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Title	2013 May - Deerwalk Hiking from Lamatar to Godavari via LakuriBhanjyang
Route	Driving (Kathmandu >> Lamatar), Hiking (Lamatar >> Lakuri Bhanjyang >> Godavari ), Driving (Godavari >> Kathmandu)
Date	May 11, 2013
Hike Duration	5 hrs
Coordinator	Pramod Kumar Rai
Participants	Abanish Kayastha, Awanish Ranjan, Bill Higgins, Edward Hausman, Kapil Raj Pandey, Manish Dhakal, Pramod Kumar Rai, Sabita Khadka, Sangita Maharjan, Sunil Ghimire, Suresh Maharjan, Sushanta Pokharel.
Photos By	Kapil Raj Pandey, Suresh Maharjan, Sushanta Pokharel.
Report By	Bill Higgins, Sunil Ghimire
Creative Support	Kanchan Raj Pandey, Rinesh N Bajracharya
Edited By	Edward Hausman

Bill Higgins Upon entering the van, everyone was laughing. Kapil who had predicted he would be under the weather and not make the hike had jumped into the van. Ashay, having returned the previous day from leave, was unable to join. I was excited at the prospect of the hike as the weather was slightly overcast and comfortable. After arriving at the starting point, we were confronted by 3 different routes.

Using the sophisticated methodology of flipping the camera lens cap, we promptly set off on the right alternative.

Some of the group took off on the middle route while Abanish and Pramod discussed the alternative routes with the locals. Using the sophisticated methodology of flipping the camera lens cap, we promptly set off on the right alternative. Those already ahead on the middle alternative had to return. I was told it was a 3 hour hike up to the picnic area. The route alternated between a dirt road and paths through the trees. The trees were steeper but there was no dust from the buses going uphill. After hiking for about 2 hours, we reached a stopping point to rest and have a beer; or as Sunil suggested, bowls of rice beer. Having had the rice beer before, I stayed with the regular beer. After resting we began again. When reached the picnic area, the group discussed which games to play. They settled upon a card game I had never played before. We played and I lost many times and in fact did not win a game. The rules seemed flexible but never in my favor. The hike down the hill was the most difficult part as it was very steep. It was a very enjoyable day. Sunil Ghimire It was tough, exciting and worthwhile; this is how I summarized the hike in one sentence. Thanks to all the trip members for making this hike, especially Bill Higgins. It was Saturday, May 11, 2013. We gathered at Deerwalk premises at around 7:00 AM. We were delighted by the pleasant weather. We collected essential accessories for hiking and left Deerwalk in a van. Ram drove us towards the south of the valley. The green fields on both sides of the road hinted that we were leaving the city behind us. After approximately 30 minutes driving, we stopped at Loobho and had our breakfast in a small café next to the Loobho Mart. The next stop of the hike was Lamatar; we left the van and started to hike. By that time, the sun had already come up. The trees on the way helped shade us a lot from the piercing heat. We took many breaks before we reached our next destination, Lakuri Bhanjyang. It took us almost two hours. We had our lunch in a small restaurant. After resting for an hour, we started off for the next destination. The trail was not tough as before but it was dusty and covered by a thin forest. We talked and cracked jokes a lot. There was never a boring moment; everybody was happy; Suresh and Kapil were busy capturing the shots. It had already been an hour since we had left Lakuri Bhanjyang, so we rested on a ground near a school under the shade of trees. We had some snacks and played team building games. We then hiked downhill through the forest towards Godavari. The trail was narrow and steeper. It took around an hour to pass the curling path surrounded by bushes. Finally, we made it to Godavari, rested in a roof top cafe and had some food. Everyone seemed to be tired from the tough hike and it was already dark when I reached home. It was one of the toughest hikes I’ve ever had. P.S: That was my debut hike at Deerwalk.

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