Sachin Karanjit
At Deerhold, hiking is more than just a fitness activity; it's our way of staying connected, energized, and grounded in the beauty of nature. This past weekend, our regular hike took on a special flavor as we were joined by fellow hikers from Deerwalk Group and Deerwalk Auto Services, making it a true family affair across all three companies.
We gathered early in the morning at 109 Restaurant, our usual meet-up spot, where warm smiles and breakfast fueled our excitement. By 8:15 AM, we were on the road, heading toward Tika Bhairab, the starting point of our adventure, an hour-long drive that set the tone for the day.
Upon reaching Tika Bhairab, we chatted with friendly locals to find the right trail to Dalchoki, bypassing the paved roads for a more authentic hiking experience. Guided by a kind local, we began our ascent through lush greenery that was glowing under the magic of the monsoon season. The landscape was alive. We passed playful children, curious passersby, and witnessed the heart of Nepal in its purest form.
The uphill journey lasted about four hours, filled with laughter, stories, and a few breath-catching breaks. The moment we reached Dalchoki, we were rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley, veiled in soft mist and monsoon freshness. After soaking in the view, we made our way to the nearby Manakamana Temple, where we took a much-needed break with refreshing cucumbers, bananas, and snacks.
One of the highlights of the day was the plank challenge because what’s a Deerhold hike without a little fun competition? To everyone’s cheer and admiration, Rudra Dai held a 10-minute plank and won the challenge hands down!
Rejuvenated and inspired, we began our descent back to Tika Bhairab, a roughly 2.5-hour trek that led us through dense forests and past several sand and gravel mines. While the terrain was striking, the visible impact of mining on the environment was a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between development and nature. Toward the end of our hike, gentle rain added a dramatic touch to the final stretch.
We finally arrived back at Tika Bhairab temple, tired but fulfilled. Our drive back to Deerwalk Campus took around 1.5 hours, where a delicious dinner awaited us. The perfect way to wrap up a full day of exploration, camaraderie, and meaningful reflection.
Until the next trail, happy hiking!
