Day 27 – Pokhara – T & G Travels

Wednesday 27th August, 2026

We opted for no breakfast this morning - coffee only Bus picked us up at 9:00am, drove to the Tibetan Refugee Village, and our tour leader telling us about the refugees that escaped from Tibet when China decided to take over ! Many left the country including the Dalai Lama, but they can not get citizenship in Nepal due to pressure from China, they cannot open a bank account, they cannot get a driver's licence, and cannot legally work in the country. Very tough !! Graeme bought a bracelet and the store owner made it to fit (length) while we waited.

Next stop was the Hindu Temple on top of the hill, where a blue statue of Sheva sat. We walked around and took in the views over the city of Pokhara and the lake. Very picturesque, on a clear day you can see snow capped Himalayan mountains on the horizon. Today was not a clear day !

Next stop was lunch next to the white stupa which was built by a Japanese Zen Monk to promote World Peace ! He aimed to build 7 or 8 stupas but only managed 2 before he died. Lunch was from a viewing deck over looking the city and lake as well - very picturesque.

After a peaceful quiet walk around the stupa, we hiked all the way down the hill to the lakeside where 3 boats were waiting to take us back to the Pokhara city centre. A very calm and peaceful row across the lake.

Tania and I then did another lap around the shopping street, back to the room around 17:00, rinsed our shirts, showered and early to bed.

Earlier today we first learnt about the flash flood that occurred near the Tibet / Nepal border which sent a current of water down the river through Nepal. There has been a huge loss of life and many people missing. Our tour guide was constantly seeking updates as it may impact our travels with road closures and flash flooding downstream. Apparently a huge chunk of glazier broke away causing a huge ice and rock slide, as well as melting glazier water which gathered into a huge lake until it broke its banks. Not good news and many of our friends reached out to make sure we were ok.