Latarambeshwor Mahadev Hike

With such grand displays as Nature is making here, how grand are her reservations, bestowed only upon those who devotedly seek them! Beneath the wild and lush mountains, the bucolic village is glowing with its folklore ID and sculpturing the mountains with desolate wilderness, how many shy wild creatures are at home beneath the grateful lights and shadows of the woods, rejoicing in their fullness of perfect life!

Yes, we are talking about Latarambeshwor Mahadev, located at Makawanpur district, neighboring district of Kathmandu valley which has become exclusive hiking destination among outdoor enthusiasts these days. On 17th June, 2022, friend and I successfully made it to the Latarambeshwor after a few days of preparation. As always, it all started with a phone call. Around 11 0' clock, my friend, Nirpesh made phone call to me and said that "Lets do it today, Latarambeshwor Hike!". And I said:"Its already 11:00 AM and we couldn't make it." He said again:"We can and I'll be there in your home at 11:30 AM". Then, I packed my backpack and waited for him. I did call back again and said that if there were any landslides, we would come back, OK!". Then we started our 42 km journey to the Baguwa Bridge, Makawanpur on bike. From Chapagaun, we headed to the Tikabhairab and filled our supplies with snacks and took Loknath Highway that connects Kathmandu valley from south. With no expectation, we got to the Tinpane Bhanjyang above which Nimbus clouds were already playing hide and seek with the sun. Then we took the steep road with precautions. My friend rode a bike and I looked for falling rocks from the mountains with an eagle eye. 

After 2 hours of riding a bike from home, we reached Baguwa (Bagmati) Bridge, crossing foothills of southern lalitpur, like Tinpane Bhanjyang, Bhattedanda, Chhapeli etc. Crossing the bridge and leaving the highway, we took a beaten road that goes to Latarambeshwor Mahadev (west). We parked our bike on the front yard of the tea house, near the Army Camp. 

Around 1:21 PM, we started our hike. I said to my friend that we were finally here....Lets do it! After a few minutes of walk, we came across with the fork in the road. We got confused that which way we should take! Then I walked few meters back and asked about the trail to school children who were playing outside their school. Without hesitation, they showed us the route to the Latarambeshwor Mahadev. As said by school children, we took the left one and walked uphill through the narrow path of the mountain. With so much lush green to see, we kept walking through the maize field until we reached the last house of the trail. We re-filled our water bottle from the tap and walked further up. Again, we came across with the dividing track. Then, I walked back and asked to the group of other hikers who were having their snacks before going up in the tea house. They said that they didn't know about the trail. Then a girl came out from the house and told me:"either way gets you to the top of the mountain". I said:"Okay! Thank you very much". 

Then we took the left one again which seemed less walk by by the hikers as we entered the tunnel of the wild forest. To keep an eye on, we did not waste our time taking pictures along the trail. At some point, we talked to our self that did we take the wrong way? However, we managed to get out of that tunnel and got to the main trail. I felt so exhausted that I wanted to throw even my clothes away. After getting to the main trail, we walked slowly further up. We couldn't explain how nature was in the LM mountains! 

We were stunned by the wild shades of green as we strolled uphill through the rugged bush forest, realizing Godful nature herself, is an Artist painting every tree with patch of mosses on its branches and ferns laid on the trunk, delighting the art of nature with wild bushes. The argument for fine wildness needs no explanation.

As we were walking relentlessly, we met another group of  hikers who were coming back after finishing their hike and asked that how long did you guys take to reach on the summit? They said:"Well, it depends how on fast you can pick up the pace! It took us 3 hrs to reach the top of the mountain". We said:"Okay! Thank you very much. Hope you guys walk slowly down the mountain". They said:" It's just few mins away and you guys may need another 30 mins or more in order to reach the summit". We said: "Awesome! Thank you very much".

