Prayas Bhatt
Report by: Himanshu Gautam
Day 1: January 17, 2025
The first departure at 7:30 AM from Sifal, Kathmandu brought out an electrified atmosphere among everyone. People showed uncontainable excitement because they were prepared for what lay ahead. We stopped at Hamlet Restaurant in Galchhi at 11:20 AM to rest and eat. The meal was truly tasty while the brief rest period restored our energy levels to continue forward. The group left the roadway at 12:20 PM.
We arrived at the crowded town of Muglin at 2:10 PM. The route presented spectacular views of hills and roads. We reached Dhampus at 7:00 PM to find that the village presented us with magnificent sights no matter which direction we looked. Upon settling we had our dinner at 7:30 PM which turned out to be a heartwarming and filling meal.
The evening's walk through the village allowed us to absorb the night's fresh air along with its peaceful atmosphere. We passed midnight chatting with our group before sharing anecdotes and spending time together until late in the evening.
Day 2: January 18, 2025
We departed from Dhampus at 7:44 AM . Traveling to Pothana proved stupendous as we saw stunning mountain peaks combined with forest trees. During our journey to Pothana at 8:40 AM we enjoyed both the bird calls and refreshing air from the surrounding environment.
Lunch time brought us to the traditional village Landruk at 12:30 PM. The place provided ideal conditions for relaxation before we interacted with a foreign visitor who entertained us with exciting experiences. The group resumed hiking at 2:00 PM right after taking a brief pause.
Our journey through the Ghandruk Village Gate occurred at 4:50 PM before leading us to our accommodation which we reached at 5:40 PM. After more than one hour of walking, we covered 20 kilometers on that day which took us an estimate of 10 hours and 10 minutes for completion.
Nighttime began with dinner at 7:30 PM followed by a recreational barbeque at 8:30 PM. The night sky showing countless stars provided an ideal setting for us to gather around our campfire and share stories while laughing happily. The group started moving into our bedrooms at 10:00 PM while carrying the excitement from our active day before spending our last moments discussing our journey while gradually falling asleep for the night.
Day 3: January 19, 2025
A full breakfast opened in the morning at 7:30 AM. Our group spent time roaming through the village as we took numerous photographs and admired the breathtaking mountain landscapes. At 9:46 AM we took images at Ghandruk Gate thus finishing our trekking adventure.
We left for home using the bus at exactly 10:00 AM. We made a stop in Dunga at 12:30 PM for lunch during our trip. A special birthday celebration for Grace started at 1:30 PM and further enhanced the joy of the trip. We spent the remaining time after the celebration walking while boating between 2:00 PM and 2:50 PM.
We spent evening time enjoying tea at 6:00 PM and sharing our happy moments from the trip. We finished our extraordinary school excursion at 10:00 PM when we returned to the school facility.
Conclusion
This hiking experience taught me about the multiple things nature delivers to us beyond beautiful vistas; it provides areas for people to unwind and think quietly. The hiking expedition extended beyond counting distances and site exploration. Our time together resulted in laughter while we breathed in mountain air while enjoying peaceful moments. The long hikes added a big amount of exhaustion yet I received incomparable pleasure through those splendid views together with a deep feeling of achievement.
Ghandruk offered me an extraordinary feeling of peacefulness when I watched the stars from our campfire with my friends present. I understood during such instances how essential it is to interrupt our hectic routines to form bonds with nature. The journey expanded my affection toward mountains while establishing enduring memories which I expect to keep throughout my life. The celebration of Grace's birthday during our journey created additional enjoyment which made the whole experience even more memorable.
This event tested me physically while revealing to me a fresh understanding of Nepal's village and mountain landscapes. The experience ranks among the precious excursions which will stay forever in my heart.
Report by: Prayas Bhatt
Day 1: January 17, 2025 – Departure to Dhampus
Our winter trek adventure began early at 7:26 AM as we left DSS. The excitement was clear as we boarded the bus, ready for the journey ahead. By 11:23 AM, we arrived at Galchhi-4, Dhading, where we stopped for lunch at the Hamlet Restaurant. The food was delicious, and the break was much needed. Around 11:30 AM, another group of grade 7 and 8 students joined us at the restaurant, making the atmosphere even livelier.
We hit the road again at 12:20 PM, and the bus ride was filled with music, dancing, and laughter. The scenic drive through the hills kept us entertained, and we entered Pokhara at around 5:50 PM. By 6:45 PM, we reached our stop for the night, Paradise View Hotel & Restaurant in Dhampus. The hotel offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and we settled in comfortably.
Dinner was served at 7:35 PM, and we enjoyed a hearty meal before calling it a night. The peaceful surroundings and crisp mountain air made for a perfect end to the first day.
Day 2: January 18, 2025 – Trekking to Ghandruk
Our second day began at the crack of dawn, thanks to Mohan Pradhan Sir playing the role of “Villian of Sleep”, who energetically woke us up at 6:00 AM with his signature door-knocking and quilt-pulling routine. At first, we were annoyed, but soon we laughed and got up , stepping outside made it all worthwhile. The golden light touched the snowy mountains, and it felt magical. We quickly ate breakfast at 6:40 AM and got ready for the long trek ahead.
We started walking to Ghandruk at 7:45 AM. The path was amazing. We walked through forests with tall trees, green fields, and small villages. Birds were singing, and streams were flowing, making everything feel peaceful. The climb was hard, and our legs felt tired, but we kept going. At 12:45 PM, we stopped for lunch.
After lunch, we walked again at 2:00 PM. The last part of the trek was tough, with steep paths and rocks. But we sang songs, told jokes, and helped each other along the way. Finally, at 5:45 PM, we reached Ghandruk. The village was so pretty, with stone houses and mountains all around.
