Anis Alam Ansari
Some mornings just feel different. On Ashadh 28, 2082, there was a kind of quiet excitement in the air. It was Saturday, the sun was peeking through gently, and we,teachers from Deerwalk Pokhara School,were all set for a day out in nature. Our plan was simple: escape the usual routine, breathe in some fresh air, and make memories on a hiking trip to Nirmal Pokhari.
The official gathering time was 7:00 AM at school,but, By around 7:10 AM, all eight of us had made it, slightly late but full of energy. The team for the day: Amrita Ghimire, Deepak Sarki, Roshan Bhattarai, Tej Kafle, Kiran BK, Anis Ansari, Srijana BK, and Manju Khatri.
We climbed into the bus with sleepy smiles and warm greetings. Soon, the chatter picked up. Someone played music, someone cracked a joke, and in no time, the bus was buzzing with laughter and light,hearted stories. It already felt like the perfect start.
Around 8:10 AM, we stopped at Dobilla for breakfast. Ganga Jamuna Khaja Ghar became our quick pit stop. The food wasn’t fancy, but it hit the spot,simple, warm, and exactly what our empty stomachs needed. After filling up and stretching out a little, we took a few goofy group selfies, shouldered our bags, and hit the trail.
From the very first steps, the forest welcomed us. The air smelled of pine and damp earth, the kind of scent you wish you could bottle up. Tall trees arched over the path, casting gentle shadows that moved with the breeze. Just ten minutes in, someone yelled “Group photo!” and we all huddled together, grinning wide. Everyone still looked fresh,those were the early hours, after all.
We made our way up stone staircases, winding deeper into the greenery. There was something soothing about walking together, no rush, just pacing ourselves. Some walked in pairs, chatting softly; others stopped to take pictures or just look around. There was so much peace in that quiet forest,it didn’t feel like a hike, more like a slow, beautiful walk with good company.
About an hour into the trail, we found a flat, open spot by the road and took a much,needed break. Some sat on rocks, some lay back for a moment, eyes half closed. A few snacks were passed around, and we talked about everything and nothing. It was simple, and it felt really good.
Then came the highlight,at exactly 12:05 PM, we reached Nirmal Pokhari. The trail had been long but never too tough, and now we were here. It felt like a reward. The place was quiet, peaceful, and perfect for resting. We found shade, sat down, stretched out, and shared whatever snacks we had brought. Some of us took photos, others just leaned back and enjoyed the moment. It was one of those rare pauses in life where everything feels just right.
After the break, we started walking downhill. The trail continued to surprise us. Just a little while later, tucked into the trees, we came across a waterfall we hadn’t expected. The sound of the water, the fresh mist, the cool rocks,it was all too inviting. We ended up staying there longer than we planned, making fun videos, taking silly photos, and simply enjoying the vibe. It was the kind of place you wish you could come back to with a book and a day to spare.
Further down the path, we came across a viewpoint where the city of Pokhara stretched out below us. The airport runway was clearly visible, tiny planes looking like toys in the distance. We sat there for a while, sipping water, quietly enjoying the breeze. Someone joked it looked like a scene from a postcard.
By around 1:50 PM, we had reached Birauta Hydropower, and another waterfall greeted us. It was taller and grander than the one before, and we stood there for a while, just watching it. A few minutes later, we came to Julanagy Pul,a suspension bridge that made everyone either very excited or a little nervous. Crossing it was fun, though. It bounced gently under our feet, and we couldn’t resist stopping midway to take even more photos.
With tired feet and happy hearts, we got back on the bus and drove to Airport Thakali Khaja Ghar. It was around 2:20 PM, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The lunch,Thakali set,was exactly what we needed. Warm, delicious, and comforting in every way. Over plates of rice, dal, and curry, we relived the day’s moments, laughing over small stories and inside jokes. Everyone had their own favorite memory.
By 3:30 PM, we were back at school. The ride home was quieter,some dozed off, others just stared out the window, tired but peaceful.
Looking back, this hike wasn’t just about reaching Nirmal Pokhari. It was about all the little things: the shared laughs, the quiet views, the unexpected waterfall, and that moment on the bridge. It was the kind of day that makes you forget about deadlines and timetables and just be in the moment.
We’re all incredibly thankful to the school for encouraging days like this,where we leave behind the whiteboards and lesson plans and reconnect with nature, and with each other.
If anyone’s looking for a peaceful, refreshing trail close to Pokhara, Nirmal Pokhari is it. It’s not too hard, not too crowded, and full of little surprises that stay with you long after the hike is over. Whether you’re with friends, family, or fellow teachers, it’s one of those places that just feels right.
