Travelogy Aria: Himalaya 2009 : Syabrubesi (1430m)

Syabrubesi, the last village reachable by vehicle on the Langtang Himal region, is settled at 1,430m altitude. A small village that provides basic lodging for the trekkers before the get 'lost' out of civilization.

This village has approximately 20 hostel and lodging, ranging from NR30 (Rp.5,000) to NR200 (Rp.30,000) per night room only. For food, the Daal Bhat, a local diet, cost you about NR100 (Rp.15,000) to NR150 (Rp.22,500). Hot ice lemon tea costs NR100 (Rp.15,000) and a mineral water bottle tagged at NR30 (Rp.4,500). An internet cafe using dial-up radio telephone is also available and charge you NR125 (Rp.18,750) per hour.

Syabrubesi can be reached by public bus (operating daily from Kathmandu central bus station, departing every 7:00AM) costs NR240 (Rp.36,000) or using a private jeep which costs normally NR4,000 (Rp.600,000). The drive will take normally 8h30 until 10hrs for 168km distance, depending on the weather.

The terrain is an off-road environment. The paved road from Kathmandu reached up to Trishuli Bazaar, the first 68km of the journey, the rest is just so called 'road' with occasional waterfall cuts the way, and landslides!

I stayed at Buddha Hotel. The room was basic but it has a nice shared toilet and hot shower! and electricity to charge my camera's batteries, before the great trek begins. In the first floor, there's a restaurant where all the guests are served meals for breakfast and dinner. This village is the last place with electricity, so I have to be really wise to deal with it.

Rhododendron flowers

My bus

Afternoon time, before 4pm the bus arrived (thank God!) after some severe ordeals have to be encountered along the way. The temperature shows 10C, and the drizzle begins to moist the valley.

I spent the afternoon walking around the valley, talking with the villagers and admired the Rhododendron flowers over the sunset. A plate of Daal Bhat and hot Nepali tea wrapped up my day. A good sleep is required before the great journey begins, tomorrow morning to Pairo (Landslide Village - 1,800m) and Lama Hotel (2,300m), where I spotted a small place called the Shangri-la.