At our hotel, we rested, had dinner at 7:45 PM, and then enjoyed a barbeque at 8:20 PM. We sat under the stars, eating, laughing, and telling stories. The stars were so bright, and the mountains looked magical at night. It was a day full of fun, hard work, and memories we will never forget.
Day 3: January 19, 2025 – Exploring Ghandruk and Return to DSS
The final day of our trek began at 6:30 AM, with Mohan Pradhan Sir once again ensuring we didn’t oversleep. We had a hearty breakfast at 7:45 AM, featuring Tibetan bread, boiled eggs, chana, and black tea. By 8:30 AM, we left the hotel and headed towards Gurung Gau, a village where we took plenty of photos to capture the memories.
At 9:20 AM, because we were with two math teachers we obviously stopped to create a pi-shaped formation on the trail, a fun and creative group activity. We then made our way back to Pokhara, arriving at 12:45 PM. Lunch was enjoyed at Dunga Restaurant, where we also celebrated Grace Shrestha’s birthday, adding a festive touch to the day.
After lunch, we began our journey back to DSS, arriving at 7:00 PM. Our parents were there to welcome us, marking the end of an unforgettable trek.
Highlights
- Stunning Views: The Annapurna range and the lush landscapes made every step worth it.
- Team Spirit: Encouraging each other during the tough parts of the trek brought us closer.
- Mohan Pradhan Sir: The "Villain of sleep" who made sure we didn’t miss a single sunrise or moment of the adventure.
- Shared Laughter: From funny stories to teasing each other, every moment was filled with laughter.
- Grace’s Birthday Celebration: A surprise celebration that added a special touch to the trip.
Conclusion
The Winter Trek 2025 to Dhampus and Ghandruk was more than just a trip, it was an experience we’ll never forget. From the early morning hikes to the breathtaking mountain views, every moment felt special. The kindness of the locals and celebrating milestones like Grace’s birthday made it even more meaningful.
This trek was more than just a physical challenge; it was a chance to connect with nature, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories. The majestic landscapes of Nepal continue to inspire, and this adventure has left me with a deeper appreciation for the mountains and the outdoors.
Mohan Pradhan Sir, the "Villian of sleep," might have robbed us of a few extra minutes in bed, but he also ensured we didn’t miss out on the beauty of the early mornings. This trip reminded me that sometimes, the best memories come from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the adventure.
The Winter Trek 2025 was a perfect blend of adventure, laughter, and reflection, a journey I’ll cherish forever.
Report by: Sameer Dahal
Day 1: January 17, 2025
At 6:30 AM we all gathered at Sifal school, and at 7:26 we started our trip. For lunch we stopped at the famous restaurant Hamlet in Galchhi, Dhading. We enjoyed our buffet and headed toward our destination for the day, Dhampus, at 12:20 PM.
Around 2:00 we entered a famous town, Mugling, situated in Chitwan. We took a bathroom break, and we also had the oranges, which were very tasty. At this time around we were very tired, and we all slept for an hour while our ride was going on, and when our eyes opened we were welcomed with the great view of the Annapurna range, we had reached Damauli. We were eagerly waiting to reach Dhampus, and we reached Dhampus at 7:00 pm, and we were welcomed with the shivering cold of Dhampus. We all gathered up for our lunch at our hotel named Paradise View. We enjoyed our dinner and went to bed.
Day 2: January 18, 2025
We all opened our eyes at 6:00 AM and we all ran toward our balcony for the mystical views of Annapurna range and when we saw the mountains reflecting the sunlight we felt that heaven was true and our eyes were mesmerized seeing the view. At 7:45 AM we gathered at the restaurant for breakfast accompanied with a great view. At 8:00 AM we started our hike to Ghandruk from Dhampus. By 8:40 AM, we reached Pothana. This place felt unreal due to the great air and view.
By 12:30 PM we reached Landruk for our lunch at Peace Restaurant. From Landruk, Ghandruk was only 3 hours away. On the way to Ghandruk we saw mad honey, we had fresh butter milk and churpi. We reached Ghandruk gate At 4:50 PM and we reached our hotel, Hotel Trekkers Sanctuary.
By 7:45 PM we had our dinner at our hotel and at 8:45 PM we had a small barbecue party. The chilled breeze of air hitting our face and hot chicken was all we needed at the time. We went to bed at 10:00 PM.
Day 3: January 19, 2025
We woke up at 6:00 AM and we enjoyed the sunrise with a cup of black tea. Then at 8:00 AM we went for a short visit to the village, and by 9:00 AM we headed toward our bus bidding goodbye to the views . By 12:45 PM we reached Pokhara for our lunch at Dunga Restaurant, and we headed toward Kathmandu at 3:00 PM. We reached Kathmandu at 10:00 PM marking the end of our journey.
Highlights:
There were many noteworthy moments throughout the journey from Kathmandu to Ghandruk. The trip started with a picturesque drive via Galchhi, Dhading, and Mugling, where the group took in the stunning scenery and fresh oranges. Along with lovely pauses at Pothana and Landruk, the walk afforded breathtaking views of the Annapurna range from Dhampus and Ghandruk. The company enjoyed regional specialities like buttermilk and churpi while travelling. Comfortable lodgings at the Hotel Trekkers Sanctuary in Ghandruk and the Paradise View Hotel in Dhampus enhanced the journey. In addition to tea and a quick hamlet tour, a barbecue party in Ghandruk beneath the cool night sky was a pleasant experience. Lunch stops at Hamlet Restaurant in Galchhi and Dunga Restaurant in Pokhara further enriched the trip.
