Kathmandu:

Let’s take a walk, or more appropriately get on you motorbikes and cycles to visit some places so beautiful and so near our Valley that we always forget them and go after something (or dream about) in faraway Switzerland or someplace so exotic that we haven’t even heard of.

Our destination is Dakshinakali temple, and to make our journey more interesting let’s start by tracing our homeward route.

A short flight up the stairs leads you to the temple of Dakshinakali Mai. After paying homage, make it a point to spend some time atop the little hill and soak in the peaceful ambience. The greenery around will soothe you if nothing else.

The adventurous kind can try their spirits at the not-so-well-formed road opposite the stairs.

If you decide to return with me, let’s head to our next destination — Shesh Narayan temple. As you cross the Pharping check post and head down, the temple temple on just on the left of the turning. The huge rocks that surround this temple give it that distinct look. However, the best part is the pool right next to the stairs. The best place to get a really view of the lake is the raised stone block at the other end of the pool. Perch yourself on this rock and enjoy a view that money just can’t buy.

If it interests you, catch a fish of the lake, make a wish and release it. You can spend the day here, or if you are in for more peace and tranquillity, come with me to the Rigon Tashi Choeling Monastery.

You will not miss the sign board of the monastery on left hand side of the road. Follow the arrow, and you are there.

The speckless grounds welcome to this extremely beautiful monastery. The art work on the building itself will leave you spellbound. If you are lucky enough, you may get a chance to go in, but unfortunately the monastery is not open at all times. It is generally open to the public from around 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

And as you drive down to Taudaha, which is our next stop, enjoy the scenic beauty of Khokana.

Taudaha, a huge pond, looks best specially before sunset: the beautiful hues of the sky reflected on the water below is indeed a spectacle to behold.

If you can dare and are ready to cross the river, then try the path behind Taudaha to climb the hillock leading to Khokana temple. A journey that would take you on a drive right around the city will just take 10 minutes. But it is risky.

We move to Jal Binayak Mandir, located near the cement factory (take the lane that leads towards the right). Unfortunately, the river that flows below is in a really bad condition, but you can enjoy the sound of the flowing river as you sit on the hillock that surrounds this area.

Another part that most people enjoy here is running around on the hanging bridge, which is sturdy enough.

Our last stop is the Adinath temple, situated on top of Chobhar. There is a green board saying ‘Chobhar Village’, and a winding road takes you right up to the temple. Apart from the view from the top, the views to be enjoyed on the way to the top are something to kill for.

You could try one more spot on the way to Dakshinakali — Chalnakhel. After you cross Taudaha, you arrive at a small area with a huge tree and a tap. A small board on which is written Chalnakhel is placed on a tree that points the way down to this place.

Though the roads have not been properly paved, the scenery is fascinating. Sadly the river has considerably dried up. Nonetheless, it is still adding to the beauty that surrounds us.

On our jaunts, don’t forget to carry bottled water, and food if you want, otherwise you can stop at wayside eateries for a bite. Others necessities are good walking shoes, a cap, suncreen and an attitude that takes a scraped knee, a blister here or there, and the sun, in its stride.