While lockdown was still (sort of) in effect, residents of Kathmandu Valley were offered a much-needed reprieve to get out of the houses and discover magnificent views around the valley with the Kathmandu Trail Race. Every second Saturday, with the expert guidance of Anuj Adhikari, the guide who, according to some, is the man who knows the most trails around the valley, people could get some much needed exercise during full day hikes and escape the confinement.
While Ktm Series has focused on runs with huge numbers of people participating since October 2018, they now had to adapt to the lockdown rules and started with hikes. “It was important for the first one to be an easier and more accessible one, as we didn’t know the level of the participants” said Anuj Ahikari. “Seeing the success we have, we might have to adapt the formula”.
One hike went to Hattiban, another did the four ridges with the best views of the valley. Participants are a nice mix of expats and Nepalis, and it feels so nice to be able to safely socialize again outdoors. Some expats working at the EU Delegation had only recently arrived and this was their first taste of what Nepal had to offer in terms of hikes.
A lady from USAID exclaimed, “Just thank you for getting us out of our houses!” Similarly, Nepalis also appreciated the opportunity as Niranjan said, “While I have lived all my life here, these hikes offer the opportunity to discover new trails around the valley which I can then share with friends.” The hikers especially appreciated the variety in the landscapes in a single hike, from steep climbs to gentle slopes, forests and fields.
Logistically, these activities are always tricky but Anuj pulled it off and to maintain social distancing, participants were split into two groups, one for families with kids and one without. When passing through local villages, the hikers were instructed to mask up. Buses departed from various points in the valley and brought back from another point. Halfway through a sandwich lunch was included. And, as an excellent bonus, a couple of days later the pictures taken by the guides/photographers were shared on social media, leaving participants with souvenirs from what is otherwise a pretty bleak year in terms of picture taking.
Source: https://nepalnow.org/my-stories/hikes-fresh-air-around-kathmandu-valley/