Beyond Kathmandu-Pataleban

There are lots of places to go and see in Kathmandu but sometimes why not go beyond the gates of Kathmandu. This is my experience when I did so not long ago. Recently, I visited a beautiful place just 45 minutes drive from Kathmandu, on a bright Sunday morning with my dad’s colleagues. We were a group of 40 people. The name of the place is Pataleban. As we reached Pataleban, we could not believe our eyes. We just could not imagine that we would come upon such a paradise in just about an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. On our way to the resort where we were going to have a sort of picnic, we saw an enchanting view of the mountain ranges of the country.

When we reached there, we felt as if were in heaven and saw a spectacular scene of the Himalayas, with soothing sounds of birds and animals and the green terrace fields around us. We got a taste of the red grapes that were planted in the resort. We relaxed and then started a small trek to the Indreni temple in the hills.

It was a steep and slippery road, but we, still so eager to walk to the top, continued our small trek. We had many light moments in our journey to the temple. It is difficult to find words with which I can describe the scenery. As we moved on, the scenery continued to delight us. Some fell, some got leeches on their legs, and some got hurt but still all of us continued our trek. On our way we also passed a place called Indra-daha, where there is a temple of the God of Rain — Indra and a small pond (daha).

We reached the temple after about an hour and a half and I felt really fresh as the temple was surrounded by trees which made the air cool and refreshing. We sat, rested and started our walk down, but this time more energetically.

While going back we washed our faces with fresh water and when we reached the resort we were tired but still ready for more. Then we played a lot of games like bingo and had a wonderful time. This place is a great place to spend your time during the week-ends, and it will never disappoint you. It is a must visit place and is truly a paradise.

This is an ideal place to visit, and it being not being even an hour’s drive from Kathmandu and holding much attractions is indeed very enticing. There are many such places to visit, and the opportunity to do so must not be lost. Indeed, these visits give a much deserved break from the mundane life of the average city folks.

In the meantime, here we are one with nature, and what can be more charming. It’s all nature’s blessings.

source:MOHIT LAL SHRESTHA, The Himalayan Times,16 July 2012