This was the longest ride in the first phase of the journey. We had to cover a total of 340 kms.
The day started early with ride out at 7 am. We took the same rough patch out of the National Park till the checkpost. We crossed Kohalpur soon and started searching for fuel stations and found out there there wasn't any peṭrol pump for the next 150 kms. We had to go back 10 kms to tank up. The ride thereafter was smooth crossing low hilly terrains with curvy patches. There were a few brooks and well constructed bridges on the way too. We stopped for regrouping at Lamahi and had lunch at Butwal. I enjoyed some tasty momos and thukpa after ages. Moving ahead finding the fuel station was a problem again. After crossing Bhairahawa we turned right at the Lumbini gate and covered the last stretch of 22 kms. We arrived at Buddha Maya Garden Hotel by 5.30 pm after a long ride and were at peace immediately. It was beautifully kept accommodation in a big and well maintained property. Lumbini - the birthplace of Siddhartha, has a calming effect on you the moment you arrive. As it was late we decided to visit the birth temple early next day. A few people visited the local market to shop for memorabilia and supplies. We enjoyed the evening at the resort engaging in candid discussions. The dinner was a good combination of continental and Indian cuisines. We called it a day soon to wake up early.
