Discovering a Hidden Gem- Swinging Bridge of Pokhara

Yesterday I set out to cross a few more destinations off my "must see" list here in Pokhara, Nepal. The internet mentioned a biodiversity garden and I first stopped there. The garden itself was not much to see at all. I would have been disappointed to make the hour walk in the grueling sun except close to the garden was a great local swim area.

I spent some time watching the boys do dives. There were also a couple of girls watching and a woman bathing and washing her hair

A few younger boys were having the time of their life shooting down irrigation sluices

I next proceeded to visit a beautiful resort in Pokhara called Shangri-La Village. It is a 4 star hotel and the going rate is 11,000 NPR a night ($100). It is known for its spectacular gardens. So I asked for a tour on the pretext of staying there in the future (no way--out of the budget). I also had lunch there. I had Tibetan mo-mo's. Mo-mos are basically steamed dumplings with a choice of fillings and sauce for dipping. In the local shops 10 mo-mo are about $1.50. Here they were about $8. But the AC was a welcome respite from the day's heat and I enjoyed seeing the gardens.

A koi pond was one of the many features of the hotel gardens.

Also beautiful exotic flowers and foliage. 

It was still boiling hot out so I had to decide if I wanted to walk the extra half hour to an obscure place mentioned as a sight of Pokhara- the swinging bridge of Pokhara. I decided to go for it and used my umbrella as a sun parasol (a common practice in these parts).

My GPS took me further and further out of the city. I was soon walking through rice paddies and rural homes. Finally the paved road disappeared and I was going on faith along a pothole filled dirt road with no destination in sight and only a few motorcycles passing once in awhile.

If you have time to watch my discovery of the bridge on this vlog it will be well worth your time I think. Here it is:

A few photo highlights of the swinging bridge. Watch the vlog above for the best views.

You may ask how the two of us managed to pass each other? I had to crouch down and duck as the straw passed over me.

Water Buffalo luxuriating in the water

A selfie on the bridge: feeling lucky to find this beautiful place!

Close-up of the lovable water buffalo

A Shiva Lingam at the local temple set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Fewa and hills.