Anusha Pandey
On 1 August 2026, the students of Grades XI and XII of Deerwalk Dhading School went on a hiking trip to Champadevi Temple in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, accompanied by three teachers. The hike was not just an outdoor adventure but also a wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends and teachers, enjoy nature, and create lasting memories.
The day began with students gathering at their respective bus stops, excited for the adventure ahead. During the bus ride to Dudhpokhari, everyone chatted, sang songs, played Antakshari, and enjoyed snacks along the way. The cheerful atmosphere made everyone even more eager to begin the hike. After reaching Dudhpokhari, the group started walking at around 9:00 a.m.
The trail was mostly uphill, and everyone initially felt energetic and enthusiastic. Surrounded by lush greenery, tall trees, and peaceful natural scenery, the students enjoyed the refreshing environment. The teachers captured photographs along the way to preserve the special moments. However, as the climb continued, the trail became steeper, and some students began to feel tired.
One of the most memorable parts of the hike was encountering a stretch of the trail filled with leeches. Students had to check their shoes and legs frequently, and whenever someone spotted a leech, they would shout in alarm. Although the experience was frightening at first, it soon became one of the funniest moments of the day. Friends helped one another remove the leeches and encouraged those who were scared or struggling with the steep path.
After passing through the leech-infested area, the group stopped to rest. Some students rested near a small shop, while others gathered at a bhanjyang along the trail. They enjoyed snacks such as cucumbers, Oreo biscuits, and tea to regain their energy. By this time, many students had already consumed most of the water they had carried. With no shops nearby for the remaining part of the climb, they had to continue the journey despite feeling thirsty.
As the group moved farther along the trail, they were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley, including distant glimpses of the Bagmati River and Taudaha. The fresh air, green forests, and peaceful surroundings helped everyone forget their tiredness for a while. Students walked together, holding hands and encouraging one another through the steeper sections. Meanwhile, the teachers continued taking photographs at scenic spots along the way.
After approximately three to three and a half hours of walking, the group finally reached Champadevi Temple. Tired but proud and relieved, the students entered the temple to worship. They bowed their heads, applied tika, and offered prayers for good health and prosperity. Afterward, everyone sat on the hill, shared the food they had brought, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery in the company of their friends and teachers. Before leaving, the students made sure to collect their waste and leave the surroundings clean.
The return journey followed the trail toward Hattiban. Although much of the route was downhill, the numerous steps made the descent tiring for everyone's legs. The trail passed through beautiful forests of pine and cypress trees. However, fallen pine needles made some sections slippery, causing a few students to slip and sustain minor injuries. Fortunately, their friends helped them get back on their feet, and they continued the journey together.
Partway through the descent, the group reached a viewpoint offering a stunning, uninterrupted panorama of almost the entire Kathmandu Valley. Everyone paused to admire the breathtaking scenery while the teachers captured photographs of the moment. As the group continued through Hattiban, they also enjoyed a beautiful distant view of Taudaha, providing another memorable highlight of the hike.
After approximately five hours and one minute of hiking and covering a total distance of around 10.95 kilometres, the group finally reached Hattiban, where the school bus was waiting. Although physically exhausted, everyone felt happy and satisfied with the experience. The magnificent view of the Kathmandu Valley alone made the challenging journey worthwhile. During the bus ride home, the students continued singing, laughing, and sharing stories about the funniest and most memorable moments of the day.
The hike to Champadevi Temple was filled with excitement, laughter, challenges, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences. From singing on the bus and encountering leeches to admiring the panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and walking through the peaceful forests of Hattiban, every part of the journey offered something special.
Above all, the experience taught the students the importance of teamwork, patience, perseverance, and encouraging one another through difficulties. It also reminded everyone to appreciate the journey rather than focus only on reaching the destination. For the students and teachers of Deerwalk Dhading School, it was a refreshing and memorable adventure that will be cherished for years to come.
