Study Tour to LA -Tarkeshwar: A Journey of Learning, Nature, and Reflection

This story begins with a special study tour we organized for students: one that became unforgettable for everyone.

Tour Planning and Preparation

Our journey officially started on Poush 19, 2082 B.S.
The day before departure, we gathered at school where I presented the tour itinerary. I explained the rules, what to bring, how much extra money to carry, what clothes were needed, and most importantly - to bring enthusiasm and curiosity. I reminded them to bring pens, notebooks, and questions to ask every moment!

On Poush 20, 2082, we finally met for the tour. We were 29 students from classes 8, 9, and 10, along with 3 teachers. Even the Principal ma’am participated actively, which excited the students even more.

Day 1: Chitwan National Park and Tharu Culture

We left early for Chitwan National Park. I had already explained to the students what we would do, so everyone was prepared. We stopped for lunch first a delicious chicken Khana set.

Our bus was comfortable with sofa seats and charging ports (but no Wi-Fi). We arrived at Sauraha on time and checked into our hotel. After that, we went for a Jungle Safari at Bishajari Lake. It was thrilling - we saw wild boars, spotted deer, various birds, and even two royal Bengal tigers in cages. The excitement was unforgettable!

In the evening, we enjoyed a Tharu cultural program with many traditional dances: Stick Dance, Damphu Dance, Jhamka Dance (Jitiya Festival), Peacock Dance, Jhumra Dance, Drum Stick Dance, Stick Fire Dance, Tharu Festival Dance.

Dinner was arranged back at the hotel, and after that, I took a quiet walk along the Rapti Riverside for about an hour, reflecting on the 159 km journey from Kathmandu.

Day 2: Elephant Breeding Center, Narayani River & Lumbini

We woke up early, packed, had breakfast, and went to the Elephant Breeding Center, which we missed the day before due to time. There, we saw a wild elephant named Ronaldo, preparing to join a female elephant.

Next, we crossed the suspension bridge over the Rapti River - and it was scary and exciting! Then we headed to the Narayani River for a short boat ride. It was my first time on a steamer boat there, and I’ll never forget it. We also visited CG Dham in Nawalparasi, spent an hour exploring, and then had lunch.

After lunch, we drove toward Lumbini — the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The East-West Highway was in excellent condition. We passed through Ramnagar and Ramgram, where Buddhists believe the relics of Lord Buddha were enshrined by the Koliya clan. Although we wanted to explore thoroughly, time did not allow it.

In Lumbini, we checked in and visited the Mayadevi Temple. I shared the history of Buddha, his family, and Buddhism with the students. The peace of that place was perfect for meditation. We walked from the hotel and explored the ancient Ashoka Pillar (249 BCE). After explaining everything, I gave students some time to reflect and explore on their own.

That night, dinner had a minor hiccup; the rice was not cooked properly, so we requested new rice. Everyone was waiting for it, and after rice was fixed, we enjoyed a hearty meal. We traveled 155 km from Sauraha that day.

Day 3: Monasteries, Tansen & Rani Mahal

Early morning we visited monastery zones, walking for two hours. We saw monasteries from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, and Cambodia, then we lit peace lamps and returned to the hotel for breakfast.

I hosted a quiz for students related to Chitwan and Lumbini, and awarded prizes to the winners!

Then we headed to Tansen, Palpa, stopping first at Siddhababa Dham.
We had one of the best lunches of the entire trip in Tansen wow, Saga Bhat my favourite. The narrow bazaar made parking challenging, but later we explored Rani Mahal - a palace built in 1945 B.S. by Khadga Shamsher in memory of his wife Tej Kumari, on the banks of the Kaligandaki River.

We also enjoyed the beautiful Shreenagar viewpoint before returning to the hotel. Students shopped for Dhaka clothes, and I bought a handmade Dhaka topi too. We tasted local favorites like Chukouni and Duck Chhoila. That night we had dinner, and this leg of the journey covered about 106 km from Lumbini to Tansen.

Day 4: Journey to Pokhara

After breakfast, we headed to everyone’s favorite destination- Pokhara, the dream city of so many travelers. We drove 125 km and arrived around 12:20 PM, Pumdikot. We had a delicious wild-cooked lunch, then explored the Shiva icon and I talked about the Himalayan ranges. Next was Peace Stupa, followed by Gupteshwor Cave and Devi’s Fall.

We checked into our lakeside hotel in the afternoon and students went out to explore with the Principal ma’am and teachers. There was a funny moment - 8 students went missing from their rooms before dinner! After about 10 minutes, they all returned on time.

Dinner was a fish buffet, followed by a BBQ and dance party. After 10 PM, I walked with my friend Kedar Gir by the lakeside, surrounded by darkness and calm water.

That quiet walk made me reflect deeply:  about the tour, study, life, people, business, and purpose. I asked myself many questions:
Why am I here? Why do people use me? Why do I keep going?
By the end, I found my answer in अवैराग्य  (Jñāna and inner detachment), and decided that if someone sincerely needs help, I will always assist, because my heart believes that is what God wants. This inner shift felt like a spiritual journey in itself.

Day 5: Tal Barahi Temple & Bandipur Village

Morning came, and I had the responsibility to lead the group to Tal Barahi Temple. I didn’t go inside, but I watched from outside and sipped lemon tea while chatting with the chai seller didi her stories, her struggles, her journey from Burtibang to the city reminded me how beautiful and complex this earth is.

We regrouped, had breakfast, and continued to Bandipur Village  known as the “Queen of Villages.” We spent about 1.5 hours exploring, and two students  Parikshit and Sankalpa  helped promote our travel agency by distributing business cards. We enjoyed delicious milk tea with the students. At one point, Chinese tourists even gifted the students NPR 500 and ordered yamori, a very special moment for them! After lunch, we started our return to Kathmandu. However, the way back was not smooth - we faced a 3-hour traffic jam and finally reached the school by 9:30 PM.

Reflections & Thank Yous

We truly enjoyed this journey - especially Lumbini, which left a deep impression on everyone.

Thank you so much to:
Principal Susma Ma’am, Raju Sir, Sabina Miss, Kedar Sir, Umesh (driver), Aryal Sir (Sauraha), Nawaraj Ji (Lumbini), Bajracharya Ji (Tansen), Nirajan Ji (Pokhara), your support made this trip successful.

To all the LA students, dear sisters and brothers, I wish you the best for your education and lifelong learning.👏 Namaskar and thank you to everyone who supported this adventure: directly or indirectly. 🙏

#upadeshsjbkunwar 

#ambassdorhimalaya #studytour 

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