Everest Uncensored

Manish Man Singh

It all began with excitement as I was going to Pokhara after more than twenty years. Our hiking team – ManishS, KanchanP, SulekhaB, SubashN, ShakunS, JeevanT, AshayT, ArjunA, ShushilS, SangitaM, SurendraA, and PrativaS – were picked up early in the morning at 6:30 AM. It was a long drive as we all had anticipated. We reached Naubise at 9:30 AM, and we stopped by Banepali Hotel for breakfast. Then we continued on our way. Some time later we made another stop to buy some watermelons to refresh ourselves.

Travelling was fun. We did not realize that time flew so quickly, as we had lots of fun and games on the way. We reached Lekhnath at around twelve and finally reached Pokhara about forty five minutes later from there. We stayed at Hotel Annapurna, where we refreshed ourselves after checking in. Then we were on our way to Thakali restaurant for lunch.

Weather at this point was quite unpredictable and we could not decide where we should go for hiking. Finally, we decided to go to yellow Pagoda and started hiking at around 2:00 PM. It was a short hike but the climb was steep uphill – so pretty tough for some. However, we slowly climbed up the hill. We met few people on the way trying to guide us through an easy path and even telling us that we could take our vehicle all the way to the top. Apparently they were unaware that we wanted to hike and that we wanted to take the toughest path possible.

Hiking has always been fun for me and I thoroughly enjoyed this hike. We reached the top at around 4:00 PM, where there was a beautifully made Stupa. We rested for some time there and clicked a few pictures as well. Then we started climbing down. Sulekha and Ashay were definitely the last people to reach the top, but they were the first ones to reach the bottom!

As planned, we then decided to take a boat across the Phewa lake. So we hired three boats. I was with Jeevan and Kanchan on one of the boats. We came across Barahi Mandir, which is in the middle of the lake. It was a short boating and we quickly reached the other end. At the other end was a platform from where you could see a magnificent view of the lake. We stayed there for some time. Afterwards we headed towards a restaurant to have some food.

We had a great time in the restaurant with some nice live musical performance. Arjun joined the band followed by Jeevan, which made it even more interesting. We then decided to go to the lake side to get a nice view of the lake once again. I definitely enjoyed it as I got to take some beautiful photographs. We all had a nice day with lots of fun. We all were tired by the end of the day. So we headed to the hotel for dinner, and went to bed right after dinner for a much needed good night’s rest.

Second day – it was yet another special day. Yes, it was April 1st! The guys made a fool out of me. When I knew I was fooled, I was really embarrassed, but it was fun. Surendra and Arjun were not spared either!

The purpose of the trip, in fact, was books handover ceremony at Gandaki College of Engineering Science. We headed towards the college at 10:00 AM. At the college, we were welcomed by the principal of the college. We had some conversation with the principal. Then we went for lunch. After lunch, the principal showed us around the college. Jeevan, being an alumnus of the college, was definitely popular here.

The Books handover program was held in the college hall. The program was followed by interaction with the college students. It was a good interaction indeed. Ashay and Surendra did a good job of entertaining the queries that the students had. We also had a short interaction with the 10+2 students.

We had a great time meeting the students and principal of the college. We were touched by their warm reception and hospitality. The two-day program came towards the end after the college visit, and we had to make our way back to Kathmandu as it was already 2:30 PM. We spent some time at Seti river bridge before heading on our way back. Definitely, the visit was a great experience and truly a memorable one – making me want to go there again and again.

Arjun Adhikari

Deerwalk hike has always been exciting and fun.This hike was a little different from earlier ones as there was an important mission associated with it. We were going to participate in the Book Handover Ceremony by Deerwalk at Gandaki College of Software Sciences, Pokhara – the winner of Deerwalk cause. Apart from this, Surendra Adhikari, campus chief of DWIT (Deerwalk Institute of Technology), and I had planned to visit couple of colleges in Pokhara in order to promote DWIT.

The 200+ kilometers drive to Pokhara seemed so quicker and easier because of the songs and games. I enjoyed the trip even more as Arbina, my daughter, was accompanying me. As I hail from Pokhara, I got an opportunity to be a tourist in my own hometown this time around. Hanging around the lakeside reminded me of Bangalore’s night life, where I had spent around five years in the course of my studies and work.

The second day of arriving in Pokhara, Surendra and I started our early morning visiting rounds to different colleges in Pokhara. I was able to reconnect with my old friends in different colleges that helped me renew my academic network. Thank God, they still remembered me!

The moment of Book Distribution Ceremony at GCS was also pleasant. It gave me an opportunity to speak before a big group of teachers and students.I think we were successful in our mission. We were able to spread the message about DWIT, which in due course will at the forefront of IT Education in Nepal.

The return trip back to Kathmandu was also a memorable one with all the jokes, fun and the games along the way.

Surendra Adhikari

This trip was special for me as it was official cum hiking trip. On the first day of hike, it was really different for me as I had never hiked to Peace Stupa in Pokhara before. It was short and sweet. The ‘hukkas’ during the snacks time was the first experience for me, which was completely different from what I had thought. I had tried traditional hukka using Chilim (oven), Pato (tobacco holder) and Tamakhu (wet tobacco) before. The evening scenes of lake and around were very heart touching that reminded me of a village near Zurich, where I had a short stay back in 2001. I hope that people who see the pictures of the place taken by Manish and Kanchan can feel a sense of the amazing environment.

The second day was really hectic as we had to visit five different colleges for the purpose of Deerwalk Institute of Technology (DWIT) promotion. The visit was successful in showing the strong bond between academia and the IT industry. We got the opportunity to inform the students and the faculty about our current program and future plans. The arrangement and hospitality at Gandaki College was praiseworthy, and I am thankful to the organizer. I would not have realized that it was ‘April first’, were I not made a fool early in the morning by our team members.

The time in the journey to Pokhara and back passed as if it were just a moment. Playing Antakshari on the way and back, we never
realized we had traveled more than 400 kilometers distance in the round trip!

Sulekha Bhandari

I have been on hikes before, but this was the first time that I had organized one. Pokhara, one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, was the place where hike was to be done.

I was pretty excited about this hike. It was not just a hike – we had another objective as well. Deerwalk, our company, does charitable work every quarter. This time our company was donating books to the Gandaki College of Software Sciences, Pokhara – winner of Deerwalk cause, Q1 2012.
We had to attend the Book Handover Ceremony at the college.

We enjoyed those two days in Pokhara to the fullest. Still, we felt that we did not have enough of it!

Subash Neupane

Waking up at 4.30 am in the morning would be try-not part of me where weekend is concerned but when it came about going to Pokhara was already excited. After long around 6 hours drive we finally reached Pokhara. A most beautiful touristic destination ornamented by the nature, enclosed by green hills, panoramic mountain views from low elevation, rare combinations of snow clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers. One of the most picturesque natural attractions.

Living in Kathmandu where dirt and dust has become a common thing in everyday life, I was stunned at the purity of pokhara, where I could breathe unsullied air for at least two days. Hiking to Peace Stupa was fairly easier and shortest hike I have ever been. The scenery of landscapes and terrace farming was breathtaking. I had never experienced the top view of Fewa Lake before I do not have words to utter about how marvelous it looked like, for matter of moment I could just say I was spellbound by beauty of nature which was absolutely mesmerizing. Cheers Pokhara I am coming again.

Awanish Ranjan
For me, this hike was a surprise hike as I decided to join the hiking team on the morning of the hike. Up until then, I had no plans for the hike. I was pretty excited to join the DW hike team for the first time. The reason for my excitement was also due to the destination. Barhabise is one of the places where I always wanted to go but never got a chance.

One of the interesting parts of the hike was its ending point. We knew where to start, but did not know where to end. It was decided only after reaching Barhabise.

We decided to ascend the nearby hill until 4:00 PM and after that wherever we reached, we had to start descending the hill. After a long gap, I was having such a heart pumping climb. Exchanging thoughts with locals and beholding the beauty of nature, I did not even realize that we crossed the time that we set for our hike.

With a very tasty dinner and sweet musical drive back to valley, we concluded yet another wonderful hike. Thanks to all hike team members with whom I had such a wonderful time during the hike.

