Sachin Karanjit
Nestled in the lush foothills of the Kathmandu Valley, the Godawari to Lakure Bhanjyang trail is a stunning route, perfect for a day hike. Deerhold team, including company founder Rudra Pandey and CEO Jeff Gasser, embarked on this very journey. This hike was special not only for its scenic beauty but also for the camaraderie shared by participants from multiple Deerhold offices, including Nepal, Japan, and a representative from Deerwalk Auto Services.
We began our day bright and early, gathering at the cozy 109 Degrees Restaurant for breakfast. Here, colleagues from Deerhold’s Japan office mingled with our Nepal-based team and other international visitors, such as Chen from China. After fueling up, we made our way by van to Godawari, pausing for a tea break at Bagaicha Restaurant before officially hitting the trail around 10 a.m.
The hike began under cool, clear weather—ideal for trekking. However, a recent landslide, caused by heavy rains weeks before, had left a unique mark on the trail. Parts of the path were covered with earthworms, most of which had succumbed to the rough terrain, creating a distinct, earthy scent. Despite this minor inconvenience, spirits remained high as everyone powered forward. The early glimpses of the surrounding mountain peaks and misty greenery made every step worthwhile.
Along the way, Jeff Gasser, back in Nepal for the first time in nearly four years and hiking after a knee surgery, demonstrated impressive perseverance and enthusiasm. His determination and positive energy inspired everyone around him. It was truly heartening to witness Jeff enjoying the hike alongside the team, unphased by the challenges.
After a steady ascent, we arrived at Chapa Kharka, a small village known for its panoramic views and as a popular paragliding spot nearby. The lush open fields and peaceful setting were an invitation to pause, relax, and breathe in the pristine air. From there, the trail began a gradual descent towards our destination, Lakuri Bhanjyang. We continued our trek, surrounded by nature’s beauty, with everyone encouraging one another and sharing laughs along the way.
Upon reaching Lakure Bhanjyang, our company van whisked us away to Terraces Resort for a late lunch. The resort’s hilltop location provided an impressive view of the Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur, adding to the serenity of the afternoon. The delicious meal rejuvenated us, and a few hikers indulged in some extra fun by swinging on the resort’s large swing, savoring every moment of the relaxing yet thrilling activity.
As we headed back to the office campus, tired but fulfilled, the sense of achievement and connection was evident. The hike was a perfect blend of adventure, teamwork, and resilience, reminding us all of the bonds that make Deerhold strong across continents. This experience underscored not just the thrill of the outdoors but also the unity within Deerhold—a team that supports one another, overcoming challenges together.
