Flying in Pokhara:My first experience of ultralight flight

                         Everyone dreams of flying once in a while. I still wish sometimes.

The initial plan was paragliding in the sky of Pokhara. But could not get the ticket for the day as we were leaving for Kathmandu that evening. Long story short, we took a turn towards Pokhara from mugling as we were driving back home after visiting my mamaghar in Nawalparasi.

Since my other uncle from Pokhara promised me to book a ticket for paragliding for the next day, that could not happen. After waking up at Pokhara the next day I came to know that there was no chance for me that day to glide. We were at the roof and my uncle was making calls here and there trying to book one ticket for me. At that time, a kite-like object flew above us making noise in the sky and I told my mama if we could get a ticket for that.

Got the ticket for 3pm. I was all excited and a little nervous too. Went boating at Phewa lake. The ultralight was flying above us and I was happy that in a couple of hours I will be flying above the Pokhara.

The ultralight flight starts from inside the airport in Pokhara. The crew guides us to the side of the runway where there is a hanger. I was getting more excited as the ultralight was preparing for the flight. I and my uncle sat on a two ultralight. They buckled us. The pilot asked me if I was nervous. He was a cool person. The engine started and the other man guided the ultralight toward the runway. My mama went first. It was my turn.

The ultralight began speeding at the runway and in a matter of seconds, it left the ground and started gaining heights. The houses became small and the flight glided towards the Phewa lake.

That was an awesome feeling. The mountains in the distance and the lake below us. From the bird's point of view,Pokhara city is something else which I can't explain in my words. It was a surreal experience. Every time when the pilot suddenly drops the height, I could feel that something in my stomach, and that was such a joy. The boats at the Phewa lake below looked like ants. I could see my uncle enjoying and waving at me. I waved him back. I could feel a sudden gust of wind every time the pilot made a direction change.

Poof!! 20 minutes gone. The ultralight started gliding towards the runway and I could only wish that I could take it up to the sky again. That was it, man. After taking the footage of the flight, I started my journey back to Kathmandu and reached home by midnight.

Now looking back at the videos, I wish I had wings on me that could take me to the higher world and beyond.

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Best Friends Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

The world-famous Annapurna Base Camp trek. Although it was categorized as an easy trek it was hard for us. The main lesson learned from this trek is always to carry fewer clothes and more food.

Overview

Destination: Annapurna Base Camp. (4130m)
Days required: minimum 5 days.
Price:10,000 NPR is enough if spent wisely
Difficulty: easy to moderate

So, it was during the month of July in 2017. Me and my friend we were planning to do a long trek for a long time and we decided to leave for the Annapurna base camp. A day after finishing my semester exam i.e on the 27th of July we began our journey to see the Annapurna base camp.

Day 1(Kathmandu to Chhomrong)

Early in the morning at about 5:30, my friend came to pick me at my home. We had our breakfast and left. We did not have any plan or any itinerary. All we had was unnecessary weight to carry to the base camp. We rode continuously till Pokhara and to Naya pul. We rode our bike till there was a dead end ahead. A small house was under construction and we asked a man there to take care of our bike for few days. The man also showed us the way and the trek towards the base camp was on.

The very first day was a full adventure for us. Just after 10 minutes of starting the trek, we had to cross a recent landslide area and it was dangerous. Due to the heavy backpack, we quickly got tired. We even took bath at the waterfall. It was only me and my friend there. We further continued our journey and soon it started raining. Since it was the monsoon season, we knew we were gonna get soaked. We crossed few bridges, paved paths and there were stairways too. It was already late evening and we were walking in the rain for 3 hours or more. Finally, it was too much for that day so we decided to stay just before the chhomrong or let's say at the entrance of Chhomrong. But we quickly realized it was not a hotel. It used to be a hotel. There lived an old lady but she was kind enough to let us stay there. There was no food option. We ate what she prepared for herself. We sat by the fire while the old lady shared her life stories and her daily life activities. Life had been pretty hard for her.

Day 2(Chhomrong to Doban)

After the early morning tea, we left for the further journey. The old lady suggested we leave our wet clothes and unnecessary items at her place so that it would be easier for us. She also told us that she will prepare chicken for us when we return there again from the base camp. That was quite a tiring day. I remember one sight from where a slight part of macchapuchhre could be seen. We were excited. The trek from chhomrong to deurali is not soo like'In to the wild'.It's good though.

The green forest was full of leeches and my friend was a magnet for the leech. It was a boring day to be honest because there were no mountain views and we were all wet from late morning till the end of the day. We trekked till doban that day and it was tiring. But it was all leading us to the amazing Annapurna base camp. The night went cold. I still remember my friend thinking hard about his life that night.

Day 3 (Doban to Annapurna Base Camp)

Woke up early again. We were excited for the day ahead as it was sunny. We walked and walked along the gorge. We could see the mountains and we were enjoying the trek that day. At about 10 am we reached the macchhapuchre base camp. To our bad luck, it was gloomy and foggy. We had our typical dal vat there and we took some rest. After resting and talking with the man at the hotel for some time, we again continued our journey to our final destination.

The trekking route from the machhapuchhre base camp to the Annapurna base camp is pure heaven.
Although we were there at the wrong month, the beauty of the place is surreal. Let me picture it for u readers. Green meadows with lots and lots of flowers, ice-cold stream flowing down, and the foggy view of the mountains. We continued our journey and soon it became so foggy and we were let down by that. Just when we were confused about how long we still had to walk, we saw a board that read something like"welcome to the amazing Annapurna base camp".We were happy but we were let down by the fog and the rain. We could not get that epic view that day. In the evening we stayed warm in the hotel. My friend played cards with the foreigners while I sat inside my room. I hadn't talked to my parents at home for 3 days and I was worried.
All I wanted was to see and feel the place tomorrow morning. At night I realized that I was feeling difficulty in breathing and I realized altitude sickness was a thing in reality. I could not sleep properly and after 3 am I could not sleep at all. I had to breathe deeply every time.

Day 4(Annapurna base camp to chhomrong)

At around 5 am, we came out of the room and it was still foggy. I was already sad. But the hotel owner told that the fog clears up in the morning and while we were having tea inside the mountains started to be seen. In a matter of minutes, the fogs were gone and at that time I knew that I was in the most beautiful place I had ever been in my life. It was our ultimate goal to see the base camp and all the struggle was worth it. We could see the sun shining on the top of the mountain. That was an awesome experience. It was cold and wet but it was stunning too. I can't wait to visit that place during winter.

After experiencing the beauty we started our journey back. The returning way is quite easy as we have to descend down. So, with a little unsatisfied feeling, we walked the whole day to that old lady's place. It was already dark and the only thing that motivated me to reach there was the chicken dinner. The day went from seeing the beauty of base camp to dying to reach that old lady's place.

Day 5 (Chhomrong to Kathmandu)

It was the last day of the trek. I was already missing my bed and the food. We started early in the morning and by 10 am we reached the place where we kept our bike. We thanked the man with some money for looking after the bike. We started the bike and just before Naya pul at the river crossing we fell from the bike and the river took my jacket. Upon reaching Pokhara, we enjoyed the delicious foods and by evening we reached my home Kathmandu.

That was it, people. I can wait no more to visit that place solo in winter. The place is something else during winter and I want to gasp that view. It is a perfect place to travel solo. Looking forward to trek. Let's see.

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Two Brothers trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp

"Follow me down to the valley below
You know
Moonlight is bleeding from out of your soul."-(Lazarus by Porcupine Tree).

Every time, this song reminds me of my trek to the Mardi Himal. From riding the extreme offroads to listening to my best music above the clouds, this trek will always be special. How can I forget that moment when we(my brother and me) both all tired and cold took a nap on the lap of Himalaya and the first rays of morning sun welcomed us with some warmth. It's simple but it makes me happy when I remember.

Overview
Destination: Mardi Himal Base Camp(4450m)
Days required: minimum 3 days
Cost:10,000 Npr is enough
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Season: Except for extreme winter or monsoon

Day 1(Kathmandu to siding)

It was December of 2017. My birthday, our holiday, and winter. Everything was perfect for the trek to happen. So, on Dec 22 at around 6 in the morning me and my brother started the journey towards Sidhing. The plan was to reach low camp the very first day. We can start the trek directly from Naya pul too but we chose the sidhing route. The way to Pokhara was smooth and fast. The real adventure began as soon as we reached Pokhara and took a way towards sidhing. The first few kilometers were ok but then the road began to change from bad to worst. My brother was riding the bike and I was trying hard to stay balanced and that was tough. The view was nice though and the mount macchapuchre was getting bigger and bigger. What not nice was the road. Thank god that the bike didn't give up in the middle of nowhere. We could see a hotel at the top of a hill. Little did we knew that it was our destination for the day. The name of the hotel was Hotel Trekkers home. As we reached the hotel we found out that the trekking route was right from there. Actually,sidhing is the return route of the Mardi trek from where the trekkers reach Pokhara through jeep facilities provided by that very hotel.

It was already around 4 pm and after lunch, at the hotel, my brother was all pumped for the trek as it was his first trekking ever. Our initial plan was to reach low camp by the evening but plans made at home merely work sometimes. The lady at the hotel suggested not to start trekking at that time because it was getting darker and there was no stop between the hotel and low camp.No one wants to be in the middle of the forest at night. So, we decided to stay at the hotel that night. That evening went good. It went gloomy but we still had few minutes of daylight left. From the backside of the hotel, we could see all the way from where we came. It was quite a tiring day.

Day 2(Sidhing to low camp to high camp)

Woke up early and it was still dark. We started the journey by 6 am. The lady at the hotel provided us with a stick to use as a trekking pole. After 15 minutes of walking uphill, we immediately realized that starting the trek a day before at 4pm would be straight foolishness. It would end up in us being stuck in the nighttime inside the Annapurna conservation area.

I was really surprised by the energy of my brother. He was walking without a pause. On the other hand, I was often sitting and catching my breath. It was taking too long to reach Low camp and we were tired. The route is a complete uphill forest area along with the view of Macchapuchhre. The mountain was getting closer and closer. We took some 20 mins of rest and enjoyed the foods that we had brought with us. At around 10 we reached the low camp.

After having Dal vat at the low camp we left at about 11:30 to head for the high camp. We could see the high camp from the low camp but trust me it only looked near. But after walking for few minutes from the low camp we could see the mountains. The view was so spectacular that it was like a painkiller for our body ache. It was what I wanted. I was looking at my brother seeing the mountains that close for the first time. He is not so into these traveling and wandering. We further continued our journey. The entire Annapurna mountain range was on our side throughout the trek after. Mount Machhapuchhre was right in front of us. We reached the high camp at about 4pm and we were extremely tired. It was cold and it was Christmas eve that day. After booking the room, we kept our stuff in the room and came out to see and feel the vibe. I can't explain the beauty of that place at the dusk.

I felt like we were in some different world up above the clouds. The wind was cold and the tea was hot. We had one more point to reach tomorrow.

Day 3(High camp to Mardi Himal base camp)

Yes, man from high camp to base camp we managed to reach Kathmandu by 11 pm at night. Dec 24, my birthday. Woke up just before dawn. We were first to leave the camp for the base camp. I wanted that perfect sunrise view from the upper viewpoint. So, with the aid of mobile flash me and my brother started the journey.20 minutes into the walk and we were gaining altitude.Cold December morning and oh man I can't explain that view right now. It was still dark. But the horizon seemed like it was catching fire. We were cold and then we could see each other's breath. Upon reaching the high point we were so tired that we took a rest and the rest turned to a short nap. How can I forget that moment when we(my brother and me) both all tired and cold took a nap on the lap of Himalaya and the first rays of morning Sun welcomed us with some warmth.It is simple but it makes me happy when i remember.

The mountains were majestic and the sky was clear. The wind was cold and the sun was warm. It was my perfect place to be in. I played the song Lazarus by Porcupine Tree and this very song will forever give me nostalgia for that particular moment.

My brother sang me the happy birthday song at that place and I will cherish that moment too. So, after that, the returning journey started. It was all downhill trek to sidhing.Its difficult but it is faster too. By 4 PM we reached sidhing, started the bike, and reached home by the night.

Memories made and bucket list checked.

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Kathmandu to Ama Yangri,Helambu: My solo travel Experience

And now recalling the trip I get such an intense feeling of going to that place again all on my own and experiencing those moments again. But for now, I can just wish because life is changing fast and I should do my part. Unlike those times, that student part of life I cant go travel anywhere anytime. Oh!! such a feeling of Everglow.

Overview
Destination:Ama yangri peak,Helambu region(inside langtang circuit trek)
Distance:6 to 7 hours motorcycle ride from ktm via melamchi
Days required: minimum 2 days.

It was during March, out of nowhere I got that need of going somewhere. I had a new motorcycle at that time around. So, as usual, I lied at home telling my parents we were a group of friends going there.

Day 1

On March 24,2017 at around 11 am I took my motorcycle and headed towards the journey.No no proper plan, no proper gear but full of excitement. I had no idea about the roads after Melamchi. I had read some blogs tho. I rode continuously till Melamchi where I stopped for lunch. It was a small town area. After lunch continues towards the journey. Up to that time, I was riding without asking anyone until after the village began thining. I still remember one man on his honda XR 150 was coming from the opposite direction and I asked him if I was on the right track. He said that the track was right but my motorcycle for the track ahead could be wrong. But I was confident enough and took his words lightly.

further and further I rode and the one main uphill before the tarkeghyang i stopped my bike and realized I just came a long way from home alone and without any proper plan. The uphill before the tarkeghyang was quite a task for both myself and my machine.

There was a sign of relief as I saw some stupas and realized I was entering tarkeghyang, Helambu. It was gloomy and quite cold too. Only one hotel was opened at that time and I booked my room there and it was like 4 or 5 pm. I then came out of the room with a small tripod and my camera phone. I sat with a dog until it was dark outside. That evening was something else for me. With no one around and in absolute silence, I was lost. I am lost for words now but that was exactly what I wanted at that time of my life. For me, that evening was the perfect escapism.

What I didn't ask for was the situation I faced at night. I will never forget that night. Although I say I can travel alone, I am an introvert and I need nobody but that particular night was a test for me. Now imagine this, an unknown place, at a small hotel with only 4 people and me alone in the top room. There was a thunderstorm and it was raining cats and dogs outside.No no electricity.No phone signals. I had to save my mobile's power for the next day. The rain was hitting the roof and all I could hear was the rain and all I could see was pitch darkness. Only at that time, I wished I was not alone.

Day 2

At 5 in the morning, I realized there was snowfall last night. It was soo beautiful outside, I could see that from my window. The excitement level went high again. I was ready to trek for 5 hours to the ama yangri peak. So, after having breakfast I headed for a further journey. I took some eggs, snickers, and 2 red bulls with me. I was an all alone man.

It took me nearly 4 hours to get to the top. It felt a bit hard to go up there. Due to the snowfall that happened the night before, the surrounding was absolutely breathtaking. I could see the mountains all around me. Yaks were there. The view of mountains was out of the imagination. I didn't expect that beauty there at that place. I walked and walked and walked and finally after walking alone and uphill for like 4-5 hours I finally made it to the top of ama yangri.

for moments like this, all struggle is worth it

I was the only person there on the whole hill. It was heaven. I could see below and at that time I told myself that I will do anything to live in the moment like this in my life ahead. I sat there for 1-hour clicking pictures and gazing at the beauty.

