Aashma Timilsina
Deerwalk Pokhara School
Teachers’ Hiking Trip to World Peace Stupa
Date: 2082 Shrawan 31, Saturday
On Saturday, 2082 Shrawan 31, Deerwalk Pokhara School organized a hiking program for its teachers. The purpose was simple yet meaningful to get away from the classroom, engage in physical activity, and share moments of refreshment and togetherness in nature.
A group of nine staff members set out for the adventure: Aakash Chandra Giri, Dinesh Subedi, Manju Khatri, Roshan Bhattarai, Manisha Paudel, Aashma Timilsina, Sunita Maharjan, Deewakar Dahal, and Srijana BK. By 7:30 in the morning, everyone had gathered at the school grounds, excited and ready. After a hearty breakfast at Rastra Bank Chowk, the team reached Damside around 9:10 AM, the starting point of the trail.
The hike followed a newly constructed route aimed at visitors who wish to experience Pokhara’s natural beauty more closely. From the very beginning, the path led us through a dense subtropical forest; green, quiet, and alive with birdsong. Although the trail usually takes about an hour and a half, our group happily stretched it into a longer walk, pausing often to talk, laugh, and simply enjoy the calm of the woods.
After about two and a half hours of steady but relaxed walking, we reached Anadu Hill, the home of the World Peace Stupa. The sight from the top was breathtaking: Phewa Lake shimmering below, Pokhara Valley unfolding in the distance, and the snowcapped peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu forming a magnificent backdrop. It was one of those rare moments when nature, culture, and spirituality come together seamlessly.
Lunch at a local restaurant added another highlight to the day. The food was simple but delicious, and it reminded us of the richness of local flavors that often go unnoticed. We agreed that visitors should not miss tasting local cuisine here, it is part of the experience as much as the hike itself.
Time, however, was not on our side. By 2:00 PM, it was time to descend and return to school. Though a couple of hours at the stupa felt too short, the memories and fellowship we carried back were more than enough.
The best thing about this hiking route is that this can be the best example for the learners of sustainable development and protection of natural heritage for the future generations. The way this trail was managed was inspiring. The organic materials used on the garbage management were worthy. Similarly, half of the pavement created was ecofriendly, however it is suggested that the removal of concrete stairs that leads to stupa and at the beginning should not be there. Otherwise the entire trip, the route, preservation and conservation of natural resources are worth more.
In conclusion, the Damside-Peace Stupa hike was more than just a physical activity. It was a chance to bond, to breathe in fresh air, and to see Pokhara from a new perspective. From a tourism viewpoint, this hike is one of the best options to recommend-it extends a visitor’s stay, supports the local economy, and provides the health benefits that only nature can give. Above all, it left us refreshed, inspired, and reminded of how rewarding even a short journey can be when shared with good company.
