Reshika Joshi
On the fine morning of 12th February, our group of intrepid hikers embarked on a journey to the heart of nature, a place known for its raw beauty and captivating charm – Mohani Jharna. With the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, we gathered in front of the Deerwalk Complex gate, eager and excited for the adventures that lay ahead. We set off at 7:00 AM, weaving our way through the winding roads, past bustling villages and vibrant marketplaces. With each passing mile, the anticipation grew, and our excitement reached new heights. Along the way, we purchased some packet food, water, juices, and fruits for our hiking snacks.
We reached Markhu at 10 a.m and had breakfast consisting of some traditional Nepali delicacies – Aalu chana, boiled egg, and black tea. We hit the road again at 11 o’clock, the wind whipping through our hair and the sun beating down on our backs. As we made our way to the entrance of Mohini Jharana, the excitement reached a fever pitch. The hike was a challenging one, but the cool breeze from Indra Sarovar lake kept us going. The weather was bright and sunny as we made our way through Balkhu, Kirtipur, and Dakshinkali to Kulekhani, the entrance to Mohini Jharana. The journey took us through some breathtaking landscapes, and we could not help but stop and marvel at the majestic Kulekhani dam. It is a hydroelectricity dam. We crossed the suspension bridge, took some pictures, and sang a song “Jindagi ko k Varosa” in excitement.
After climbing and walking for two hours, we finally reached Mohini waterfall. There, we had to pay an entrance fee to gain access to the natural pool and the mighty roaring waterfall. The waterfall was unlike anything we had ever seen before. The Mediterranean-blue water cascaded over the rocks with such force that it created a misty veil around it, making it look almost mystical. The sound of the water crashing down was deafening, but in a way that felt invigorating and exhilarating.
One of our colleagues, Manish ma’am, could not resist the temptation and climbed up the slippery rock beside the waterfall. Seeing her excitement, the rest of us followed, joining in with screams, dance moves, and singing. As we approached the waterfall, we could feel the cool breeze it generated from the sheer force of the water falling. It was like stepping into a completely different world, one where the only thing that mattered was the sound of the water and the feeling of being surrounded by nature. It was like being in a freezer, the kind of cold that made your bones ache, but at the same time, it was refreshing and revitalizing. As we looked up, the sheet of blue velour seemed to come alive, as if the waterfall itself was dancing just for us. We were completely mesmerized, lost in the magic of the moment, and felt grateful for being able to experience such a unique and unforgettable sight. So in excitement we all sang the song “Jhanrna Ko Chiso Pani”
Some of us snapped photos, while others captured videos. We ended up drenched and shivering by the bank, but the natural beauty of the waterfall lifted our spirits, making us wish for time to stand still. As we said goodbye to the stunning Mohini fall, we knew that a piece of our hearts would always remain there.
Afterward, we sunbathed and had tea, biscuits, and chocolates. Our laughter filled the air as we shared stories, enjoying each other’s company. When it was time to leave, we decided to take another way. The path was steep and narrow, but the lush greenery that surrounded us made it all worth it. After walking for an hour and a half, we reached Indra Sarovar and decided to go boating. It was a small price to pay for such an extraordinary experience. As we paddled on the tranquil waters, surrounded by the beauty of nature, we were reminded of L. Douglas Wilder’s words: “Boating is the nearest one can get to Paradise while still on this earth.” The peaceful sound of water lapping against the boat and the chirping of birds made us feel like we were in a different world.
We arrived back at our office van, exhausted but cheerful by 5:00 PM, we reached Kulekhani, had lunch, and arrived at the Deerwalk Complex at around 7:30 PM, dropping off some of our friends along the way. The hiking experience was overall outstanding. Not only did we enjoy nature, but we also gathered a lot of experiences and memories. This day will forever be etched in our memories as a time of pure joy and serenity, a moment when we connected with nature and with each other.
