Saambi Timalsina
On Sunday, 4th October 2026, we began our hiking adventure at 8:00 a.m. from Deerwalk School, Siphal. Excited for the long day ahead, we first gathered at the Deerwalk School 109 Degree Restaurant for breakfast before setting off. We then travelled in a Deerhold van towards Gurje Bhanjyang, where our hike would begin. After arranging tickets for 13 of us and two senior citizens, we finally set off on foot towards Kakani.
The trail immediately took us away from the familiar rush of the city and into a quieter landscape of forests, hills, and villages. Over the course of the hike, we experienced almost every kind of trail: steep uphill climbs, some downhill stretches, and flatter paths. The hike was moderately challenging, but the changing scenery kept us motivated to keep going. We walked through forest trails as well as local villages, passing people's homes, gardens, and fields where we saw radishes, lemons, and many other crops growing.
As we continued along the route, we got to experience a side of the area that is easy to miss from the city. We saw people going about their daily lives, cultivated fields, and small settlements surrounded by greenery. The trail also led us past beautiful places such as Jhanda Park, an ashram, and several other scenic spots. At one particularly memorable viewpoint, we were able to see the city spread out below us. Standing there and looking at the vast landscape after walking through the forests made the view feel even more rewarding.
One of the most memorable stops of the day was Tarakeshwor Mahadev Temple. We took a much-needed rest there and enjoyed cucumber, dried grams, and snacks we took from home while drinking the water we had carried with us. We also spoke with the priest and spent some time taking photographs around the temple. The peaceful surroundings gave us a chance to slow down, recharge, and appreciate where we were before continuing our journey.
The trail also gave us plenty of unexpected encounters with nature. Along the way, we saw goats, hens, monkeys, and dogs. One particular dog eventually became part of our adventure. After joining us near Tarakeshwor Mahadev Temple, the dog, whom we came to call Kale, continued following us along the trail towards Kakani. He stayed with us for a surprisingly long distance and almost seemed to have decided that he was one of our hikers. Those walking ahead were also lucky enough to see wild boars, a fox, and other wildlife, and even saw Kale help chase some of the animals away.
The forest, however, was not always easy to cross. Parts of the trail were muddy and slippery, especially along the steeper sections, and we also encountered leeches along the way. At one point, we became a little confused about which path to take. Instead of letting that stop us, we talked among ourselves and figured out the route. These small moments of uncertainty, along with the muddy trails and unexpected wildlife, made the journey feel more adventurous and memorable.
The long walk also gave us plenty of opportunities to bond. We talked with one another, shared stories, drank water together, and took breaks whenever necessary. Since everyone walked at their own pace, we sometimes separated into smaller groups but continued meeting along the trail. The hours spent walking gave us time to have conversations that we might not normally have had. The journey gradually became less about simply reaching Kakani and more about enjoying the experience.
We also chose to take the longer route to Kakani instead of the shorter one. Although this meant spending many more hours on the trail, it allowed us to see more of the landscape and experience more of the journey. After hours of walking through forests, villages, and muddy paths, we finally reached the Kakani Scout area. By then, the break was more than welcome. We stopped at a small local hotel and had light snacks and tea while resting after the long trek.
We stayed in Kakani for a while, enjoying the surroundings and taking more photographs. The time there gave us a chance to relax and look back on the journey we had just completed. From the early morning breakfast to the long walk, the temple visit, the Buddhist statues on the way, the wildlife, the muddy trails, and even our unexpected companion Kale, there was already plenty to remember.
After spending some time in Kakani, we began our return journey in the same Deerhold van that had taken us to Gurje Bhanjyang that morning. We eventually arrived back at Deerwalk School, Siphal, where we had rice and other food together before ending the day.
The journey from Gurje Bhanjyang to Kakani was about an eight-hour hike. It was a day of discovering new places, experiencing nature up close, overcoming small challenges, and most importantly spending meaningful time together. The conversations, laughter, shared breaks, beautiful views, and unexpected moments made the long route worthwhile. We returned tired after a full day on the trail but with new memories, stronger connections, and a story that will be remembered long after the hike itself came to an end.
