Anushree Acharya
Report by: Shabdika Nepal
Introduction:
On 21st of September, 2024, our school took the students of grade 9 and 10 on a hike to Tarebhir. All of us arrived at the school at 8:30 am and as soon as everyone was there, we left for the hike. Our first destination was Budhanilkantha, Shivapuri National Park gate. The journey was pretty long so for entertainment, we danced the whole way. Most of us danced to the music’s beat whereas some of them were not interested. Due to our crazy dances, the bus was shaking. We reached our destination in about 40 minutes.
Overview:
Shivapuri National Park is a huge jungle full of flora and fauna. It is a great place for hikes. First of all, we got to the ticket counter and got instructed about the rules that we needed to follow. Then we started our hike. Our hike was also one of the most amazing hikes. We clicked a lot of pictures and got to know each other better. As it was the hike of both grade nine and ten, we got a chance to cooperate with each other. I hiked along with some of my mates at the end of the group.
Along the way, we came across a lot of waterfalls which were really beautiful. We encountered many insects, but didn’t spot any animals except for a snake that startled one of our friends, causing him to run for his life, which was quite amusing. There were both ups and downs. During this hike, our school gave us another task as well. We were divided into many groups having five people in each group. We were supposed to collect as much trash as we could on the way. This was an excellent initiative by the school aimed at reducing pollution in the forest. We were provided with a huge black trash bag to collect the trash and the group members carried the bag by turns. A special gift was also prepared for the winning group which encouraged us to collect more trash. We walked and walked tirelessly until we reached Nagi Gumba.
Nagi Gumba is situated at the hilltop of Shivapuri National Park. This monastery is an attractive place which attracts people who are in search of spiritual solace and meditation. The monastery is surrounded by hills reflecting a breathtaking view from the monastery. The peaceful atmosphere outside and beautiful statues and paintings inside the monastery is truly amazing. The fresh drinking water directly from the tap is pure and chilling. There is a small shop beside the monastery which is run by the monks living there. They made really good food and were very sweet.
After having our potluck lunch in the garden of Nagi Gumba, we continued our journey towards Tarebhir. While returning, I joined the leading group with four of my friends and Amir sir. We chatted along the way and even had some minor arguments which were hilarious. After some time, the five of us ran towards Tarebhir. We ran and ran for no reason except for fun. The way wasn’t as good while going towards Tarebhir but we somehow managed to pass through them.
After some time, we reached a place where it was written ‘I ♡ TAREBHIR’ which was basically our destination. We didn’t actually do anything there except for clicking some pictures. Then, one of our friends suggested we go from the other way which was supposed to be shorter but we rather ended up taking the longer way about which no one really cared. Then, running downhill at a great speed with the leading group, I along with the four of them, were the first ones to reach Chunikhel. We rested in the bus station and waited for the others to arrive. Once everyone was there, we headed towards the bus. All of us were really tired so we rested in the bus for sometime but as soon as the music played, everyone started to dance, forgetting about all the tiredness which we were facing just a min ago. Dancing with joy, we reached the school and by that time, I was really tired. I headed straight towards the cafeteria where all of us were ready to jump in the first of the line because of tiredness and hunger. Then, we had our lunch and went home.
Highlights:
- Dense hike routes,
- Serene monastery,
- Cultural experiences,
- Interesting species of insects, animals and birds,
- Panoramic views.
Conclusion:
Nagi Gumba is an amazing place which explores nature's beauty with cultural and spiritual richness. The route up to Nagi Gumba starting from Budhanilkantha and returning from Chunikhel is a wonderful experience. This hike offers a serene recede for meditation and it delves into Buddhist traditions and cultures. I really appreciate how our school organizes hikes, as they are not only essential for our health but also a fantastic way to refresh and revitalize.This hike was truly unforgettable and will forever remain portrayed in our memories.
Recommendation:
I recommend this hike for all age groups, as it's an adventurous yet manageable journey that everyone can enjoy, despite a few uneven and bumpy paths along the way. It is really fun in groups and it can be extended as much as you wish as well as it can be shortened.
Report by: Anushree Acharya and Prashiddhi Dangol
Introduction:
The hike which was conducted on 21st September 2024 was a special event for all of us from grade 9 and an experience we all were looking forward to. It was not only a simple hike from Budhanilkantha to Tarebhir but also a journey of making lasting memories and thriving in nature. So, with a newfound determination, we all embarked on the hike.
Overview:
We left our school at 8:30 am sharp. The bus ride to the destination was fun, to say the least, music blasting throughout the bus, people dancing and laughing among themselves, and excited faces chatting it up, it was a sight to behold. We arrived at around 9:15 am. After a couple of minutes were spared from listening to the instructions our teachers and the security personnel gave us, it was 9:35 am and time to start the hike.
Reaching the starting point, our steps were pumped with excitement we could not fathom, although it was probably because this hike was a nice break from all the hours of studying we did. We all stepped into this world of adventure with an excited face, however, as the path kept on growing steeper, most of our energy was drained, so we took a couple of breaks on the way to not tire ourselves out. In this way, we were able to reach some sort of clearing. At first, we thought this was the destination, however, the excitement was short-lived because this was the start of another climb, well, a climb up the stairs to Budhanilkantha.
