We left Tatopani heading down the road to Ghar Khola. After one police checkpoint, we found the bridge we were meant to cross...and it looked sketchy. Some of the metal planks were severely warped. Maybe large rocks from the cliff above had landed there? Not only that, but said planks were also precariously held in place with one of four bolts. On top of all this, the bridge was leaning noticibly to the right. We walked gingerly to the left to try to add some balance. Not even five minutes after this crossing came our second bridge. This one appeared to have been built in another century. Part suspension bridge, part wood plank. We walked carefully again aiming our steps towards anything looking reinforced or not rotten. Both were exhilarating enough to make us thrilled to be on solid ground.
The trail was steep. It was one of those days that kicked your ass while kicking your ass.
Jungle heat - check
Humidity - yep
Walking uphill for hours - doubly check
"...the correct trail almost invariably leads uphill," is what our guide book stated (or warned). Obviously it was bound to be a tough day. We were awarded several times with cloud bonuses (credit Bridget Feider) that helped provide relief from the hot sun.
In total we hiked for just over 6 hours. The trail wound through town after town. It was about time we saw a forest again too. Kevin mentioned how he missed being in the woods and I had to agree. Our eyes were starved for the color green. The change in scenery made us giddy. Each town seemed happier than the last. Much of the hike took us through rhododendron forest. This area has eight different species varying from a more bush like plant to a full on flowering tree. Good timing on our part made it so we were in this forest while it was in bloom.
Ghorepani was the town we called it quits at for the day. We started hours before on a steep rock staircase and a rock staircase is what led us into town and the foot of our hotel. Basically we were stair climbing all day. With mutual sighs of relief we dropped our packs and sat on our beds. The Snow View lodge was just right. We ordered Dal Bhat and called it a night. Dal Bhat is the only dish you get seconds on, so if you have a big day, that is what you order.
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