Nepal and Himalayas Day 6

Day 21 (3-6) - Sunday, November 17, 2019 - Fly to Delhi

Instead of a leisurely morning in Kathmandu, we had to rush back to the airport one more time for our flight to Delhi. Kunal told us late in the afternoon yesterday that OAT had changed the flight to early morning instead of the late afternoon. The majority of our group was less than thrilled.

Our wake up call was at 5:30, breakfast was at 6:00, and we had the bags stuffed into a small van so we could leave the resort at 7:00. On our way back through the ring road to the airport, we saw the same vendors opening their shops as we had seen on our daily drives to or from the airport.

Arriving at the airport at 8:00, we said goodbye to Kunal and left him at the front door of the main terminal. He gave us a group ticket voucher and wished us a good journey.

The IndiGo counters were straight ahead and the gate agents were friendly and efficient. We were given an aisle and window seat and we checked our luggage for the two-hour flight back to Delhi where we began this adventure 20 days ago.

The airport was very crowded and many flights were scheduled leaving for Dubai, cities in India, and parts unknown. The departure board did not show our flight information and none of the ground personnel seemed to know the departure gate for the IndiGo Air to Delhi. They told us to wait at Gate 3 and then there would be an announcement.

As we waited, we kept our eyes on the young Indian man who checked in ahead of us as he was on the same flight. When we saw him suddenly get up and start moving, we guessed that there was a gate change.

We followed him to Gate 5 in another wing of the terminal. Sure enough, the Departure Board verified that we were leaving and that boarding had already begun. Fortunately we were able to get in line and have a place for our carry on bag. It seems lines are merely suggestions for Indian people and there was much pushing and shoving behind us.

The flight pulled away from the stairs at 10:22 and we were in the air quickly. Below us we could see the city of Kathmandu with its millions of people and dust and smog. Kunal had told us a little about the government corruption holding this country hostage.

We arrived in Delhi at 12:00, went through Immigration, and then went to the baggage claim area. We were very glad that we had Multiple Entry visas from our trip to India in 2016 as we did not have to purchase another visa and we could go through a very quick line rather than having an e-visa.

We met our OAT representative and waited for the other 7 to go through immigration. The rep gave us our departure times for the early morning flight to Frankfurt. The others in our group stood in line over two hours to get their Indian e-visas processed.

It was 2:20 when we loaded everyone’s bags on the bus and drove the short distance to the Pride Plaza Hotel. The OAT representative took our passports to check us into the hotel. There was a wedding taking place so the hotel staff was extremely busy. It took us over 30 minutes to get our hotel keys and find our rooms.

Most of the group was leaving around the same time and no lunch or dinner was provided today. We gathered in the dining room and had one last meal together before saying goodbye and going our separate ways home.

We went back to our room about 5:15 and showered and tried to rest a bit before our wake up call at 11:30 PM. The transfer to the airport came at midnight and in an hour’s time we were through immigration, security, and to the Lufthansa lounge.

Beginning our journey home, we created lists of things we need to do when we get home. We will complete our final day of the journal when we are home safe and sound at the Tail of the Elephant.

Meals included: B

Accommodations: Pride Plaza Hotel