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.
