Triveni Patan, it seems like a glimpse of some mystical world. For instance the view is like an artist who painted it with subtle shades of green. But can an artist truly capture the perfection beside nature itself? Triveni Patan, located in the confluence of Kalikot and Bajura, is as beautiful in its natural form as the renowned Badimalika Temple is with its religious significance. To reach this remote place in Far Western Nepal is quite challenging, but once you arrive, you leave behind the worldly and physical comforts for an invisible, otherworldly experience. The hardships endured to reach here bring a sense of fulfillment that surpasses the suffering and pain. In a place where modernity hasn’t yet found its footing, where every step you take feels meaningful. We are taking you there.
This is a journey to Western Nepal. From the banks of the holy Karnali to Kalikot and the famous religious site of Badimalika. This journey is a spiritual experience and journey to the height where life echoes. In this special episode of Nepal 8th Wonder, we take you to Badimalika over four thousand two hundred meters above from sea level.
Kathmandu, the city of dreams has started its day with its usual hustle and bustle, accompanied by the chaos. Just like always, we bid farewell to our beloved Kathmandu, our starting point, and set our sights on our new destination. This time, we didn’t have a Honda with us, but with the help of the Ride Sharing App Pathao, we managed to book a cab and headed towards Tribhuvan International Airport.
Tribhuvan International Airport is not just an ordinary airport. It’s a place where many people come with dreams of flying high. Here, it’s not just about the planes taking off and landing; it’s about personal aspirations to reach great heights. Inside the airport, the scenes of planes taxiing and the hustle and bustle of people were right in front of us. Avoiding everything, we made our way to the check-in counter.
The boarding pass we received at the counter was not just an ordinary one. It was a boarding pass for an entirely new experience that led us to a breathtaking and picturesque view. It was the beginning of our journey from Nepalgunj to the remote and rugged far-western region of Nepal.
Over the past 25 years, Yeti airlines had made a significant contribution in the airline industry. We were excited and enjoyed the hospitality. Leaving the ground behind, we could reach the heights of the sky, and a sense of curiosity immediately arose in our hearts. Along with the fear of the altitude, we were surrounded by clouds, floating in between. Looking from above, we could see the hills, valleys, and the land below, leaving everything behind, and the plane flew in a specific direction without any interruption. After spending an hour in this plane, we finally reached Nepalgunj.
Even though the weather was scorching hot, we felt an unusual warmth as we arrived in Nepalgunj. However, even in such heat, everything seemed to be in full swing, and it appeared that everyone had adapted to this kind of heat. Nepalgunj takes the top spot in terms of the hottest places in Nepal, and that’s why we embraced this heat as a mark of hospitality from Nepalgunj.
Located approximately 367 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Nepalgunj is a city where Siddharth Hotel stands out as a major attraction for many travelers. In terms of business and tourism, Nepalgunj serves as a terminal station for western Nepal. This leisure spot is particularly noteworthy for those exploring western Nepal, and Siddharth Hotel ensures the arrangement of all aspects for visitors. With conference halls, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a casino, the well-appointed rooms offer every facility to make guests forget about the scorching heat of Nepalgunj. Siddharth Hotel guarantees a comfortable environment for travelers, making it an ideal destination in this bustling city.
Nepalgunj’s beauty lies in its vibrant colors, bustling streets, and a multitude of shops offering a variety of delicious food, including special biryani.
As we waved bye to the rider, we were lost in the vibrant scenes of Nepapgunj. This place serves as a vital link between India and Nepal for trade, import, and export. Upon seeing the busy streets of Nepalgunj, the words of the poet Bhupi Sherchan came to mind: “In my alley there is a corner. What isn’t there?” This poetic expression perfectly captured the essence of the place.At the end of it, relaxing in Siddharth Hotel’s swimming pool, playing in the waters, and relieving the day’s fatigue. Fully rejuvenated, we were ready for the exciting adventures that lay ahead in this bustling city.
Even though Mahendra Rajmarg was relatively peaceful and clean early in the morning, the road offered no respite. The weather on that day didn’t show any special favor, with clouds covering the entire sky, providing some relief from the scorching heat, but at what cost? Before immersing ourselves in the bustling city we had a meal and got ready for Mumra.