Prajwol Shakya
Hiking is always fun for me. I like to walk, which is why I enjoy hiking. Hikes can be of two types – one in which destination is predetermined, and the other in which the destination is not determined. I prefer the second one as I like to wander. Such hikes are full of surprises.

My first hike from Deerwalk was of the second type in which the destination was not set. We were to hike from Barhabise, but to where? No one had the answer.

I managed to wake up early on the day of the hike and reached office at 7AM. Suresh was there already and we played table tennis until others arrived. I had a good warm-up after a long time. After others arrived, we departed from the office to pick up Rudra dai and others on the way.

We headed for Barhabise, our initial point of hiking. I didn’t know where Barhabise was. On the way, Rudra dai was directing Ram dai to stop anywhere there was a good spot for hiking. At around 12PM we reached Barhabise, and we asked the local people about a suitable spot to start our hiking. Finally, we found one and we started our hike from there.

Talking with locals about their life and their daily work and enjoying the natural scenery on the way are the best part of any hike. Nepal is blessed with nature.

Initially, it was not difficult as there were stairs. But the hike got harder as we went along, so more than half of our team members could not make it to the top.

The steep slope of the hill made it more difficult.

The steep slope of the hill made it more difficult and the route the locals had suggested was apparently not suited for the people living in the plains. I remember the locals say “There is a path to the top which we manage to climb daily, but I don’t know about you guys.” Only five of us managed to conquer the hike, and guess what – I led the way.

Difficult it was to ascend and much difficult it became to descend. It was already past 4 pm when we started our descent and we were not sure if we could make it back to Barhabise before darkness fell. All of us were very much tired but we managed to conquer the seemingly-never-ending stairs, hunger, thirst, and inevitable fatigue. When we reached Barhabise just about the time of sunset, our prize was waiting for us: delicious food, chilled beer, and a sense of satisfaction.

The rays of wintery-warm sun penetrated the obscured clouds just before we touched the bottom of our
one-day hiking spot-‘Sankhu’ from where we were to hike to reach the roof of Nagarkot. It was already 9 am and we, the 9 hikers, in, for the hiking event coordinated by DineshB reached our starting point.

We’d have searched almost whole Sankhu bazar before getting in to a local sweet shop where we had our reveling breakfast. It was barely conspicuous the two hills we were to hike because of the engrossing pollutants in the atmosphere.

Straight ahead to the East from ‘Sankhu’ we reached the ‘Panchmeshwori’ temple at the bank of the beautiful river ‘Shalinadi’. The temple looked a variant of ‘Pagoda’ style and humorous analysis of NavinM uttered as though it might have been modeled by drunken sculptors! RaviS and AsimS- the enthusiastic photographers, like miniatures capturing every details of microcosm nature.

Ahead of us were three routes: two so-heard cycling and thru-Shreeban routes and the third as guided by our co-coordinator and the local people. We stepped up for the cycling route but later we came to know that we were just walking the common graveled road. We did not know where the ‘Shreeban’ was located but one senile woman informed us that we had already crossed it! Then we started up to follow odd trails making our own way through the jungles asking the locals in the way to our destination. DineshB once asked a school kid, “Vai yo bato kata pugchha?(where does this road go?)”. The student pompously replied, “Yo bato ta mero ghar pugcha.”(this road reaches my home)

DineshB once asked a school kid, “Vai yo bato kata pugchha?(where does this road go?)”. The student pompously replied, “Yo bato ta mero ghar pugcha.”(this road reaches my home)

It was a bit difficult climbing the high hills but a lot of resting sessions helped us to maintain pace. Sometimes routes were misleading, ending either to a house or a cow villa! Reverting and finding the way was an unassigned, undeclared task for me and RaviS. The key to good navigation was obvious: we could see the roof of Nagarkot—the direction. All along the way we traversed many patches of jungles, encountered the trail of caterpillar, alluring beauty of ‘Aaru flowers’, little kidos of goat, puppies, schoolchildren, marriage-jovial-houses etc. etc. to reach finally the roof of Nagarkot—the tower.

From the tower, we could see a few black-spotted mountains as a result of climate change, the greenery around it, one of its few remedies, barely visible scenes, and some lovebirds.

From the tower, we could see a few black-spotted mountains as a result of climate change, the greenery around it, one of its few remedies, barely visible scenes, and some lovebirds.

Then we enthusiastically went to visti the planetarium but there found the answer “Yaha auna ta Singhadarbar ko pass chahincha”.

Then we finally killed our hunger with condimental local ‘Khana.’ with local Dal Vhat and local Kukhura. By 5 pm, we returned calm soothing our brains. All in all our hike was more thrilling, exciting than expected.
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01- the golden gate	02-The Dragon Gate
03- aha gayu sau jeri	04-ok 25-26-27 n finally caught
05-kathmandu in the front	06-gas paiyena k garne ta
07-love birds	08-house_full for movie hike today
09- Panchmeshwori mandir	10-other side of panchameswori
11-beneath the Panchameshwori temple	12- shaalinadi flowing through the jungles
13-resembling gosainkunda	14-hike starts here
15- my mercedez benz	16-feel the dew
17-harley davison,so says dinesh	18-morning beauty
19-Sankey leader of 3	20- i have still 7 lives left
21-nai malai tehi…choclate chahinchha	22- Photographer thinking ‘why didnt i take the route like R-Madhwan in 3idiots’
23-wow..makaiko bhandar	24-do you want to play with us..no entry for adults
25-Mero pani single yeuta	26-could not break the speed of time
27-akashai ma chil udyo dharti ma chaya	28-Guess who
29-who can ignore..survival of the fittest	30- here is the way to nagarkot
31-miharuko himmat chha bhane malai bahira nikalera dekhau..	32-jasle jityo tyasle payo
33-someone’s missing in the row	34- Finally got the Perfect shot
35- local maling doko	36-difficult to identify
37-following dynamic route	38-Each time my heart smiles, my life enjoys expanding mile
39-yo ta mero ghar jastai cha ni	40-taking rest
41- bipin relaxing	42-aba yo baato mero ho ki..navayepani bichmai hidchhu j parla parla
43- there goes our d2van	44- the perfect tree
45-your camera has mirror effect…….	46- ready for pose
47- i m at the top	48-Sanket in dielema (should i climb or not..)
49-haami dinma duipatak golgate le brush garchhau	50-lined up for a photo session
51-u tyaha mathi hera…..	52- yaha jana lai ta singhadurbar bata permit chahincha
53- third buddha is the photographer	54-Peace of Mind
55-The bestest meal in the world	56- sa…huni discount gari dinu na dherai bhaye reimburse hudaina
57-the mirror view	58-see the clouds and guess the location…we are at chabhilway,way to return

We were all gossiping and listening to good old Hindi songs around the campfire in the middle of the forest when Bhaskar got up and went to the dark. Everyone thought he had gone for a pee or for some photo shots as it was a full moon night. The night slowly inched towards midnight, but Bhaskar didn’t return. Everyone looked worried and we were shouting Bhaskar, Bhaskar. But, no answer followed back.

The night slowly inched towards midnight, but Bhaskar didn’t return. Everyone looked worried and we were shouting Bhaskar, Bhaskar. But, no answer followed back.

This all started from the idea of visiting Surrender’s village house in SwatiGaun, Nuwakot, which was planned couple of years back. Due to busy schedules it had not been feasible since then. Six hikers gathered in D2 premises for a one night stay hiking at Surendra’s village home. We prepared for everything that might needed for night stay, yet we still had to arrange something special for dinner. So, on the way we drove little further from Teenpiple and purchased a rooster at heavy price but the stuff added some energy to everyone. We passed along the dumping site at Sisdole and stopped there as our vehicle couldn’t go further.
The bag seemed heavy as we had to carry sleeping bags, food, and water for the night stay. The day was pleasant and trail was moderate. By enjoying the greenery that we passed by and galloping empty paddy fields we reached Surrender’s forefather land. Bhaskar was maintaining the distance as always he was busy capturing snaps on the way. Surendra showed us his land and told the story about them. The land stretched from the bank of the river to the hill top through the forest. We had a little nibble there at terra firma of his land field since his house was still half an hour away to reach. We split into two groups as some of us decided to spend a little time at place. The first group (Surendra, Krishna, and Prajwal) went first, and start preparing for the night stay.
The house was located in the middle of the forest. Three mango trees guarded the house from the front. Kanchha and Kanchhi (Surendra‘s house keeper) welcomed us with hot tea. They helped us to light the bonfire for Saturday eve. The other group (Vishnu, Bhaskar, and Pawan) were still on a way to be arrived. Now, it was quite-dark and we were certain that the other group had lost their way. Surendra,Prajwal and Kancha went downhill to look for them. After a while, we heard voices and found out they had been climbed the other hill instead.
We all gathered around the fire. Vishnu, Pawan shared their epic stories of their heroic college and travel days. Bhaskar and Krishna were busy taking snaps shot of the full moon that was in a hide and seek game with clouds while good old Hindi songs were playing in the background. Everyone was enjoying oneself amidst the gossips.

