Sunil Pokhrel
Excitement bubbled within us as we anticipated the challenging hike ahead. Starting with light-hearted mockery toward the latecomers, we soon settled into a rhythm of music, energized by snacks and provisions gathered from BigMart. A quick breakfast stop at Sunakoti for samosa tarkari and tea was a welcomed refuel, though we were conscious of our ticking timeline.
As we journeyed onward, unwavering confidence of Zatil dai in the route led us astray more than once, much to the amusement of the group. His comical detours provided plenty of material for lighthearted teasing and banter among us. Despite the bumps in the road and the occasional wrong turn, the stunning scenery surrounding us managed to distract us from any frustrations. Finally reaching a point where our vehicle could go no further, we commenced our hike at around 10 am, greeted by the refreshing scent of rain-soaked earth, greenery and chill cold breeze passing through our ears.
Navigating through Kalchhe and Baguga, we crossed the Bagmati Bridge, marking our transition from Lalitpur to Makwanpur. The initial optimism of a swift ascent was met with the harsh reality of steep, wooded terrain. Each step demanded more from us, both physically and mentally, yet our camaraderie buoyed our spirits.
As we climbed, the air grew cooler, refreshing us with each breath. The hillside was covered in lush greenery, with tall trees providing shade along the way. We took breaks to catch our breath, sharing laughs and encouraging each other to keep going.Ayush's difficulties reminded us of our shared journey, and we supported each other through the challenges. Despite the steep path, the promise of reaching the top kept us going.
When we finally made it to the summit, we were greeted by the impressive sight of the Trishul of Mahadev against the blue sky. We took photos and shared moments of reflection, grateful for the opportunity to experience such beauty.The view from the top was breathtaking. Below us, the Kathmandu Valley stretched out, a mix of bustling streets and green fields. It was a stark contrast to the peacefulness of the mountaintop.Surrounded by nature, with hills and trees all around, we felt a sense of awe and appreciation for the world around us. Despite the challenges, reaching the top was worth it for the sense of accomplishment and the stunning views.
As we started our descent, it quickly became apparent that going downhill was no walk in the park. There were slip-ups left and right, with some of us nearly turning into human sleds on the rocky terrain. But amidst the chaos, there were also moments of triumph – like Jibendra dai's sudden burst of speed as he raced down the hill like he was in a marathon, determined to reach the finish line first.
Meanwhile, Ayush was moving at a snail's pace, barely trudging along as if he had suddenly turned into a sloth. Despite our encouragement and promises of snacks at the bottom, Ayush seemed content to take his sweet time, reminding us all that slow and steady wins the race (or at least gets you to the bus eventually).
Finally, as dusk began to settle in, we stumbled upon our waiting bus, looking more like weary travelers returning from a grand adventure than conquering heroes. But even in our tired state, there was a sense of fulfillment and camaraderie that made the journey worth it. With sore muscles and a few bruises to show for our efforts, we boarded the bus and headed home, ready to relive the day's escapades.
Despite our disappointment with the evening's dining options, our shared experiences served as nourishment for the soul. As we reflected on the day's trials and triumphs, it became clear that the memories forged on this hike would endure far beyond sore muscles and tired limbs. With hearts full and spirits lifted, we bid farewell to Latarambeshowr Mahadev, grateful for the bonds forged and the stories shared along the way.
