Soraa DWA
Some memories stay with us forever because they make us appreciate the beauty of nature and the joy of adventure. Our school hiking trip to Kaskikot on 10 July, 2026 was one such unforgettable experience. It was organized by our school for the students of Grades 7 and 8.
Early in the morning, I was worried about the weather. The sky was covered with dark clouds, and it was drizzling lightly. Fortunately, the rain stopped just before we left the school, and we began our journey safely by bus. It took us about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the starting point of the hike. The bus was filled with laughter and excitement as everyone was gossiping and chatting with friends. The cheerful atmosphere made me even more eager for the adventure ahead.
As we approached our destination, I looked out of the bus window and saw a thick blanket of fog covering the hills. It was my first time witnessing such a breathtaking sight. The fog made it seem as if we were traveling above the clouds, creating a magical and unforgettable scene.
It started drizzling, so we all opened our umbrellas or wore raincoats. As we walked through the forest, I noticed how beautiful nature looked in the rain. Usually, I do not enjoy going out on rainy days, but this experience completely changed my perspective. The leaves sparkled with raindrops, and even the spider webs shimmered like delicate strings of tiny pearls. The combination of rain and fog made the entire landscape look peaceful and enchanting.
After walking for some time, we reached what everyone called the "Infinity Stairs." The endless climb seemed to go on forever, making us feel as if we were climbing into the sky. Although the stairs were tiring, we knew our destination was waiting for us. When we finally reached the top, the view was breathtaking. Hidden among the fog was a small temple that looked almost heavenly.The temple used to be the palace for the King before Nepal was unified by Prithivi Narayan Shah. We sat there, enjoyed our lunch, shared food with friends, talked, laughed, and admired the beautiful surroundings. We stayed there for about 20 to 30 minutes before continuing our journey.
Our next destination was the main viewpoint. Although the distance was not very long, the trail was steep and challenging. By the time I arrived, I realized that everyone else had already finished eating, while I had no food left because I had eaten it earlier. Despite that small disappointment, I enjoyed resting with my friends before we climbed a nearby hill to enjoy the panoramic view.
Standing at the top of the hill was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. The rolling hills covered in mist, the fresh mountain air, my friends laughing beside me, and even the tiredness from the long walk made the experience truly special. The scenery was so beautiful that I could hardly find the words to describe it. It was a moment I knew I would always remember.
As we began our return journey, a few of my friends, our teacher, and I accidentally took the wrong path. At first, we thought we had fallen behind the rest of the group, but we soon realized that we had actually walked ahead of them. On the way down, I slipped and fell, but fortunately, I was not seriously injured.
Later, I discovered a much bigger problem. Two leeches had attached themselves to my foot, leaving four bite marks. My foot was bleeding quite a lot, and I had not even noticed it while walking. ‘Ouch’ it was. Although it was unpleasant, it became one of the funniest memories of the trip.
Overall, the hike was physically demanding because of the rain, slippery trails, and steep climbs. However, it was also one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had. The stunning scenery, the peaceful atmosphere, the laughter of my friends, and the unforgettable adventures made the trip truly worthwhile. It taught me that some of life's most beautiful experiences come from stepping outside our comfort zone and embracing nature, even in the rain. This hiking trip to the historical Kaskikot Palace will always remain in my heart and memories.
By Soraa Dwa
Grade-VIII