With an excitement, we walked further up the mountain so as to reach the summit on time. Finally, we reached the top of the mountain at 2: 50 PM, a hiker's point where hikers from Kathmandu valley and Hetauda meet. It took us around 1 hr 20 mins from the bottom of the mountain. As soon as we got to the top, we were engulfed by the pocket of fog blocking exquisite 360 degree view with subtle shade of gray. Then, we took the way that leads to the Latarambeshwor Mahadev Temple, situated on the other side of the mountain. At that point, I realized that that path which our forefathers used to say, the hardest and most challenging part of the trail. It starts with an edge of the mountain from where we have to walk holding the horse grass plant to the other end of the mountain. Back in days, when there was no iron bars, it was so hard to pass the trail. Out of 10, 3 returns back due to its challenging path and unpredictable gusts. 

After a few mins of walk, we finally reached Latarambeshwor Temple, residing on the top of the mountain. We did our prayers and scout the surroundings to see the astonishing view that the mountain offers. West and north view is still wild and seems unexplored. We did wait for the weather to settle down in the mountain. With number of hikers these days, the mountain had become polluted with chunks of plastic bottles, wrappers, cans etc. all around. It was so sad to see people littering their trash on a religious place like that.  And we did not stay on the top and came few meters down in order to have our snacks. We even shared our snacks with local kids who made a long journey to the temple top to take the offerings, for instance, money and fruits which hikers had offered in the temple. Then we sat for a while so as to have peaceful and calm time, enjoying the view from the mountain. In the nick of time, things get magical in the mountains. You see mountains very clear and in a snap of finger, the view gets invisible with the mist. In the mean time, the speed of the wind is so much stronger. After spending few mins, around 40-45 mins on the top, finishing our snacks, we decided to stroll back as time was running out too. At 4:05 PM, we walked back to the place where we parked our bike, down the mountain. As always, half of the trail, we did trail run and instead of shortcut, we took the main trail continuously to reach down the mountain. We did not want to get lost in the tunnel of forest. We met few hikers along the way going up at that time. We told them to take pace in order to reach the top on time. Nobody goes up late in the afternoon. 

It took us almost 1 hr to reach the bottom of the mountain where we parked our bike. We wanted to have  tea in the nearby tea house. But, calculating our time, we missed it and left for home. Happily, we reached our home on time at 6:50 PM. 

The day was remarkable in so many positive ways that we finally made it to the Latarambeshwor Mahadev Temple although it is far away from the Kathmandu valley. As we are outsider by nature, we always want to spend time hiking mountainsides. We are so much obsessed with walk. The analog version of traveling is awe-inspiring. 

 

© NIRPESH SHARMA

Footsteps on The Far Western Nepal

Despite the fear which I had on my mind, I came out from my comfort zone and took one of the longest road trips to the far western Nepal. Far western Nepal is yet one of the untouched, unexplored and and unspoiled regions of Nepal. I was one of the fortune travelers to make pure contact with it. It has oodles natural habitats such as national parks, river, lakes, protected areas where one could have best time of all.

                     

The traveling plan was made all of a sudden. On 31st December, 2019, I packed my backpacks with an essential things and left Kathmandu, the biggest city across Himalayas on a midnight tour bus. It was chilling cold night and I was wondering to myself that how would I spend rest of the time on a night bus for 20 hrs. After passing winding road of Naubise and perilous road of Muglin, I had a light dinner at Rampur with the rest of the passengers. After that, we headed for Chitwan. I was awake and things were going well until the drunken man appeared out of nowhere in/on the middle of highway road who was trying to cross the road. The driver suddenly put the brakes on wheels with mighty effort and took the wrong lane in order to save the life of drunk man putting everyone at risk.
Furthermore, while doing it so, the bus almost hit the heavy loaded truck coming from the other side. That twist and turn almost killed everyone. We were just inch away from collision. Later, we thanked the driver for saving us from 'almost happened mishap'. It was almost new year 2020 when that accident happened. After about half an hour of discussionabout the refund of broken and shattered rear view mirror, we headed to Butuwal through East-West Mahendra Highway.

