagarkot, we decided to head straight back to Kathmandu.
When arrive at Kathmandu around mid day, and there we had a little drama with our hostel booking with Khangsar where one of the junior inexperience reception staff missed out our 2 nights room booking! Anyway, after some little wait we then were told by one of the senior staff who return from his long festival break that fortunately he manage to sort out a room for us at a nearby hostel in Thamel. I have to say it is really not a nice experience to have found out that your room is taken and is to move to another place. We were initially quite upset with the missed, however were thankful that things got sorted out.
The last 2 days was spent pretty much slow, lots of sitting down, we did some final shopping before flying home the next day. What a way to end a holiday, everything seems moving very slowly.
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| Last dhal bhat taken at Kathmandu |
Our 2-week Nepal trip ended here, it was a memorial one, there were lots to bring home with us, and hopefully soon we'll return. I'm looking forward to our come back to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).