Then, Bhaskar, Bhaskar…
We divided into two groups to look for Bhaskar. One group went uphill and the other downhill. Then finally, we heard a sound. Bhaskar had gone in search of signal network (NTC network) and caught by dozed under a tree. He woke up finally to our cries. What a relief and party went on……
Until the dinner that was served by Kancha and Kanchi. The house garden organic saag and chutney tasted very well. By then, it was nearly mid-night, we laid our sleeping bags and snoozed listening to melodious collection of Hindi songs by Vishnu.
After having tea in the morning, we decided to roam around the village for a while. Surendra was busy exploring his plot of land.
Saying goodbye to Kancha and Kanchi, we started our Sunday hike to reach to Kathmandu which ended after walking 3 hours of steep ascent at Pokhari Bhanjyang. At this place we waited two hours for the local bus when it arrived three of us squeezed in and other three climbed on the roof of the bus.
A distinguishing feature of our personal nature of being adventurous came to an end but remains in our mind to cherish in due course along with a gratitude to Surendra!

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01 A road to special provision	02 Here they come the Gallus gallus
03 Small but very bright- the Kagati village	04 So happy for a click
05 Hami sita jane bhaye Thuldanda ma Rel chha	06 On the way to Thuldanda
07 Do you want to work after the age of 60!	08 Available for Resort
09 The travelling company walk on the same route	10 Came along the path & Pawan opens his arm
11 But Prajwal stuck in the middle yet smiles	12 A pleasing trail to walk on
13 A laborious hiker	14 Thule Kanchha happy to meet motes Jethas
15 Krishna leads Vishnu	16 Once again he is very honest!
17 Banchare Danda	18 Speed breaker
19 Here is the proof!!	20 A merry chase
21 Company keeps company	22 The team elected its officer for the journey
23 Now Vishnu shows something to Krishna	24 We used to have these scenario in the past not much these days
25 Vishnu’s cherished Surendra’s this Sano Danda	26 Sun has done job for the day
27 This adds a light note to the program	28 Have a guess male or female!
29 They lost everything in the fire	30 Taken away by something
31 With all that smoke there must be a fire somewhere	32 A lively period in the journey
33 The Adhikari Resort where we spent Saturday night!	34 I am milking this for all it’s worth
35 Early diagnosis	36 True sparrow
37 The morning of Thuldanda	38 Common Stone Chat
38 Red Bulbul	39 Asian Magpie Robin
40 Black Drongo	41 Long-tailed Shrike
42 Robin	42 Yellow-breasted Bunting
43 Surendra with local active member of the village	44 Morning breafast half boiled egg and three red chillies
45 Asian Magpie	46 A lonesome Bulbul
47 Bird’s nest	48 White Crane
49 The Golden Hawk	50 Pattus log- The Parrots
51 Liberty is a hawk flying in the blue sky	52 Available on rent
53 Ants live here	54 Sunday sunny morning where begins the running
55 Prajwal at athletic contest	56 BhaskarS giving up
57 Grey Maina	58 Strive and make an effort to reach a goal
59 The middle point on a line	60 He holds them by their promises
61 They are resting their bad legs	62 Flying was still an exciting adventure for them as well as for us too
63 Kanchha and Kanchhi of Thuldanda	64 They held on the trail and kept shooting
65 Leave all those behind if anybody likes to enter into humanity- the journey told us!!!

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Participants: Amulya, Anjana, Sangeeta, Surendra and Vishnu.
Date: Sunday, 2nd Oct, 2005
Route: Thali to Lamachaur
Duration: Six and half an hour
Distance: 18 kms
Photo: Team
Caption: VishnuK
Report: VishnuK

To seek peace in silence, we gathered on Sunday 2nd of October at morning, placidly to commence our day for the excursion. While we were waiting for others we couldn’t keep ourselves idle, so some of us began to play table tennis. Some generous soul was making tea for us. During tea was prepared rest others arrived and we shared the tea together and thanks to those hand who made tea for us.

We were purposed to hike on route from Nagarkot to Sankhu instead we decided to go onto other route and we reached a place called Thali by a cab and got off from the cab then began our journey. We started off with a sloppy trail heading towards Sundarijal, wandering through fertile field of mixed vegetation for next one and half an hour of walking, we reached at Sundarijal. On our way, it was wonderful experience to see the farmers working in a calm manner in their field. When we reached Sundarijal we had to stroll for half an hour as it was a market area. As soon as we cross the market we reached close to the jungle area from where we began to climb on gentle steep hill. On the summit of steep there was check post where we bought the ticket to enter Sunderijal forest preservation and we had to open the our bags to security guard for security cause. After 20 minutes of walk down the hill there was temple of Sundari Mai Goddess. Surendra suggested us to pay homage to the Goddess and we agreed and followed his advice to pay homage to Goddess.

Then we came back to the track to proceed further. Although we were unaware of the route but lured by the charm of beautiful forest and we were compelled to roam for some time. We came across a water fall formed by Bagamati River where we stayed for a while. Then we moved to climb up, after a short while we reached Hotel called Karma where we tempted to take some refreshment and we did.

After quenching our thirst along with natural view we again kicked off to climb Mulkharkha village on a steep hill trail, on this semi natural stairs we walked for one hour and fifteen minutes, which led us to Lamachaur. In fact Lamchaur is a route to go to Chisapani which is very famous place for hikers to visit. Unfortunately, we did not had a enough time to go ahead and enjoy Chisapani surrounding but with thought of reaching the place some day we climbed down Mulkharkha bottom where the hotel Karma seemed waiting for us and we could not overlook it, so we decided to have the lunch. We asked hotel owner to prepare lunch for us. It was very pleasant to see the owner picking fresh pumpkin from her vegetable garden to cook as our vegetable for our lunch. We all felt that it was a great honor to us. After enjoying the delicacy we moved backing towards Sunderijal. On arrival at the place we boarded a bus to Kathmandu. Finally, we reached office around 5 PM. and again played table tennis for while and then decided to disperse.

In addition, to my team mates:

“Here with a loaf of bread beneath the Bough,
A Flask of wine, a book of Verse and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness
And Wilderness is Paradise enow” (Edward Fitzerald on Omar Khayyam)