With no sleep at night, well! (How could I close my eyes!) after thinking that horrible mishap in my head, I was looking out all night through bus's window. My heart pounded when day broke into light, the first morning of 2020 and at that time, we were passing through Bardia National Park. I didn't notice that the bus had already passed Banke National Park.
Banke-Bardia national parks are two consecutive national parks of Nepal which is separated by Kohalpur. In order to make footsteps in far western Nepal we have to pass through these national parks via east west highway which is built in the middle of the forest. I noticed that that the speed of any vehicle should be limited here. If you are too slow or fast, army will enquiry you for why you were slow or fast! It was awe inspiring to see herd of wild deer on the side f the highway road because I have not seen deers in the wild before.

After passing 2 national parks the bus stopped at Chisapani for breakfast. Chisapani is situated on the bank of Karnali river where single tower Karnali bridge is made. Under that landmark bridge, torquoise water flows providing life to the aquatic animals, birds, wild animals and human.

After having my breakfast, I went to see Karnali river from its bank.It seemed water was flowing slowly but in reality, the current of flowing water was so high. I was amazed to see how big the river was! It is home of river dolphin too.

Now, Far western Nepal journey began. After spending half an hour at Chisapani, the bus headed for Attariya where my friend lives.
First day at friend's house was amazing. Everything was homely. After having 3 hrs of nap, we (friend and I) went for evening walk to the riverside, neighborhoods of my friend's village. The atmosphere was truly bucolic. I was experiencing walking on open plains for the third time. You could see someone walking as far as possible. The best thing about the village is that there is no pollution at all which is obvious. At the same time, people are also nice and kind. They treat outsiders very well. The day spent well. I met my friend's family who are very kind to me. Although, I don't talk much, we had wonderful chit chats. Well, my friend has big land where they could have anything they want.

Next morning, after having a tea, we left for Mahendranagar, one of the biggest towns of far western on a local bus. Unfortunately, the locals had blocked the highway because of accident which happened few days ago. We had to walk for few minutes and then we got an auto to the Mahendranagar. We had a lunch, Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari at Mahendranagar town. And we headed to Dodhara Chandani. They are 2 villages which are connected by Dodhara Chandani suspension bridge and are connected to India from the other side.

Dodhara Chandani Suspension Bridge(1453 m) lies on the south-western corner of Nepal almost bordering to India. The bridge connects a remaining landmass of Nepal across the Mahakali River which otherwise acts as the natural frontier between the two countries. Mahakali River flows along Nepal's western border with India in the Himalayas. It is formed by the joining of two streams of headwaters, the Kalapani River (or Lipu Gad) descending from the western border of the Lipulekh Pass and the Kuthi Yankti river descending from the Limpiyadhura range. It takes the name Kali River from the union of the two streams at Gunji as it flows through the hills. After Brahmadev Mandi (near Tanakpur) it enters the terai plains where it is called the Sharda river. Flowing southeast into Uttar Pradesh, the river joins Ghaghra, a tributary of the Ganges.

It was an amazing experience to see 2 huge things at a same place. The longest Dodhara-Chandani bridge and huge Mahakali river flowing under that bridge made my day. That day's plan was actually to make footsteps on last 2 villages of Nepal and make a jungle safari in Sukhlaphanta National Park. Unfortunately, because of time limit, I had to miss jungle safari and couldn't able to see tigers in the wild. I hope I will make jungle safari next time.

Next morning, after staying 2 nights in my friend's house, a friend of mine and I left to Dhangadi airport. Along the way, I got a chance to visit main places of Dhangadi. We had to wait almost an hour for airplane. We said goodbye to eachother and I thanked him for everything. And I flew back to Kathmandu. 4 days seemed 4 hrs to me. The time was limited otherwise, I would have traveled to Khaptad National Park.

