Date: June 1st, 2008 Participants: Ashish, Binod, Manoj, Merina, Sabita, Shashi, Subin, Suhrit, Swastika, Ravi and Deepak Hiking Route: Budhanilkantha – Shivapuri – Budhanilkantha Total Distance covered: 10 kms (approx) Duration: 7 hours 30 mins Theme: Into the jungle Report By: Ashish, Suhrit, Merina Caption: Ravi/Deepak Photos: Manoj/Ravi/Subin/Swastika Hiking Report:- Based on the theme “Into the Jungle”, eleven enthusiastic hikers gathered at the D2Hawkeye premises at 6:30. The fact that no one except ManojR had been to the Shivapuri peak added to the excitement. The event was coordinated by RaviS. Previous hike from Panchkhal to Dolalghat was dominated by scorching summer heat, so he appropriately selected Shivapuri hike for a different experience. For the few of us, the first time hikers, it was a grueling experience, but amazingly one of the most gratifying. Ladies who participated in the previous hike to Dolalghat proved to be a disappointment, but the interns (ladies) came through. There were three ladies and all of them were interns. All the interns were especially enthusiastic due to the fact that we missed the previous hike. The hike began at Budhanilkantha at around 7:00am. After a hearty breakfast and being blessed by Budhanilkantha for a triumphant journey, the team headed towards the base of the Shivapuri National Park. After paying the required entrance fee and greeting the military personnel at the gate, we entered the jungle. Within the first minute of the hike we saw a beautiful deer in all its wild glory. But ironically, for a national park that boasts of 177 species of birds, black bear, leopards and wild boar, it was the only wild animal that we came across. But the lack of fauna was definitely compensated by the flora. We started trekking through the dense vegetation. Occasional privilege of a spectacular view of the city kept us going. An unexpected spring on the way with the coolest natural water was a treat as well. First phase of the hike was completed as we reached Naagi Gumba. After few minutes rest at the Gumba, we headed to Baaghdwar, en route Shivapuri hill. The trail was treacherous with its notorious steep climb and the mosquitoes did not help either. Bitten and battered, after frequent rests and a light snack along the way, we reached Baaghdwar. Amazingly the water at Baaghdwar seemed to rejuvenate the hikers. And the meeting with three “BABAS” turned the environment mystical. All the hikers especially RaviS seemed very interested in the “spiritual saints”. After a brief photography session at Baaghdwar, the team headed towards the ultimate destination, Shivapuri. Though only a kilometer uphill from Baaghdwar, it was probably the most rigorous climb. But once we reached the top, it was all worth it. The feeling of triumph was evident in everybody’s faces. We spent quiet some time at the top enjoying the spectacular view. As good things don’t last for long, we had to return from the top. But the descending downhill was not without its share of adventures. We came across “suicide point” during the descending. The dizzying height of suicide point made the hike all the more special. Finally after more than five hours of ascend and two and half hours of descend, we came back to the base of the Shivapuri national park, concluding the hike. It was a perfect hike indeed. 

01-Warm up before hike	02-Stopped at budhanilkantha to have some fuel for hike
03-The place where we had our fuel	04-Hiking started in the name of Budhanilkantha
05-Garlands for the beloved lord Narayan	06-see the love between brother and sister
07-Peak not so far	08-Caliber 5.56 mm automatic
09-Hmm sounds good we must follow the map	10-Enter the jungle
11-Everyone filled with full energy at the start	12-We found deer in the jungle
13-Another Deer	14-Coordinator leading the group
15-Menu For Next Hike	16-Valley Glance from the top
17-Valley View II	18-glitters like gold, but is it real
19-Taking rest or waiting for others to come	20-way to Nagigumba... ofcourse
21-Natural Entrance made for the hikers	22-Interns in joyous mood
23-Eagle flying in the sky	24-Morning view of Galfutar
25-Naagi Gumba	26-Interns posing for the photograph
26a-two lost in Gumba	27-Fern Arena
28-Manoj trying to capture the land	29-Thanks to the trees who put their leaves on our way
30-Rookie on the Lead	31-tiresome
32-A well deserved rest	33-Ligths of solar shadows of leaves
34-Pass-way thru tree	35-Rest time
36-Wondering minds	37-Towards Baaghdwar
38-Got a chance to view the clear view of the sky	39-A perfect shot by Ashish
40-grassland 01	41-Meadow 02
42-Young baba of Baaghdwar	43-Old baba of Baaghdwar
44-Guess who stays in there	45-Source of Baagmati
46-Statue of Lord Shiva at Baaghdwar	47-S-baba
48-S-baba doing the palmistry	49-Joyous after meeting BABA
50-We must put our effort in mainting these historical places	51-Second Source of Baagmati
52-Mantra for Baagmati	53-Kopche baba
54-Hmm now i'll capture the real shot of ---	55-No words to explain(Awesome)
56-Mushroom	57-Recall the tree of Evil Death
58-A roadblock... not for 11 determined hikers	59-Guerilla Training
60-Resting in peace after tough slopy hike	61-Tree-top residency
62-Tree - Inside story	63-Second animal seen in jungle
64-Finally at shivpuri peak	65-From the top of Shivapuri
66-Paradise view	67-I wanna touch the sky
68-Captured the bird after 10 useless shots	69-butterfly caught in cam
70-Resting in peace at the top of Shivapuri	71-Who is wearing D2s Cap
72-Shady Kathmandu	73-Sentry
74-Daisy(Reminds me of JJH)	75-Captured from the steep rock
76-Yellow flowers perfectly matching with green leaves	77-Orchid(Suna Khari)
78-This is probably the 6th call 'mobile kanchi' got.....	79-Blooming garden
80-Destination visible	81-Time to end the hike and start the food(probably the most awaited part of hike)