All thanks to my camera phone, tripod, and remote I could save some memories from there. It was nearly 1pm when I reached back hotel. I paid the money at the hotel and started riding my motorbike back home. Reached home by evening excited to tell the journey to my loved ones.

That's the blog. Ama yangri trip will always be special for me. I hope I will go there once again and recall those moments. This is the nearest heavenly place from the Kathmandu valley that I suggest everyone to go.

 
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Bungy jump at the last resort nepal.

Everything was all fun and exciting until it was my turn and they were buckling the straps. I was constantly distracting myself from the fact that it was the time to jump.

Walk like a penguin, fly like a bird

Overview and information 
Location: close to Tatopani(95km from Kathmandu)
Cost: rs 6300 for Bungy or swing for Nepalese(free food coupon too)..Rs 1800 extra for videos and pics including 1 t-shirt
website of the last resort: The Last Resort.
My experience: service is good, staffs are friendly and the resort is a great place to escape from Kathmandu

Bungy jump was on my bucket list for years and I even made few plans before but somehow it didn't work out. As my brother was coming home for a semester break, it was a perfect time to execute the plan of bungy. So on July 1, my brother booked two tickets for Bungy for July 6 from the last resort office at Thamel. Then the excitement level started going up.

Soo on July 6 woke up at 5am. The plan was to leave by 5:45 as they told us to be there by 9:30. The distance from Kathmandu to the last resort is less than 100kms. After having breakfast at 6:15 am, i and my brother took the motorcycle out left for the ride to the last resort.

The Last Resort lies on the way to Tatopani on the other side of the highway. We rode continuously without stopping as we were already behind the time. The road condition is ok. It's not pitched all the wayThe last stretches of the road are offroad and there are curves.

I was starting to feel bored riding and then suddenly after a curve, I saw the suspension bridge where the bungy jump is done. The excitement level suddenly went high. We parked the bike and after waiting for 20 mins the briefing started. We were welcomed with a juice in the resort. The resort is a perfect place to escape from normal life to enjoy. I was starting to feel nervous. As soon as the briefing ended, we were categorized into two groups on the basis of weight.

It was time. our group was guided towards the bridge and then the bridge was closed for others. The instructions that were taught during the briefing went all blank. I and my brother were in the same group. He was also quite nervous.

My turn was at 5 and as the 3rd one jumped I was called to get ready and man oh man I was so nervous that I was constantly looking at my brother hoping for some encouragement. The staffs were friendly and they instructed me all the steps of jumping and coming back up. The straps were doubled checked.GoPro was attached to my hand. There was another film crew ready to record me jump. The bungy master asked me to step out to the jumping platform. I just felt the same feeling as I am writing this down. The bungy master yelled 3,2,1 bungyyyyyy and then I jumped.

What an experience man. I just can't explain it right now. I yelled at the top of my lungs. I closed my eyes for few seconds as I enjoyed the momentum. That was it, man. I was pulled up and it was my brother's turn. He also jumped good and after the jump, we went back to the resort for food and then rode back home with a great experience.


So that was it, people. From riding all the way from Kathmandu to the last resort and jumping off the 160m high bridge my first Bungy experience was far better than what I expected. Now I am looking forward to doing bridge swing soon. It is a must recommend.

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My travel companion:Benelli TNT 25

Yup, it's not a tourer machine but it has been to some hardcore trials, and trust me it's capable.

Well talking about the specifications I am not an expert but I have some basic knowledge and I am gonna list some basic specs of the bike.
Benelli TNT 250cc
Weight:159kgs
Tank capacity:17 liters
power: roughly 28 Bhp and 21.61 Nm of torque
Price:5lakhs 20thousands(2019)

Mine one is the 2017 version and to date, it has almost clocked 15000kms out of which half of the distance covered is offroad.

Although I have been to some extremes of manang and helambu region i don't recommend this motorcycle for touring purposes.I also think that it's not the motorcycle that is not capable to go to places but it's a rider who is able to take it or not to that particular place. However, in a real-life scenario and thinking from a sane mind one should choose an appropriate machine that will assist the journey rather than proving the lines.


