Hiking would do for anyone coming to Kathmandu for a short trip. Every one would suggest Sundarijal-Chisapani in the top position.The route consists adventure, fun mixture to the locals. Marijuana-lovers from Kathmandu say it paradise. The sacred Bagmati river hiding in the fertile terraced lands and suddenly roaring through the rocky Shivapuri Mountain is one of the most beautiful place to be. the place is preserved by the name of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park consisting a beautiful village inside. The, Mulkharka, village is a resting paint for all and have a glass of cool corn wine with ever smiling faces. Steps upwards the 2600 metres mountain is tough but one of the most interesting Journeys I ever had.
May 18th 2011.
On a warm sunny Wednesday morning, being prepared to have some fun in the woods whole day, I left home at 6.00 for my first adventure for the summer. Had a short walk from home, Mulpani-4, to Jorpati at 6.30-7.00. The walk is the most I prefer every-time I want to go to the city.
7.05
Got a bus from Jorpati to Sundarijal, the starting point for the hike, seats were packed and as usual I travelled the half way standing and waiting for a seat to be vacant. Bus fares have risen high in the recent few years. Can still remember the days I used to travel in 10 Nepalese Rupees (~10 euro cents), now 25.
7.50
Sundarijal, here I arrived!! A cup of Nepalese tea is always good to drink in the morning, as the Britishers say. So did I. Some important stuffs in the tiny town if you purchase would be good. Its okay if you want to walk up the mountain (I call it a hill) in a light fashion. Stuffs are available till you reach up the top of the Hill. I bought a litre of water, half a litre mango juice, and a litre booze ;).
8.40
The unexpected journey started slowly upwards the hill, sun was up and warm. Slowly, kept on walking up the hill enjoying some cool waterfalls. slowly but steadily I entered the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. Note the ticket for the entranc is Rs 10 for Nepali and Rs 250 for foreigners. The most interesting fact, they record each and every details if you are foreigner if not who cares? The entrance gate is a nice place to rest if you want to for a while.
9.15
Now a journey towards the nearest National Park from Kathmandu city. Was walking up and down and straight into the forest underneath the oaks and sub-tropical trees (don't know the names) feeling the nature. Birds chirping, river flowing and gentle breeze blowing which I miss every time. Unfortunately the forest ends in 5 minutes and then starts the steps made of stones( by the locals) and concrete. surprisingly, there is a village inside the National Park. The village, Mulkharka, is very much popular for youngsters from Kathmandu as they can get Marijuana in a reasonable price, home made wines and spirits all you want is there.
The corn wine
For the first time in my life, I tasted corn wine during my hiking. Reached a beautiful house, was greeted by old woman. She and her husband were on a verge to prepare the corn wine. Much more fascinated by that I asked for a glass of the lovely thing. First time was the impression for the whole life. I now prefer the same thing wherever I go into the rural part of the world.
The Different World
The long path after almost 2 years was a bit hard to walk up the wriggling path through the forest. Accompanied by my best friends, I conquered the so called Mountain. Chilled beer was waiting on the lap of Shivapuri Hill facing northwards. An ordinary meal costed much more than a fine dining restaurant in Kathmandu. Although the place was nice and extraordinary for a man living in Finland for the last 3 years.
The Fun Afterwards
Drizzle and the tiredness could not stop from marching back to Kathmandu. Neither could we see a perfect sunrise in the morning nor we could see the silvery mountain range. There was no point in stayover for the nothingness except the terraced farms and fogs.
Very soon the drizzle turned into downpour, all of us were soaking in the holy waters. Being tipsy arrived Sundarijal at 8 in the evening. The path was interesting as we kept on falling, slipping at frequent intervals. Nepal's 8 pm is late well very late to get even a taxi from small stations as Sundarijal. Even in mid-summer were shivering due to 5 hours of rainfall. Waited for my friends to get bikes to take us home even at that point of time, having some cups of tea and making the shopkeeper not to close the shop till friends arrive. I am still very grateful towards the shopkeeper. Reached back home very late, but was a nice trip. One of the most interesting hikes of my life came to end with a high note. I thank my best friends for making my trip memorable. I'd love to get more adventures in the days to come.
With Sincere Thanks to
Sagar Lama
Sandesh Adhikari
Chhabin Pokhrel
Liene Korsiete
Sanjeet Kuinkel
