Ankita Pokharel
Hattiban to Masala Fedi via Champa Devi, Bhashme Dada, and Chhap Dada
On a beautiful, crisp morning of February 9, 2025, twelve members from Deerwalk Education Group gathered, filled with excitement and ready for the adventure ahead. A hike with Rudra dai always guarantees an adventurous journey, and this time was no different. Our destination wasn’t set in stone- over breakfast and tea, we decided to head toward Hattiban Resort and plan our route along the way.
At around 8:30 AM, we got off the vehicle and began our journey. Opting for the most challenging trail available, we started ascending. Initially, the climb felt manageable, offering a false sense of relief that perhaps the trail wouldn’t be as difficult as expected. Soon, we reached a vantage point where the city lay stretched below us, looking breathtaking in the morning light. But was that all? Has the real challenge even begun? Not quite.
Before us stood a steep hill, demanding both physical effort and mental determination. Every step required careful footing—we had to feel the land beneath us, ensuring it was firm before placing our weight on it. Grabbing onto grass for support, we climbed higher, each step reinforcing the importance of trust and perseverance. At times, the exhaustion tempted us to quit right there, but the encouragement from those ahead kept us moving. Gasping for breath, stumbling, and pushing forward, we finally reached a flat stretch of the trail.
Most of us felt an immense sense of relief. Surely, it couldn’t get any more difficult than this? Or could it?
In about an hour, we reached Hattiban through Nageshwar Hill and walked further to reach Masala Fedi via Champadevi. It was already decided that we would go to Chandragiri once we arrived there. We were thankful for the weather, as it wasn’t too sunny and remained favorable throughout the journey. The trail ahead seemed easier until we encountered an endless series of stairs.
Like little kids looking for excuses to stop and rest, we wanted to sit down for a while, but most of our fellow hikers were ahead. Listening to Nirmal Sir’s energetic and encouraging talks, we pushed ourselves forward. There was no room for a quick cheat rest, as Hitesh dai was right behind us, ensuring no one was left behind.
Walk, walk, and more walking—up the never-ending stone stairs—we longed to eat the juicy oranges in our bags. However, it was agreed that we wouldn’t stop for food until noon. Nirmal Sir kept assuring us that the destination was very close, while Hitesh dai repeatedly told us it was just “100 steps ahead.” As we counted rounds of 100 steps, we realized it was just their strategy to keep us moving! Some of us couldn’t resist and had a sneaky snack to keep going.
Finally, after a long wait and an exhausting climb, we reached Champadevi Temple. We freshened up with the cool water stored there, moved a little ahead, and finally sat down to enjoy our snacks.
What makes any food so relishing and full of taste? It was a perfect example of how hunger and exhaustion can enhance the flavor of a meal. Like parents ensuring their children eat first, Hitesh dai started slicing cucumbers and distributing them to everyone. Meanwhile, Nirmal Sir peeled junars and served them with a mixture of salt and chilies. We all relished the makai bhatmas, gundruk ko achar, oranges, popcorn, and other organic treats—it truly felt like a wholesome lunch!
Re-energized and willing, we continued our journey toward Bhasmeshwar Daada. The path felt easy for a while, but soon, the stairs returned! Nonetheless, engaging in entertaining and captivating conversations with Nirmal Sir made the climb more manageable. Must say, he is full of energy and always ready for any adventure!
With each step, when we felt it couldn’t get more difficult, the descent down the steep hill proved to be the most challenging part yet. Beautiful stone-laden stairways stretched before us, incredibly steep and demanding careful footing. Still, we pushed through, knowing we had to reach the bottom on time.
After hours of walking, we finally arrived at Chhap Dada. While waiting for the remaining hikers to catch up, we enjoyed a cup of local tea—a small but perfect reward for the adventure we had just experienced. Once everyone gathered, we continued walking a little further to where our vehicle was waiting for us.
A continuous eight-hour journey through the steepest ascents and descents, covering approximately 13 kilometers, took us from thinking, “Aargh… What a hike!” exclaiming, “Wow! What a hike!”
We then got back to Deerwalk Complex, freshened up, and enjoyed our meal at 109 Degrees. We departed with hearts full of pride and contentment.
