Manokamana Trip @ 1997 ( Motorcycle Diary )

Stretching my hands, taking Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FS42 camera and buying a water bottle, I set to experience some road trip. It was early in the morning and the sun was about to shine in the clear blue sky. My Kawasaki bajaj 4S champion 100cc Motorbike commenced its journey to one of the heritage places of Nepal called Manokamana,  a temple  of wish fulfilling Goddess. It was a picturesque hill town that had a rich heritage stories of its own. The place is situated on a small mountain at the height of about 3,500 feet from the sea level, and it offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks.It was about 9:45 in the morning when I left Thankot to head towards my destination. I’ was all  alone, and I began the journey with full of enthusiasm and excitement as it was the 2nd long road trip to Manokamana . After about a couple of hours of driving, I stopped to get a cup of tea and get some pee out. And then resumed my journey before I stopped again at Malekhu, where I had Malekhu special fish, which was simply too delicious with chilled Beer. Having stayed there for about forty five minutes, I set off again with my stomach full. With AC/DC’s “black and black” song on my Discman My road trip began.I reached my destination, Manokamana at about 12:15 PM. The weather was foggy. However, that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Riders, who were excited to go up to the famous Manokamana Temple without losing any time. But cable car was stopped for half an hour...it was lunch break. In just 30 minutes Cable car started, within 15 minutes,I arrived there. Although the weather condition was not in my camera’s favour, on a positive note, it did help me to see the changing mother-nature moments, since the environment was not so cool even I could see fog and pollution-free because of the foggy weather. It was amazing to see such old and antique, fine woodcarving things in the 21st century.At  night I stayed at Ram lodge, In night the environment was so worshipful.  Near, the teenage group was enjoying with beating madal, another thin boy singing a song “resam ferrireee” and I was enjoying with chilled beer and sekuwa.

Another Morning with little bit pain in back bone and dirty converse shoe, I concluded my unforgettable Manokamana road trip by arriving at a restaurant to have “Masu Bhat & Ghee” as lunch. After having lunch, I happily returned with a big smile at face, and with full of GNR’s song “Welcome to the jungle” on the way back to Kathmandu.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                -Niraj Man Singh @1997

Road Trip at Birgunj (Motorcycle Diary)

Planning a Road Trip?  Ready for the Rock and Roll!  Outdoor adventure waits! Roads, landscapes, Hills and mountains - expect all these and more. Pack your bags and let’s head to BIRGUNJ.

There are many day trip opportunities in Nepal.  Depending on your personal level of adventure, you can swim, hike, follow naturalist trails and arrange camping trips. You can do all that in your way. It is an enchanting town located in the south of Nepal, at the junction of Nepal and India border Highway.

The trip to Birgunj is well worth it. Known as The Valley of the Business, you will instantly fall in love with it clock tower, Temples, deep sparkling Ghadiarwa Lake park , gentle Birgunj gate, At the highway open spaces and fields of grain. Here is a Temple named called Gita Mandir where you can learn about Holy Mahabharat with beautiful Architectural fine art. Indeed, it’s best for those city dwellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle. Major festivals are the Blossom Festival held in March the Holi and November, the Chhat, Dasahara and Diwali Festival every October and the fall at night with beautiful glowing City. Even without these festivities, there are enough places to see and do in this business town. Visit the Holy place Bindabashni Mandir for open beautiful landscapes and appreciate the Murals of local which depict the life in the village. 

