On a beautiful Saturday morning, the sun peeked over the horizon, illuminating the start of a new adventure – our long-awaited hiking day. As university students entangled in the hustle of modern life, we had almost forgotten the essence of nature. Thankfully, some of our friends, tourism professionals, came up with the brilliant idea of organizing a weekly hiking event. The core theme was "Hike of Health, Hike for Nepal" and the chosen route was the breathtaking Shivapuri Hill.
Excitement filled the air as we gathered at Fulbari Chowk, Goldhunga, on the 11th of July, 2015, at 7 am. Our group (Me, Himal Dai, Dhamalaji and Sagar Bhai) joined in over a hundred fellow hikers, including familiar faces from our university and colleagues from various professions. The biggest surprise of all was the presence of the esteemed Mahanayak Rajesh Hamal, a renowned figure in the Nepalese Movie Industry. He graced us with his wisdom and encouraged us all to prioritize hiking or walking for health and the environment saying "we need to give first priority to hiking/walking, second priority to cycling, and third priority to using public transportation. Private motor vehicles should be the last priority as they are not environmentally friendly and not conducive to maintaining good health."
As we commenced our ascent, the trail proved to be challenging, with a constant upward slope. However, the lush greenery around us, the melodic songs of birds, and the gentle caress of the pure wind upon our faces made every step more than worthwhile. Amidst the struggle, we felt a sense of stillness, a deep spiritual connection with nature that we had long missed. It was as if the mountains themselves were whispering secrets of ancient wisdom to us.
Midway through our hike, we took a well-deserved rest in an open hilly grass field, where we delighted in a hearty breakfast. The serene setting of hills, wild forests, and the majestic Himalayas formed a picture-perfect backdrop for us. We could not resist capturing these moments in countless beautiful photographs that we knew would forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Refreshed and energized, we resumed our journey, walking deeper into the top of Shivapuri Hills. As it is under the Shivapuri National Park, the wilderness embraced us, showcasing an array of wildlife and enchanting Laliguras that adorned the hills in vibrant hues. It was a true testament to the beauty and diversity of Nepal's natural wonders.
After a few hours of relentless trekking, we finally reached the summit of Shivapuri Hill. Many fellow hikers had to return from middle of the ways, unable to reach the summit of Shivapuri Hill. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming, and we celebrated our success with joy and laughter. The panoramic view from the top was awe-inspiring, with the Kathmandu Valley sprawled beneath us, revealing its bustling yet charming life.
Reluctantly, we began our descent, retracing the same path we had taken upward. The journey back was filled with nostalgic reflections, as we relived the magical moments we had shared throughout the day. We realized that this day of hiking had brought us closer together, deepening our bonds and forging memories that would last a lifetime.
As the sun began to set, we finally arrived back at Fulbari Chowk, where it all began. Tired but content, we bid each other farewell, promising to meet again for the next hiking adventure. The experience had rekindled our connection with nature and reminded us of the simple joys that life has to offer.
And so, our sweet memories of the Shivapuri Hill Hiking with Mahanayak Rajesh Dai remained etched in our hearts forever. The beauty of the hills, the camaraderie of friends, and the wisdom shared by the great Mahanayak made it an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, adventure, and the timeless love for nature.
Few more photograph for memories:
