Indra Dhoj Kshetri
Fulchowki is the highest peak among those surrounding the Kathmandu valley. It lies at the height of three thousand meters. It is like a gateway to the world from communication perspective. Nepal Television, Radio Nepal and Nepal Telecom uplink and downlink their signals from here. The tall tower stands gloriously, towering to the sky. It has a motorable road to Kathmandu via Godavari. And trails lead to the peak from various parts of Kabhre as well to the hikers. Our plan was to reach the peak from Panauti side. A team of a dozen of us reached Panauti on office vehicle at 9.30. On the way, we happened to observe the IT Park as well. After having heavy breakfast, we started our hike of the day at 10.00 from Malpi. Five among us were the beginners. Nearly after 50 minutes walk by the river bank, we followed steep road to the up. It took nearly an hour to reach Naya Gaon. The road is so steep that it is difficult for those living on the plain or to those who have very less walking habits to cross. A slippery road, however interesting to see the surrounding beautiful landscapes, begins from Nayagaon. The road is not well developed as the locals never reach up to the hill. Even the people at their old age were amazed to see us coming from Kathmandu just to climb the hill. They said they have never been there in their lifetime. Shops to buy the things are also not available at the roadside. Hence, hikers have to carry all the necessary things from Panauti. However, the villagers showed their generosity to us by giving fresh cucumbers and refusing to take the money in return. Smiling faces of the villagers reduced our tiredness. It takes another two hours walking up through the villages from Naya Gaon. The real hike begins when the villages are over. Fulchowki peak looks very close from there. A stranger to the place becomes amazed to see jungle all around. A very narrow trail leads towards the peak. However, it goes missing at some places, creating confusion on the hikers where to go. It happened for us as well. The trail was not very clear. We lost the way. We lost the view of the Tower as well. And we had to crawl to the peak, to the sky. Ignoring thorny bushes, fear of wild animals, we crawled up and up. It took hours to reach the very close looking Fulchowki tower. Finally we reached there at 4.00. We felt as if we won the big battle. An army canteen served us with some snacks at the peak. However, a team of us was still behind. It could not meet us even we waited for an hour at the peak. Then we descended through the motorable road to Godavari, with the belief that they also might have descended without reaching the peak. It took two and half hours to reach Godavari. Then we took the vehicle and went up to help the team left behind. Hence, a very adventurous and memorable hike was over for the week.
