It was another usual day, As I was posting the pictures on the Hike for Nepal page I got a call from ‘Khim Bahadur Chettri‘(KBC).
KBC: “Manish, Where are you?
Me: “I am at the office, I just came back yesterday from Pikey Peak Trek”.
KBC: “Let me tell you this, we are doing a bike ride from Kalika Temple to ‘Gaaja ko Daha’ and you must attend it anyhow”.
Me: When is it happening? I will try to manage off-days as my holidays start only after the Laxmi Puja”.
KBC: “Okay, try to manage it anyhow hai” then, he hangs up the call.
Just back from the Pikey Peak trek, I was overwhelmed by the event that was going to be held in hometown, Baglung. It is amazing how the simple hunch of thought can catalyze action.
It was just a plan made inside a room among a few friends but soon it took a shape and event was held.
FYI: The name Gaaja ko Daha was kept because of the plant Gaajha which also serves as a stick to beat drums by Dhami & Jhakri.
It was a bike ride up to Gaaja ko Daha (2,400 mt approximately) and hike to Gaaja ko Dhuri (2,800 meters) event that was organised by the youth of Baglung which was supported by ‘Ghumante‘, ‘Ranibhumi Community Homestay, Baudechaur’ with the main slogan “Pahila griha jilla ani matra swadesh ko char killa” ( first home district than own country)
Gathering at Temple 
With things piled up, I managed my leave quite earlier and left on Friday, 25 of October (15 of Kartik). I took a 1:00 pm bus from Balaju bus park.
The bus left late around 1:30 pm than the stated time, tackling through the long traffic, hitting brakes frequently on the way. Due to the massive jam, it took almost five to reach the Naghdhunga check post. While the vehicle started taking it to speed one of tire got a puncture which prolonged the travel time. It dropped me at Baglung around 3:40 am.
After a few hours of sleep, I headed towards the gathering point which was Kalika Mandir Temple Gate. With in no time, riders started to summon up. The breakfast was provided by the Kalika Mandir Development Community then we did a short breifing about the trip and it’s rule. We left the spot around 8 am through some major chowk of Baglung Bazar via ‘Sigana-Bazar’ motorway.
Briefing time 
Leaving towards Gaaja 
View from Baudechaur 
There were more than 80 motorbikes taking part in this initiative. We rode through Bazar then Gahate, Sigana bridge and first stop was at Suntala Bagaicha (Orange Garden). The Mother Community welcome with the chaplet of flower along with the oranges. We made a halt and then headed towards Baudechaur, Sigana. We (Khim and me) reached at Sigana a bit late because one of the vehicle got ashtray and to bring it to the right path it took time.
People were gathered at Baudechaur to welcome us. After spending a few minute at the spot we ride towards Gaaja. There was excitement in each of the riders face because everyone was there with a motive to promote home district and this was the first event that took place in such a grand way. While some of the riders found it tough to ride on the unraveled road some of them were enjoying it as the bike was made for the same purpose.
Next stop of ours was at Chapakharka which is the snack spot for the jeep route. Even the nature was going hand in hand, the view of the snow-capped was transparent. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges were smiling at us.
We took few photos waited for other riders to join along and after a while we left. It took us half an hour from Chapakharka to reach at the hiking start point. It was a 15 minute hike from the motorway. As soon as we reached the hilltop we were welcomed by the hills, mountain and surrounding view. The Gaaja ko Dhuri is elevated at an elevation of 2,800 metres approximately. Few photos were taken and we headed downhill to Gaaja ko Daha.
It was almost 12 pm by the time we reached at Daha. The ‘Siddhabaraha Homestay Community’ took the liberty to provide the lunch. It was delicious with local ingridient. After the lunch we gather beside the Daha where gretting program took place for an hour. The villager gave us the chance to witness the local cultural song. Then we left towards Baglung Bazar but in between we attend another welcome programe in Resha by “Mahore Jharna Homestay”.
By the time we arrived Baglung it was dark and everyone was feeling glad that we attain and did some thing for our home district. We are very thankful to the helping hand and for the hospitality provided by the homestay on this mean day.
We hope this action of our will bring more reaction and aid in promoting home district pristine tourist destination.
Even majority of the youth from Baglung themshelves were unknown about the destination. We hope in upcominng days these places will be a exciting destination for domestic tourist.
To see the motovlog please click on here video. It was made by one of the rider Bikash Bhandari Chettri.
Thank You 🙂
Manish Ruchal 