After about half an hour of climbing those stairs, we reached our first destination Budanilkanta at 11:04 am sharp. The sense of achievement was truly overwhelming as we stood there, gazing out into the beautiful Kathmandu valley stretching down below us. Eventually, after eating and resting for about 45 minutes, we were ready to descend the hill. Although it was not going to be that easy, the food we ate had pumped us up.
Along the descent, we reached a small clearing. There were big letters all grouped up to be read as “WE LOVE TARE BHIR”. Some of us climbed up a small ledge and took pictures, posing in front of the sign. After that we descended, our hike had been successful, we had been able to reach both our destinations, and now the only destination set on everyone’s mind was our home. When we reached the bus, we all had a specific look on our faces, that of tiredness and wanting to sleep as we made our way back.
The soft breeze flowing against our faces occasionally was a way of motivating us to continue on our hike. We all were tired, we could see it in each other’s faces although we plastered a smile on our faces. On the occasional breaks we took, we would tell ourselves that this was a step closer to Budhanilkantha and told each other that the peak was right there, when it wasn’t, just as a way of motivation.
In the duration of about 4 to 5 hours, we created splendid memories as our first year in high school. We took pictures and videos to capture those moments and now these memories will be everlasting forever. Though the route through which we ascended and descended was not easy, it was a small form of adventure and that adventure is what made our journey worthwhile.
Highlights:
- One of the great highlights was the bus ride. The laughter, dancing, singing, everything was mesmerizing. The bond we formed with everyone there was one of the best and closest bonds we formed.
- The hike itself was really fun. Making new friends, laughing, enjoying, eating and getting lost was a core memory which will never be forgotten.
- The peaceful and the serene scenery in Nagi Gumba and the spread out Kathmandu city was exhilarating.
- Looking back at everything, we wish to relive every single one of those moments again, but we can’t. However this journey will always be fresh in our memories.
Conclusion:
The hike was one of the best hikes we went to. For that we must thank our teachers who accompanied us and the organizer. From the bus ride to the trip to Nagi Gumba then to Tarebhir everything was just perfect. Howereve, there should have been boards where directions were given because we were extremely confused and lost once. And those steep slopes which were rocky with extremely narrow space should also be fixed because even though I once fell on such a road, thankfully there were no injuries because I held onto a branch. But even with all the hardships we faced, this was one beautiful and mesmerizing experience and hike which was beautifully organized by the organization and for helping us unlock such a core memory, we would again once more like to thank the organizing committee.
Report by: Ashish Dahal
Introduction
Our school, Deerwalk Sifal School, organized a day hike to Nagi Gumba, located within Shivapuri National Park in the northern outskirts of Kathmandu. This hike was a part of our extracurricular activities to promote physical fitness, environmental awareness, and team bonding among students. As a student, I was excited to explore nature and experience the tranquility of the Buddhist monastery nestled in the hills.
Overview:
We began our hike early in the morning, gathering at our school's designated meeting point. After a short briefing by our teachers and group leaders, we headed to Budhanilkantha by bus, the starting point of our hike. The weather was pleasant, with a cool breeze, making it an ideal day for hiking.
Upon reaching Budhanilkantha, we entered Shivapuri National Park after registering at the entry point. The initial path was a steady ascent through a dense forest of pine and rhododendron trees. The fresh air and the sound of birds made the journey through the forest peaceful and calming.
As we continued along the trail, we encountered various flora and fauna unique to the region. Our teachers guided us in identifying some common plant species. The path was well-marked but steep in certain sections, making the hike moderately challenging. We took short breaks to rest, hydrate, and admire the stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley below.
After about 3 hours of trekking, we reached Nagi Gumba, a serene and spiritual place where Buddhist nuns reside. The Gumba (monastery) is perched on a hillside, offering breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding hills. We explored the peaceful monastery, observing the traditional Buddhist architecture and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The nuns were kind enough to explain some of their daily rituals and practices, giving us a glimpse into their simple yet fulfilling lives.
We had packed lunches with us, which we enjoyed at a resting spot near the monastery. The atmosphere was calm, and the cool breeze provided the perfect setting to relax and refresh. We also spent some time taking photos and soaking in the beauty of nature before starting our descent.
The hike down was much easier, and we retraced our steps back to Budhanilkantha. The descent took about 2 hours, and we arrived at the starting point in the late afternoon. We then boarded the bus back to school, feeling a sense of accomplishment and joy after a successful day out in nature.
Conclusion
The hike to Nagi Gumba was an enriching experience, both physically and mentally. We had the opportunity to witness the beauty of Nepal's natural landscapes and learn about Buddhist culture. Hiking as a group allowed us to bond with our classmates and teachers, making the experience even more enjoyable. This activity also reminded me of the importance of preserving our natural environment for future generations.
I hope our school organizes more such hikes in the future, as they provide an excellent balance of adventure, learning, and personal growth.