We set out early in the morning with the intention of reaching Mumra in Kalikot. Traveling along the middle of Tata Sumo which stretches between Nepalgunj and Kohalpur, we couldn’t have predicted the turn of events that would unfold. Not even a few minutes into the journey, we faced an unexpected situation, and all our well-laid plans got crumbled.
Sometimes, such unpredictability can be a part of the journey, where uncertainties and risks may arise. However, facing and overcoming these uncertainties is what defines every traveler, and especially our team’s mission. Therefore, we accept this unpredictability and embrace it as a challenge to move forward. We are grateful for the fact that this acceptance and our determination have prevented many potential disasters from happening. At the same time, it was heartening to see the local people in the area coming forward to help us, which boosted our confidence even further.
It was quite a wait for the vehicle to get repaired, and we had no idea how long it would take. At times, the weather conditions are unpredictable, and it can be a challenge. We interacted and learned about the cultural environment of Nepalgunj, which allowed us to pass the time during this delay.
Even though we were waiting for quite a while, there was no assurance of when the vehicle would be repaired. But in such circumstances, the most significant source of happiness was the support we received from the local people. We felt safe despite the extended journey. Now, whether the vehicle gets fixed or not, and however long it takes, we had no other option but to be patient.
The vehicle eventually made its way to Surkhet. While the uncertainty of what the future held still loomed, the joy and relief of overcoming an obstacle were felt by all of us. With optimism in our hearts, we continued along the Kohalpur to Ratna Highway passing through the pristine Banke National Park. This national treasure is especially renowned for its diverse array of over 300 species of birds. We left this beautiful place with the intention of continuing our journey to another destination.
After leaving Banke National Park, we gradually ascended from the flat terrain of the Terai to the sprawling hills. The monsoon season continually sent its message with frequent rains. We stopped at Babai for lunch after traveling from terrain and spiral roadways.
In the morning, after enduring the fatigue of continuous travel and the constant motion of the vehicle, we took a brief respite at Babai Pool to spend some time with children. The moments spent invoked the fresh memories of childhood, where the carefree spirit of youth is rekindled, and the young child within us longs to play freely. However, as our destination was waiting so after a short break, we continued our journey, making Dhungeshwor our new destination.
As we entered the hills, the persistent rains had made it difficult for travelers to navigate the makeshift road and had created hardships for the local shops. There were no significant changes in day-to-day life in the region. The people’s language and attire depicted the unique culture of western Nepal. From the lush fields along the way to the open fields and TOLI RIVER in between, the scenic beauty was breathtaking, making this part of Nepal even more remarkable showing us that the majority of people were involved in subsistence farming.
Just a little while ago, there were concerns about rainfall for someone. However, as we looked at these empty fields, we couldn’t help but admire the power of the monsoon. The monsoon has its own way of affecting different areas, sometimes flooding certain places while leaving others untouched, creating a natural duality. As the sun descended, the enormity of the darkness gradually unfolded. It was a day of our journey that led us to Surkhet.
By four o’clock in the morning, even before the sun had risen, we had already departed from Surkhet, setting Mumra as our next destination. Surkhet, a district in western Nepal, serves as a prominent destination for many travelers. Unfortunately, we couldn’t explore Surkhet as it was intended. Some well-known places such as Kaankre Bihar and Bulbule Taal had to be left unexplored as we were limited by time, both in our journey and in life.
The Karnali river was flowing in the opposite direction .The river Karnali, the longest river in Nepal, flows for about 507 kilometers from the Himalayas, eventually merging with the mighty Ganges in India. It reminded us that the journey itself is not an easy one. It shows traveling is important for change.
About two hours after leaving Surkhet, we reached PATAL RIVER to have breakfast and gathered our strength for the journey to Dailekh district. Dailekh shares its boundaries with Jajarkot to the east, Achham to the west, Kalikot to the north, and Surkhet to the south. MATTE RIVER beneath us passed through serene being worry-free. Mist entangled in the bonnet of hills being directionless. Enjoying ourselves, singing songs, dozing sometimes ,and sometimes capturing natural vistas through our cameras ; we kept moving forward.
The condition of the road deteriorated due to the landslide. Despite being trouble-free up to this point, the path had transformed significantly, adding some challenges. We moved forward, ultimately reaching the Tunibagar area for a well-deserved meal.
Tunibagar is known for its continuous risk due to landslides and rocky terrain. The Saee stream swells vigorously during the monsoon season, making it challenging to cross. The tightly constructed houses on the steep terrain bear the marks of history. Solar panels could be seen on many rooftops, revealing a mix of tradition and modernity. The road was lined with fields of rice, wheat, and corn. While some sections of the road were under construction, others were destroyed by landslides.
We arrived at Lalighat and changed the vehicle. Because the road became increasingly difficult, we found it quite challenging. We were just visitors but as we witnessed the daily hardships and suffering endured by the natives there, it led us to experience and find answers to many questions. The road constructed through rocky hills remarked the well paved road in near future. However, at present, we, both travelers and natives, were facing difficulties as the only option.
When the beauty of any place can’t be captured in words alone, we often liken it to paradise. “If heaven is somewhere it’s right here”, this message is something we have conveyed from past of our videos as well. After having lunch in Kotta, we continued our journey uninterrupted. Sometimes pausing, sometimes being captivated by the beauty of the western region, engaging in conversations with locals in their sweet dialects, and capturing more and more videos.
The destination for that day was getting closer to Mumra. The more challenging the journey became, the more we found ourselves lost in the natural beauty, with our eyes glued to the lifestyles of the people along the way. At times, we felt happiness, and at other times, we experienced sorrow. This mix of emotions was a constant throughout our entry into western Nepal and in the human realm as well. We weren’t just sad or just happy; these feelings interchanged and evolved. We kept the journey going and dedicated ourselves to enjoying nature.
Likewise, we found NTC Tower which accompanied us throughout our journey.After becoming part of NTC, it became clear that in Nepal, you can stay connected from virtually anywhere. This realization filled our hearts with joy. As the golden rays of the sun added color to the sky, Indreni, in its own way, contributed more energy, and the view of the glowing landscape made us delighted.
Due to the landslide, we still couldn’t reach our destination . Yet, accepting uncertainty, we returned back to Shera.
In the morning, Shera Chaur, nestled in his own home, was engrossed in his own stories. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters above sea level, Serachaur is home to around 33 households. Local specialization in agriculture and trade was observed here. The fundamental east-west road in this area is quite perilous. Looking at the way of life here, it became evident that problems would not be far from the core. For this very reason, we were compelled to travel on foot to Mumra from Serachaur.
Even though it was tiring, we all remained enthusiastic. The journey, limited to vehicles until these days, became liberating and fascinating once we started walking from Shera.
To reach Mumra from Serachaur, we had to continuously ascend uphill. Two porters helped us carry our other bags and supplies, and they became our invaluable companions. Walking to any place is a specialty in itself, as it enables you to understand and experience that place closely. Finally reaching your destination is not just a concept; it’s also about realizing how close it actually is in the realm of human perception.
The houses made of mud, the roof of thatch, we started our journey uphill. Leaving behind the comfort of the city, we entered this astonishing place. We witnessed scenes we had never seen before, and we experienced emotions we had never felt before. We trekked further and further into the heart of this extraordinary place.
The people here were engrossed in their daily routines. The sight of little boys and girls going to school with their backpacks left a lasting impression on us. How can one live in such darkness for so many years when the light of education is so close to reaching them in the end?
The feeling of “going to school” brought both joy and sorrow. In the arena of scarcity and possibilities, not always the good won . We understood this only as spectators of that battle of scarcity.
Ahead of us was a long journey. This urged us to step ahead and leave the rest behind. Seeing the little boys and girls filled with enthusiasm, our minds were painted with images of abundance. As we roamed from place to place, crossing rugged paths, we finally reached a village with a small water mill.
It’s hard to determine how much of an impact the water mill has on the daily life of this place. While the old ways are indeed precious, the power of adapting and making the best of what one has is a remarkable skill.
From the first day, our destination, Mumra, was at a considerable distance. The excitement of reaching Mumra was one milestone, and there was also the eagerness to visit NTC Tower in the village. Mumra, situated at an altitude of over 2040 meters above sea level, is connected through this tower. It has brought together locals and travelers like us from one corner to another. The entire credit for this goes to NTC Tower.
Getting to Mumra experiencing the ups and downs, was like getting enlightenment after hard meditation that served as a reward of a challenging and rewarding expedition. Mumra, located in Kalikot District, serves as a transit point for those heading to Triveni Patan and Badimalika. Although you can reach other places from here, it’s economically and logistically wise to consider this route. If, for example, you are traveling from Kohalpur to Surkhet and plan to reach Mumra, it will take just one day, which may extend as the path further unfolds. Perhaps in the coming days, Mumra might become a familiar destination, and tourism might also prosper here. That was the collective wish of all of us.
To reach Lata, we had our meal in Mumra. Mumra is a place tucked away behind, and according to the locals, it’s home to around 450 households of various communities, including Dalits, Kshetris, and Brahmins. Even though the natural beauty of this place was captivating, I kept looking for signs and trying to understand where certain things were repeatedly. Perhaps we all felt a sense of understanding among ourselves, as nobody wanted to uncover just that. Kalikot was once the center of the Maoist movement. The wave of change had begun from Kalikot itself, but people from other places thought that Kalikot was somehow unaffected by this. In Mumra too, the footprint of the people’s movement could be seen, whether through the narratives of the locals or even when we were lost in our own thoughts.
We witnessed the water mill through the trails of streams . This light, stubbornly, played hide-and-seek with the leaves, and it would filter in from various places. In this, we found immediate beauty. In such an abstract portrayal of nature, we were astonished . Yes, there is fatigue, and there are obstacles, but from all that, the nectar-like scenes and experiences obtained were elixir l, as if to quench a never-ending thirst. And, rather than just providing happiness, these experiences enrich our lives.
We ascended and descended beside the goshing streams. We needed to approach Lata in time. We were experiencing the wilderness of nature independently. The lush forests, hills, and the wildlife were all protected. We humans were seeking their assistance. This symbiotic relationship between nature and humans was indeed profound.
The footpath was not well-developed, but the locals in that area had made it suitable by utilizing the available resources. That was a unique aspect of the place. It was a steep climb, and we didn’t want to walk after reaching a pass but we were bound by time. As we ascended, the level of difficulty increased proportionally.
Especially once we crossed Kalikot, we witnessed a prevalence of agriculture and livestock raising in many places. Here, people’s lives are closely linked with both agriculture and animal husbandry, likely because of the absence of proper road infrastructure and geographical remoteness, which makes it challenging to engage in other professions.
While hiking along the path, we also observed yak engaged in what appeared to be a conflict. Some of us found this scene amusing, while others empathized with the struggle—whether it was a confrontation or a battle for survival. We couldn’t ignore the harsh weather conditions along the way. The journey from Mumra Chaur to Lata took approximately 8 hours. Can you believe it? Nonetheless, we reached our destination in Lata by the end of the day.
There was only one local’s house till far away. We found this house unique as well. The walls were made of mud, and it had a wooden balcony with a distinctive shape. This house appeared different to us compared to houses in other places.
In a matter of minutes, we had our Current noodles ready. We witnessed that cold weather was catching Lata. Some were busy cutting potatoes, while others were carefully tending to the fire for the meal. (Cheers) We were capturing a direct glimpse of the village’s everyday life, which we had obtained from the homestay in Lata.
In the morning, we witnessed a dream-like world surrounded by clouds. Lata, situated at an elevation of 2380 meters above sea level, was reached after a steep uphill climb from Mumra. LATA was a lonely hill, where few houses gave the sense of life. There is no electricity supply in this area, so the local people rely on solar power. They are engaged in farming and animal husbandry.
We woke up early to witness the mesmerizing scene veiled by the clouds. After having some freshly baked bread and tea for breakfast, we were prepared to head towards Triveni Patan. Now, our journey would lead us to our sole destination, Triveni Patan.
As the eastern horizon embraced the advancing sun, we walked together, step by step. Gradually, the clouds unfurled their cover, and in the sequence of unveiling, the sun smiled warmly. With each stride we took towards Triveni Patan, the road became more challenging and remote. Our journey began through Nepalgunj, where road trails are normalized. But along the journey to Kalikot we came to realize that existence of road is very important. Road would connect village to modernity. Road would connect people to facilities improving their living standard.
Despite every difficulty West Nepal had opened its arms finally. Like it was eager to impress us with it’s beauty. Although there was fresh water to make us forget thirst , our heart was unfulfilled with the natural beauty.We felt like we were in a different universe.
The yellow flowers bloomed around us, painted in a single vibrant shade of green. Like a careful hand had filled each bud with life. The enchanting beauty of the blooming flowers overwhelmed our senses as we observed the waves of green, and they seemed to have spread over the verdant slopes. With each step, we felt the coolness in the gentle breeze.
In this manner, we faced the astonishing beauty of nature, marveling at its unique and surreal forms. Alone, we ventured down this path where we had never before encountered the fear of the unknown. We treated the rugged trail, and deep below it lay an eerie abyss. For a moment, it felt like our hearts had left their place. With great caution, we overcame this peril, just as we did with many other dangers along the way.
Our porter brothers helped us navigate this risky path. The view behind us made us feel tremors of fear. But our determination to capture good videos for our audience gave us the strength to confront that fear. We forgot the path we had left behind, searching for new horizons, and imagining Triveni Patan, we cautiously continued on that trail.
As we journeyed through the wilderness, we once again ascended. The continuous cycle of ups and downs in both travel and life gives meaning to our existence. Neither the ups are infinite, nor are the downs. Neither is the light boundless, nor is the darkness. In this cycle, we explore the facets of life. The journey is another gift to us, maybe. The experiences of that day allowed us to unveil the depth of nature, the harmony of civilization, and perhaps that’s the truth we have depicted clearly. With each step, we moved forward, from the uphill climb to the downhill, and now, we reached Chappe river.
The Chappe river was flowing with eternal glory. The sound evoked from its flow told its memoir and experiences. Because it has immense flow, it was really difficult to get past it.
Tackling Chapekhola wasn’t as easy as it seemed. A bridge was a necessity here, and the locals had heard that the government had allocated a budget for building a bridge in Chapekhola. Along with the local support, we made an effort to cross the river. We crossed the river and rejuvenated ourselves for the journey ahead. Despite the challenging terrain, Chapekhola was indeed a rewarding stop on our journey.
While ascending, the freely spreading trees and open spaces were like a haven. These living, independently standing trees were an embodiment of life, and they seemed to offer us vitality with their liberating presence. The cool breeze and the surrounding fragrance invigorated our minds, which had been wide open. Though looking at the monkeys might not have been ideal at first, the first day of our journey was marked with emotional struggles and discomfort. Their independence was intoxicating, and our freedom was exhilarating. While there were occasional hurdles, they were all part of the thrill.
Perhaps the most challenging part of the journey was climbing uphill. Despite our best efforts, these were moments when we felt exhausted, and even a straw of hope was like a lifeline. However, no matter what the circumstances, our determination to move forward remained unwavering. The company of our fellow travelers, reminiscing about old journeys and creating new tales, kept us motivated. We moved ahead, personal narratives evolving as we progressed. Reading and understanding each other had become a captivating aspect of this arduous journey. And where, you may ask, is the endpoint of this profound journey? It lies in exploring the unknown, immersing ourselves in new environments, and embracing the profound concepts that weigh heavily on our minds. In the end, the real treasure lay in finding something where there was nothing, in discovering the path less traveled, and in preserving our unwavering decisions – that’s the true essence of our expanding journey.
Mist, with his humorous anecdotes and witty remarks, had a way of making our journey lighter. We’d humorously describe how the rain played hide-and-seek with us, peeking through the curtains in every home and then having a good laugh. While the weather was quite familiar with us, it was this charming character that made the journey more delightful.
West Nepal, by its very nature, is considered a remote place. But this place was even more remote, where, apart from our team, there was hardly anyone around. The isolation had an almost mystical quality about it, and we felt far removed from the hustle and bustle of human existence. Perhaps, in the midst of such a challenging situation, one can find a multitude of plant species. If only we had someone with botanical expertise, this jungle might have been more precious than the destination itself.
As we approached Triveni Patan, We felt a surge of excitement. The weariness and the cold weather had indeed made their mark on us, but we had been continuously fueled by anticipation. It was an experience where persistent cold held no power over our spirits.
Listening to such sayings, one realizes that the boundary between truth and falsehood can be transcended in certain places, and perhaps those very places are referred to as places of faith. We also felt such faith. After resting at the chosen location, I looked up and saw small, colorful flowers blooming above. Our eyes were fixed on the scene near Triveni Patan. The journey of these days had meaning. Some moments were quite challenging, but the magnitude of that difficulty will be unparalleled, as indicated by these scenes.
Indeed, it’s true that we were so close to nature, even though we were at such an altitude. The clouds were also quite nearby. Ahead of us was a vast open field, extending as far as the eye could see. We had no idea how far it extended. Before us was a steep hillside where we had to climb, but somewhere, the presence of a fierce adversary had been mentioned. That adversary was waiting on a high ridge, and even though it might take courage and physical strength to reach it, perhaps it was more about finding the right tone. Whether we win or not, we were on a different path.
This too was a flavor of the unknown. To go left, right, north, or south, where to look and where not to look? To gaze at the shapes of the clouds in the sky or the lush greenery of the ridge ahead? To focus on the nearby blooming flowers or to keep moving forward? Or simply immerse oneself in the same place? Finally, what to do?
Until our eyes could see, the lush green valley lay ahead. As we moved forward, with every cloud and rustle cleared away, we arrived at the vast expanse of Triveni Patan. Truly, no words could capture the supernatural beauty we beheld. We looked below, we looked above – the physical world was transformed. We cannot say it’s not a physical world, but it is a different reality, and we’ve crossed the boundaries of beauty we’ve known. There were no words; it was a state of mind transcending language. With the Himalayas in the distance, we had created our own world of imagination, and it was a beautiful one. We don’t know if someone left these pages blank for us, but here, without any barriers, we have outlined the highlights of our dearest experiences. The more they flourished, the more we felt, and in that feeling, we expressed the same emotions. It was in this sentiment that we found Triveni Patan. Free from external disturbances, it’s in our true essence, in our natural and mystical self, that we found the infinite.
After five days of continuous trekking, facing uncertainties in many places, ascending steep paths, and crossing streams and under the scorching sun, we finally reached one of our main destinations, Triveni Patan. The golden rays of the sun had built homes in our eyes. Triveni Patan welcomed us with its exquisite beauty, and we bowed in reverence to its grace.
Another joyful thing was meeting our audiences who loved our work. And that filled our heart with delight and excitement.
When we woke up in the morning and looked ahead, Triveni Patan was shimmering in the distance. Our eyes were not tired of looking at it; the scene did not get dull. The vast green field of Triveni Patan had no boundaries in our minds, and it seemed like there was no world beyond it. Situated at an altitude of over 3,900 meters above sea level, Triveni Patan is a massive expanse of grasslands. With places like Dudh Kunda, Rakta Kunda, and Chaape Khola adding to its beauty, this place is often referred to as Triveni, meaning the confluence of three streams.
Is this vastness small or big?
Who can measure the living experiences?
Saying “forever” is but a falsehood,
In the end, who has the strength and the time for this old life?
Forgetting is easy here when your steps aren’t solid!
I am here; which is all enough,
In the end, who has the power to be someone else here? Someone else!
After savoring the sweetness of Patan for a while, we decided to have a meal. On that day, while still staying in Patan, we had plans to explore the surroundings. After enjoying our meal under the open sky, we eventually found a quiet spot in a nearby clearing. It felt like home at last. We sat down and chatted for a while, making an effort to alleviate the weariness from our long journey until yesterday.
As we set out to explore Patan, we were caught by surprise when the weather decided to change its appearance. The sudden downpour forced us to take shelter inside our tents, where we had to wait for the rain to stop.
Mist had indeed covered the entire Patan with its embrace. We kept a watchful eye on the sky, hoping for an opening. However, the weather seemed to have other plans. Despite waiting for quite some time, we couldn’t avoid the rain when it eventually poured as every scenery was lost into the mist suddenly.
After waiting for several minutes finally the rain had stopped and we made our way to search for the NTC mobile network. Tribeni Patan is a region in western Nepal – an essential place for devotees of the Hindu faith and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The experience we’ve had here is beyond words and cannot be expressed simply. Tribeni Patan is a land where tourism should flourish and be well-promoted, and we all bear the responsibility to make that happen. In the days to come, we hope that this message will be appropriately conveyed to the world.
When we were constantly exploring the network, we stumbled upon the view of horses running in the grassy field that filled our hearts with joy. We were following Patan’s scenery along with our walk. With a clean water stream, it had a sweet melody in its tranquility. The view in front and the babbling of the open space together, it was more than just a meditation practice.
Likewise, there, we encountered a unique sight of water being collected in every nook and cranny. It is known as Bhatey Jiuli by the locals or Kheti beti. Here every year wheat is grown out of nowhere and people who caught it during the pilgrimage are termed as lucky.
Now, who plants that rice there is not known, but according to the locals Maina chari sowed the seed, a crow held the plough and a snake assisted in the process. Some believed that those wheats were planted by the goddess herself.
Two days later, after connecting to friends and families our heart felt relaxed. In that remote and challenging place of Western Nepal, the reaching of physical infrastructure is challenging in itself but we were once again connected to the world through NTC. In such a remote place where getting there is tough for people, NTC provided us with a lot of help, even with basic facilities. Whatever it may be, from Nepal’s nooks and crannies to hidden corners, NTC connected us, and we were proud of this fact.
The scenery was also breathtaking. Vast mountain ranges and steep hillsides. Wherever you looked, it seemed so beautiful, but the more you looked, the more amazed you became. This enchanting Triveni Patan, starting from simple curiosities to an abundance of beauty, was where we ended up today. The daytime weather was steadily improving. The sky was opening up widely. The clouds and the sun were playing tricks with us. In the cold weather, it was only natural for my heart to yearn for warmth. Noodles were our go-to choice for comfort. Right there, we prepared and savored our next bowls of noodle soup.
The day was slowly coming to an end. The sky was painted in a vermilion hue, a sight that held us captive. However, we hadn’t quite reached our destination yet. We were like the caged birds who now had an infinite sky to fly. It’s this kind of experience that lingers, accompanying us into the night as we spend our sixth day in the embrace of Triveni Patan.
Nature and beauty, perhaps, are two dimensions of living that add some flavor, a taste, and a sense of wonder to our organized lives. Our purpose is also this. Even if not everyone can physically reach there, through this video, we want to make you feel and experience the beauty of Nepal. We have made mistakes in our journey, and we are not oblivious to that, but this 6-day adventure has given us many gifts. Now, the journey has extended to the seventh day. For that, we had planned from the very first day or, let’s say, as soon as you started watching, you were eager to see more. The weather, on that day, was also very cooperative with us. Triveni was playing with us, like a beautiful flower. This added extra energy to us.
Badimalika is well-known from a religious perspective. Despite its remote location, this place attracts a good number of religious pilgrims, especially on the grand occasion of Jaini Purnima. After paying homage to Badimalika Mai, it is believed that one’s wishes will be fulfilled, which is why many devout individuals visit here. However, the lack of proper accommodation and dining facilities poses challenges for many. Therefore, the government has been working on constructing facilities like Dharmashalas, lodges, and other essential buildings to improve the situation.
Accepting Singh Raj Sahi Dai’s invitation, we arrived in Triveni Patan with the hope of witnessing rapid tourism development in the near future and the completion of those ongoing construction projects. We are excited about this, but beyond that, we were even more excited to reach Badimalika.
The first step to reaching Badimalika is to take a holy dip here in Triveni. For the convenience of the pilgrims, the government has constructed a dam here. We took a dip there, in the water at an altitude of around 3,800 meters, and it felt like our bodies were frozen in place. It’s a tradition to purify oneself by taking a dip before visiting Badimalika. After taking this holy dip, all sins are believed to be washed away, and one proceeds on the pilgrimage to Badimalika with a pure heart.
