18-02-2018, Siddhartha Rajmarg, District Syangja, Gandaki Zone, Nepal:

The highways here are not that bad although there are potholes at regular intervals and repair work is in progress. The flora here reminds me of Palampur and Dharampur (Mandi) region in Himachal Pradesh. The road we have taken is the Siddhartha Rajmarg – the first road built in Nepal with help from India, connecting India with Pokhara and Kathmandu. The road is broad enough for two vehicles to pass each other, but with some skill and precision. However, as one moves further north, the road gets narrower. All the villages in this part of Nepal are well connected by a sort of ambulance road. Many of the roads have been cut out by the villagers themselves and are now awaiting to be laden with tarmac.

Traveling is not cheap here, including public transport which are mostly run by private operators. Two wheelers are in abundance and are widely used by people of all ages to commute. I believe the reason for this is that four wheelers are highly priced, with a Maruti 800 costing somewhere around 17,00,000 Nepalese Rupees, and that’s why I have only managed to spot a few four wheelers ever since I came to Nepal. The government however does give some subsidy on farm equipment and vehicles for use in farms.

I am really looking forward to get a feel of the city life in Nepal as Pokhara is the second largest city of Nepal.

A good seat with a view on the bus to Pokhara; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Aandhi Khola river weaving through the Nepal mountains; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

The wide basin of the Aandhi Khola river at Syangja, Nepal; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Women selling oranges near Syangja, which is famous for producing these juicy fruits in Nepal; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal