A Sweet And Sour Hike On Shivapuri Trail 

The Shivapuri Hike Trail in Nepal is a scenic trekking route popular among both local and international hikers and nature lovers. Located in the Shivapuri forest near the Kathmandu valley, the hike trail is full of greenery and sits astride beautiful scenery. The place offers a refreshing escape from the hubbub of city life into the serene surroundings of Shivapuri National Park. Along the hiking trail, hikers may encounter diverse wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, and various bird species. The hike typically takes around 5–6 hours round trip, making it an accessible option for both novice and experienced trekkers seeking a day of adventure and exploration. Hence, me and my friends too decided to visit and experience the lush forest and the famous waterfall firsthand.

A distinct scent of nature engulfed my nostrils as I made my way up the trail with my friends. The weather was perfect for a hike, with the sun brightly warming us up while the trees provided us with some shade every now and then. After reaching the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entrance, the trail became a lot steeper. Our goal was to reach the famous waterfall of Shivapuri to be soaked in its captivating beauty and also to cool ourselves after the tiresome hike. After a while, we came to a point where the road split into two. We weren’t sure which path to take, so we approached a person nearby for guidance, and following their advice, we continued our hike along the left trail. After a while of walking on the path, we saw an abandoned car, which freaked us out a little and made our imaginations run wild. We walked for about an hour more, but there was no sign of our destination. Still, with our hearts full of hope, we continued on. The muffled sound of water flowing and the chirping of birds alone kept us motivated to reach the waterfall. After walking on the trail for over an hour and a half, we finally met some travellers on their motorcycles. 

 This was the first time we saw other people down the road. My friend then politely asked them how far we had to walk to reach the waterfall. Alas, to our dismay, the men told us that we were on the wrong track. The way we had been walking continuously for nearly two hours would lead us not to the waterfall but to Nuwakot. We were hit by a wave of disappointment, prompting us to pause and deliberate on whether to go back and head towards the waterfall or to simply go back home. 

 One of my friends suggested we go up the waterfall, as we were already here. All of us agreed, and we started heading back. Shortly after, we encountered a man who was on his way to an army base and decided to join us. He shared tales about the jungle as we journeyed together. He was surprised by our boldness as we walked along a quiet path for nearly two hours without seeing anyone else. Soon enough, thanks to his cheerful company, we reached the place from which we had taken the wrong path. The individual who had guided us earlier to take the left path apologised when he saw us again. With smiles and good spirits, we forgave him, then confirmed that the other route led to the waterfall before continuing our journey. A sigh of relief was let out by my friends as we walked up the road, this time bustling with tourists and locals. We climbed upwards under the impression that the waterfall was only a couple of minutes away, only to realise it was way farther than we had thought.

 We had to trek up an even steeper path into the jungle, using only sticks to support our weary bodies. Step by step, we ascended higher and higher until finally the serene melody of the water flow reached our ears, relieving our tensions and bringing us pure joy. Upon reaching the top, we were welcomed by a beautiful pond formed by the waterfall's natural flow. Without hesitation, we dipped our feet into the refreshing water, washing away all traces of fatigue. After a short while of resting in the serenity of nature, far from the city's hustle and bustle, we decided to head back down. 

 As we stood up, a loud and violent thunder rang up our fatigue. We quickly started packing up our belongings and sprinted back down as if it started raining and we would be in big trouble. Not long after, to our dread, rain did start pouring down. The rain made it difficult for us to see through our glasses, and on top of that, the ground was soaking wet. As there were no steps or a concrete path on the trail, we had to make the best of nature. We took a huge stick each and started treading our way down slowly. It was a very scary moment for us, as if one of us misstepped and fell down, the rest might crash down too. After what felt like a never-ending period of time, we finally got out of the jungle and were back at the spot where we took the wrong path and almost reached Nuwakot. We retraced our steps back to the city, grateful for the lessons learned and the bonds strengthened amidst the challenges of our journey.

 The adventure of hiking the Shivapuri Trail in Nepal turned out to be a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Despite taking the wrong path initially and encountering challenges along the way, our determination saw us through. We learned the importance of the resilience required to navigate through unfamiliar terrain. As we descended from the serene beauty of the waterfall, the sudden onset of rain served as a reminder of nature's unpredictable turns. Yet, even amidst the turmoil of the storm, we relied on each other and the strength of the natural environment to safely make our way back. 

Reflecting on the journey, we cherished the moments of tranquilly by the waterfall and the shared laughter amidst the challenges. Each step, whether uphill or down, brought us closer together as friends and deepened our appreciation for the beauty and power of the natural world. While the hike may not have gone exactly as planned, the experiences gained and memories created along the way made it a truly unforgettable adventure. As we bade farewell to the Shivapuri Trail, we carried with us not only tired muscles but also a sense of accomplishment and the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences.

(Sherchan is pursuing higher studies in Humanities.)