After another beautiful morning sighting of the Annapurna Range and a hearty breakfast, it is time to get back on the trail.

This time we descend most of the way and reach Kande where we hop into a vehicle that drives us to our little motel in Sarangkot where we rest up for the next day’s adventure.

Sarangkot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu. It is also an ideal vantage point with expansive vistas of Pokhara city, spanning from the northern reaches to the southern shores of Phewa Lake. 

Like most other visitors, we too decided to come to Sarangkot to reach the summit and witness the enchanting sunrise from the viewpoint tower.

Before the break of dawn, we set out for the Sarangkot viewpoint, a short but steep climb. The sky gradually transforms from darkness to shades of pink and orange, and then the magic happens – the sun rises behind the majestic Annapurna mountains. It’s a sight that leaves me in awe, a moment I’ll treasure forever.

The adventure doesn’t end there. With our heart still racing from the sunrise spectacle, we gear up for tandem paragliding.

The take-off point at Mandre Dhunga is buzzing with other adventure seekers like us.

I am teamed up with Raj, who tethers me up to his hook and harness. I will admit that my heart is racing!

Taking off from Sarangkot, we soar like birds, feeling the wind against our faces. The adrenaline rush is exhilarating, and I can’t help but let out shrieks of joy. We even try a few wheelies in the sky, just for the thrill of it.

The 30-minute glide is at a height of 1788m (5866ft) and I get to take in an aerial view of the Fewa Lake, the Pokhara valley and the Himalayas around me. It is absolutely exhilarating.

Finally, we gracefully touch down in Pokhara, ending our paragliding escapade with laughter and high-fives. I am also feeling a little squeamish from all the wheelies up there. But it is worth every minute of it.

This journey from the Australian Base Camp to Sarangkot has taught me that life’s most exhilarating moments often come when we embrace the unknown and let adventure lead the way. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me, inspiring me to seek out new horizons and savor every thrilling moment the world has to offer.

Back at Pokhara Lakeside little did we know that our day was about to take an unexpected and joyous turn. It is Holi, the Festival of Lights.

As we stroll through the charming streets of Pokhara, our senses are suddenly bombarded with vibrant colors, laughter, and music.

Locals and fellow travelers alike are celebrating in grand style, and we find ourselves instantly swept up in the festivities.

Watch url https://youtu.be/yxCBj01CEvg

The streets of Pokhara transform into a dance floor, and we can’t resist the beat of music filling the air. Dancing alongside locals and fellow tourists, we feel the infectious energy of the celebration. The boundaries between strangers and friends blur as we move to the rhythm of the festivities.

As the sun sets on this unforgettable day, we reflect on this incredible journey and are reminded that travel is not just about the destinations we reach but also the people we meet and the unexpected experiences that make our adventures truly remarkable.

Thank you, Pokhara. You have been wonderful to me.