19 September 2009

The Trek To Khaani Gaun

We, with a Norwegian Munnharpist Svein Westad, went to go up to Phulchowki on 12 September 2009. Fortunately or unfortunately, we couldn't go there as the path up from Godawari is dangerous of looting. We then came back and took a way to right from Godawari park and entered a Botanical Garden, though, at first we were not sure about the free entry. We had a good brunch with gram, yak cheese, 'sarifaa', 'aalu paratha' in the garden. Svein daju also had a sun bath in the garden. People were walking on the way behind us. So, we decided to get into the forest following that way. Suprisingly, we found ICIMOD Demonstration and Training Centre and tried to enter but a man informed us that we need to have pass from ICIMOD head office. Feeling unlucky we lazily started to return. Svein daju was keen to go inside. Even before he was telling that we wouldn't harm the Centre. He requested us to ask the two girls, who were coming from the Centre, about the entry. We knew that they were from the village. Then we decided to get around the Centre in the name of village. However, we started to walk for the village. After half an hour walk up to the hill, we met four people coming down carrying grass on their back who told us that we might reach the village whether after one and half hour or two. But, for our surprise, even after two hours trek, we found no sign of village.

On the way, we found two ways leading to different places. It is the separation between Lalitpur and Kavre. We took water from a house as there was no water in the tap. We started to move ahead by the hill but the path was not slippery and steep. when we reached Khani Gaun, it was about 5 hence the return was impossible. We decided to stay overnight there in a Tamang house. Svein daju was fascinated with the poster of Norway on the wall in his room. In the morning, we saw the sunshine. We ate lots of roasted maize . It was really interesting. A Ghalan woman inquired Amit whether he was Tamang or not. Finally, she was assured. Svein daju drank local Jaa:d. Amit should have reached his school to take classes but we arrived Ktm on Sunday in the afternoon. Anyway, it was really enjoyable and interesting.