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01 Mustard of the Season	02 Commence from Thali
03 Fertile Sundarijal Valley (Floriculture farm)	04 Looking at the Floriculture farm
05 Surendra walking on Sundarijal paddy fields	06 Keeping pace with surendra
07 The skillful farmer prepares the field for potato	08 Crossing Bagmati river
09 Hardworking women	10 Pondering in the paddy field
11 Sangita glad to be putting on her shoes back	12 Chopper hovers over Sundarijal
13 Surendra waking up Anjana	14 The scoolboy with his bag
15 Buddhist stupa watching keeping the peaceful eye on the valley	16 The only turkey in Sundarijal
17 The camping site – anybody want to stay for the night	18 Bagmati river behind the Sundarijal Valley
19 Happy Campers	20 The Gereniun goes well with dried garlic goe
21 Ascending towards the Sundarijal hill	22 Walking on the rocky trail ( wondering where my life is leading)
23 Silhouette of evergreen Sundarijal tree.	24 Sangeeta feeding brownies to the wild fishes
25 off the rocky trail, on to brick stairs	26 Group pose against the Syalmati falls
27 Thus Syalmati dances away	28 Taking a much needed rest along with Syalmati
29 Have a rest and a smile	30 Worms eye view fo the Syalmati falls
31 Vishnu does not want to leave Syalmati	32 Looking through the hills toward Thali
33 Jungle trail with Buddhist chandlers	34 Where is Vishnu
35 Another look at Sundarijal paddy fields below	36 Just look at how far above we have come
37 A welcome sign	38 An old summer palace from the Rana period
39 On the way to Sundari Mai temple	40 Surendra quietly talking with Sundari Mai
41 It is hard to tell what the Goddess said to Surendra	42 Ladies want to get a taste of Bagmati river
43 Sangeeta don’t do that – D2 will pay you better	44 Boys pose at the camera as the girls ponder
45 Bagmati dances wild	46 Should I push her
47 Surendra glows in the midday sun	48 Where did my body disappear… Surendra peeping out of the hole made by water current
49 Anjana QCing the local Cucumber	50 Vishnu with Bagmati
51 Water doing the lambada	52 Fantasic Four Walking towards Mulkharka
53 Where do we go from here	54 Hotel with a beautiful view
55 I better keep my mouth shut while Sangeeta is talking	56 A story from Sangeeta
57 Dahlia	58 Millet terrace
59 The first boy waiting for everybody else.	60 Looking at the Okharni Village
61 Another view	62 A closer look at the village palace
63 The tranquil evergreen hill	64 Dashain preparation
65 On the way down	66 Woudn’t you just love to live here
67 Easy way down	68 Burning eyes of the squirrel
69 Squirrel on the way down	70 The tempting signboard invites
71 Feast of the hike at Karma Hotel	72 The Natural Reservoir – Sundari Jal
73 Pine forest	74 Beyound Sundari Jal
75 Grand pa paints for Dashain	76 Surendra picking flowers for Sangeeta’s Grand Mother’s Birthday
77 Soothing Green telling us goodbye for the day

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Route: Mude, Sindhupalchowk – Deurali, Dolakha – Dhungebazaar, Dolakha – Sailung, Dolakha
Rating: Tough
Hike Duration: 10-11 hours
Date: March 8, 2009
Participants: AshishP, BalL, BhaskarB, BishwaS, DhilungK, DijupT, MadhavS, PragyaR, PurushottamP, SabitaK, SarojD, SudipK, RudraP, VishnuK
Photos: BhaskarB, DhilungK, AashishP, BalL
Caption: BhaskarB, DhilungK, SarojD
Creative Support: DijupT/DhilungK/GaneshT
Coordinates:
Sailung hill, Dolakha, Janakpur: 27°33’45″N 85°58’30″E
Dhunge Bazaar, Faksu VDC-9, Dolakha, Janakpur: 27°35’56″N 85°58’2″E
“Deurali” Katakuti-8, Baghkhor, Dolakha, Janakpur: 27°38’16″N 85°57’42″E
Mude, Sindhupalchowk, Bagmati: 27°40’59″N 85°55’31″E

Fourteen eager hikers from D2 left the office premises at 2 PM towards the slated starting point for this weekend’s hike – Dhungebazaar in Dolakha district. The delay was due to the OSCN presentations on the day from a couple of fellow hikers. When the altitude started to drop after passing Dhulikhel, it started to get a bit hot. Vishnu reminded all not to sweat as it would again start to get chilly very soon. As soon as the van cruised past the bridge at Khadi Chaur and ascended the slopes on the right, the temperature did start to drop. We were chasing the setting sun in the West and leaving behind the gorging Bhotekoshi river directly below us. The van came to a gentle stop at Mude, Sindhupalchowk near the gravel road to Dhungebazaar, Dolakha. It was six in the evening.

Our driver Ram and the locals were in unison – the van would not make it to Dhungebazaar. The last bus to Dhungebazaar had already left. Thus it was decided that the team would stay for the night at the Horse Shoe Mountain Resort at Mude and make their move in the morning. Bhaskar gave a personal wake up call to all the members at quarter past three in the morning. The team started their journey towards Dhungebazaar at exactly four in the morning. The approximate time to get to Dhungebazaar, our planned starting point for the hike, would take anywhere between four to five hours. Just go back and read that last line again.

With three torches, fresh bodies and excited minds everybody literally sprinted in the dark. Saroj commented that the speed was due to the fact that we could not see anything around us except the stars (that too if we looked up) so that saved us from getting distracted like in the day time. In about two hours time (around 6 AM) the team stopped at a placed locals called Deurali (Katakuti-8, Baghkhor, Dolakha, Janakpur) for a cup of fresh tea. After spending some time enjoying the morning hues and fresh air, the team left for their next destination Dhungebazaar.

Something interesting happened en route. Dhilung and Bhaskar took one short-cut too many and got lost. They were fortunately saved by two fellow travelers who met them on the way. They informed that the route would take to Dudhpokhari, Dolakha and not to Dhungebazaar! The amount of road they had travelled resulted in loss of one and a half hours. The team (with the exception of Bhaskar and Dhilung) stopped at Dhungebazaar to have some brunch. After which, they resumed their journey to the final destination – Sailung. Bhaskar and Dhilung reached Dhungebazaar some one-and-half hours later and stopped for short refreshment. Kalapani, Dolakha sits as the last place of human settlement of perhaps a handful of village houses before the steep climb to Sailung begins.

It was around one in the afternoon when Bhaskar looked at his watch after meeting up with the team at Sailung. Everybody was very elated at the top of the hill and took tons of photographs. One member would sit in one position with a certain backdrop for a portrait and the rest of the team would follow suit. The landscape itself consisted of small hillocks (or thumkas) spread over almost a flat plateau. Apparently there is a total of hundred of these small hills as the place is called saya thumka by the locals. These hills were all covered with soft grass (which had dried up due to winter season). Monsoon would be a good time to come to see Chauri grazing on these fields. The land consisted of many ritual graves adorned with prayer flags. It was a natural view tower, a vantage point from which we could clearly see the Himalayas (even Mt. Everest appeared very close) to the north and the gradually descending hills towards the Terai plains. It is said that on a clear winter’s day one can even see Kathmandu valley from here. With heavy hearts (due to insufficient time spent at such a calm and picturesque locale) the team descended to Dhungebazaar at approximately quarter to two in the afternoon and reached Dhungebazaar at half past three thus culminating a very exciting and an eventual journey.

Presented below are blogs from two of our friends who took part in this adventure. Do enjoy reading their write up.

Rookie’s lexis – by – Sudip Koirala

My first hiking from D2 turned out to be one of the wonderful moments in my life. Lured by the description of Sailung, I decided to join the hiking troop and take the challenge. Although I have already enjoyed tough hiking some years back : from Ktm to Hetauda along Kulekhaani and another from Sindhuli bajar to Haibar besi, I knew this hiking would be really different and pleasant. We set off for our destination almost two hours late than the planned time. Bhaskar dai as the hiking coordinator, Rudra dai, Vishnu Dai, Dhilung and other experienced hikers were in the team. We had initially planned to make to Dhunge Bazar the first day and start hiking from Dhunge Bazar to Sailung early next morning. However, when we reached Mudhe, we came to know that it would not be feasible for our office van to drive from Mudhe to Dhunge Bazar as the road was not good. Moreover, it was already 6 PM so we planned to start our hike early next morning (at 4AM) and stayed in Mudhe at a resort.

We had some interesting moments during our night stay in Mudhe. Rudra dai came up with an idea of having fun in a different way and then began amazing competitions- Stand up and down, Push up competition etc. Rudra dai and Vishnu dai, Purushottam Dai and Dijup (Heavy weight pairs) competed in Stand Up and down . The moment when Purushottam dai played a game with Bhaskar dai was also really funny. Rudra dai also taught different exercises and yogas that would make the body fit and healthy. We found the service at the resort not that good and they took long time to prepare the dishes. However, we enjoyed staying beside the fireside, sharing interesting stories and experiences. After having the dinner, we went for sleep as we had planned to set off early in the morning.

