Exploring Jamacho: A Tale of Friendship and Nature

The rooster may have fallen victim to my delicious Dal Bhat this morning, but that couldn’t reduce my spirits for a day hike with Nabin! I called early in the morning, but Nabin refused to pick up my call. Later, he called back, showing interest in the day hike, and we set our sights on Jamacho for a short hike on 30th December 2023. Just 5 kilometers from Phulbari Gate, it promised breathtaking sights and peace, far from the chaos of the city.

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park has always been my go-to for quick getaways, and Jamacho didn’t disappoint. But before we could unleash our hike, there was a little business to attend to fill the forms, buy tickets and inspection of bag-pack by Nepali Army, and we were finally free to conquer the trail.

My old-time hiking friend Nabin was ready to hike after a long gap. He is in his late 40s but always says, ‘Now, I am getting old.’ But age is just a random number, right? We embraced the motto ‘slow and steady wins the race,’ sharing stories and soaking in the fresh mountain air. The two and a half hours of uphill climb felt effortless as we lost ourselves in memories and fantasies, each shared story pushing us higher. Along the way, we bumped into a vibrant crew of young hikers, their energy recharging our own like a mountain spring. Chit-chatting with them, we momentarily forgot our creaking knees and felt as young and free.

Finally, we reached the top! There was a majestic monastery and a really tall view tower. We checked out the monastery, enjoying the atmosphere. Even though we couldn’t see the snow-covered Himalayas this time, we had an amazing view of Kathmandu City.

Our feast at the top, filled with peanut shells, orange peels, Tiger biscuit crumbs, and a couple of cups of tea, showcased our adventurous spirit. After enjoying the panoramic view for an hour, we started going downhill. One and a half hours later, we successfully finished our hike, threw away our trash in the bins, felt free from the watchful eyes of the army, and cherished fond memories with longtime friends.

Jamacho wasn’t just a hike; it was a fun adventure, an experience we shared that got us excited about being outdoors. So, if you’re looking for a quick escape that’ll leave you feeling young, wild, and free, lace up your boots and conquer Jamacho! The fresh mountain air and breathtaking views are waiting for you!