"Nepal Ride"
The Unfortunate Journey
Incomplete Route, filled with memories of thrills, the unknown, and unparalleled experiences along the way.
The Intro
Nepal had long held a spot on my bucket list, patiently waiting for the perfect time and the ideal companion to embark on this adventure.
Fate introduced me to Sadab Reza, a fellow travel and bike enthusiast, and the idea of riding through Nepal struck a chord with him. With a shared enthusiasm, we decided to make it happen, and on November 19, 2022, our journey kicked off.
First Impression on Nepal
hoosing the convenient option of a direct flight with Visa on arrival for Bangladeshis, we landed in Kathmandu after a brief 1.5-hour flight. Expecting a more budget-friendly experience than back home, we were surprised to find Nepal's costs, from hotels to food, to be higher on average. Evening sightseeing plans were disrupted as most shops and places closed after 6 pm—a detail we hadn't anticipated.
Impressed by the disciplined traffic system that contributed to a significant reduction in noise pollution compared to Dhaka, we roamed the city streets. Post 8 pm, Kathmandu transformed into a serene and nearly empty cityscape. Surprisingly, we also discovered popular Bangladeshi products like Pran Potato and Pathao making their mark in Nepal.
The Nepal Ride
Our first task was to rent bikes for our adventure, but the steep import tax rates in Nepal made rentals more expensive than expected. Undeterred, we opted for the Bajaj Pulsar 220F. Our destination was Lower Mustang, known for its challenging hilly roads and adventure.
Before reaching Lower Mustang, we explored various places, contending with the poorly conditioned roads that added an extra layer of difficulty to our ride.
Places Visited:
The Exploration
Our journey took us to Chitwan, a haven of forests and rivers, followed by Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha—an awe-inspiring site rich in culture and history. We then ventured to Pokhara, renowned for its mountains and lakes, attracting tourists from far and wide.
The Unexpected Trun
The real challenge began in Pokhara, the starting point for our Lower Mustang ride. Despite having our permissions and bikes ready, I fell severely ill, succumbing to a high fever.
Undeterred, we managed to cover 80 km that day, enduring the toughest ride of my life—fever, treacherous roads, and unpalatable food all playing their part. We reached Beni, just 20 km away from our Lower Mustang destination, where my health took a nosedive.
The Fever
For three agonizing days, I battled sickness in Beni, unable to summon the strength to leave my bed. The roads had taken a toll, the food didn't agree with me, and my fever refused to subside
Upon returning to Pokhara, I sought medical attention, only to discover I had contracted dengue, with my platelet count dangerously low. Devastated, I had no choice but to end the tour and spend three more days recuperating, gathering enough strength to return to my homeland.
The End
It was a nightmarish experience, finding myself in a dire situation far from home, but my travel companion, Sadab, proved to be a pillar of support throughout."