Day #1 @2009-10-4 :It was September, rays of wintery-wormy day at Kathmandu. The counting start on the way in the cold morning, I reached Pharping, where traffic stopped me for License
checking after a while I passed through 15 minutes ride and I stopped for  a cup of hot tea coz’ environment was so naughty. After having tea and cigarette my road trip began with The Door’s song “People are strangers” on my mp4 player. On the way I remembered my past life at Birgunj.. “Who am I? What am I now? What I’m doing now?, Is this called life what I’m having now? I’ dont belong here” Questions were going on and on. Then I changed track again there is the doors:-“Riders on the storm” This was good music for Road trip..Wow!! Then I headed towards crossroads, I stopped my motorbike, I didnt have a clue  where to go. I looked around but nobody was there. Then I lightened my cigarette, after a while I got the way. I followed other bikers. After a long drive of more than three hours I got hungry. I stopped for a lunch at Chisapani, Dewrali called Bhok mitho hotel, although it sounds weird but I started  my ride after having Sanmiguel beer at around 11:00am. I reached the ‘Kulekhani dam’ at the bank of the beautiful river. The dam locked by Nepal Army and you don’t have permission to get though without entering your ID cards numbers or have been checked; and its restriction to  photograph, but I liked miniatures capturing every details of microcosm nature. And it’s me “There is no any rules that can rule me”.I stopped at check post the army asked “Kaha janalageko?”.I said “Birgunj jana lageko”.“Licence number. Bhannush”-he strictly asked.And I said “05-522477/35827”.The Army man Smiled and said “Kati laamo Number ho?”.”Khoi sarkar le diyekai yeshtai cha” I said.After that I passed through. The Dam was so beautiful. It is well said ”Nazar nahi hatti nazaare hum yeh kya dekhe”. Destination kept changing from one place to another. Finally I arrived at Birgunj. It was quite changed then before..But one thing was not changed still..!!! It was still TOO HOT MAN!!! I met my best friend Santosh and we had good time at Bishwo raj’s small restaurant, we all were class mates when we were at Trijudda School. At night I stayed at Santosh’s
new home.It was a bit difficult to sleep at my friend’s house, a lot of memories
carrying in this city. Once I ruled this city I had got home here, business,Name
and fame…but today???? I have nothing; except sweet memories.

Day #2: 5-10-2009: An early bird as I am not … I sacrificed the tempting Monday morning sleep and I wake up for  meeting some old friends and take  shoots. I had stunningly beautiful changed city to look forward to, and the scenes right ahead. Riding in the morning through beautiful city with fresh air was fun. I took out my camera and captured some beautiful landscape of Birta mai, Ghanta ghar and my old house; where I was grown up, The sad part was, Now that house does not belong to me. Something still got into the house. it was the letter written on the top“NIRAJ BHAWAN”. It was really painful to see that name still on it. With the hurtful tears but not a drop to see. I tried to start my bike but starter was broken.I left my bike in Sita ram’s garage and took rickshaw for visit to Maisthan. I met Suman, Sanju,Dhiraj and My rakhi sis Anju...they all werefine and got good life and business. I had some marvelous tea at Anju’s house, but still I could hear that word “Ghar na-aaunu” in my thought. I could feel blisters inside the heart – “I should’ leave now!!” I took my bike from garage and Sita ram said: “Dai ahile sama yehi motor cycle chadnu huncha, Maileta socheko thiye tapai le arkai bike kinnu vayo”. I said:“Kinnu ta hunthiyo dai tara ke garnu petrol pahile ko jashto paundaina, pahila po 20/- rupiya ma paunthiyo ahile shortage huncha tesh ma pani petrol ko daam yeti mahango cha, Kathmandu- Birgunj jashto sano town hoina teshma pani pahad cha, mero bike 1 litter 70 kilometer dincha, aba kashlai dekhaunu cha ra pulser chadera”. Sita ram laughed and said “tiyo ta ho dai yesle jashto mileage aru bike le kaha dincha ra.” I had planned to lhave ocal wine with Ajay at evening but Santosh changed the plan, He arranged the small party at his sasuraly and I was surprised. After party I bought cheap helmet and winr for an evening bikeride. Now we were at maisthan chowk...having some paan and cigarette. And I was shocked coz all peoples are breaking traffic rules, without helmet and proper number plate they  were enjoying the ride and bichara traffic couldn’t do anything. I remembered Santosh said: “Yeha yeshtai ho Niraj. Time has been changed, Madeshi haru kai raaj cha ahile, Traffic kehi bolosh ta mukhai ma khancha, Bina helmate tabor load bike chalauncha.”  I said:“Ho yaar, pahile yehi chowk ma one way bata aayo vanera mero licence leyeko thiyo traffic le, but aaja one way ko board ko kehi matlab chaina”.Tonight is my last night at Birgunj. Uncle and Aunty they love me as own child they can’t stop saying “Babu dui char din basera jau”. At dinner they made especial dish for me with heart full of love.

