After arriving in Kathmandu we traveled to the scenic lakeside town of Pokhara set against the backdrop of the majestic Annapurna mountains. Boating in the huge expanse of the unspoiled lake was incredible. We’d have repeated it had it not been for the weather: frequent showers and a hailstorm that rained down balls of ice. Still it didn’t stop us from hitting the road at five in the morning to witness the sunrise over the distant snow-clad peaks. Our next stop was Nagarkot located on the mountaintop at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. We were very excited. The room we’d booked had a breathtaking view of the Himalayas and their mesmerizing beauty — on a clear day we’d been told we’d glimpse Everest. We arrived in Nagarkot on Thursday evening. Unknowing we had placed ourselves 215 kilometers from the epicenter. Not far enough.