This is how I summed up my 4 days of road trip to far western Nepal. We can easily get itinerary for far western Nepal from internet. I just don't want to share it. I had the most challenging, intriguing and enriching experiences about the culture, language of the far western Nepal. Through this travel, I learned about the unfamiliar culture, language and foods. The best part of my trip was to make footsteps to the far western Nepal. Now, I have to travel eastern Nepal before I get ready for Himalayas. It was beneficial travel in many ways than just to broaden my mind. I have many things to know about Nepal.

Set Free in The Wild

Set Free in The Wild

1. Each day seems so happy
If we live our life full of wonder.
And here I am with an urge
To pack my backpacks and hit the bleary trails.
Through patience which I built with time
And lavishly grown inside my heart
To be set free in the wild.

8. Nature is always an unerring cradle of inspiration.
However, I was compelled and waited too long indoors.
With an audacious call, I now breakdown the walls.
Filtering my thoughts and emotions-----
I put my boots on and shed my old skin too
To walk away from the neonside of the asphalt jungle
And just to be set free in the wild.

15. To know how it feels; "To be set free in the wild"
I follow the sunlight as it falls on hills and meadows.
I lie on the moors, gaze up the sky and say:
Let my mind expand into its commodious,
Let an infinite sky awake a sky inside my mind.
I sit right by the river and mingle with its ceaseless flow.
Moreover, I stand by the waterfall to purify my soul with its healing laughter.

22. Soon, I begin to glee, illuminate with every joy and be awake at all moments.
The gaze becomes the very gaze of compassion.
The river builds the wisdom channels inside my mind.
The waterfall makes me even more peaceful and tranquil.
The more I experience this freedom, the more I stay vigilant
In a place which I call an intimate sacred space.
And I am precise to be set free in the wild.

29. I now am chemist of my own bliss.
I derive the strength from the unshakable hills and cliffs.
To wait for my patience to shine.
The exhausted mind is calm with an ease
Into the nature which I call simple paradise where freedom calls.
Above all, its time to run and leave and my things behind
To wonder with my freedom which is free to find in the wild.

Wish I Had a Winter Coat

Wish I Had a Winter Coat

1. Seasons pass in a blink of God's eye.
An autumn had arrived; for when winter has nighed.
What I feel is only blue black cold!
Wish I had a winter coat.

5. I look out from the broken window.
The mountains---I've dreamed of concealing under the snow.
As the blizzard rages,
The cracked heart aches.

9. If the night could hear, I would tell a story or two.
Of a day that has been through hues of blue.
When we don't know for what to prepare.
If we are on an uncertain time of the year.

13. In such an emptiness, I lie under the starlit sky.
For as long as space exists, soothing stars pass by.
And I wish If I had a winter coat tonight.
I would feel the warmth of it inside.

17. A new day dawns, the sun will rise.
Through the clouds, the sun will shine.
A cold wind blows, rest assured.
Earnestly searching-----mile after mile-----the lost hope----- is heard.

21. Wish I had a winter coat, the joy of having it, would be immeasurable.
And I'd go to the mountains, burn all the troubles.
Life---it seems an endless roller coaster.
But the things always fall into a place in a right time.-----I remember.

I Am Not The Only Traveler

I Am Not The Only Traveler

I am not the only traveler,
Who gets lost in a world brimful of sights unseen.
I search for the winding path anew
To see the world unfold.

I am not the only traveler,
Who sees the world this way.
There is a place---
Where I bring my mind into the state of calm.


I am not the only traveler,
Who wanders in the kingdom of great unknown.
I make my way on my own two feet to a place,
Where I release my mind from its grasping.

I am not the only traveler,
Who leaves home for the open air.
I follow my young heart to a place,
Where I loosen up my mind into the true nature of mind.

I am not the only traveler,
Who brings the scattered mind mind back home.
Then, I realize, how much I enjoyed being present at there
With a good heart and forever will be.

