A memorable hiking on Kopan hill

Done with a hustling week full of tiring jobs and assignment, we along with the interns planned to go on a hike for a day. With some new faces yet to discover the beauty of the land of Himalayas, we chose to go from Kapan monastery to Gokarna. Our decision was proved correct by the pleasant weather that day, with neither warm sun nor horrifying rain. So we left home and took a van up to Kapan, and walked uphill to the clean and pretty looking Kapan monastery. We found some monks living there, who explained us in detail about the place and described the meaning of English-translated-Buddhist quotes hung on the walls. Scriptures carved on the stone pieces, sculptured statues, nice looking fast food cafes inside, meditation halls and specially the chairs made up of wooden logs were areas of attraction.

 After taking some good pictures and exploring the monastery, we walked over to the exit gate and our hike started from there. Such calm and vigorous group of interns we have, it is never a problem going for a long hike. We walked the narrow road lined with hazes at the sides and prayer flags hanging everywhere. It was cloudy everywhere, and could be easily figured out that it was raining heavily at the center of city areas. We walked quickly ahead, observing the landslides that occurred in different places probably due to seriously heavy rain the other night. The sky was ready for a downpour and so were we. We found a village resort nearby, and entered inside for lunch. 

Just as we were inside, it started to rain. We had a hefty lunch, accompanied by some chilling talks. The resort was really good as well, appreciably constructed with bamboo. It was still raining outside, so we had time for tea. Then we left the place and started our way ahead to the green forests of Gokarna. With breeze blowing, we could feel it into our lungs. Then finally, we gave a look inside the nearly vacant Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple. Then, we walked for some minutes up to the bus station, took a bus from there and returned. 

Thus, with some memorable moments and luck favoring us at crucial situations, we completed our hike and made it a day worth to be remembered. We have always promised in organizing such programs every week. After all, a break from a rattling week is Saturday.

                 Report By: Rajat Acharya