Rahul Shah
On a bright Saturday morning, 18 eager students from our college gathered at the Deerwalk complex at 7:49 AM, ready to embark on an exciting journey to Jamacho Gumba, nestled within the Shivapuri National Park. The air was filled with anticipation as we set off, the enthusiasm palpable among all the participants.
Our first stop was at Balaju, where we arrived at 8:32 AM for a hearty breakfast to fuel us for the day ahead. After the meal, we continued our journey to the Phulbari Gate, arriving at 9:13 AM. Here, we purchased our entry tickets and underwent a security check, with our bags being inspected and loudspeakers prohibited for the hike. With all formalities completed, we began our trek.
The hike itself was a challenging one, characterized by steep inclines, numerous steps, and some slanted paths. It being a Saturday, we encountered many other hikers from various parts of Nepal, all there to enjoy the trail. The sounds of birds chirping in the background added to the experience, and we were provided with biscuits and noodles along the way to keep our energy up. Along the way, two of our hikers, Bijay Shrestha and Sankalpa Chapagain, had a close encounter with leeches, which bit them on the legs. Despite the minor inconvenience, they pressed on with the group. The hike was made even more enjoyable by the camaraderie among the group, as we formed smaller teams, sang songs, and engaged in meaningful conversations about life.
At 10:17 AM, we reached a checkpoint where all the groups gathered briefly. The halfway point of our hike was an open area that offered a breathtaking panoramic view of Kathmandu. We took this opportunity to capture some photos and appreciate the stunning scenery.
Finally, after nearly two and a half hours of hiking, we arrived at Jamacho Gumba at 12:47 PM. The sight of the Gumba was rewarding, and we took some time to rest, enjoy our noodles and biscuits, and take in the expansive views of Kathmandu and the surrounding Shivapuri area. During the descent, Bipin Bartaula, a fellow hiker, slipped on the slippery path, providing a fun memory as we watched him recover with a smile. The downhill path was easier to navigate, and the laughter shared during these moments brought us even closer together.
The descent back to the Phulbari Gate was much easier, as it was mostly downhill. We enjoyed the relaxed pace and reached the gate by 2:53 PM, where our bus was waiting for us. Our hike coordinator then decided to treat us to a meal at Lete Thakali Kitchen in Naxal. We arrived at the restaurant at around 3:42 PM, and the Thakali food we were served was delicious, tasting even better after the energy we expended during the hike. Everyone savored the meal, with most of us indulging in generous portions of rice.
After lunch, we made our way back to the college premises, arriving at around 4:51 PM. We bid our final goodbyes to our driver and each other, concluding a successful and memorable hike to Jamacho Gumba
