If you’ve ever hiked for hours, relished a cool breeze under a blue sky, and experienced the true meaning of serenity, thinking, “I wish I could just stay out here” — you’ve tasted the real elixir to rejuvenate yourself. 23rd August was a day full of adventure that covered 10 kms of walking, in all kinds of weather and over constantly changing terrain.
Namo Buddha, at the altitude of 2565m between Banepa and Panauti, is best known for its culture that is still conserved and followed. Stupas with flattering colorful prayer flags and peaceful environment welcomes every tired trekker in its shadow. The trail will also take you through several traditional inhabitants of Tamang and Newari people. Namo Buddha is also one of the best viewpoints for viewing some of the highest peaks in the World like Mt. Everest, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Ranges, Gaurishankar. The region is also rich for its extraordinary collection of flora and fauna, untouched by modern life. Namo Buddha is a historic place, where Lord Buddha was believed to have offered his flesh to the starving tigress so she could feed her cubs. Now there lies a Stupa, a Monastery with retreat center, higher studies of Buddhism.
I’ve been rock climbing and rafting from Deerwalk before, but this was my first time going hiking with my coworkers. I am not a morning kind of guy, and I loathe walking. I had always wanted to experience hiking with my fellow Deerwalkers, as it is one of the proud cultures of the company. At the beginning I was quite skeptic about how tough the hiking would be, and I hoped for a easy one. Well, hiking, it’s not just about walking; it’s also about being close to the nature and enjoying it, and I have always enjoyed nature.
Everyone appeared dressed for the occasion with their hiking shoes, comfortable clothes and their sun-glasses. Sun glasses are an important accessory for any hike. We boarded Deerwalk’s van around seven in the morning and since it was my first trip I was visibly more excited than others.
The newly built road from Koteshwore to Suryabinayak was flawlessly smooth and it was joy to ride on that road for the first time. Everyone was in conversation with one another and time passed quickly as we sped along the road towards Dhulikhel. We stopped for light breakfast just before reaching Dhulikhel, and then continued the journey.
Namo Buddha
Date: 2008/11/2
280.Namaste
Photo By: Dijup Tuladhar
