Blissful Trek to Lomanthan

Heaven knows I am fortunate one because; I had this opportunity once again to visit - Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang this year. Both trek schedule and budget was tight yet we were full of zeal and joy to experience there. We were three - Sumina didi, Raman and myself. Flew from Kathmandu to Pokhara in Buddha Air. In Pokhara to celebrate Dashain festival with my family in-law and it was great time to see all family members together to celebrate Dashian.



The real excitement began on the next day when Raman and I set for Lo-Manthang. As usual flight from Pokhara to Jomsom was delay but the excitement we have for the journey ahead brimmed us with excitement. Weather in Pokahra was so good and we cherish delay time sipping the sight of beautiful Mount Machhapuchera. After the flight resumed, we reached Jomsom and Raman checked if it was possible to book return tickets to Pokhara but it was futile. Anyway, without a delay, we trotted towards our way to Lo-Manthang.



Day one: We trekked from Jomsom to Kagbeni, Kagbeni to Tangbe and Tangbe to Chhusang. On the way I drifted back to old memories when Raman and I had a wonderful time ten years back. It was the most memorable trek which gave a shape to our love into a promise to live together for life.



We took jeep to reach Kagbeni and there was one beautiful Italian lady with us. It was nice to meet people across seven seas. On the way she shared her experience of travelling all alone from Italy. This time it is Nepal and she had been to Manakamana and took this trek all the way alone. Since they were tourist they had to register their permit at most local police posts on the trail to visit Upper Mustang. Within an hour we arrived in Kagbeni and she headed for her own destination. We did the same. Walking sandy trail was a unique experience on a sunny afternoon braving the killer wind. The roaring sound of the Kali Gandaki River entertains us on the trail and we kept stepping ahead on its rhythm.



We stopped for lunch in a local hotel where we enjoyed apple-pie and beautiful view along with people walking in the alleys of Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, we headed for our journey climbing the trials to an edge marked by a chorten. With few ups-downs, narrow and steep trials we kept walking. Our body almost dried and my legs got tired of making further moves. I wanted to take a rest. So, with a sight of a house, we took a rest for a while and filled up our water bottle. I was really tired and wished to get some means to carry myself. I could not believe my eyes when I saw a Jeep running towards us. We hurried to ask if we could get seats for two. I got so excited and regained my spirit to see the natural beauties around while on drive. For an hour drive, we thanked Mr. Gurung and paid fares to the driver and got ready to walk ahead. We took half an hour break in a tea-house. I fell down asleep very quickly as I was feeling an altitude sickness.



Raman woke me to have something to eat but I preferred taking a cup of garlic soup. We left tea-house and continued walking until we found Prakash Guest house—the guest house which was quite famous and preferred by many travelers we met on our way. We received heartily welcome by Laxmi didi. She offered delicious food and arranged a nice room to stay overnight. I could hardly feel any pain and tired muscles with her kind behavior.



Next morning, we took few pictures from the roof top and experienced peaceful atmosphere that we sat in meditation for few minutes. Taking a cup of tea, we set for the journey from Chhusang Village. I was amazed to see such a beautiful place and the surroundings filled with spectacular views—eroded cliffs above inaccessible caves across Kali-Gandaki River, apple farms, isolated and ancient villages, Buddhist monasteries, deep gorges and interesting visitors. On the way, we discovered that we could get a vehicle, a Jeep from Syangboche to Lo-Manthang.



It was again a sunny day and we’d run out of drinking water with empty stomach. We took few bites of apple that we received from Laxmi didi. Raman was such a good trekker that sometime I filled sorry for myself not being able to walk even for an hour. I could feel his warm love and inspiring words to motivate me for speedy walking while it was getting darker.



This day, we walked continuously for ten hours giving only few short breaks. We passed through desert-like high altitude area that climbs in and out in the side of the Kali Gandaki River. Here, many travelers were seen riding horses with loads on its back. I again wished to have one to carry myself when the steep hills come through. Suddenly we heard someone calling Raman asking to click a photo. He seemed to be a familiar face to us and immediately I asked a guy if I could get a ride in one of his horse.



