TRAVEL EXPERIENCE - BIHAR

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In Jan 2002, I had travelled to Kathmandu to meet my girlfriend. The
route I decided to take was Delhi – Gorakhpur (UP) by train. Then take a 3 hours cab ride to Bhairawa (Nepal border town) and from there take the 20 minutes domestic flight to Kathmandu. All went well and I reached Kathmandu in bitter cold. During my stay of 25 days, I met a lot of wonderful people and made amazing friends; fought a lot with my girlfriend and also went on a Himalayan Enfielders organised 'Nepal Peace Bike Rally' to Pokhra. Kathmandu overall enthralled me, so much so that I’ve now been there 12 times!!
Anyways, saying goodbye to all good souls, I boarded the 15 min domestic flight from Kathmandu to Birganj/Raxaul (Bihar Border). I had changed the Route to Delhi from Bihar side, the reason being I wanted to visit my Uncle in Patna and then take the train back to Delhi. Arriving at Raxaul about 7 P.M, I was unable to hire a Jeep ride to Patna (6 Hrs) as all the drivers refused to travel alone at night fearing to Dacoits and murder on lonely and crime infested road to Patna. I took the locals advice and travelled on a bus as these were safer because of the manpower. The broken down bus left around 8 P.M; sleep was impossible as I was holding the Seat in its place instead of the other way around. And the chatter between Nuts & Bolts broke Noise Decibel Norms of India. Imagine that feat!!!
The extremely slow bus made a Pit stop at a Petrol pump around 2 A.M and surprisingly for all, refused to leave. Enquiring with the driver who had pretty soon made himself comfortable with a Joint (Hash cigarette), the reply was that after dropping off people along the way he can’t go any further as we were not sufficient enough group left. So our choice was either we walk to Patna or wait patiently in this ghostly location for another bus that might be willing to take us. With the air tensed with looming threat of dacoits, scavengers & murderers, the 16 of us stayed put. Knowing how Rules are non-existent in Bihar, we had no choice really. Officials & Cops are helpful I think, but you’ll surely enter the Guinness Books if you can find them. Three hours later a bus did manage to haul us to Patna. Mind you, the previous fully paid ticket to Patna was automatically deemed invalid, so we had to buy fresh tickets.
I still wonder whether the choice to change my earlier route to this Bihar one was a mistake. I do agree that it was a Bad choice, but I would never have seen this side of travelling if I hadn’t made that choice. Looking back, I’m content with this experience and cultural learning of Interior Bihar.

TRAVEL TIP
DEL (dep 5 pm) to GKP (arv 6 am) – Sapt Kranti Exp (3 AC with meals) Rs. 800 aprrox
GKP to BHAIRAWA/ SANAULI- 3 hr taxi ride from station itself. Rs. 400 aprrox
BHR to KTM- domestic airlines fly only during 8 am – 6pm. RS.2000 approx

HIMALAYAN ENFIELDERS - Lazimpat, behind Embassy of Israel - kathmandu Nepal. Ph-2380751

Synopsis- It is run by 6 amazing and adventurous guys. I feel priveledged to know them as my friends, especially Goofy Shrestha and Rakesh Prasai. This Club was formed by them with Passion, and Passion is all you need to be a member of this club as there is no membership FEE. So if you happen to be in Kathmandu, just drop by at their workshop and chill out for a while. Don't be surprised if you are handed a beer out of nowhere. The Club keeps organizing Bike Rides across Nepal and even Tibet. They are the First and Only Official Enfield club of Kathmandu. I shall post here any EVENTS that they are planning along with all details.