DAY 4 : NEPAL : Arughat (608m) - Soti Khola (700m) - 6 hour walk

　

        

The Manaslu Circuit is in northern Nepal and begins at the town of Arughat.

Our destination today was Soti Khola, a small town on the Budhi Gandaki River.

We walked out of Arughat at 8am.

We enjoyed seeing some of the shops, like this spice store, on our way out. Many of the mule trains head here from the north to collect supplies as Arughat is a main trading centre.

Women grinding wheat manually.

We were soon in farming country - a farmer harvesting wheat.

A farmer and family ploughing a field.

A traditional house in this area - with room for animals on the first floor and living area for families on the first floor.

This mud-rendered house is immediately recognisable as the home of a Chitwan Brahman, a high-caste Hindu.

There were several banyan trees along the route, known as Pipal trees, and famous for the type of tree that Buddha sat under when he received enlightenment. Stone seats (chautara) have been built around them for passers-by and locals to sit under. Glenis adjusted her shoes and was instantly a centre of interest for the locals.

It was holiday time so we saw children out playing with simple handmade toys.

Carrom - simple board game, popular among the locals.

Then we began walking down the Budhi Gandaki River. There is the distant view of Ganesh Himal peak.

We had to cross suspension bridges - recently replacing more unstable wooden constructions.

Porter entering our campsite at Soti Khola, followed by a piglet.

All manner of baby animals at this campsite, including very inquisitive kids.

Tents set up quickly. Kitchen staff work out of a shed usually attached to the campsite or adjoining tea house - or pitch their own tent if not available. Luxury - our own toilet tent!

M&M
mm_smith@bigpond.net.au