Raman followed us while I was carried up to the hill where we found chortens painted in red and yellow, black and white colors. I thanked them for a horse ride and then walked down the trail descends steeply to Samar. It was getting darker and seemed that our destiny to reach Syangbochen was going to fail. We reached to Bhena and decided to stay there overnight. It was a cool day and we found nice people around to make us comfortable after a long and tiresome journey. There for the first time I saw a smokeless Chinese stove for making fire wood and cooking. We could not sleep tight that night. Early next morning, taking black tea we headed for our continued walking to reach Syangbochen on time to get a Jeep to Lo-Manthang.



We enjoyed beautiful sunrise and cool atmosphere walking up hills and down hills taking a sip of black tea we’d carried on our water bottle. We reached Syangbochen on time and fixed for a Jeep to take us along with other ten people to Lo-Manthang. We entered in a hotel, enjoyed delicious soup and meal to kill the time while we waited for the Jeep. Raman and his friend roamed around taking pictures and get a glimpse of mountain views. We were overjoyed hearing a beep of most awaited Jeep to take us to our destination. Soon we loaded our backpack and got into jeep filling almost all seats and available spaces eager to reach Lo-Manthang. Pasang—the driver was young and kind-hearted to make us feel comfortable and enjoy safe drive. He carefully passes the rocky and dusty roads with such an ease that he sometimes make all the passengers get off the jeep in order to cross narrow passages and streams followed by Kali Gandaki River.



We took a tea break in Tsarang Guest house and enjoyed taking pictures with an old man drying vegetable on the terrace. After a short break we moved ahead and reached to our destination—Lo-Manthang. We found almost all hotels and guest houses packed with visitors, tourists and guides.

Luckily, we could arrange for our night stay at Lo-Manthang Guest house. We had comfortable stay in the guest house with hot water bath and tasty meal offered. We went for the round visit of the palace in the evening.Lo-Manthang is the age old place that preserves the Tibetan culture and traditional beliefs unaffected by country’s political and social changes. Where all the people in the other corner were celebrating the national festival—Dashain, we found Lo-Manthang not acquainted with this festival. We tried to get in touch with King and Queen of Mustang who still resides in the palace, but it was late evening and couldn’t meet till tomorrow at 8 in the morning. So, we turned back to our hotel, visited market place, bought souvenir for the family and fixed for next day’s schedule.



We came to know that there is a Chhosar Cave that we shouldn’t miss to visit which would take one and half hour drive from Lo-Manthang. We decided to visit Chhosar instead of meeting King and Queen in the palace before leaving and took a long breath when the idea of visiting Chhosar got finalized. We got up early, took a cup of black tea with apple pie and set for the adventurous visit to Chosar Cave.



The four storey cave shares important historical story. It is the mysterious creation by our ancestors preserved for the ancient living style. There in an entry gate followed with number of rooms inside. The beautiful views of the himalayan ranges and scenic beauty of Mustang can be viewed from open windows in the cave.



Mr. Krishna and Pasang exchanged their friendship as ‘Meet’ and vowed for trust and companionship throughout the life. After eye-catching memories and views captured in our camera, we left the Chhosar back to Lo-Manthang. We posed for few photographs of the walled city of Lo-Manthang. The Jeep got ready to take us back to Syanbochen. The views of mountanins, monastries , flock of sheep, travelers, ancient caves, chortens kept us busy to get captured in our camera. We arrived to Syanbochen enjoying classic songs played by Pasang. We took the day lunch and prepared to set for the trek back to Chusang according to our plan for the day. With a hazardous walking all the day, we tried to find room in Tangbe, but almost all guest house and hotels were found packed. Without any delay, we decided to walk for an hour and find Prakash Guest House in Chhusang Village. It was late, though Laxmi didi was busy cooking for her guests. We heard her saying no vacant room available for us. She realized there was no choice left for us besides staying there for the overnight stay. I was really tired that I was feeling to get a good night rest anywhere I could found. She somehow managed us a tasty meal and allowed her son’s room to stay that night. We’d fallen asleep very quickly that soon we were awakened with a bright morning glory the next day. We thanked Laxmi didi for her generosity and donated few of our used clothes if they could become useful. She informed us about the time to get the vehicle to Jomsom.



