A Cyclist's Adventure in Khaptad
I choose Khaptad as my gateway to see life in terms of limitations of physical capacity. Saru Bhakta has also said in his Chuli Novel that climbing a mountain is like living our life, one can only reach the top of the mountain who is not afraid of obstacles and challenges and finally sees the beauty of hardship and views downwards.
Khaptad has been one of my most challenging solo travel experiences so far. I choose Khaptad as my gateway to see life in terms of limitations of physical capacity. Saru Bhakta has also said in his Chuli Novel that climbing a mountain is like living our life, one can only reach the top of the mountain who is not afraid of obstacles and challenges and finally sees the beauty of
hardship and views downwards.
I already traveled to Khaptan in 2007. One might say that this journey can be very challenging and intimidating for even experienced trekkers or hikers. I was very excited and filled with motivation to complete the trek and I did. Little did I know, excitement was not enough to do the trek. Mind and body both need to be in sync. Probably because of this, I nearly gave up on the way. Since there was no rescue and it takes an equal amount of time and effort to return, I decided to continue. And I am glad that I continued and completed my Journey. That time I realized that if we push ourselves, the limitation of our power is not when we think this is it. However, It takes enough hope and motivation to push ourselves one more step and we start walking down the path again. And that moment I prayed that just this time, let me complete this trek, let me be alive and I will not come back again. Just this time.
But as you know I broke that promise. I went back to Khaptad again in 2017. I found the loophole in my promise. I said I would not return alone. Then I decided to go back again but this time with my Bike. I love cycling. Cycling through Khaptad, my bicycle became more than just a mode of transportation; it evolved into an indispensable companion. On smooth roads, it provided the joy of effortless gliding, but when the terrain turned demanding, it transformed into a reliable load-bearer, helping me tackle uphill challenges. This dynamic partnership turned what could have been a physically daunting journey into a fulfilling adventure. The rhythmic pedal strokes echoed my determination, and each summit conquered added a layer of accomplishment. The struggles were not just about navigating the landscape; they were a testament to the resilience shared between a traveler and their trusty bicycle. In Khaptad’s remote beauty, my cycle became the unspoken hero, navigating through challenges and enriching the journey in ways only a cyclist can truly appreciate. The physically demanding ride was not just about reaching destinations; it was a celebration of exploration, made possible by the dependable companionship of my two-wheeled friend.
I started my far west journey to reach many districts of Nepal. My initial plan was to take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then go to Bardia National Park, Chandani Dodhara, Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Bajhang Darchula, and again from Bajhang to Doti, Dhangadhi, and back to Kathmandu. First, I took the flight to Nepalgungunj and headed to Kohalpur. On the way I Met my old friend and he insisted on joining me at the Bardia National Park. Riding his pink cycle, he was trying to catch up with me and sometimes I needed to catch up with him. Seeing locals, their local rides and nature, it was all very worthy of traveling so far. Cycling around 64 km, we reached Bardia National Park. I tagged along with the Nepal Army as they were headed to their daily patrol. It also made me feel secure among the wild animals and unknown territory. But unfortunately, another cycle hit my cycle and an accident happened. I had to send it back to Kathmandu for repair. Then my plan slightly changed. Until my cycle came back to me, I decided to travel Mahendranagar Chandani Dodhara for three days and enjoyed every part of the trip, the Dodhara Chadani Suspension bridge, Vishnu Mandir.
When I finally got information on my cycle I headed to Mahendranagar bus stop to receive the part of the cycle. It was a reunion that boosted my confidence to finish the rest of the itinerary of my visit to the Far West. I became a free bird who got his wings back. It’s gonna be easy to travel with my bike. I took the bus and traveled through Attaria, Khanidada, and reached Dadeldhura. The next day I headed to Darchula. It is one of the border districts with India. I stayed there for two days to explore the Nepal and Indian sides as well.
Finally, the journey to Khaptad started. The next day I traveled to Khorpe, Bajhang, and then to Its headquarters is Chainpur. The road and the beautiful view were amazing. When I was there for the first time, the roads were not this well-maintained and beautiful. But this time it was different. The downhill gave me a break to enjoy the surroundings. Cycle gave me the pace and the time to indulge in all the natural beauty and landscape as I traveled ahead. As I reached Chainpur, I stayed there and visited Bajhangi King Prithvi Bahadur Singh’s old palace. It’s history that gives us the reason to move forward. Even in times of lack of transportation, I wonder how those states used to run. But one thing that taunts me is why we are so far behind in science and innovation. Otherwise, the history, the story, and cultural and natural beauty would have been accessed earlier and more easily domestically and internationally. This must be so progressive thought of mine to promote Nepal as beautiful as it is.
As I reached the gateway Daru village of Khaptad, I knew the uphill journey was going to make me even more physically challenged. I carried my bike on my shoulder and started climbing uphill. Some of the times I used to find the plane road and start cycling and get rest from the uphill climb and sometime later I started the uphill journey again. That is how I completed my journey of Far West and Khaptad. As I reached the National Park, the meditation place of Khaptad Baba, I realized why the beautiful places and holy shrines are always in remote and inaccessible places. Because we would take it for granted if they were accessible. Khaptad Baba who is a known saint, initially a doctor chose this place to meditate and find enlightenment.
This adventure in Khaptad was not just a physical exploration but a profound journey that refueled my mindset for the years to come. It exemplifies the kind of challenges and discoveries I seek—where nature, people, and personal resilience converge to create an adventure beyond comprehension. As I navigate such terrains, I am reminded that the beauty of places like Khaptad lies in their remoteness, inspiring spiritual awakening and grounding those who venture into their solace.