Rahul Shah
Hello Everyone,
The hiking club scheduled a one-day hike to Lauke Jharana on August 6th, 2023. On a misty morning, we arrived at the Deerwalk complex at around 7:10 AM . A group of 20 excited students gathered at the Deerwalk complex, ready for a day of hiking. We were all looking forward to the adventure that awaited us – a hike that promised both challenges and enjoyment. We were pleasantly surprised with energy drinks and light snacks which lifted our spirits and provided the necessary boost for the day.
We boarded the bus from Deerwalk Complex at 7:33 AM after all formalities were completed. We arrived at Gurung Gau for breakfast at 9:19 AM. Our hike officially began at 9:53 AM as our hike was approximately 30km in total up and down. It didn't take long for the weather to make its mark. Rain started to fall, accompanied by a thick fog that enveloped the path. The slippery trail added an extra layer of challenge. Many of us took a tumble along the way, and our friend Kohinoor seemed to have the uncanny ability to find herself on the ground more often than not. However, her good-natured spirit turned these falls into moments of laughter and camaraderie, reminding us that even challenges can be a source of shared joy.
For one group, the journey took an unexpected turn, leading them away from their intended destination. As they found themselves lost in an unfamiliar territory, fear gripped them. The sense of confusion was exacerbated as they seemed to traverse the same route in a perplexing loop. This ordeal proved to be a unique challenge, pushing them to confront their fears and test their resilience.
On the other hand, the group that successfully reached Lauke Jharana was rewarded with a refreshing scene. The sight of the waterfall was a soothing balm after a tiring trek. The cool breeze that surrounded the cascading water and the chill of the flowing stream provided a much-needed respite. The joy of dipping their tired feet into the cold water was a simple yet profound pleasure, relieving the fatigue that had accumulated during the journey.
After savoring the beauty of the waterfall and capturing moments through photographs, we started the journey back. In a stroke of fate, all scattered team members managed to regroup around 4 PM. However, nature had a different plan for the way back. Local advice led us down a different path, one that eventually took us through a maize field. As the field's slope presented an unexpected challenge, the group's resourcefulness and teamwork shone through. With a bit of guidance and mutual support, we carved our own path through the slanted field, overcoming slippery terrain and exhaustion.
After a long and eventful day, a decision was made to head to a Lete thakali kitchen in Naxal. The group persevered, reaching the restaurant at 7:29 PM. The satisfying taste of delicious food was a fitting reward for their efforts. As the clock neared 8:30 PM, the group once again boarded the bus. The final leg of the journey led back to the college premises, marking the end of the day's hike. At 9:30 PM, the group stepped off the bus, tired yet fulfilled.
The hike to Lauke Jharana had been an unforgettable journey, marked by rain-soaked trails, slippery paths, and moments of laughter and unity. The rain and fog added a touch of enchantment to the day, and the slippery path taught us the importance of resilience and mutual support. As we returned home, we carried with us the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the satisfaction of conquering a demanding hike together.
Reported by: Rahul Shah and Sameer Nepal
