Sachin Shakya
By 7:30 AM, all the other team members had arrived. Then we enjoyed a wonderful morning meal at the 109 Degree Restaurant before starting our journey.
Equipped with fruits, snacks, and water bottles needed to boost our energy during the hike, we began our drive from Kathmandu at 8 AM. Throughout the bus ride, we discussed the current political situation of KTM city, sharing our thoughts and opinions. By 9:15 AM, we reached our starting point at Deerwalk Dhading School, where we picked up our two guests, Mohan and Sekhar Dai. We took a tour of the school, visiting classrooms and taking some snaps before beginning our hike from there.
And then, the adventure truly began! Ruchita Pathak, our ever-enthusiastic HR, whipped out her camera, capturing the unfolding journey in a flurry of video clips. These would be precious mementos, forever preserving the laughter, camaraderie, and breathtaking beauty of the day. The trail wound its way through a picturesque landscape, dotted with terraced fields, vibrant green forests, and traditional Nepalese homes. As we hiked, a sense of local pride became evident. Dhading, we learned, was the birthplace of our very own Rudra Dai! Villagers along the way greeted us warmly, their faces creased with friendly smiles. They inquired about our journey, their Nepali lilt adding a touch of musicality to the air. The locals, with their warm hospitality, even offered us fresh lychees, a refreshing treat that boosted our energy and spirits.
As locals from the Dhading district, Mohan and Sekhar Dai were invaluable to our journey. Their intimate knowledge of the landscape made navigating the trail much easier. They guided us with ease, pointing out notable landmarks and ensuring we stayed on the right path. Their expertise and familiarity with the terrain allowed us to focus on enjoying the hike without worrying about getting lost. Meanwhile, Manish Dai kept cracking jokes along the trail, making the experience even more memorable and filled with laughter. During the hike, Ruchita Didi, who had less experience with hiking, was encouraged and supported by Manish Dai to keep pushing herself. His guidance and motivation were instrumental in helping her overcome challenges and gain confidence along the journey.
Despite the beautiful surroundings and the warmth of local hospitality, the trek was incredibly challenging due to the extreme heat. The relentless sun beat down on us, making every step feel heavier and more exhausting. We were constantly sipping water and taking short breaks in whatever shade we could find, but the heat was a constant, draining presence throughout the hike.
And here comes the unsung hero of our entire trail: Nirmal Dai. In a critical moment when Pawan Dai was exhausted due to the constant hike in severe heat, his heart rate soaring above 170 beats per minute, we informed our fellow members ahead of the situation. Nirmal Dai, who had forged a mile distance ahead of us, demonstrated remarkable compassion and courage. He swiftly arranged a ride on a bike for Pawan Dai, ensuring his safety and making sure he reached the destination. Then, he continued his journey upwards on the same route again. But Nirmal Dai's heroism didn't stop there. When Paritosh Dai developed severe leg cramps in both legs, Nirmal Dai once again sprang into action. Despite being behind on the trail due to his selfless assistance, he arranged for another scooter to aid Paritosh Dai and ensure everyone's safety. Eventually, we all reached our destination ahead of Nirmal Dai. As a gesture of gratitude and admiration for his bravery and selflessness, we gathered and applauded him when he finally arrived. Nirmal Dai's actions not only inspired us but also strengthened the bond of camaraderie and support among our team during the hike.
At some point in the trail, we encountered confusing roads and attempted to contact others ahead of us, but we faced network issues that hindered our communication. Sudina Didi and I found ourselves asking locals for directions amidst the maze of paths.
It was then that we spotted Hitesh Dai, who had taken the initiative to make sure everyone was ahead and waiting, ensuring no one got lost. If we hadn't encountered Hitesh Dai when we did, our route would have been longer and more challenging, underscoring the importance of his timely assistance in keeping us on track.
As we trekked through Dhading village, we were treated to stunning views of the rolling hills. The simple, rustic charm of the village life, with its thatched-roof houses and terraced fields, was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Children played along the pathways, and farmers tended to their crops, painting a vivid picture of rural life in Nepal. The fresh hillside air and the serene environment provided a perfect backdrop for reflection and bonding with colleagues.
This hike was filled with laughter and breathtaking scenery, with each person's unique contribution and the team appreciating the support and heroism displayed by Nirmal Dai. It was an unforgettable experience that brought us closer and left us with cherished memories.
