Page 133 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Kathmandu a few days later. All in all, the
team cycled in excess of 500 km.
The team at Jomsom Airport (2,870m) for Phase 2 riding

…if there is heaven,

it has to be here…

It was soul destroying to see so many Phase Two Summary
people and houses affected. Despite being
more than eight to nine months since the Phase Two started after a few days’ rest On reflection, I felt extremely fortunate
disaster struck, not a lot of reconstruction in Pokhara. Luckily the weather in the to be able to lead such a dedicated group
work has taken place. The little children morning was surprisingly kind to us on this once in a lifetime trip. The Nepali
encouraged us along the way and when allowing us to take the short flight from people are very hospitable and resourceful.
we felt like giving up, the words “Namaste, Pokhara to Jomsom. We then spent the Although the earthquake has damaged
Bye, Bye” kept us pushing towards our day acclimatising and touring the local the country, it hasn’t broken their
destination. area. The following day, we started our spirit, resilience and the will to survive
journey from Jomsom towards Tatopani even in times of such devastation and
One of the biggest morale boosters was via the picturesque Marpha (the apple hardship, exacerbated by the blockade.
food, which our chefs expertly prepared backyard of Nepal). Cycling in the Jomsom The country’s natural beauty is simply
for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The and lower Mustang valley was completely incomparable. This is the second time I
expedition was supported by Gurkha different from Phase One as the terrain have trekked/cycled in Nepal and each
Adventures Private Limited. The proprietor, and weather were in complete contrast. It time it has cemented my belief that if
Mr Khil Thapa, ex Queen’s Gurkha was much colder, windy and the ground there is heaven, it has to be here. Human
Engineers, currently based in Thamel. downhill or flat as we followed the Kali spirit is also remarkable and what makes
Despite the scarcity of fuel, gas and Gandaki River on our way back to Beni. something possible even in the face of
commodities, the provision of support We spent time taking a dip in the famous adversity, is the desire to succeed, aided by
was simply brilliant. The evenings were hot spring at Tatopani and cycled from values and beliefs instilled in them. This
enjoyable too, as we would sit round a Tatopani to Beni the following day. Once is possible when you have like-minded
campfire, singing songs and discussing the we arrived in Beni, we then travelled back individuals with you.
day’s ride. Needless to say, we didn’t lack to Pokhara by road before heading back to
any talent in the group especially when
we have Khadak Chhetri on the flute,
Pramod Rai and Ajit Gurung both on the
guitar and vocal. The singing duo of Anil
Gurung and Dugendra Tamang was also
unbeatable.

Once in Pokhara, we took the opportunity
to visit the Gurkha Memorial Museum,
British Gurkhas Pokhara, Area Welfare
Centre Kaski, Residential Home Kaski
and Peace Stupa. It was especially
enlightening and heart warming to
witness the roles these organisations play
for the benefit of our serving and retired
Gurkha servicemen and their families.
At the finish point – Beni, Myagdi

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