I could hear the sound of rain hitting against the window. Accompanied by thunder, it was a familiar sound that filled me with a sense of calm. I was half awake, still lost in the world of dreams, when I looked at my phone. The time was 6:00 AM. One hour before the morning safari starts. I sighed deeply, knowing that the rain meant that the tigers would not come out to drink today.

I had been waiting for weeks to go on this safari, and I had hoped to see these majestic creatures up close. But the weather was not on my side. I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the rain. It was a soothing sound, but it also filled me with a sense of disappointment. I knew that I would have to wait for another day to see the tigers.

But as I lay there, half-awake, I began to notice other sounds around me. I could hear the sound of birds singing, and the rustling of leaves in the wind. The forest was alive, even in the rain.

The following day, we arrived at the park’s office to reserve our safari. Unfortunately, the fee for the two of us was quite steep, and we were charged 10000 NPR. However, our vehicle and guide arrived shortly after, and they greeted us warmly. We were given a quick briefing on the proper etiquette to follow during the safari, particularly when inside the park. Our guide suggested we wear dark clothing. As soon as we entered the wilderness, we were captivated by the aroma that surrounded us. The vehicle moved at a slow pace to minimize noise. We engaged our guide in conversation, and I inquired about the population of tigers in Bardiya. According to him, there were over 152 tigers. Our first stop was one of the most popular spots for tiger sightings. There were several areas tourists could visit in hopes of encountering a tiger. We reached the shoreline of a stream, where tigers frequently come to drink water. Our guide shared a memory of narrowly escaping a rhinoceros attack.

The safari guide continued his story, reliving the adrenaline rush and the fear that he had felt. It had been a close call, and he had been lucky to escape unscathed. The memory was still vivid in his mind, even though it had happened several years ago.

As he spoke, we leaned in, fascinated by the tale of the rhinoceros attack. We could almost feel the heat of the sun and the coolness of the water as we imagined themselves in the same situation.

Frequently asked questions on Annapurna Base Camp trek.

• Where can I start ABC trek to save time?
• How to reach Ghandruk directly from Pokhara?
• What is the shortest ABC trek route?
• How difficult is the ABC trek?
• How are the conditions of Tea Houses?
• What are the costs of food and shelter?
• Can I get altitude sickness at ABC?
• Is Jhinu Hotspring worth visiting?
• Do I need Rain Cover?

January mostly is the coldest month in Nepal. This year we received heavy and lasting snowfall in mountains. The hills where snowfall is not frequent and rare were covered under white blanket. I planned a winter hike and outdoor cooking trip in Arghakhanchi district - to a small village Darakateri. There is an observation point surrounded by forest at the peak which was our destination.

I made a stop at my cousin’s place who lives in beautiful village Amlabas in Palpa district. Amlabas is some 30 KM away from Arghakhanchi district. Rain started pouring in noon. Generally it is a good indication for the weather next morning because it could become clear of haze and we have a perfect view of Mt Dhaulagiri. By evening rain had stopped and our decision to ride in motorcycle to Darakateri village was confirmed. We would stay a night in Darakateri and early morning we would start our hike to the peak. Late evening when sun did set half an hour ago we reached Darakateri village. It was freezing cold. We sat around wood fire and enjoyed the basking in heat to warm our bodies. After dinner we tucked in our bed early for our next morning.

I see the sleeping giants wrapped under red tint of blanket that covered the skyline. Birds with their beautiful chirps tries to awake them from night’s slumber. At home I never feel such peace running through my body. I kept watching at the horizon until red blanket spread by sun melted away into sparking cool blue hue.

Ghandruk Trek. A short beautiful hiking trail in Kaski district of Nepal that we completed in 2 days. We hiked a loop starting at Syaulibazar then Ghandruk to Australian Camp through Landruk. Last week I had an opportunity to visit Kaski District and made a plan to do a short hiking of Ghandruk during my short leave. I had total 4 days and had to be back home on the 4th day. That left me with 2 days of hiking. I made a plan to hike small section of Ghandruk loop trail that starts from Syaulibazar and ends in Kande after Australian camp. Ghandruk loop trek is very short beautiful trail in Nepal on foothills of Annapurna range. My cousin tagged along.

Here we go.

• How tough is the Ghandruk Trek?
• What should I carry on Ghandruk Trek?
• How is food quality at tea houses on Ghandruk Trek trail?
• How is Hygiene and Sanitation on Ghandruk Trek?
• Do I need a guide for Ghandruk Trek?
• Can I get altitude sickness at Ghandruk Trek?

This weekend I did a short hike to Ranimahal or Ranighat palace located in the banks of Kali Gandaki River. My first time visit to Ranighat was in Jeep vehicle. Journey was very unpleasant due to bumpy and dusty road so have your expectations set accordingly. Near the end of road trip - view of Ranimahal from distant was spectacular with river valley behind and river flowing nearby the banks. Landscape was picturesque. The insides are vacant. Once again don’t have your expectations too up. There isn’t much to the architecture of interiors that could be praised about.

Later I found information on short hiking route/trail to Ranighat. This peaked my interest. What Ranimahal lacks in interiors is compensated by the beautiful landscape around it. I planned the hike with my cousin. The hiking journey was memorable where we passed through clean rustic villages, corn fields, green slopes of hills, lush green forests, lots of creeks and small waterfalls. There were countless small creeks and streams on the trails. I could feel the nature and that is the experience all hikers needs.

This weekend I decided to go doban and stretch some extra kilo metres to my daily hike. My daily trail extends upto 5 km uphill and back downhill isn’t a big stress, credits to the fresh air, smoky mountains and chirping of birds that are enough to heal my body and soul.

I decided to backpack for the weekend hike to cover small settlement called Doban beside Tinau river.

There is an official short hike trail from near Fulbari zoo in Butwal. Tourist and locals use it. I wanted to walk along the peak of hills and embrace the scenic beauty from top. Hence I took long path instead. Nuwakot village was my first destination from where Doban was 3 Km downhill. I started my journey from northwest outskirts of Butwal city, somewhere between Belbas and Jeetgadhi.