A Walk In The Woods

"A Walk In The Woods"

Through the Jungle

Through the Dark

I walk far away from the World,

A hostile Society

To the place

Where I free my Mind.

Where I am healed with the Tonic of Wilderness..

I feel I may never have Enough.

What a profound Feeling of Beauty

As I Bow before the Trees

I embrace their protective Bark

As if it’s going to be my Last.

I stand with Nature,

Almighty, Mysterious, Endlessly Wild

And I am Free in my Recluse

Exploring My Solitude

With Endless Possibilities.

I Took A Little Journey To The Unknown

I Took A Little Journey To The Unknown

Today,

I stretched my legs and went on a hike.
I took a winding path
Gallivanting solo as The Sun.

All of a sudden
I spied the Loveliness of The Wild...
Lofty mountains of lush trees.
I crossed the river as it runs.

Out of Doors

To walk in the woods is to celebrate our evolutionary heritages as they stimulate our thinking. They deepen our understanding and we should appreciate them for that. Moreover, walk in the woods plays a significant role as it encapsulates our struggles that one need to go through in order to better themselves.

Spending time in the woods isn't just pleasant, it is significantly restorative.

If you back in history, then you would understand how important is walking!? Our forefathers used to walk for days to get basic needs. They used to walk for days to get education. They used to walk for days carrying sick people to the health post. Now, freedom from walking has been craved. Only few unfortunate ones are forced to walk.

The history of walking is now paradox. It is so called an integral to human development. The walking habit is ceased abruptly. Walking is an analog in this digital world. However, it is more profound too. People choose to walk instead of ride. 

Traveling to Kuri Village

When one travels, it’s an experience that they want to share with others. They want to tell a story of the things they have seen. Most people tell this story through photographs, videos or even travel blogs.

It’s not always bragging but it is about sharing the sheer beauty and magnanimity of our surroundings. One of the finest and self satisfying adventures of my life so far was “Traveling to Kuri Village”. This has brought extra joy in my life.

Picturesque hilly terrains and mountains are considered to be the ultimate adventure. From hiking hilly terrains to trekking snow covered peaks, Nepal is choke full of iconic outdoor adventures. At the same time, the thrills and excitements of these adventures are unparallel.

It was quite an experience to see those huge mountains up close. I love and adore mountains not to prove anything to anybody but to remind myself that how small and insignificant am I in the scheme of larger things. Whenever I have nowhere to go, mountains are my go to partner.

The desire to see those huge mountains was fulfilled after tripping the places which were completely destroyed by a 2015 earthquake. Those places are still under reconstruction. I felt very sad after seeing the villages of Sindhupalchok.

Keeping the thoughts on my mind along the Arniko Highway to Jiri Highway, I finally reached to Kuri Village. Kuri Village as many of us know, is situated at eastern hilly region of  Nepal in Dolakha district. Dolakha is 132 km from Kathmandu and 18 km off to Kuri Village from Charikot. Local vehicles do not reach to Kuri Village but on reserve it may reach to Kuri Village from where on 1hr hike is Kalinchok Temple, on top of the mountain, around 13000ft above the sea level. The temple on the top of 3842m from the sea level is exquisite to get lost. It is part of Gauri Sankar conservation Area from where Sun Koshi and Tama Koshi rivers are originated. Hiking or Trekking to Kuri village can be back breaking.

Mountains, sometimes, are not considered to be the source of serenity. They more often teach you more than anyone else. The perfidious curlings of hikes or treks, the fights for basic in life, the veer gratification of having fruits on the top of the mountain after walking straight up to the mountain, the mind blowing winds, the chirping of the birds, the steep dives of the valleys, the capricious moods of the clouds, the freshness of icy water like washing away all your sorrows. Everything has a message for you. Diving into that emptiness, you can completely find new you. That is why, little breaks are so important to move on.

If you want to know yourself, then travel all alone. If it is hard to make, travel with your loved ones or close friends.