“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”— Lao Tzu.
Bikalpa has been organizing regular hiking trips to nearby locations since 2016, which has now become an event for reconnection between Bikalpa’s fellow members and other professional youth. The event’s objective is also to bring together young people who have been part of our programs and create a space for learning with them. This hiking tradition also reunites people associated with Bikalpa in multiple ways, fostering intergenerational and cross-disciplinary interaction.”
This year, Bikalpa went hiking from Vijaypur to Danabari on January 27, 2024. Danabari is a locality in Dharan, Sunsari, ” located at an elevation of 1,010 meters” for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is also one of the “local tourist destinations.” Visitors can follow several walking paths and trails, allowing them to explore the park and its surroundings. In addition to its natural beauty, Danabari is a popular destination for recreational activities.
The participants included students, young professionals, and attendees of earlier bikalpa events, including fellows from the Bikalpa fellowship. An application for the hiking was opened, which received an overwhelming response with close to 111 applications that included participants from earlier events, Bikalpa fellowship participants, and supporters. 100 people from various cities of Province no. 1 participated in the hiking, as the team began its journey with a bus ride from Biratnagar to Dharan early at 7:30 am.
After a short stop at the Vijaypur in Dharan for brunch, the hiking team began their journey, crossing their ascent to the nearby hills, Sardu River, Buda Subba Temple, and the local village on their way to the 7-kilometer hiking trail. The weather was good, and the hiking trail road, surrounded by a hilly landscape, was challenging. So, it took nearly 3 hours to reach the destination. Upon arriving at the destination, the team spent 2 hours on the premises, taking pictures, interacting, and networking with each other.
The hiking team finally returned to the Bhanu Chowk after a short snack at the Danabari; the team headed back and reached Biratnagar around 8:30 pm. The Hiking event allowed young people to come together and learn from each other while also exploring their country’s natural and cultural heritage. The program also helped to create visibility for the organization.