Though the route tough, we met other people hurrying for the transportation and as usual Raman was far ahead of us to get the ticket. Very fortunately, we got last two tickets for us. I was behind and about to leave me with just a minute difference. I could see him getting furious for not moving on time. Finally, we arrived in Jomsom and tried to see if we could get flight tickets to Pokhara.



As there were more adventures waiting for us, we got bus tickets from Jomsom to Ghasa and then get other tickets from there to Beni and again stay overnight or get the ticket from Beni to Pokhara. It was very interesting and adventurous travelling in bus continued till we arrived in Pokhara. When we reached home, we could not stop ourselves sharing our stories, experiences and adventures followed throughout the day we arrived in Pokhara.



The next day, we received tika from our elders and got blessings for the healthy, happy and prosperous life.



We got back to kahmandu and visited my maternal home to receive tika from my parents.

NCTTM College Student discovering Courage for Life

At mid-day, we left NCTTM College and halted in Gokarna around 1 o'clock. We visited Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple and students got excited taking pictures, capturing beautiful sceneries around Gokarneshwor Temple. Then we headed towards Sundarijal Bus Park at 14:00pm. For half an hour, we walked to the Campsite together with backpacks and necessary materials. We reached the place at15:30pm and took a rest for few minutes. At 16:00pm we played a game--Spiral Blob Tag and enjoyed with a different fun. I was feeling like a small boy as we used to play such games during our childhood. After the game, we had a tent pitching which was made interesting to get rewarded to the one who pitch the tent nice and beautiful.


During the outdoor training student wholeheartedly engaged themselves in games and initiatives. Students were divided into 2 groups consisting of eight girls and five boys in each team. First group was named Mesmerizing Camping and second group Mysterious Group. Female students were encouraged much to prove their potential and talent they have. Nodan Team from Bhaktapur team took facilitation. They played games like, Trust Exercise, Crossing Together, and Night Line. Each group had performed a wonderful presentation based on problems, recharging factors and expectations.


Bhaktapur Team Opinion was as follows: Unity gives power for struggling and develops trust and reach to the right destination.

After the presentation of different groups, we had dinner at 20:00hr. We had the camp fire at 21:30pm followed by singing and dancing. The camp happened to be a new experience when Siddhartha solo took place at 24:00hr. There was complete silence with no one besides the team, stars, forests and moon in the night. After returning from there, everyone shared their feelings but I just kept quiet because it was my first time and I could not concentrate. The fact is, while I concentrated for few moments, I asked myself why I was born and what my role in this earth is. I had no qualification and never been involved with my family in good times. So, why I am here and what is my role in this nature. But when I opened my eyes, I saw something and learned from it that was the unity of the stars that always twinkles at night together. The trees over there which I thought was when they don’t get water they all die and if they get plenty of water from Sundarijal, they will grow bigger and bigger. It was all about the ecosystem, unity and communication between natures. So, people also should be one unity.



When we finished the discussion we started to sing old songs which could make our mind fresh. At 1:00 AM, most went for a sleep but we, four members slept with a blanket of whole sky beneath the millions star.



Next morning we woke up at 6:00 A.M. and did some refreshment exercise. At 7:00 AM Modern Meditation and Yoga was held for a hour. After breakfast, we played different games like Hit the Target, Achieve Your Goal, Don't Lose Your Team Member, Spider Web. We engaged about an hour in Rope courses including Tarzan Swing and Commando Bridge. Almost all games were played enthusiastically till 12:15 PM. After having lunch we got back to the Camp side where the Learning Coach--Raman Nepali, distributed certificates to the participants from NCTTM College and individuals who participated in ‘AANT FOR LIFE’.




Some resolutions from students are as follows:

Opinion about Self learning:
i) Be good.
ii) If you have idea, flow it to other team mates or follows other.
iii) Be happy with yourself and make others.
iv) Firstly appreciate to motivate others.
v) Try to understand and make others understand.

Attributes of ‘AANT FOR LIFE’
i> A new concept
ii> Self Confidence
iii> Self Motivation
iv> Leading people with different knowledge and ideas
v> Group Morality and Confidence
vi> Leads towards the Achievement of life and definite Success.
vii> Encourage to make a clear vision.

