Santosh Shah
After a five hour drive, we reached a place called Bhimphedi at around 11:00 AM, from where our hike was to begin. The rough and mostly off-road journey had already made us tired. So we decided to take a short break and have breakfast.We spoke to the hotel staff, who informed us that breakfast would take about 30 minutes to prepare. Meanwhile,while waiting for our meal to be prepared, some of us relaxed while others enjoyed a game of carrom. After waiting, our tea and breakfast arrived. We ate and also bought some chips and soft drinks for the journey.
Once refreshed, we began our hike at 12:00 PM. According to the locals, it would take about 3 hours to reach Latameshwor, whereas locals could complete it in around one and half hours as they were used to the terrain. The initial stretch was quite demanding, with a steep uphill climb that tested our stamina. After 30 minutes of tough hike we reached a nearby house, where we rested for a while, had some curd, and then continued our journey.
The next part of the trail passed through a forest and was comparatively easier, making the journey more pleasant. Surrounded by natural beauty, we spotted various flora and fauna along the way. After nearly one and a half hours, we reached the top and the view was absolutely breathtaking. Blooming rhododendrons, moving clouds, and the cool mountain air created a magical atmosphere that made us forget all our fatigue
There were a few small shops where we could purchase flowers, fruits, and other puja materials. We rested there for a while and enjoyed some local snacks. Many of us had aloo chop, which was very delicious, while others tried chatpate.
After taking a short break, we continued our journey toward the temple. It took us approximately 20 more minutes to reach our destination. The trail was narrow and somewhat challenging, especially for some of our friends, but everyone managed to move forward carefully.
Finally, we reached Latarambeshwor Mahadev Temple at around 2:20 PM. The temple is located at about 2,700 meters(8,800 feet) in Ipa Panchakanya area of Makwanpur district.Since it was Saturday, there was a huge crowd. We stood in line for about half an hour to worship. While waiting, we could occasionally see a hill appear and disappear behind the clouds, and everyone tried to capture those moments on their phones. It was truly an outstanding experience.
After some time, we entered the temple area. There was also a cave with a Mahadev idol. We worshipped there, which felt peaceful and spiritually fulfilling. We also climbed a little higher to see a large trishul of Mahadev and captured some memorable group photos there.The views from the top of the temple are stunning,and on a clear day,you can also see Kathmandu valley.
We started our descent at 4:10 PM, and reached Bhimphedi in approximately one and a half hours. The downhill trek was comparatively easier and more comfortable for everyone.At Bhimphedi, we had a late lunch and then boarded the bus at 6:00 PM. It took us around 2 and a half hours to reach Dhading School, which took less time than our initial trip.
Overall, the hike was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, natural beauty, and spiritual moments. We highly recommend visiting Latarambeshwor Mahadev Temple for anyone seeking both thrill and peace in nature.