Early morning, Bhaskar dai came up awaking everybody and asked us to be ready soon. We hurried ourselves and managed to wash our faces and get in the van. After few minutes drive, we got off the van and started our journey; walking in the dawn with torch lights to show the way. We had different gossips and walked past Chhipchhipe in a good rhythm of walk. We shared experiences of previous hikes and other interesting moments in the life. As the sun rays touched the ground, we could see beautiful greenery and pine and juniper trees all around. On our way, we were excited to see different colored (Red, White, Pink) Guras, our national flower. We had already reached Deurali at 6 where we stopped for a while and had tea. Then we continued the walk to Dhunge Bazar. We were divided into few groups and were on pace. We later realized that Bhaskar dai and Dhilung were not with us. As we reached Dhunge Bazar, we had our breakfast (Chowmein and Boiled egg). We realized hunger is tastier than the food itself. We waited for our lost partners for more than an hour. Hoping that they would come along and join us later, we headed our journey towards Sailung, our final destination. We had a very steep hill to go and almost two hours to climb up the difficult path. It was very funny when Rudra dai was making pranks and comedy with the local people. We found the local people very hospitable and interesting. We had some drinks and rest at Kalapani.

Everybody of us must have gasped to see the Sailung peak very far and high, but we were all determined; all of us. Biswo, Bal, Aashish and Saroj were the leaders, Sabita, Pragya, Madhav and me were moving slowly and steadily at the mid and Vishnu dai, Rudra dai, Dijup and Purushottam dai were following. It was a pleasant environment, fresh air blowing, the pine forest was whistling like a river and the orchids had begun blossoming and the forest was reddened with Guras. We were very lucky to witness all these beauty.

When we were almost at the top at Sailung, it seemed our feet were not obeying our orders; our steps were getting heavy and were creeping. Finally we could conquer the top of Sailung, we felt proud of ourselves to have it done. We were all amazed to see so many Thumkas. We got the knowledge from the locals that there are hundred such peaks and so it was called as Saya Lungeshwor or Sailung. There was also abhilekh that Lord Buddha had visited the place. We enjoyed staying there gazing at the mountains and the hammocks all around. Later we were very happy to see our lost teammates coming along. They had actually lost the way and were moving almost 1 hour towards Dudhpokhari instead of Dhunge bazar. We were delighted to see Mount Everest from there. However, confusion and debate wasn’t over regarding which peak was the Everest actually . We had some photo sessions with beautiful Himalayan ranges at the background. It was around 2:30 when we started climbing down. When we reached Dhunge bazar, we managed to reserve a local bus to take us to Mudhe where we had our van waiting for us. Our return journey was rather silent. We were all tired and hungry. We had our quick dinner at Khadichaur at around 6. The repetitive soft music entertained us along the way.

Physical stress and pain is a common thing in hiking, but the adventure, amusement and eternity along with physical fitness that we receive overshadows the negative part. The geographical knowledge, acquaintance of the local rituals and customs are yet another important aspects. So, lets be health conscious and go for hiking every week. Happy hiking!!!

Effort well spent – by – Sabita Khadka

Hiking for me has always been an enjoyable experience. This was my first 2-day hike and had a different experience. On the first day we couldn’t start hiking as it was already 6 PM when we reached Mude. We were uncertain of getting proper shelter in the middle of the jungle. So, everyone whole heartedly agreed to stay there in the hotel of Mude. In the hotel, Rudra dai taught some meditative postures and made people do Up-Down. That reminded me of punishment I got during my old school days. Then we had chitchat around fire while waiting for dinner.

We were all geared up the next day and started hiking at 4 in the morning. It seemed like we were being monitored by the moon and stars when we started. The first part of trek from Mude to Deurali was undoubtedly the easiest section on this route. It was almost flat and had a nice walk.

After being fuelled by a warm glass of tea in Deurali, we headed towards Dunge Bazzar. The route was moderate. We stopped at Dunge Bazzar for lunch and waited everyone to be there but there was no sign of Dhilung and Bhaskar dai. Everyone was wondering where they were. Some tried calling them but in vain as their mobiles were switched off. Then we ascend towards Sailung. The route was getting tough now. The sun was up by the time we got to the Dunge Bazzar. But we went forward in a slow and steady pace with zeal determination.

Wow what a pleasure after reaching there. All hardships in reaching the zenith were paid off. View was magical, mystical and majestic up there. Spectacular view of surrounding mountains and hills gave immense pleasure. After sometime we could see two people in a distant and we speculated them to be our two lost hikers. As they approached we could distinctly identify them. They were our own Dhilung and Bhaskar dai. Everyone was eager to know where they had been. They had actually lost their way and were heading towards DudhPokhari. But they successfully made their way towards Sailung even after moving in wrong direction for 1.5 hour. Then we rested for about an hour on the top, posed for pictures and then we descended. On the way down, I felt my energy level dwindling. I happened to step slippery rock and fell back onto my hand but thankfully there was no harm. It was already 3:30 PM when we reached Dunge Bazzar. We had to reserve the local bus to get back to Mude where office van was waiting for us. It was around 1.5 hours drive. We arrived Kathmandu much earlier than expected.

All in all it was a challenging trip. It was my sixth hiking from D2 and for the first time I had ache in my legs and back. But seriously I enjoyed the pain as it gave me the feeling of being a true hiker. Thank you Bhaskar dai for giving me chance to be the part of such wonderful hike. I look forward to the next one.

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01 It`s picnic time where to go…. what about Dolalghat	02 Sunset silhouette
03 Gimme please	04 Mother and child
05 Lamentation of the solitude	06 Sher Bahadhur Khadka writing bill at Mude, Sindhupalchowk
07 Expressions galore – walking to the resort at night	08 The Horse Shoe Mountain Resort in Mude, Sindhupalchowk
09 Scene I – Uth-Bass 20 times, competition between DT and PP	10 Scene I – Uth-Bass 20 times competition between PR and SK
11 Can you guess what happened next	12 Library for the night
13 Hikers enjoy fire at The Horse Shoe Mountain Resort in Mude, Sindhupalchowk	14 The fire burns bright at Mude, Sindhupalchowk
15 Team photo before setting off to Deurali at 4 in the morning	16 Saroj becomes the 34th victim of DHK`s pan experiments
17 Diyo at The Horse Shoe Mountain Resort in Mude, Sindhupalchowk	18 Leaving for Deurali from Mude at 4 in the morning
19 Tell sahu sits beside his barrel	20 Doko – the focus of this picture was to bring out the texture
21 Danta manjhan at Katakuti-8, Baghkhor, Dolakha	22 Portraiture of the hike
23 The village of Deurali, Dolakha basked in morning sunlight	24 Reminder of Ghandruk without mountains
25 This region was dotted with golden pastures	26 Kanchi Tamang of Deurali, Dolakha
27 Dudhpokhari ka dev dutharu jasle DHK and BNB lai thula noksan bata bachaye	28 In focus
29 What`s that thing …. looks scary	30 Amai ko jivan
31 Hills from Deurali	32 Morning song
33 Tree of life	34 No Rain for 6 months, what do you expect
35 Misted askance	36 Look ma hairstyle
37 Small thumkas	38 Family from Deurali – kanchi ko bihe garne bela bhako cha
39 Future Rajesh Hamal	40 White Rhododendron en route to Dudhpokhari, Dolakha
41 Find the flying creature	42 Mude at the distance
43 On the way to Dudhpokhari	44 Gurans phulyo … banai ma ..
45 Jumra kelaundai	46 Katti photo khicheko!!!! aba yo photographer lai lola le hanchu pakh!!!
47 This road separated DhikungK and BhaskarB from the group …guess what was the photo number…its 666	48 All delighted to be captured
49 Ufffff..stilll a long way to go…..	50 White gurans-with a distinct identity
51 Dhunge Bazzar	52 Nuggets of truth …
53 Meem saheb busy with her research in Dhungebazaar	54 Innocent eyes
55 The village of Dhungebazaar, Dolakha seen after leaving for Kalapani	56 Another indepth view into Dhungebazaar, Sindhupalchowk
57 Looking towards Kathmandu far far away	58 Entering the maze of 100 thumka
59 Addicted to silence	60 Filtered ray of light
61 Resurrection	62 Geodetic Point
63 Flowing Pastures	64 Melungtse 7181m (Tibetan- Jobo Garu) the highest mountain of the Rolwaling Himal
65 Carrying amenities	66 Sailung
67 Silent whisper	68 Burials for the departed
69 Graves adorn the top of the hill	70 Buddhist prayer flags dance at Sailung hill
71 SRK waving his hand gladly finding Mt. Everest just behind	72 The hiking team atop Sailung hill
73 At the top in Sailung hill, Dolakha	74 The peak right at the middle is Mt. Everest, the debate rages on
75 Edgy	76 Fluttering prayer flag frozen in time
77 Mount Everest right above the head	78 Each can go their own way, do their own thing
79 The hiking team descends from the hill	80 Prayer flags
81 The beginning of the village at Kalopani, Dolakha	82 The Sky – The limit
83 Bishwa perched on the eagle	84 GauriShankar 7134m
85 Is that the hawk of D2Hawkeye	86 Found this rock that resembles monkey`s face
87 Is that an UFO on the left	88 Wind horse in the sky
89 The otherside of Sailung	90 The golden vista
91 Hatkelama mayako gurash fulaune – yeti mathi ayera mannai parcha ba	92 Kalopani, the last settlement before the climb to Sailung
93 Hey!!! What`s goin` on	94 Everything that has a begining has an end