This was my first camping in my life that I got different knowledge and ideas to gain from it and had lots of fun. Thanks NODAN CLUB.

Rikesh Maskey
New volunteer member of Nodan Club !!

Raman's Memories of Rukum

On the 15th Feb09, we enjoyed staying at Nepalgunj. We decided not to plan for the next day, instead wait for the flight to Shalley of Rukum airstrip the day after tomorrow.

Next day, we were roaming in the market place to have breakfast. At the meantime, we came to know about few seats available in the Yeti Airs flight, so 2/3 members among us could go in that flight.

In the same flight, I was not sure to get the seat, though I was asked to come to the airport. It was slightly late besides the timeframe but fortunately, Dil Bhusan Pathak, Preety Thapa including myself made the journey comfortable through that airplane which carried fund collected by Rastra Bank.

The airplane took off from Nepalgunj. There we met II Lieutenant Samjhana Khadka, a good-looking personality. I enjoyed taking great picture from my new Dcamera : )

We were received by few friends from HRPLACE and went to stay at Bhutani hotel.

Bhutani hotel is one of the best hotels found in Rukum where the delicious food is served and the hospitality is just wonderful (Pokhrel Dds Family is so nice-serving) that I never had experienced till date.

On the next day, remaining friends arrived and we began the training another day.
The training was targeted for 78 women selected from 3 VDCs, where they were severely affected by the conflict and became single women. The concept of the training was like Bibad Byabasthapan Tatha Digo Santi that focused to facilitate and motivate those women to lead their remaining life in the most valuable way. The program aimed to make them rethink about their future and utilize their time doing some meaningful things.

I had shared the things I have learned with them and in return I could also learn many experiences from them.

During free time, we enjoyed the places around Shalley, like Beeu-Bijan Utpadan Kendra, Pipalneta and the hills nearby.

Took lots of photographs, talked to various people and interacted with them.

I felt very comfortable and easy going to that place than I had thought before. The journey was superb and very remarkable.

The place and environment were peaceful. Enough electricity and enough water supplies in that place made much better place than Kathmandu City.

I had already made many new friends before leaving Rukum. Ramesh came along with me to drop me carrying my luggage to the airport. We took a way through Ghattekhola and reached the airport in time. It seems that he expects a healthy friendship in the future as well. So, here I am with wonderful experiences and new thoughts and vision to see life in Rukum..Do you have experience with Rukum ??

ramanko@gmail.com

Revealing Patan through Viewfinder

Strolling around Patan Darbar square in evening with DSLR is a great experience. You reveal hidden delights of an authentic medieval town and creativity which makes you feel proud. That’s how I experienced yesterday evening while trying out one of my Friend’s Nikon D40.

Been bugged by Photography for quite a while and here are some pictures which I’ve managed to captured yesterday evening. Took all these pictures in sRGB at size: 1496×2256 pixels and later changed size and image mood into Grayscale using Photoshop.

Truly the City of Artists: Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city, is the main tourist attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carving. Especially evening is the time when durbar square comes animated when old native people comes the spot for an evening chit chat.

Patan still retains most of its original urban structure and people that has been lost in most big cities. It is famous for its narrow streets and alleys, lined by traditional buildings and vernacular architecture, Hindu and Buddhist monuments like bahals, bahis, temples, chaityas, stupas, patis, aganchhen etc.

Perfect Perspective of Patan Darbar Square: Every single tourist who visits Patan doesn’t miss to click pictures from this perspective you are seeing above. The main attraction of the Patan Durbar Square is the ancient Royal Palace itself. It consists of three main chowks, or courtyards; the central Mul Chok, Sundari Chowk and Main Keshab Narayan Chowk.
Innocent Mahouts: Local children enjoying elephant ride while their mothers are busy selling local made crafts to tourists around the Darbar square.
Tara’s Quite Corner: More you scrutinize more you reveal craftsmanship of wood carving around temples and its pillars. Patan Darbar Square is so rich for its architectural heritage. The most famous Newar artists and master craftsmen, like Arniko, Abhay Raj and Siddhi Raj, were all born in Lalitpur. Patan Durbar Square, enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of seven Monument Zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site.
Patan under my Perspective: Several historical records including many other legends indicate that Patan is the oldest of all the cities of Kathmandu Valley and it is interesting to note that one of the most used and typical Newar name of Patan is Yala. It is said that King Yalamber named this city after himself and ever since this ancient city has been known as Yala.
Self-Portrait: Reflection of Krishna Mandir (Temple of Lord Krishna) which is built in the seventeenth century by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. It is the only temple in Nepal to have 21 shrines and is completely made of stone. Most of the important scenes from the ancient Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been engraved on its friezes.
Underexposed Patan yet to be exposed: The ancient city of Patan is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings.

