Sushila Rai
At 8 o’clock in the morning, we embarked on an exciting hiking trip to a nearby hill station, organized by our school as part of the outdoor program for teachers. Our group consisted of 11 members, excluding the driver. The weather was perfect, with a clear sky and a cool breeze. Madhu Sir ensured we were well-prepared with water bottles, snacks, and proper footwear. We stopped in Godawari at 9 a.m. for breakfast before continuing our journey.
Originally, we planned to hike to Sima Falls, but the low van battery required us to change our destination. At 11 a.m., we reached Bhardev Municipality, 28.4 km from Kathmandu, and decided to hike to Konjyosom, passing by Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. The ascent was surrounded by natural beauty- tall trees, chirping birds, and diverse plants made the hike feel like walking through a botanical garden. The stairs were steep, requiring frequent rests, but the opportunity to bond and enjoy nature kept our spirits high. Along the way, we met Mr. Kumar Lama, a local resident who guided us through the path.
After two hours, we reached Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, a peaceful site surrounded by exotic plants. Its small temple amidst the jungle captivated us, though no one entered due to slippery conditions. Ten minutes later, we arrived at Konjyosom, 2,300 meters above sea level. We had climbed 2,578 stairs, a challenging yet thrilling feat. The site features statues of Guru Rinpoche, Gautam Buddha, and Manjushree, built in 2017 by merging several former Village Development Committees. The fluttering flags, bird songs, and misty hills created an unforgettable sense of joy.
During the descent, we took a safer off-road route, sharing snacks and dry fruits while enjoying each other’s company. A friendly debate arose over whether to take a shortcut through the jungle or the main road. Five teachers (including me) chose the shortcut, reaching the midpoint 20 minutes before the others. However, Ishan Sir fell and injured his leg, highlighting the importance of carrying a first aid kit. Along the way, some teachers bought local organic fruits and vegetables. By 5 p.m., we returned to our starting point, thanked the tour guide, and boarded the bus to Kathmandu. We stopped at Lethe Thakali Bhansa Ghar for a delicious dinner, including matka kulfi, before heading home.
Overall, it was one of the most exciting and memorable days of my life, bringing me closer to my colleagues and creating cherished memories of adventure.