This Benelli is my daily driver since 2017 but this machine has also taken me to different terrains of Nepal. The last time I have taken it far was on July 6 where me my brother went for the Bungy jump(blog coming soon) at the last resort,sindhupalchowk. The first-ever long ride was to the amayangri in helambu region.I even fell on my way back from helambu. The bike has taken some serious falls and slides during the ride in manang. Since I have ridden this bike for this long I think i can list some of the things that could be made better on it.
1.Soft seat would be better
2.Benelli's service network is not wide
3.parts are unnecessarily expensive
4.demands bit more care n maintenance
I am still planning to keep this bike with me and travel to more places in the coming time and with each trip i am learning about its behavior and the way I should maintain it to make it capable.

I love this machine man coz at the end of the day it's only me and my motorcycle that has got to experience the journey, tackles the problems, and sees the destinations.

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A solo bike ride to Kalinchowk

Overview

Destination:Kalinchowk temple on a top of a hill at 3800m

Days required: minimum 2 days but if tried then can do in 1 day too.


Difficulties: Easy

Best Season: All season except peak monsoon

Essentials: dry foods, waterproof shoes, and clothes, and power banks.


Main attractions: Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple, mountain range, and snowfall.

     Picture: stairway to heaven????


After completing the ride and the hike my desire for solo travel ignited.

Actually, my initial plan was to go there on a motorbike with my neighbour friend. Since I had R15 back in 2016 I was pretty sure it is not the type of bike to take it to such a place as kalinchowk.So on 13th Sep I left my bike at my best friend's home who is also an army now(shoutout to sworup lol) and brought his fzs back to my home. But unfortunately or fortunately the friend of mine canceled the trip and I decided to go there alone. Although Kalinchowk is 1 day ride away from Kathmandu and our country Nepal is quite safe to travel alone(as people are often good and helpful in rural areas) I was quite nervous because it was my first solo travel that far.

Day 1

So on 15th Sep woke up early at 5 am and left for the trip. To be honest, after Dhulikhel I didn't even know the road that goes to kalinchowk.I had been up to Tatopani but had no idea about this route.

After riding for several hours, I stopped for food at a place which I forgot the name of now. Man the food was horrible because I stopped at the wrong place assuming it was a hotel but it was a home.

On reaching Kharidhunga, the landscape changed. It was a beautiful place. I took some rest there and snapped some pic too. Since it was still monsoon the road was muddy and slippery.

I rode and rode till I reach the place near charikot from where the road splits for Kuri village. Kuri is the village from where an hour of the hike takes us to the kalinchowk shrine. The last road for vehicles also ends in Kuri village.

After leaving the main road and riding towards the Kuri the real adventure began. The houses started thining and all of a sudden I found myself riding alone in an offroad section in forest area so foggy that I thought if it was a good decision that I made to be at that particular unknown place? The road was a challenge for even a dirt bike so u guys can imagine what my situation was on a street bike.

It was an 18km road to Kuri village and it felt like forever. All I could do was to pray that I don't get stuck in the middle of nowhere and the bike would not fail. It was a real struggle to reach to kuri as during the monsoon it's all muddy and during the winter it's all snow. I really wish that 18km of road section be pitched when I go there again.

On reaching kuri I felt like a conquered something big(lol). I was all wet and soaked. The village can be seen from up above the road. During winter there is snow everywhere and it looks stunning. There are plenty of hotels and lodges at kuri and in the off-season, there is no problem in finding one. It's cheap too. However, during winter people from Kathmandu valley go there for enjoying the snowfall so the bookings should be made earlier.

After finding the room and having a hot noodle soup I went outside to explore the place. It was a cold man. All thanks to me for bringing a cap and jacket. It was like 5pm and the fogs were disappearing. The temple could be seen from below and I was already excited to go there. I roamed here and there and took photos. At night my stomach was struggling from the food I had earlier in the day. I was feeling all alone as it was my first time but luckily the mobile signal was good and I could use FB.

