Garima KC
Our hiking day started at 109, where we gathered for a healthy breakfast before setting off. At around 8:30 AM, we departed for Dhading in the van, making a quick stop to pick up Jeff from his hotel. The ride was smooth, and by 9:40 AM, we arrived at Dhading Deerwalk School.
Upon arrival, some of us immediately started playing badminton, while others, including Jeff, were given a tour of the school by Nirmal Sir. The school had a beautiful environment, with mulberry trees in full bloom and flowers all around. We were welcomed with tea, and after a quick group photo under the bright sun, we were served fresh mulberry juice made from the mulberry harvested from the school’s trees. It was a new experience for most of us, with a unique sweet and tangy taste that most of us enjoyed.
At 10:30 AM, we started our hike. The trail was not very difficult, and we walked at a relaxed pace, chatting along the way. The sun was quite strong, making the journey feel a bit tiring, but the path was lined with fruit trees, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. As we continued, the Cement Factory became visible in the distance.
One of the highlights of the hike was our stop at Divine Wine Winery. The grapevines were just beginning to bud, and the view of the hills from there was stunning. We had the opportunity to tour the winery and learn about the process of making and packaging Divine Wine. Afterward, we took a short break, enjoying some snacks and water while relaxing on a bench outside. The breeze helped cool us down, and we took a few photos before preparing to move on.
Just as we were about to leave, our ex-colleague Ramesh Dai, who now works at the winery, arrived. Some of us continued on the trail, while others went back for another brief visit. This time, we got a detailed introduction to the different types of wine Divine Wine produces and the proper way to enjoy them. We also had a wine tasting session, which made for an interesting break during our hike.
After the winery, we resumed our hike. The next stretch was uphill, and the heat made it more challenging, even though the distance was not very long. Despite the exhaustion, we continued walking, engaging in conversations and bonding along the way. Eventually, we reached the endpoint at around 2 PM, where our van was waiting for us.
We then headed back to 109, arriving around 3:15 PM. By then, we were all quite hungry, and we enjoyed a late lunch together while sharing our experiences from the hike. After a fulfilling meal and some more conversations, we wrapped up the day and headed home.
Overall, the hike was a great mix of nature, exploration, and team bonding. The visit to the winery and the unique experiences, such as tasting fresh mulberry juice and learning about winemaking, added an extra element to the trip. Despite the heat, everyone had a good time, making it a memorable outing for the team.
