Dhangadhi is close to one of the border crossings to India and has a population of around 68,000. I found out that there is an open border between Nepal and India, much the same as we have in the Eurozone, although I suspect it is a little more relaxed here. It is well connected to other cities in Nepal, has it’s own airport and is the main trading city in the Seti region. One of the things I notice most in Nepal is the style of property is very different to India. The Nepalese are not afraid to use colour, and red and ochre seem to be the main choices. It certainly adds a welcome touch to the villages and towns.
 A view of a main street. |
 A colourful, inviting city. |
Kathmandu is about 660 km (410 m) to the west and certainly a future destination in the coming days. I visit the market street and pick up some fruit that I can snack on as I drive. There is a definite lack of cars or trucks, and the biggest form of transport is the humble bike, although an awful lot of people just walk. Although the roads are in pretty good condition, stepping up onto the pavement is not always straight forward, as they are not really maintained. Most of the shops have a porch of some kind and the shop fronts are open to all.
There is a wonderful difference in facial features between the Indian and Nepalese people. It always fascinates me that we can all be on the same planet, but our environment or breeding can generate such differences. We are animals, after all. As I head out of the city, places get a little less defined and housing seems less prosperous. I have a four hour trip to Kohalpur for my next stop off, which is back up along the H01 highway and along the side of the Bardiya National Park.