Amazing Trip of Tatopani, Sindhupalchok, Nepal

During the official visit to Kathmandu from 26 April to 10 May 2019, I was mentally preparing a plan to visit somewhere near Kathmandu. I shared my wish with Ganesh Raj Bhatt, whom I consider an elder brother. He was also interested in traveling to a nearby area of Kathmandu. On 3 May 2019, we sketched a rough plan to visit Tatopani, Sindhupalchok. Meanwhile, we met a friend from the same district and had a brief discussion about the location and the current road conditions. We decided to leave the next day.

On 4 May 2019, our travel plan depended on money. We planned to request financial support from our close friend, colleague, and neighbor, Mr. Madan Bhandari, who is very supportive and helpful. We had planned to leave Kathmandu early in the morning. However, I became worried when Ganesh Dai did not answer his phone despite my calling him 22 times. Finally, on the 23rd call, he answered and suggested canceling the trip. I was unhappy about canceling the plan and again requested that we continue the journey, even if we had to leave in the afternoon. Later, we met Madan Sir, who lent us money for a few days, and then we departed for Tatopani, Sindhupalchok.

Ready to move from Buspark, Kathmandu

I had already visited Tatopani during the relief phase following the 2015 earthquake. This was my second visit to Tatopani. We were curious to travel by public vehicle and observe the rehabilitation progress in the area after the devastating earthquake of 2015.

Our journey started from the bus park to Barhabise on an old public bus. We sat together in the front seat of the bus. The entire bus was crowded with passengers because it was the festival time of “Mother’s Day” on 4 May 2019.

We reached Barhabise at around 4 o’clock and looked for a vehicle to Tatopani. Luckily, the last private vehicle available was heading there, and we reached Tatopani at around 6 o’clock. We stayed one night in a guest house near Tatopani, surrounded by the natural sound of the Bhotekoshi River.

On 5 May 2019, in the morning, we moved toward the China border. The border had remained completely closed since the 2015 earthquake. The surrounding border area was being reconstructed rapidly with the support of the Chinese government, but many private infrastructures were still in the same destroyed condition caused by the devastating earthquake of 2015.

We found a beautiful waterfall in front of the Friendship Bridge at Tatopani, which lies on the China side. After spending some time there, we returned and took a short break at The Last Resort, where one of my most awaited adventurous experiences was waiting for me the Swing.

Mentally, I was prepared to do the Swing, but when I stood on the trail bridge at The Last Resort, I became confused and nervous about whether I could really do it. However, my strong determination, patience, and the motivation and support from Ganesh Dai encouraged me to believe, “Yes, I can.”

Finally, I enjoyed the thrilling jump from a height of 170 meters above the Bhote Koshi River in Sindhupalchok. It remains one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

Please follow the link for the detailed video.  First experience of Swing in THE LAST RESORT

We left The Last Resort at 1:00 PM and headed back to Kathmandu. We reached Dhulikhel at around 4:00 PM. After having light snacks and cold drinks in Dhulikhel, Kavre, we continued our journey and finally reached Kathmandu at around 7:00 PM in the evening.

Changes Observed Along the Sukute Beach to Barhabise Roadside

During my earlier visit in 2015 the area between Sukute Beach and Barhabise was surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. However, many places had suffered from landslides, and physical infrastructures were almost collapsed due to the earthquake. The riverbanks were naturally stable, and the water was clean and clear.

Now, I found the situation completely changed. Physical infrastructures are being rapidly reconstructed, which is very positive and good news for the people of Sindhupalchok. However, at the same time, the natural structure of the Bhotekoshi River is becoming damaged and unattractive. I noticed more than three crusher machines operating near the river. River stones and sand were being collected haphazardly, making the water muddy and affecting the natural beauty of the river.

I felt sad to witness these changes in the Bhotekoshi River. The residents of Sindhupalchok, local government authorities, and people from neighboring areas should think seriously about protecting the river and the environment before it is too late.

Photos and Video of Tatopani, Sindhupalchok  (visit link for detail) Photographs of Visit

Thank you!