Day 9 - Bamboo to Jhinu (Hot Springs)

“Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul”
Democritus

We awake to another beautiful day in Nepal. Today we will hike to Jhinu which is where the famous hot springs are. Looking forward to relaxing in some hot water. Our travels will take use back through Sinuwa, Chhomrong then onto Jhinu. After breakfast we hit the trail at our usual 7AM start. We arrive in Sinawa by 9:30AM. We stop and have a bit of tea and enjoy the beautiful views which, will soon vanish from site as we hike out. Donna gets some coconut crunchees which have become sort of a staple treat for us ever since Ryan (our oldest son) and I had them on our last trek to Everest and Annapurna Circuit. On those treks every time we reached a summit Govinda, our guide, would have a few packs of them. They tasted so good so we continued to get them on this trek. 

Back on the trail

 Coconut Crunchees

Prayer Flags in Sinawa

Heading on we reach Chhomrong by 12:30PM and we stop at a German Bakery for some Apple Strudel and Chocolate Croissants. We then stop for lunch at the lodge we stayed at on our way up to ABC.  After lunch we eat some of the pastries we got at the bakery.  They are really good.

Chhomrong

Working the land

Store owner on the way into Chhomrong



Should have ridden one of these up to ABC

My future home

Steps on the way into Chhomrong

Beehive

Nice view of trail leading into Chhomrong 

German Bakery



Beans drying in the sun

Wonder how much it weights?

This little guy wanted to take my picture

How cute is this guy.  Love the shirt

By 1PM we reach Jhinu and check into the Hot Spring Cottage. It’s a fairly new place and we get a room with a private bath. How sweet is that? No time to waste as we head on down to the hot springs which is another mile or so hike from here. Myself, Donna and Ram venture down. Once their you must take a shower before getting into the pool. There is a guy who maintains this area and enforces some rules to keep the place clean and organized. Great idea!! There is also a 50 rupees charge to enter. The pools lie next to the Modi Khola (river). I am the only one who goes in. The pools are just amazing and relaxing. We also run into some of the other trekkers we met up at ABC. We talk and bit then head back to our lodge. 

Village of Jhinu

Our room - sweet!

Shower before going into hot spring

Feels great!!

Hot springs at Jhinu 

Tom and Jos Graignic

We filter some water, wash some clothing, then play some Farkel. Later we have diner with French artist Jos Graignic who was just a delight to talk to. After some late night tea we head to our room for the night.

Today’s hiking totals were 6 hours, 6.2 miles (10 Km), elevation loss of 2000 ft (610 m). The trail goes up and down three time, first out of Bamboo the trail climbs about 700 ft (213m) before going down 2000 ft (610m) to cross the Chhomrong Khola (The term "khola" means river). Then up 1200 ft (366m) to Chhomrong before going down 1600 ft (488m) to Jhinu. 

 

Keep the faith, Donna and Tom