This October break turned into one of the most memorable journeys of my life. A spontaneous trip to Nepal with my friends Jouhar, Najla, and Tamanna. Our original planner, Antony, had to cancel because of an indispensable interview, but the four of us decided to continue, eager to make the most of our semester break. We began our journey on the evening of October 17. I boarded the train from Kishanganj, and Najla joined from Katihar. She brought her delicious homemade pathiri and kozhi curry, which made our wait at Purnea station pleasant while we awaited the early morning Vande Bharat Express. It was my first ride on Vande Bharat train - clean, comfortable, and punctual, I offered my Subah namaz inside it, feeling peaceful amid the hum of travel.
By morning, we reached Muzaffarpur and waited Jouhar and Tamanna, who faced some confusion with their journey from Patna but eventually reached Sitamarhi by evening. After a long rush day, we relaxed with biryani and fell asleep early, preparing for the next morning’s adventure. The next day, we took a Toto to Bhitthamore and crossed the India-Nepal border on a cycle rickshaw- my first ever experience on one! After exchanging our Indian rupees for Nepali currency, we continued to Janakpur, bought local SIM cards, and booked an evening bus to Kathmandu. As the bus rolled through scenic hills, we watched morning mist cover Nepal’s valleys, nature’s own welcome.
Arriving in Kathmandu, we settled into a cozy stay in Thamel. The narrow lanes buzzed with Diwali energy, lights, and cultural performances. We rented two bikes, an Avenger and an Activa, and set off for Nagarkot View Tower. The winding hilly roads and breathtaking Himalayan views left us in awe. We even glimpsed Mount Everest in the distance. Later, we explored Swayambhu, the Monkey Temple, climbing 365 steps to a magical sunset. The next morning, we visited Kathmandu Durbar Square and the sacred Kumari Chowk before taking a shared taxi to Pokhara.
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| Kathmandu Darbar Square |
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Kathmandu Darbar Square
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Kathmandu Darbar Square
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Kathmandu Darbar Square
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The journey along the mountain roads was mesmerizing, with views of the Himalayas almost throughout. By evening, Pokhara’s lakeside came alive with lights, music, and laughter. The Diwali spirit at its peak. We dined by Phewa Lake, soaking in the festive ambiance.
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| Phewa Lake |
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| Night view of Phewa Lake |
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| Night view of Pokhara |
At dawn, we drove to Sarangkot Hill to witness the sunrise over the Annapurna range. The golden glow over the snow caps was truly unforgettable. Later, we headed to Ghandruk, a remote mountain village reached through rugged trails. Despite the bumpy roads, the beauty was unmatched. Our homestay family was warm and welcoming, treating us to home-cooked food and a community Diwali dance that filled the night with joy. The next day, due to limited transport, we took a special bus back to Pokhara. Before leaving, I bought small gifts, a necklace for my sister, a pashmina shawl for my mother, and a warm sweater for my father. I also attended the Friday Jumua namaz at a local mosque, feeling deeply content and grateful. By night, we were back in Bihar, carrying memories, laughter, and a sense of fulfillment.
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| Sarangkot Sunrise View point |
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| Ghandruk, Durung village |
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| With village homies |
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| Annapurna Mountain view from Ghandruk |
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| Ghandruk, Durung village |
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| Sunrise view from Sarangkot viewpoint |
The Nepal trip wasn’t perfectly planned, but that’s what made it perfect, a journey of friendship, faith, and discovery beyond borders.
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