Nepal Trek 10: Tadapani – Banthanti – Deurali – Ghorepani

We awoke to a beautiful day in stark contrast to the previous day’s weather and thus ate breakfast outdoors facing the scenery. After a good breakfast (I had oat porridge with honey) involving us eating peanut butter from the jar (mm…. peanut butter…) we packed up to get on the road again. There was a certain either-or game… but that’ll remain between us.

After a initial forest downslope reminiscent of yesterday, it changed to a long ridge that then went to a river. Passing through Banthanti, it was a steady uphill trek along the river among the flowers (“lali grass” was what the guide said of one type of flower/grass). This was one of the prettiest stretches along this entire trek and was to us, one of the highlights. Coming in April, you get to see the mountains, and you get to see the rhododendrons.

We arrived at Deurali (a different one from the Chomrong – MBC one) at the Deurali Guest House and Restaurant at around 1045hrs (left Tadapani at 0840hrs). It was a touristy area catering the the tour groups that come by for the short trek, with many trinkets laid out for souvenirs and plenty of middle-aged to elderly Caucasians. Just before we reached it, our porter Yek pulled out an orchid and was smelling it throughout our lunchtime break… it was an interesting sight.

A tabby cat discovered its predatory instincts, stalked and tried to pounce on the chicken that was its equal in size. It failed miserably. Hahaha.

It was cold up there once we stopped moving so we pulled on our jackets. Afterwards, we headed for about 1/2 an hour of uphill and then entered a misty up-down region. It was really surreal, as though we were walking through a ghostly region. My toes were killing me on the long downslopes and I was relieved when we finally reached Lower Ghorepani, and then took 10 min to walk up to Hotel Snowland.

I wholeheartedly recommend Hotel Snowland. It’s located close to Poon Hill and was one of the best rooms around, with single beds, double rooms, carpeting, great view, hot showers, a heater downstairs, and all for a mere Rs200 for 2 double rooms. That’s ridiculously cheap for guesthouse standards. Chandra booked our rooms 2 days ago from Chomrong.

The rain passed and we had an excellent view; though my sunset shot attempt was foiled by clouds floating across the peak.