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Participants: Mohana, Rinku, Sangeeta, Rashmi, Rudra, Bhaskar,Govinda,Vishnu and Rajendra
Location: Lubu to Godawari
Date: Sunday, 25 September 2005.
Departure: 7:00 AM
Duration: 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Distance: 18 kms
Report: BhaskarB and Vishnu
Photos: Vishnu and BhaskarB

Chill morning of Sunday, 25 of September, we could feel the climate approaching for next winter season. To keep warm and fit ourselves and for the purpose to set journey on track we started to gather one by one at office. As soon as Mohana arrived like morning glory to boost up team spirit, she began herselves to make a cup of tea for everyone. With fresh hot touch of tea, we jumped into a micro van to proceed towards Lubu at 7:00.

When we reached Lubu we could observe the place slowly transforming its old fashion into new.
Interrogating with local folks of Lubu about the way to Lakuri Bhanjyang, we gradually began our course. The course went through expanse matured rice field, the greenery of the field was as a enticer to appease to our cries, captivating us more as we proceed further.

Along this lull of an hour of walking, we arrived at a place called Lamatar where the Shubatara School was established very nicely on a slanting hill. By passing this school, we approached appealing natural beauty that was leading us to Lakuri Bhanjyang. Before reaching lakuri Bhanjyang we came across an assets of nature, whose charm could not be put in black and white. With the walk in a beatific surrounding for next two and half an hours we arrived at Lakuri Bhanjyang (1 Km away from the Tented Camp site), in there we had a cup of tea and some cookies (good one), which was brought by Mohana along with munching stuffs brought by others and that was the brunch.

We ascended a gentle steep hill for few minutes and within next 30 minutes, we happened to be found ourselves at such a place, from where we observed Kathmandu valley at a angle showing us unrevealed charm. After the glance of lasting beauty, we moved ahead and reached the Chapakharka Primary School at Bishankhunarayan at Chapakharka, Lalitpur, where we rested for 10 minutes and had a chat with local young guys in school ground. From this point, we had to descend to Godawari, when we commenced to move down we could see Godawari beneath a green umbrella of nature. Moving ahead to meet Godawari under the umbrella we climbed down for one and an half hours and, finally we were sitting out side of the small restaurant and were having some refreshment facing towards the green brolly, not easy to forget the marks that has taken the place in pages of our memory.

At the end, appreciation should be contributed to Mohana and Rinku for their sustained courage and zest through out excursion and must be obliged to Sangeeta for lending a helping hand for Mohana when she needed. In addition to that, Rashmi should be acknowledging for standing by patiently along with Sangeeta.

Lastly but not the least supportive Bhaskar was always there and Rudra encouragement should be recognized as a driving force to complete our journey with the calmness of Govinda and Rajendra.

As the day went to an end, the radiant smiles on the faces of participants told us that the more places we reach the more smiles we deliver.

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01 Sunday, 09-25-2005	02 Ripe rice fields.
03 Smile.	04 I’m all green,boasts the house
05 Sangeeta helping Mohana didi.	06 Rinku fell down in the stream and instead of getting up right away was busy fixing her hair until somebody reminded her that water is wet.
07 Crossing Kali Gandaki.	08 The Deserted Dark-The Transition Phase-The Brighter Green.Whoa.I think I caputured a Philosophy cycle
09 Dhan ka baali, Goreto ani sapana haru	10 The Recurring Dream
11 Paddy Field	12 Some more paddy field
13 Touch The Sky	14 Close Up to the granules
14 Is this what they call Candid Shot,i wonder	16 I wonder how much wild is that
17 Ah…Wind Pollination	18 Lonely as the Tree. The middle one.
19 Over View of Terrace Farming	20 Green is the Color
21 Overlooking Lubu, where we’d started from.	22 Brand New Horizon
23 Sallaghari	24 Drink D2 Mineral Water,Lead the Gang
25 Some what…silhouette…ergg	26 Darn it,paparazzi’s Again!
27 Valley View I	28 Valley View II
29 Valley View III	30 We reach Lakuri Bhanjyang.
31 Some enthusiastic bikers we met on the way. They were headed to Panauti.	32 Nothing, it’s just Into the Wild
33 Starting the hike towards Godawari from Lakhuri Bhanjyang.	34 Watch out before entering the photo,There’s a subtle 240 KV line, You may trip to get electrocuted
35 Drink D2 Mineral Water,Lead the Gang-Hope you believe it now	36 Kathmandu Valley.
37 Looking towards Panauti.	38 Shot I- Short View
39 Shot 2-Wider View	40 The grass is greener on this side lol
41 Long way home	42 I wanted to focus on that Tower darn it
43 Resting at the school ground in Chapakharka.	44 The making of MoMo Starts here
45 Godawari fish ponds.	46 End of the road. We reach Godawari.

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Hiking Route: Nayapool – Birethaanti – Syaulibazar – Ghandruk
Date: January 23 , 2009, Friday – January 25 , 2009, Sunday
Hike Coordinator: Keshav Basnet
Participants: PragyaR, PratikshaR, GeetikaJ, KeshavB, BhanuC, SuyeshN, KapilP, RachitN, SangharshaB, KamalK, VishnuK, DineshB, SanjeetV, BishwaS, RaviS, PawanP and DhilungHK
Photos: DhilungK, SangharshaB, KeshavB, BhanuC, SuyeshN, PratikshaR, DineshB and PawanP
Caption: SangharshaB, KeshavB, BhanuC, RachitN, SuyeshN and DineshB
Poem By: Bishwa Shrestha
Report By: PratikshaR, GeetikaJ, PragyaR and AshishT
Latitude: N 28°22’40″
Longitude: E083°48’27″
Altitude: 1980m
Creative Support: DijupT/DhilungK

On Friday evening, after 12 hours of work, 17 hikers from D2 were ready to move towards our destination, Ghandruk. Usually after a hard day’s work, everyone seems to be tired but on this Good Friday, every individual had a smile on their face. We were all mentally planning to capture the most comfortable seat in the van, but we three girls had to settle on a seat meant for two. But none of us really slept the whole night. The songs and all the jokes kept us going. It was really memorable.

Ghandruk means “Ghana Jungle” in Gurung language. Ghandruk is a famous Gurung village, overlooking the picturesque lake town of Pokhara as well as the breathtaking Himalayan panorama. It is one of the famous trekking destinations in western Nepal. At 1,951 meters, the Gurung village offers excellent opportunities to experience the unique and colorful culture of the Gurungs and breathtaking views of Annapurna, Machhapucchre and Dhaulagiri. Ghandruk is referred to as a living cultural monument in that it continues to showcase the unique culture of the Gurungs. Our hiking route turned out to be just that and a bit more. Waterfalls, river, mountain, Himalayas and jungle all seem very beautiful.

