Asim Dhakal
The Hike Begins
Upon reaching Godavari, we stopped briefly for tea and coffee to warm up. I enjoyed singing “Kehi Mitho Baat Gara,” with all of our colleagues. Conversations flowed about branded clothes, and laughter filled the air. From there, we continued our trail through Triveni, surrounded by the calm beauty of nature and the cheerful company of friends. Throughout the journey, Rudra dai listened attentively to Kuresh’s Sanskrit recitations, while a friendly white dog decided to accompany us for the entire way.
Midway Moments
Midway, we stopped for lunch at Phulchowki Mountain View Kitchen, where we enjoyed delicious food and a refreshing break before resuming our hike where we enjoyed chana, eggs, and no-sugar black tea ordered by Niju ma’am. The weather was perfect — sunny with a refreshing breeze. The views from Phulchowki were stunning, painted in shades of light and dark green. At one point, Samjhana ma’am wanted to capture a short clip of us dancing, adding a fun and lively touch to the day.
We also visited a nearby governmental school with just 8 students. There, I discussed how we could support them by donating a laptop and a projector. The idea sparked positive interest among everyone.
Conversations and Highlights
The hike was filled with inspiring moments. Rudra dai did 400 crunches that day in the challenge, setting a strong fitness example for everyone. Dev also achieved an impressive personal record of 60 crunches during the trip.
Later, Hari shared insights into his Chhurpi business, offering us samples, while I chatted with Hitesh dai about rock music — a common passion.
We continued toward Lakuri Vanjyang, passing through beautiful forests where chestnuts (katus) were falling on the ground, with the occasional barking of dogs echoing along the trail.
Our team’s gear choices became an interesting topic:
- Niju ma’am sported Columbia shoes and a Patagonia jacket.
- Rudra dai’s Hoka shoes resembled the Deerwalk logo, and his Clic blue glasses drew admiration.
- We learned that Rudra dai wakes up daily at 4 AM, which was both impressive and motivating.
Wrapping Up
The day ended with cheerful spirits, scenic views, and many stories to remember. The weather remained clear and pleasant, making the entire hike a delightful experience.
Special thanks to Niju ma’am for lending me her charger — a small gesture that made a big difference at the end of a long, fulfilling day.
The Godavari–Lakuri Vanjyang hike was not just about trekking through nature but about connecting — through music, laughter, ideas, and inspiration. It was a reminder of how simple moments, shared with great people, can create lasting memories.
