Himal Parajuli
Day 1: Beginning of the Journey
The hiking adventure started on 29th November after a busy day at work. With an air of excitement, everyone gathered around the main gate of School, waiting for the bus. After a short wait, the bus arrived signaling the start of an unforgettable journey. The trip was off to an adventurous start but shortly, the bus was halted as it needed repairs. We spent about an hour waiting, but this delay didn’t dampen our spirits. While waiting, we joked, laughed, and discussed the journey that was to come. When the bus was finally ready, we boarded it with smiles on our faces and great excitement.
As the bus rolled through the busy streets of Kathmandu, we took in the sights of the Friday night. The crowds covering busy streets, traffic jams after every stop and, the view of the city were all part of the experience. While some enjoyed the view outside windows, others kept the atmosphere lively with music and dance inside the bus. The dance, music and jokes were what kept the environment fun and lively.
Along the way, we picked up a few friends, where each one was an addition of more laughter and excitement to the group. The journey was full of fun, with endless chatter and jokes echoing in the bus. Late at night, we stopped for dinner at a roadside hotel and shared a heavy meal, fuelling up for the remainder of the trip.
After a long ride, we finally reached Pokhara at around 2:00 AM. The cold quiet streets of the city greeted us, as we checked into a hotel. We went to our rooms to get some rest for the adventures of the next day.
Day 2: Exploring Pokhara and Hiking to ABC Camp
The second day of the trip began early, where all of us gathered together in the hotel dining area for breakfast. Day 2 started with a visit to Bindabasini Temple. The visit to the temple was a spiritual and religious experience. We took blessings and Prasad and then captured some moments in cameras.
From the temple, we proceeded to Begnas Lake. The beauty of the lake was captivating with its calm water reflecting the surrounding mountains. We split into smaller groups of eight people each for a peaceful and calm boating experience around the lake. All those memorable moments were captured on camera.
After spending a wonderful morning at the lake, we took lunch next to the Begnas Lake with live music by Gaine Dai. Then we boarded the bus again to head toward Kande, the starting point for our hike to Australian Base Camp (ABC). The journey to Kande was filled with energy, as the group sang, danced, and shared stories. The camaraderie among the group members made the bus ride a joyous experience in itself.
We reached Kande around 4:30 PM and prepared for the hike. By 5:00 PM, the group started hiking, though some friends started a bit later. The hike was an adventure like no other. The jungle trail started covering darkness as night fell which added an element of thrill to our hiking experience. The cold weather was refreshing but also challenging for the group especially with the fear of encountering wild animals in the dense forest.
The beauty of the jungle was mesmerizing at night . The moonlight filtering through the trees, the sounds of birds and wind, and the rustling leaves made the hike unforgettable. After about an hour of trekking, we finally reached ABC.
At the camp, the group set up a campfire, which became the highlight of the evening. Dinner was served an hour later and the meal felt satisfying after the hike. The warmth of the fire brought everyone together as we sat around it, sharing stories and laughter that added beauty to the evening. Then the music and dance started, with everyone letting loose and enjoying the moment. The evening was filled with joy, and the memories created around that camp fire will remain etched in our hearts.
Day 3: Sunrise and Return to Kathmandu
The final day of our trip started with an early wake-up call. We stepped outside to witness a breathtaking sunrise view of the mountains. The sight left us speechless as we stood in awe of nature’s beauty. We captured the moments with our cameras and our eyes.
After enjoying the sunrise, we had breakfast at the hotel and began our return hike to Kande. The hike back took about 45 minutes and it was a completely different experience in daylight. The trail that had seemed mysterious and thrilling the night before now revealed its natural beauty.
Once we reached Kande, we boarded the bus and started our journey back to Pokhara. The bus ride was just as lively as before. The ride to Pokhara was filled with live jamming sessions, singing, and plenty of laughter keeping the energy high. We reached Pokhara and made a quick visit to the lakeside of Fewa Lake. The view of Fewa lake had the vibrant atmosphere which added a perfect way to conclude our time in Pokhara.
Lunch was served at 1:00 PM with a delicious meal. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we began our return journey to Kathmandu. The bus ride was a mix of reflections on the trip and continued fun. Conversations revolved around the highlights of the adventure where we relieved all those moments one more time with laughter and fun. Everyone felt satisfied in having created such unforgettable memories.
We reached Kathmandu at around 8:30 PM with full music and dance inside the bus. We had dinner together before bidding each other farewell. The trip officially came to an end, leaving us with treasured stories to tell and memories to cherish.
The trip will be remembered not just for the places we visited but for the emotions we shared and the bonds we strengthened. It was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and joy, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.