DAY 2

 I was already up by 5 am. I had a cup of tea and I carried 3 eggs as my fuel for an hour of hike toward the temple. I met a group of 6-7 boys who were surprised after knowing that I made it through that 18km of offroad alone on a bike. They were ahead of me on the hiking trail. After like 1 hour and 20 mins I reached there and the view from the temple was so breathtaking.

Usually, during the monsoon the sky is cloudy and the view is not so good. But to my luck, the weather remained clear in the morning. I could see the Kuri village down. When I reached the temple the boys were already there. I asked one of them to take my photo.

The weather changed from clear to foggy in no time. I stayed there for one hour thinking how am I gonna tackle that road again. Then I started to move down towards the village. Upon reaching there it was already foggy all again. I paid the hotel some 1000 rs in total,(Room charge,1set veg dal vat,3eggs, noodle soup). Traveling in Nepal is quite cheap.

So when I was ready to leave the kuri village for my home Kathmandu it was like 9am. I was already worried about how I was gonna cross that 18 km of road. To my luck, a young boy from the Kuri asked for a lift as he was going to charikot. I don't know for what reason at first I felt a little awkward. But that kid helped me on that offroad way down to the main highway.

In the midway, it started raining. So we left the bike and took shelter near the cowshed which was by the road. As I talked with the boy he said that during winter it's all snow on the road and it is more difficult to ride that time. His father has a hotel in kuri and said they were expanding it. As the rain stopped we started riding down and as I touched the main road the boy asked me to drop him there. After that, I rode continuously to Kathmandu and I straight went to my friend's home and left his bike and took my bike home.

That's it, man. It was a good experience for me to travel alone the first time. The only thing I was let down was by the road there but hey isn't those things that make the trip more adventurous? Now recalling the place and experience I wanna go there sometime soon in the winter season too. There is now a cable car from Kuri to the temple and I heard that the road is good too.

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May Kalinchowk Bhagwati bless us all.

Solo trek to Gosaikunda.

 

Overview


Days required-minimum 3 days and can be managed accordingly


Difficulties-moderate


Best season- Feb to June and Sep to Dec


Essentials- dry foods, warm and waterproof clothes, trekking pole, power banks


Main attractions-holy lake gosaikunda,Langtang mountain range, rhododendron forest


The three days of trekking alone in the Langtang region left me stunned with its beauty and difficulties.


It was May 6 of 2018 after finishing my semester exam I came home and packed my bag for the solo trek to the holy gosaikunda. Since this was my 3rd solo trip after Helambu valley and kalinchowk i was still worried and the excitement level was damn too high. I had to lie to my parents at home saying that we are a group of five boys going there as it was certain that my parents will not grant permission to go if I said I was going there alone.


I had bought some dry foods,chocolates and my mom also packed me some boiled eggs and meat which would be the source of energy through the journey.


Day 1(Kathmandu to Chandan bari)


On 7 of may I woke up at 5am in the morning and since I had packed my bag a day before I had my breakfast and I left for the trek to the Gosainkunda. I have my own motorcycle so I had planned to reach Dhunche by 10 am. After riding continuously from Kathmandu to galchi, i reached Dhunche at about 10:30am. I had my lunch there and I parked my motorcycle at the same hotel where I ate lunch. After that, I started my trekking at about 11:15 am. I was quite fresh and excited at that time. after walking for like 10 minutes the houses started fading and the jungle started. I found a good stick to make it a trekking pole. The trek to gosaikunda from dhunche is totally inclined and while returning it's totally declined. My aim was to reach chandanbari and I reached there at about 5:30 pm. From dhunche to Chandan bari the way is not so exciting. there is no proper view of the mountains. I had to tackle the rain for half hours so the first day was a tiring day as after riding for 5 hours I had to walk up for 6.5 hours. I stayed at a lodge which was not so expensive. I paid like 700 for dinner and room. It was a cold night.


