Rahul Shah
After reaching Kuri village, we undertook a brief 1.5-hour hike through snow-covered hills,delighting in the fun of frolicking in the snow, shaping snowballs and snowmen, and immortalizing these moments through countless photographs. For many, encountering snowfall was a new and pleasurable experience. As the day advanced, the chilly wind intensified, leading us to head back to our prearranged accommodation at the Granvill resort, feeling fatigued but satisfied.
At the resort, we warmed ourselves with cups of tea and gathered around a bonfire. Passing the time with card games and soaking in the ambiance, we had dinner at 8:12 p.m. Despite the freezing temperatures causing some inconvenience, the lack of hot water and shared toilet experiences became unique and memorable aspects of our adventure. We spent the evening in our resort room, playing games, engaging in conversations, and huddling under blankets to ward off the cold.
The following morning, we awoke to a freezing cold day. After freshening up, at 6:32 a.m.,we commenced our hike to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple, hoping to catch the sunrise. We embarked on a challenging uphill trail, reaching the hilltop, where we paid our respects to the goddess and relished the magnificent view. It's worth noting that amidst our hike, one of our friends, Akhilesh, exhibited remarkable dedication by choosing to continue the hike to the temple despite twisting his ankle. His resilience was truly inspiring and added a testament to the spirit of our group. Additionally, on our way back, we made a stop to purchase chhurpi, a local delicacy, adding a culinary adventure to our trip. Furthermore,we brought back parsad from the temple,creating a sweet memory to share as we returned home. We returned to the hotel and enjoyed a hearty breakfast.
We then boarded jeeps to Charikot and then continued our journey on the college bus to Mudhe Bazaar for lunch. After a satisfying meal, we resumed our bus journey, enjoying music and engaging in lively conversations until we reached Banepa. The trip concluded with some dancing before parting ways at the college at 6:48 p.m.
In retrospect, the hike served as an extraordinary break from monotony. The breathtaking views, the laughter-filled moments, and the genuine connections forged during this trip transformed it into an unforgettable chapter in our lives. The challenges we faced only added to the richness of our collective experience, making it a journey that will be fondly remembered by all.
