चक्षु विक्रम मल्ल

"Bhai, I have a work for you", said Sahasnath dai an EIA consultant, "this time for Dhankuta and Sankhuwasabha". Well, I was more than happy to accept this job, an EIA surveyor for roads. He gave me survey map previously done by the engineers. This time I have to survey two roads one from Dhankuta another from Sankhuwasabha. Sahasnath dai called the engineer who is working on this road and gave me the idea how to get there. First, I have to finish the Dhankuta road.  Early morning at Bhedetar from Charles view point. After a bus ride of more than 15 hours I reached Bhedetar on a sunny morning.This small town on hill was the place where my survey should begin. Charles View point was the first thing that came on my mind upon reaching Bhedetar. It was a really cool view, 360 degree view of Mt. Makalu, Dhankuta, Terathum and the plain Dharan town.  Bhedetar as seen from the road to Rajarani. According to plan I should have hired a motorbike fro...

Four of us, Pramesh dai, Diwash dai, Nivesh and myself got ready for ABC trek. We left Kathmandu on October 11. We picked our one foreign friend from Pokhara and headed to Phedi on a cab. We were lucky, cab driver was damn funny always cracking non-veg jokes and within no time we reached Phedi. At Phedi, before starting the trek. This was the place our trekking should began. According to our itinerary we have to reach Pothana on same day. But, we only reached up to Dhampus(1650m). We found a good lodge there and had a good time with Machapuchhre, spent hours clicking the beautiful peak! After watching the good sunrise and having a quick breakfast we started our trekking. Today's destination was Chomrrong. A very good morning at Dhampus. Diwash dai was carrying a SLR camera, so he was little slower then us. Nivesh was our time keeper, we bought a map for him at Dhampus tourist check point. His guesses about our speed were matching correctly! Pramesh dai was natur...

Yesterday around 10 AM Shardool bhai called me on cell. We had planned for short mountain bike trip for Pharping Hattiban, a popular hiking and biking destination on Southeast of Kathmandu valley. Finally we headed towards the south at around 1 PM. Narrow road, hurrying jeeps and buses it was tough ride although the road was tarred until we caught the off road to Hattiban. It was a tough uphill on stone paved jeep track. But we were used to with that kind of uphill. We stopped on several places for the photo shoot. It was fun filled trip. The Crash Site visited today. While returning back we took the same track until a recently made stone steps. We followed the new track until and joined with the Dakshinkali highway. It was downhill up to the Taudaha. Due to the last night rain road was slippery on Hattiban section because its always covered with the trees. We were gaining speed, I took the lead. We entered the Hattiban section. After few minutes it must be BANG!!! I got an acci...

The sunset. Two guys, two mountain bikes and endless trails around the valley. Raghu on casual dress, no helmet, big hiking boots, jeans and long jacket, me too on jeans but with helmet ready to explore mountain bike trails. Destination? Not fixed only we knew was we are heading west of Kathmandu Valley and it was already 2 pm. From Kalanki chowk I took the right turn and asked Raghu about Dahachowk. He agreed with little disagreement because he had already been to there. Green fields, typical traditional houses, off roads, single tracks and finally uphill. Crowded Kathmandu is left behind now and we can drink water directly from the tap!!  Before reaching Dahachok village we again met tarred road. We had a quick lunch at a small tea shop and then headed towards the top of hill. Final destination, cemetery of Kaji Kalu Pande which is at the top of the Dahachok. We followed the off road jeep track for about 20 minutes until Raghu was welcomed by one big surprise!! ...

It was our pre-plan, tour to Khasa bazzar a Chinese bazzar near Nepali border. The mid term exam was over than six guys on three bikes left Kathmandu at early morning. Although it was monsoon, the day was perfect for the bike tour. We catch the Araniko highway, crossed Bhaktapur. Banepa town was slowly awakening when we crossed it. Our bike caught the real speed after having breakfast at small tea shop down the Dhulikhel. Indrawoti river was roaring when we crossed the Dolalaghat bridge. After than we reached down the Bhotekoshi bank, now we have to follow this river bank till the end of Nepali land. We stopped on several places for photographs. The highway was on the bank of the Bhotekoshi, we were riding on the opposite of river current. We stopped at the bungee bridge, 100 Km from Kathmandu. The height of the bridge from the Bhotekoshi river was breathtaking. The only bungee spot of Nepal was closed that day. It would be a great experience of life if you could jump from that bridge....

After appearing my pre final exams, I went to my mamaghar Tanahaun Damauli. It was my second trip on motorbike. It was my 125 cc Honda stunner bike with whom I reached mamaghar safely. April 6 was the day when I headed towards Bandipur from my mamaghar about 40 Km far from it. I was planning to go alone but my added with me. It was almost noon when we crossed Damauli bridge but we were blocked by red flags carrier because they were marching towards Damauli Bazzar blocking the whole highway. We left the Prithivi Highway and started climbing the steep and narrow road. It took about 25 minutes to reach bandipur. I parked my bike before entering the village because no vehicles were allowed. Classic newari houses alike Bhaktapur city were rebuilt to give new looks. Houses on both sides of street were developed as lodges, cafes or restaurant. Being on the top of hill it has problem of water. There were some dhunge dharas but they were not enough to supply for the increasing lodges and resort...