Our Hiking was a challenging one, as it is a 5 days trekking route. But we planned to shorten the hike by only trekking to Ghandruk from Nayapool. For this we had decided to depart from ktm on friday evening so that we can start hike on early in the next morning. As planned, we started our hike from Nayapool. After hiking for about half an hour we reached Birethaanti from where route is separated for Ghorepaani and Ghandruk. Planning Ghorepaani for next hike we moved towards Ghandruk. Hiking by the side of gurgling Modi River was very pleasant part of the hike. The sound of the soothing relaxing river was a truly remarkable relaxing experience. Exploring well preserved culture was fascinating. We met plenty of tourist most of them were Korean. After a tiring walk through the steep hills, we stopped at the hut to take some rest. As we were listening to the songs, we encountered a Korean girl. We played the Korean song as well as its copied version in Hindi and she was surprised. Each and every part of hiking trail was enjoyable and full of adventure, there was always something interesting to see on next destination. Each and every house was ready to serve you as a guest with great hospitality. Waterfalls, white water of Modi, paved hiking trekking trail, smiling tourist and beautiful house-cum-guesthouse with slate stone roof on the way were very much pleasing. All the houses were constructed in such a way that it resists the extreme cold. After all day walk, finally we got to relax at the lodge where we had camp fire at night along with singing and gossiping. Since there is no roadway, the means of transportation is through mules. So the goods seem to be more costly than that on the base.

The next morning we made our way back off the hilltop and headed back through an easy walk downhill. There are enough waterfalls, interesting rock formations and hills worth climbing to fill two days of exploring. We couldn’t resist ourself to go to the Modi River to capture beautiful moments. The gentle touch of ice-cold water of Modi River worked like a pain reliever for us which took all our tiredness away.

As Pokhara was on our way we couldn’t just pass by it because all of us had strong desire to go there although we had limited time of 3 hours. This was Geetika’s first visit to Pokhara so she was most excited to explore one of the scenic beauties of Nepal. Thakali ko khana was what all wanted. After having lunch we headed towards to Fewa Lake. The boating at the lake was our favorite part of the journey. The lake surrounding by the hills, those flying birds rejuvenated our spirit. It was so much fun being on the boat and being hit by the cool breeze and watching people sailing. Sleeping fearlessly on the tips of the boat, splashing water to one another was really a fun.

“Study nature, not books” you will surely be the poet

Befriending the mountains is a wonder
you feel like a child
walkin around with your mother

no one can hurt you then,
no pain can you not endure,
the vastness and the beauty
all does its magic

i made friends with them
and felt my heart grow
i walked around with them for a while
and witnessed my soul smile

The White Giants blushed red
From the touch of the morning Rays
Like the cheeks of a Sherpa girl
Smiling with youthful perseverance
Our world is sleeping somewhere
But had it been awake,

It wouldn’t have been lucky enough
As we were,
To feel this emotion
So rare
That nature has been
Exhibiting silently – shyly

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00 We welcome you to ABC trail (Birethanti)	01 Nayapul
02 Cute little fellow gifted by nature	03 Group with Tanha Dil
04 Will u sit	05 Tori Bari Bata ra Sapana haru
06 Real hikers	07 Going school, no way
08 Aangan – keep it clean	09 March Pass
10 This is a lot better than any mineral water	11 Every morning i wake up to see you gleaming
12 The AfterLife	13 Friends
14 I`ll lead this difficult path	15 Who r u shooting we r here
16 The railings were made to prevent the animals falling off	17 Camp fire at ghandruk top
18 Talk King and his wife	19 Lawyer from china
20 The hiking group	21 Who can paint better than Nature
22 This is Ghandruk	23 Walking the hard way
24 Ancient technology – still affective	25 Viewing through vignette
26 It`s all for my family	27 The Look
28 Brotherhood	29 V With Korean AGASHI
30 Who will win – slow and steady	31 Smile plz
32 Her eyes were wet	33 Two sides of Life
34 Innocent steps from Japan	35 Happy to capture u in my camera
36 My sassy girl	37 Pose on Modi Khola
38 Tanha dill tanha safar	39 This is how ghandruk is loosing forest
40 La khai sakyo..lab test ko lagi rakhe ko thiye…..	41 And the laziest photographer award goes to…
42 I`m devil	43 Dharma nai Karma ho
44 Chamatkari baba got enlightment	45 Nigara fall in Nepal
46 All the best	47 Paan ko paat maya…
48 Machhapuchhre	49 Brand ambassadors of frooti
50 5000 ko Anda kaha bata niskyo	51 Cameraman in Focus
52 Budhesh kaal ko sahara	53 Electricity source
54 Just for you sweetie	55 Beast of Burden
56 Dream of life	57 Downward trail at Khimchi
58 Balanced body	59 Laalupate
60 Gurung village – Landruk(on the opposite side)	61 I m the Pele from nepal
62 1st step is always hard	63 Stand on the rock
64 Come and sleep on my Lap	65 Happy to hike
66 Hiunchuli	67 Stop this
68 Annapurna ko Phedima	69 Wait wait blind man is behind u
70 Local at Ghandruk	71 Path to heaven
72 Smiling with silver teeth	73 The VISH
74 Rintin tin tin	75 White ice cream with cherry at the top
76 Frozen in time	77 Morning shows the day
78 Syauli bazar bridge	79 Naagbeli Garaharu
80 I caught the fish	81 Maachho ta futkiyo
82 Tipi Tipi Pani Barsa Pani Me Aa	83 Modi River with a welcome giggle
84 Baba in materialistic world	85 I can spend my lifetime with you like this
86 Row row row your boats gently down the stream .. merrily merrily merrily .. life is like a dream	87 Smile smile caught u
88 Wish i had this	89 Without a sailor
90 Shooting each other	91 Wanabe Shutterbugs
92 Tal Barahi	93 Laden laden laden ma ta launa samau
94 Taal Barahi South Pokhara	95 Majhi dai pokhara fewataal ko
96 Nature, fun, economy and profit	97 Manakamana gate
98 I shall quit this when I die	99 We achieved our target
100 Playing with the exposure

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Hiking Route: Daman, Markhu to Thankot
Date: 16th to 18th of September 2005
Participants: Rudra, Mohana, Amit, Amulya, Anjana, Bhaskar, Bidyut, Bijay, Bikal, Binay A., Binay N., Biswa, Charu, Govind, hitesh, Nilesh, Niraj, Pawan P., Prabhakar, Prajwal, Raju M., Rasju S. Rashmi, Sanjeet, Santosh, Sarad M., Sewa, Shashi, Shekhar, Siddhi, Siris, Sudeep A., Sudeep K., Surendra, Thakur, Tika, Vishnu and Yalamber.
Duration: A total of 11 hours and 30 Minutes.
Photo: Team
Caption: VishnuK
Report: VishnuK and BhaskarB

As the day was making its way towards evening, we left the office heading for Daman to spend the night at the Everest Panorama Resort. Daman is situated at an altitude of 2400 meters above the sea level. As soon as we reached, we checked in. After refreshing ourselves after approximately 4 hours of traveling, we all were gathered in at the courtyard where bonfire flared up to keep us warm along with hot and cold beverages. Later on Yalamber and Hitesh started to tune up their guitars. Other teammates soon joined making the atmosphere more lively. For making the party alive and kicking, we unclosed beer can and some grog. With the company of these most of the folks began to open themselves with their hidden talents. All of us sang a lot of old and new tunes accompanied by guitar and madal. After the enjoyment we went to banquet where Chinese dinner was set in a buffet. After the dinner, some of us went to the dance floor to shake their hips while others gathered around the bonfire reflecting the serenity of the place and singing to old soft numbers on the guitar. The rocking and rumbling entertainment at the both side continued until 1 PM. Slowly the participants began to move to their rooms to rest themselves after a hectic day of driving, dancing and drinking. However for some of us the party continued well into the early morning hours.

Early next morning (17th of September) at 5:30 AM there was a wake up knock on everyone’s door to make us to watch the sunrise towards east at the top of Mt. Everest. As the weather was ending of rainy season, the view was not that spectacular but we were fortunate enough to see the beauty with majestic Everest. The sunrise was giving the message of new aspiration to continue our odyssey through ups and downs like the sunrays that manage to escape through up hurdles on the way, ultimately reaching us to give pleasure to cherish within. From Daman, one can see most of the 8 of the world’s top mountains. We could easily spot Everest. Between December-February, when the snow falls, this place is one of the best in the country to watch the sunrise and sunset owing to the crystal clear skies at that time of the year.

