DAY 40 - BUTWAL/POKHARA We arose early and, after having to wake the hostel manager up in order to open the front foor, walked the short distance to the bus stand. From there, we climbed on to the 6am bus to Pokhara, relieved that we were finally on our way to our destination. The bus journey itself was very scenic, as one would expect from Nepal, magnificent hills dotted with village life rising up around us as we ascended. We were quickly reminded that it was ...

DAY 35 - RISHIKESH We spent our final day in Rishikesh relaxing as we had done the previous two, playing chess, reading, walking and eating, before catching a night train on to Varanasi, a journey which would eventually take around 21 hours after a couple of delays. Once again, however, we found the journey to be pretty enjoyable, appreciating the space, relative quiet and views that the carriages allowed us as we rolled along. I bought Coelho's 'The Alchemist' ...