For those coming with us on our tour of Nepal, you may like to bring a torch. In Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, you’ll stay overnight in a monastery (simple rooms are en-suite). This is a simple town, just 15 miles from the Indian border, and largely in the ‘middle of nowhere.’

This means that, with little or no light pollution, the night-sky could be pitch black – perhaps, something unique from the modern world.

Down the road this is a simple track-side bar with plastic chairs, overlooking another monastery,  something to ease the dark night away, in quiet contemplation.

The following morning we drive north. An eventful drive, up through the Himalaya, until we reach Pokhara, below the Annapurna range of the Himalaya. And an altogether more lively and different combination. We’ve now just two places remaining, if anyone would like to join this special tour.