RIPPLE: SUBEKSHYA KANDEL
No emails to answer, no meetings to attend, no deadlines to stress for, no crazy buzz of notifications. Without this constant ‘noise’ in our head we—The Ripplebytes family—dedicated a day away from the hustle of everyday life to a simple walk in nature.
Breaking Away
It was a unanimous decision to ditch the endless loop of our everyday routine for something more meaningful and refreshing. So a hike to Manichud dada, nested amid the beautiful forest of Shivapuri National Park, sounded like a perfect plan. With everyone gathered on Chabahil—our meeting spot, armed with hiking gear and other essentials—we hit the road early in the fresh morning, leaving the clamour of the keyboards and the stench of the city behind.
On The Road
From our usual meeting point we set off at 8:00 AM on our bikes and scooters making our way from Chabahil to Boudha to Sankhu finally reaching our resting stop at Jhule Organic Resort. The condition of the road was moderate from partly pitched to off roads and some cemented on as well. The uphill journey begins with off road and the path became quite steep as we neared the resort. But the ride was exhilarating. As we passed through the beautiful landscape of Sanku and the historical city of Shankarapur, we were awestruck by the simplicity and the raw beauty of these untouched urban spaces. At one point we all paused to take in the breathtaking view of the mountain range simply enjoying wonders of nature.
Into The wild
After reaching our resting stop at Jhule Organic Resort at 10:00 AM, we freshened up and snapped quite a few pictures. The ambiance was incredibly peaceful,with nature all around us. After enjoying a hearty breakfast we embarked on our journey to Manuchoud Dada, which was about a 6 hrs round trip. The hike began with gentle ascent, the kind that allows you to slowly ease into the rhythm of nature. The trail, surrounded with lush greenery, was alive with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. It didn’t take long for us to vibe with nature. Along the way our conservation shifted from usual office work into playful banter, pulling each other’s legs.
As we walked, the sunlight filtered through dense forest, creating a mesmerising pattern on the floor which was covered fully with fallen leaves.The team paused frequently—not just because we were tired, but also because there was so much to admire and capture. Cameras and phones came out, not for work, but for documenting the beauty of that moment.
The Hidden Gem: Manichud Dada
After a few hours of hiking, we reached our destination: Manichud Dada. The view of this historic site was spectacular, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. It features a stunning statue of King Manichud, as well as three impressive stupas that are sure to capture the attention. And then there was the pond—a tranquil, reflective surface surrounded by an aura of mystique and legend. According to folk, it is believed that whoever takes a bath in the pond will be cured of diseases. The place was named “Manichud” because a benevolent king in the past sacrificed his head and devoted his “Mani” to Lord Shiva ensuring the well-being of his citizens. Local legends also suggest that Manichud Daha was a sacred meditation spot for sages. Coincidentally the day we visited was “The World Meditation Day”. A group of students were meditating with monks reciting the prayers which show deep spiritual significance the place holds to this day.
The Descent
The descent was equally enjoyable. At a distance of 6-7 mins walk was an open picnic spot where we enjoyed our packed lunch, letting the serene surroundings rejuvenate our minds and souls. A few team members even took some time to play badminton. With our weary legs we continued our return journey to Jhule Organic resort. At around 2:00 PM we reached there where the kind-hearted manager was waiting for us with piping hot food. After taking a few moments to rest and snapping our group picture, we decided it was time for us to return home, to the normalcy of everyday life.
Sad Reality
We were disheartened to find such a beautiful and sacred place tarnished by litter. The most disappointing sight was the empty bottle of beer and other other beverages carelessly scattered around. We along with the locals took some of our time to gather the wasta and dispose of it properly. We all share a responsibility to protect our environment and must do our utmost to keep the surrounding clean. Just as we carry cherished memories from these places, we must also ensure to carry our waste with us.