Janak Pandey
On Saturday morning, I woke up to the incessant buzzing of my phone. I had missed several calls. Sandeep had called, asking for a ride to Deerwalk Complex, while Rabindra Ji had sent a location for pick-up. I was in charge of gathering the team and driving them to Deerwalk for what was promised to be an energetic and rejuvenating hike to Dhading. Truth be told, I had little knowledge of the route or what lay ahead, but I trusted Rudra Dai’s plan—his life skills and motivational stories always made the journey unforgettable.
There were 14 of us that day, eager and full of anticipation. Before setting out, we gathered for breakfast at our favorite restaurant, 109 Degrees. Soup curry, boiled eggs, brown bread, and apples fueled our spirits as we prepared for the day. The air was filled with chatter and laughter, excitement and curiosity about the adventure that awaited us.
By 9:30 AM, we began our journey toward Dhading, with our first stop at Deerwalk Dhading School. Upon arrival, some of the hikers engaged in a quick game of badminton, while others dribbled a ball on the open school ground. What stood out the most was the warmth of the locals—and, of course, the wonderful tea we enjoyed. The rich aroma and comforting taste added a touch of home to our adventure, a small yet memorable moment before the real challenge began.
From the school, we followed the river, hiking alongside its serene flow, cutting through lush green fields and scattered villages. The initial trek was a blend of narrow trails, house courtyards, and scenic landscapes. However, hikes are never predictable, and soon we encountered landslides, rocky patches, and dense pine forests that stood like towering guardians of the hills. The adventure truly began when we found ourselves at the base of a steep climb—one with no established route, no markers, and no clear way up. This was the defining moment of the hike.
Rudra Dai, Dave, and Saroj were determined to take the toughest path, pushing themselves to the limit. However, considering the team as a whole, we decided to find a way that would still challenge us while keeping everyone together. Step by step, we forged our trail, testing our endurance, resilience, and teamwork. Every step on the loose soil and scattered rocks made us more aware of our surroundings, forcing us to rely on each other’s strength. It was a moment of true adventure—of carving a new path where none existed before.
Reaching the top felt like a conquest. We stood there, breathless yet exhilarated, soaking in the panoramic view of Dhading’s rolling hills and misty forests. The sense of accomplishment was unmatched. We knew we had conquered something challenging, something that not only tested our physical abilities but also brought us closer as a team.
But the journey wasn’t over yet. From the summit, we made our way toward Bhimdhunga, the final stretch of our adventure. The descent was as demanding as the climb, but with every aching muscle came an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction. The hike had given us stories—stories of perseverance, laughter, and moments when we questioned our limits, only to break past them.
As we finally made it back, exhausted yet elated, there was one fitting way to end the day—another meal at 109 Degrees. Over plates of delicious food, we shared our experiences and recounted the tough climbs, unexpected turns, and the sheer thrill of discovering new paths. The day had been more than just a hike; it had been a testament to our endurance, camaraderie, and unyielding spirit.
This was not just a hike to Dhading; it was an experience that reminded us of the beauty of challenges, the joy of adventure, and the power of teamwork. As we parted ways, we knew that this was only one of many more trails waiting to be explored.