Costume and Craft still Alive: An old man in ‘Daura Suruwal’ traditional costume basking under warmth of setting Sun. Patan is famous for its diverse cultural heritage. It is considered as one of the living cities, where all ethnic communities belonging to both Hinduism and Buddhism have embraced each other in harmony.

Photo Blog by: Rina Maharjan
Camera: Nikon D40
Lens: Af-S Nikkor 18-55 mm/f3.5-5.6
ISO: 200Information
Credit: Nepal Traveller Sept-Oct 2006

Original Post: http://everestuncensored.org

नेपाल संवत /Nepal Sambat 1129

Photos by Rina Maharjan/Everest Uncensored.
http://www.everestuncensored.org

Adventure as a part of Life

Many believe a word 'Adventure' as doing some risky activities out in the wild. And in general outlook of our society, women are taken unfit for such outdoor activities. :( And when women do it, it became so outstanding and noticeable. I as a woman would like to define 'adventure' as living in the edge like once my very adventurous friend said once. He has profound experience in Kayaking and whose kayaking expedition 'Source to Sea' from Trisuli to the Bay of Bengal became one great milestone in the history of Kayaking in the world. Though very few such expedition ever attempted by any women but still there are women who are out there in the wild proving their endurance equal to men and daring to change outlook of our society. Recent successful expedition of women's team from different ethnic groups (FIWSE: First Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition) to summit Everest. They did it. Bravo! ;)

Needless to tell I too have great inclination towards adventure and my avid hobby is to swim, keep myself physically fit and to experience thrill. Doing so I foster my endurance to live life to the fullest and be more proving person as a woman. I use to fear of height but I have overcome it proving myself how wrong I use to think.

My academic background is related to development and it doesn’t' permit me get enjoy adventure in a full swing. And you know my will within my heart fuel me get into it once in a while. I must say, where there is a will there is a way. So, there is ample opportunity for women to be more adventurous. I think we must help today's Youth to understand 'adventure' not just as activities for tourist or foreigner who visit Nepal.

I am happy that recent Learning Program at Royal Beach Camp, Dhading near Krishna Bhir, became truly a learning program for more than 150 youths, who tasted the slice of adventure and get motivated not just to achieve success in their academic arena but also to greater goal of LIFE. There is so much to learn from Nature and Royal Beach Camp is simply the best learning center for many. The outdoor training sessions on the Trishuli Beach and under the blanket of million stars in the beach at night simply do magic. And it is such magic what compelled me to cross roaring mighty Trishuli river by swimming. And joyride on rafting getting splashes of chilled river water over the face poking one's thrill and enthusiasm is simply my word can explain. Jumping into angry Trishuli is something one will never forget. Getting topsy-turvy while learning Kayaking is another thrills. For a while it makes you panic like hell and I thought that's my last day on Earth but thank Gosh! There were water guide and safety experts to flip me up with a widest smile on their faces. ;)

Rock climbing could be another outdoor activity women can do as a test of their endurance. I know at first few attempts your muscle cramp and pain scare you. But hang on and keep pushing your limits. After sometime you will simply fall in love with Rock Climbing. Well so far I have done it there in Nagarjuna Hill at the base of Rani ban Balaju and it is simply the beginning. Many rocks are yet to be climbed in life ahead.

Well there are many 'adventure' in every aspect of life for every walk of life. Adventure not necessarily means doing activities out there in the wild or nature, but in any journey we take in life to get our goal. So it is essential to be 'ADVENTUROUS' and enjoy it with excitement and courage rather than escaping from it. Let's take 'ADVENTURE' as a vital part of our life.
All the best!

Nodan's General Meeting @ Sundhara B'cafe