After having delightful moment and sipping the morning tea, 21 of us went for a trek to Rikeshwor Mahadevsthan. After taking the darshan at the temple, 6 of us – Rudra dai, Surendra, Bhaskar, Vishnu, Prabhakar and Govinda took an unknown hiking route trying to find the Bhutanese Monastery. This monastery is said to contain Buddhist practitioners who have been meditating constantly for 15, 20, 25 years! The only contacts they have with the outside world is with their immediate family and spend all their time in meditation. This was a very treacherous trail to say the least because the way was not clearly marked and the plants and shrubs were up to the thigh and even higher sometimes. In this ordeal we reached the highest point from which we could see the place called Baghmara (on way to Hetauda). We hiked for 3 hours but were unable to find the Monastery. However, we also took that as a blessing and a challenge for the next time we come around these parts.

After the hike, we returned to the Resort where all of us were having breakfast. After the breakfast some began to enjoy playing cards, some went on a sight seeing and some were busy with their chatting.

At 1:00 PM the Nepali lunch was set on buffet table and everybody rushed to reach the meal. During the lunch time, Bhaskar proposed another hike from Daman to Kathmandu itself. Surendra, Bhaskar, Raju, Vishnu, and Rudra decided to join and commenced on another unknown journey to Kathmandu. We left Resort at 2:00 PM in a car for 20 kilometers to begin our journey to explore yet another experience. We were to start from Bajrabarahi village near Tistung, hike to Markhu village near the Kulekhani dam, rest for the night and then begin the final journey to Thankot.

For this purpose we commenced our walk from a place called Gahate at 3: 00 PM, which was a village associated with agricultural activities. Most of the walk was passing through similar type of villages inhabited by smiling and friendly people. From time to time, we had to climb over rocks, cross small river streams and walk along the river shore. Around 6:00 PM we arrived at the place called Markhu that is situated at the bank of Kulekhani, the first reservoir water dam to produce hydro-electricity power. It was Asian Development Bank project with expertise of Japanese and Korean engineers. At Markhu we spent the night at small hotel that was called Krishna Lodge and Resturant. We cooked ourselves fresh fish from dam water to feed ourselves, accompanied by dal, bhat, tarkari that was prepared by cheerful hotel owner along with traditional homemade grog.

On 18th, early in the morning at 6:15 AM., we left the hotel with the sip of one black tea. Wonder walking through fertile villages around 8:30 we reached a place called Chitlang, which is famous for growing potatoes and cauliflowers. Near the village of Bhandarkharka, we stopped for a quick breakfast of tea and cookies. After a short while, we continued our journey and began to climb the very steep Bhanjyang hill. It took us nearly 2 hours to reach the top. The climb down from the Bhangjyang hill was a killer! It is one of the steepest routes in the valley. After an hour’s descent, we reached Thankot and took a local transportation home.

This journey also ended with insufficient words to describe all the beauty and charm of its. However, the journey left a lasting impression to march ahead again.

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01 Departure time. Who’s in Who’s still finishing the daily report	02 Jimmy Page. For those unaware, best rocker in town – Yalamber tuning to go
03 Arriving at the Everest Panorama Resort in Daman	04 Ah … looking forward to some fun after a hectic week’s work!
05 We want the best room, best food, and a guaranteed sunrise tomorrow Mr. Rai	06 Okay we’re in the band too
07 Country roads take me home, to the place I belong, West Daman ..	08 This is what happens when Santosh is in the mood for party
09 Nevermind that the beer tray went out in 1 minute. I’m going for the good stuff	10 There are 2 cows. One facing east, other west. There’s a bundle of grass between them. How do they eat it (No pun intended)
11 Mohana didi telling Sewa the virtues of waiting for the good wine	12 Rudra dai’s grand entrance
13 I found it	14 Relaxing
15 Ladies in the house	16 The fountain of eternal Wine
17 Rudra dai busy with Antakshari	18 Lalupate phulyo banaima ..
19 D2TV Unplugged. Yalamber and Hitesh making it a memorable night for all of us	20 Antakshari warfare
21 Mohana didi with the traditional dance	22 Madal
23 Antakshari final. All of us having a great time!	24 Its dinner time. Dinner on 09-16-2005 Friday was Chinese
25 Vegetable Fried Rice, Chowmein, Bamboo soup, Fried Chicken, ..	26 Enjoying the dinner
27 After dinner, it was disco time. Rudra dai remembers the 80s	28 And Mohana didi too
29 Some more moves	30 Mr. Surendra suddenly achieves Nirvana
31 All of us were given a wake-up knock on the door at 530am on Sat 09-17-2005 to watch the sunrise expected at 555am	32 We could see most of the 8 tallest Himalayan peaks from here
33 Rudra dai with the sunrise in the background.	34 Finally the sun came up. In about 1 month’s time when the monsoon ends, the sunrise would look really spectacular from here
35 Beautiful backdrop	36. At 630am, after the morning tea, enthusiasts getting ready for a hike to Rikheswor mahadev temple. Some of us were happily enjoying the morning sleep at this serene place after an all night party
37 RC101 Rudra dai giving a practical lecture on Rock Climbing.	38 RC101 How to look cool and smile while Rock Climbing.
39 Cottages at the resortr	40 Walking up to the tower.
41 Getting ready for the hike to Rikeshwar mahadev	42 Starting point for the Rikheswar Mahadev hiking.
43 On the way to Rikheshwar mahadev.	44 Another Brick In The Wall. The trail to Rikheswar was really a short and a sweet one.
45 Ladies on the trail	46 What are we waiting for
47 Very pleasant trail indeed	48 Reminder that the monsoon season was not yet over. Slippery
49 Entering the periphery of Rikheswar Mahadev	50 On the final assault towards the temple premise
51 Offering prayers to the Mahadev	52 Perhaps Tika should have considered running for the German election
53 Flowers	54 Bhaskar trying to find the trail to get to the Bhutanese Monastery. Rudra dai, Vishnu, Bhaskar, Prabhakar, Surendra and Govinda instead of returning to the resort hiked an uphill uncharted trail trying to find the Monastery
55 View from the highest point they had reached	56 This trail was really treacherous
57 Be careful its a steep one	58 Guys take hold of the branches and come down slowly
59 At this descent everybody had to slide because it was too steep to walk downwards	60 All of us, Bhaskar taking the snap
61 Bhaskar’s shoe got trapped between the rock and the tree. He fell down, you can see his feet	62 Beautiful snap. Any flora and fauna expert in D2 We need big-time nomenclature
63 The Sign Board	64 Lunch time. Traditional Nepali cuisine was on the buffet.
65 Rudra dai, Raju, Bhaskar, Vishnu and Surendra embarked on a hike from Daman to Thankot. The trail that we took is highlighted by the transparent red mark on the map that highlights the contours	66 Kuncha village past Gahate village
67 Walking by Cauliflower fields in the village	68 Very little rain in these parts this year
69 Bhaskar (L) and Vishnu (R) before descending to one of the tribulatory that would merge to form the Phalung river	70 We were leaving the village beside and moving towards the river
71 Descending to the river	72 After walking for 3 hours, we reached the beginning of the Kulekhani dam
73 Sediment preventive weir, marking the start of the Kulekhani dam	74 Where in the world is Boston, Rudra dai ponders
75 On the way to Markhu village before we reached the Suspension Bridge	76 The Markhu Suspension bridge
77 Kulekhani reservoir	78 Beautiful dusk reflected in the Kulekhani reservoir
79 Vishnu steps in to prepare an excuisite Japanese fish dish	80 On Sun 09-18-2005, we begin our upward hike to Thankot
81 The hike from Markhu to Chitlan was really awesome	82 Soothing landscape as well
83 Local	84 House near Bhandarkharka village
85 Ancient stone temple carving on the upward slope to Bhangjyang hill	86 This trail from Bhandarkharka to the Thankot was filled with 2 things – lush vegetation and leeches
87 From the height of Bhangjyang hill, we could see our hike route all the way to Chitlan	88 At the top of the Bhangjyang hill
89 Mist covered the hill	90 Towards the descent to Thankot
91 Ceremonial stone carving	92 That is Thankot. Finally
93 Where we came from	94 You take a guess

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