Warning: Nepalese hired bicycles are injurious to your health.

The first bike I hired in Pokhara got me all of 200 metres from the hire stall before a pedal fell off. And cycling with one pedal is no mean feat. The second one fared a little better, but it's demise was more severe. After a few miles the handebar came loose from it's stem, leaving me unable to steer, and barely able to hold on. Fortunately, I wasn't going very fast, or downhill, and so I'm still in one piece. By the time I'd walked it back to the stall, my irritation had dissipated - that's what gazing at snow peaked mountains will do for you.

I exchanged it again, and the third bike (as Goldilocks would say) was just right. Although I did laugh at the Tibetan prayer flag tied to the frame. The "problem" with Buddhist countries, I'm sure, is their belief in Karma. I think they all drive like lunatics, fundamentally, because they believe they have good karma and will come to no harm…

Whatever. It was worth the hassle with the bikes because when I finally got a functioning one that wasn't likely to kill me, it was a great day. As soon as you get away from the commercial set-up at Lakeside it's like a journey back in time, the surrounding countryside dotted with tiny farming communities. More than once I had to navigate through herds of cows meandering down the middle of the road. Ostensibly, they believe in karma, too.

That evening my friend Mark and I went to grab some dinner, and more by luck than judgement, found a place with a live band and dancing Nepali men and women, which was highly entertaining. Mark, to his credit, even accepted their invitation to dance, and without instruction, put in a sterling effort. He claimed afterwards to be the best Aussie/Nepali dancer on earth, and I couldn't disagree. It seemed a bit spiteful to point out that he is the only Aussie/Nepali dancer on earth, so I resisted the temptation.

We went on to meet some friends of his in a bar, and the live entertainment reached a new high. The Nepalese have a penchant for vintage Western rock, and, after I'd been wondering who was butchering 20th Century Boy and Black Magic Woman, for the past few nights, it was good to put some faces to the…er…music.

The surroundings were festive though, with the entire bar draped in the ubiquitous prayer flags - each of which are printed with a Buddhist mantra.

Mark said: 'It's like religion meets party…finally!' before adding, 'it's like they've thought "how can I have a good time, whilst incorporating my favourite scripture?"'

I could only agree that the Catholic Church are missing a trick, somewhere along the line.

So listen up, padres - the key to packed congregations is, seemingly: alcohol.