Indeed, Triveni Patan and Badimalika hold great potential as tourist destinations. In Triveni Patan, there’s a special fair held on the occasion of Janai Purnima. During this event, specially selected individuals from Kalikot, Bajura, and Doti districts carry flags and offer their reverence to Bhadimalika Mai. If adequate infrastructure development takes place here, not only from the surrounding districts but also from far-off places and even international tourists could be attracted to this area.
Seeing the plastic waste scattered around the pristine natural beauty had a profound impact. The negligence of people towards such a beautiful place is disheartening. When visiting Badimalika, let’s not forget our responsibility towards the environment. We invite everyone through this video to take care of this place. While resting at various spots, we continued our journey towards Badimalika. The weather played hide and seek with us in every nook and corner.
On the pilgrimage path, we encountered a place like this, where, according to the local legend, the Goddess fought and defeated the demons. The place was marked by a flag. After seeing that we felt now we were heading towards the religious site from here. We’re leaving our footprints behind with green footsteps and following the marked path among the rocks.
On the path to Patan, we reached a place called Lauri Binai. Even behind the name of this place, there are some intriguing stories. Some locals, who brought goods to Patan, claimed to have seen someone here one day. Although they tried to find out who it was, no one had seen anyone. But the presence of Larui (stick), a pot, a bell, and other items led to the belief that those items belonged to goddesses, and that’s how the place got the name Larui Binai. Unfortunately, there was a lot of garbage near the temple which made us feel sad.
As we approached our destination, our enthusiasm grew with each step. The mountainous path required us to be cautious as we continued. From Mumra, we had encountered many challenging pilgrimage routes. Here too, we had to carefully consider each step. Today was special, even more so than the days prior, and that’s why we felt the fatigue creeping in. That final ascent, that last stretch, that ultimate climb, and that ultimate exhaustion! As a result, we were getting closer to our main destination. The journey itself is a beautiful experience, but the excitement and determination to reach the destination were what kept us going. For any traveler, these moments are more memorable than anything else. All the precious experiences make the journey worthwhile. Yes, with that same determination and enthusiasm, we were conquering that final summit.
Finally, after some time, we reached the doors of Badimalika. The ornate doors of Badimalika were adorned with bells, and above all, the majestic idol of Goddess Badimalika stood. From the natural surroundings, we transitioned into a spiritual realm, one step at a time. When we reached the elevation of over 4,200 meters above sea level, it felt like we had conquered the world.
Even though the views of the Apis and Saipals were obscured by clouds in the Himalayas, we found contentment in what we could perceive. Badimalika is a renowned religious site in western Nepal. To reach here is a challenging task, but driven by deep faith, people come here with the hope that their desires will be fulfilled. In just seven days, no matter how tough it got, we reached our destination and left behind all difficulties.
The establishment of Badimalika is associated with the legend of Sati Devi and Lord Mahadev. Mahadev carried Sati Devi’s body on his shoulder. It is said that when one of her shoulders fell here, this place became one of the major Shakti Peethas. Overcoming the hardships, the steep terrain of Triveni Patan, and after days of effort, we completed our beautiful journey to Badimalika, which has always been in our hearts.
In the end, the list of experiences we gained on this journey is quite extensive. From witnessing the breakdown of a vehicle in Nepalgunj at the start to Shera Stay, the rugged yet naturally beautiful region of Western Nepal, the lifestyle on the edge, but gradually transforming environment the relentless uphill climb past Kalikot Pass, the massive lands of Triveni Patan, and finally, the visit to Badimalika, all form the special memories of this journey. We are thankful to all the individuals who supported us on this journey. From Mumra to Triveni Patan, we had fellow travelers like Serbahadur Sahakari and Pankh KC Dai to accompany us. We extend our gratitude to the bus operators and hotel staff in various places. We are grateful to Singh Raj Dai for his support in the mission to develop Triveni Patan. Without the financial support from all our sponsors, who had the faith in us to make this journey, it wouldn’t have been possible. Lastly, from the beginning of our video series until now, we thank all the viewers and special supporters for your continuous encouragement. We will soon be back with another video to meet you all.
Written by: Puspa Devkota
Photos: Abhishek Dhakal, Sadish Joshi, Sushant Chand
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