Day 2 (Chandanbari to gosaikunda)


The alarm was set for 5 am but I woke up at 4:30 am and by 5 am I left the hotel after having tea. After leaving Chandan bari and walking for 20 minutes I could see the Langtang range and I could not explain my feeling at that time. I was so happy and thought the struggle of the first day was worth it. The sky was clear, the wind was cold and the mountains were flaunting their shiny white snow. They were majestic. I just could not take my eyes away from the beauty. After Chandan bari and before cholang pati the jungle way was like in the Narnia movies. I could see the snow-capped mountains at any time.


After reaching cholangpati i took some rest and ate some chocolates and eggs. The way from cholangpati to lauribina was the most challenging.it was like vertical climbing. But the entire way the views were breathtaking and I could not stop complimenting them. There were some people in a group which I could see from cholangpati. They were near lauribina. We can see lauribina and above from cholangpati but reaching there takes like forever.


The entire way I took photos. I had an action camera and a tripod which I used to take my pics with. I also used my mobile for photos. At about 9:30am I reached lauribina ordered a dal vat and took a long rest. I was taking short rest in between also. The place was so windy that I could not stay outside.it is cold too. At about 10 am I left lauribina and started walking to gosaikunda. I was quite tired already. After climbing for 45-50 minutes I reached the top where there was a temple of goddess Saraswati. The view from that place was superb and I could literally spend the entire day there enjoying and gazing at the beauty of that place.



I could see the dhunche town down below from where I started the trek.
But my main destination was the holy gosaikunda. From the Saraswati temple, the way to gosaikunda is not so difficult and challenging. we have to walk along the side of the mountain. It's scary though. the trail is narrow and a fall below is certain death. After walking like 30 minutes I could see a small kunda below which was known as sarswoti kunda. It was a small water body. And further walking I could see the bhairav kunda.it was so beautiful.


It was really beautiful and the water was calm and I could see some yaks below grazing near the Kunda. I could see few lodges from far and I was sure that gosaikunda was also near. I was so happy at that moment. I reached the lodge and I could already see the gosaikunda. But keeping my excitement in control I first booked my room and I kept my bag in the room and took my camera and went to the gosaikunda.


Well, I could not explain my level of happiness and satisfaction after I saw it. It was so so beautiful as the one I saw in the photo. I took 100s photos and videos there. I stayed all day there roaming all around the beautiful lake and trust me it is a real example of heaven. I reached Gosainkunda at 12 pm and I sat all day there in the sun taking some time-lapse videos and photos. There was no snow that day. It was late winter and the beginning of the summer so no snow at that time. At about 5pm it was so cold that I decided to go back to the room and I sat in the warmth of the blanket. There were many foreigners and Nepalese enjoying in the dining room singing and talking. Since I am an introvert I was quite shy and uncomfortable sitting with them so I ordered my food in my room and I ate and slept. Man it was so so so cold that night I was wearing a jacket sweater and over that, I had two blankets but still, I was shivering the whole night.


Day 3 (Gosaikunda to Dhunche to Kathmandu)


The next day I woke up at like 4:30 am and as I saw outside it was a little dark. The glass was foggy so couldn't see clearly outside.


I was the first one to wake up there. So I packed my bags and I woke up the worker of the hotel and ordered a tea. By that time it was little bright outside. I took my tea and as I stepped outside I could not believe my eyes.


There was a snowfall last night and the place was looking completely different. It was so beautiful and I was the first one there to see it.








I was in full joy and my happiness level was damn high. I was proud of myself at that very moment. I took some more pics there and left for the journey back home. That day I walked and walked and walked and at 1 pm I reached dhunche where I ate lunch and took my motorcycle and reached Kathmandu at about 6:30 pm.


This trekking has so many memories that I will never forget and moreover the experience that I will share with my loved ones. Traveling solo makes me so much aware of myself and I get to know more about myself. Since this is my first ever blog I hope I am able to share my experience with you people.


I am coming with some more travel blogs (both solo and group)so I hope you guys will like it and support me.


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