- Niraj Man Singh @ 2009 (Memory Never Die)

Save our Heritage Kirtipur

 Kirtipur is a medieval settlement located along a narrow ridge towards the southwest of the Kathmandu Valley. The medieval Newari settlement was developed with fort-like characteristics. The victory over Kirtipur by the army from Gorkha was pivotal in the history of the unification of Nepal. Kirtipur is a testimony to the medieval art and architecture of the Newars. The classified monuments include: Chilancho Vihar, Jagat Pal Vihar, Buddha Dharma Sangha Shikhara, Baghbhairab Temple,Layaku, Umamaheshvar Temple, Indrayani Pith, Chitu Bahail, Lokeshwar Shikhara, Buddha Temple, Chve Bahal and Kwe Bahal.

This State of designations are enacted recognizing the historical and environmental significance of this area. We need to achieve permanent protections for the national historical, cultural, and environmental resources in order to prevent their gradual degradation by pollution, noise, and development.

"It is embarrassing that the National Historic Place Kirtipur needs to remind us to think about the value and importance of preserving our history, I thought we already understood that"

We're already ruining so much of this city by our carelessness. This above all others, the place where we began, must not be destroyed. If you don't care about the place where our city was created, then what else should you care about? 

Many people are confused about the MALLA King of KIRTIPUR.These are completely separate and distinct entities. The threats to the historic and natural resources of the area are not due to the KIRTIPUR, they are due to a quasi-public authority. This is what I got the One and only one Prove THE MALLA KING OF KIRTIPUR.

The Malla King Of King

Once the spell, the spirit, of these treasured places is violated or destroyed, they're never the same again. You can't bring them back.

If we can't protect Our Kirtipur, the birthplace of the environmental movement, we risk losing all our national treasure and all our monuments of Identity.

We talk of defending freedom, peace and democracy around the world, but we are doing very little to safeguard the very cradle of those ideals here at home.

The shot heard round the KIRTIPUR. These nationally important sites, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors a year from around the world, when I was Kid. But now……It is time for the unnecessary commercialization and expansion of Kirtipur Field to come to a halt.


All Photography and Article By: William Newrose

Chilancho Chithu Bihar

भगना अवसेष मा रहेको मल्ल कालिन Yellow Buddha

Motorcycle Diary (Kathmandu-Manokamana-Damauli-Pokhara-Kathmandu)

Dear Diary

Finally ! We decided to leave Kathmandu on date of 2066/3/14, 28 jun 2009 Sunday. We (Sapan and Me) both excited about our highway Motor cycle trip and wondering to know what will be the next.

            My Plan is to first stay in Damauli the first night and try to get some Information about Chapdi Barahi Temple then I’ll take a bit of time to make plan of our next move.

Nepal is a land of unparalleled scenic beauty located with one of the most diverse diverse geographical areas on earth. Nestled high in the Himalayan between china and India, is has retained its essentially agrarian and medieval character. Its wondrous history and geography are still the defining aspects of every life.

Since Nepal first opened its frontiers to foreign visitors in the fifties, it has been the epicenter of Himalayan adventure activities. Climbing and trekking holiday in Nepal Himalaya has become highly sought after adventure sport throughout the world soon after the advent of tourism culture. Nepal has an unsurpassed range of environment, ranging from the lowland of Terai to the snowy summit of the highest mountain range on Earth. Traveling in Nepal not only offers an opportunity to submerge in Himalayan bliss but also a change to step back in time. Standing before the entire world as a vivid kaleidoscope of picturesque landscapes, exotic wildlife, arid high-altitude meadows, magnificent mountains, incredible travel destinations, unique culture, festivals, ancient heritage, pristine backwater, and exotic cuisine, Nepal is undoubtedly a traveler’s delight. Bike riding in Nepal is often referred to as riding through the Paradise on Earth.

Way to Manokamana Temple

Day 01.Riding in the Rain 2066/3/14

Riding in the rain. Being cold- Today is raining but we are riding on highway, riding with a helmet visor that needs repair, a jacket that is too warm, sweat running down my back-way do I choose to ride my own motorcycle on these days? For us, it has to be more than just that feeling of perfection, passion of our projects Documentary that comes while riding in ideal conditions. It’s the challenge of making it thought the bad morning, leaving in the rain and arriving in another city in the early evening with clear sky. But we can’t arrive early evening at Damauli cause 1 vehicle hit the man and he was dead so road is closed. So we went MANOKAMANA Temple.

Way to Manokamana Cable Car

MANOKAMANA TEMPLE We haven’t seen such a beautiful scene in my life. The moment is very likely and unforgettable for us. The weather is very changeable at the moment. We saw their fog…Yes FOG in the summer and you can feel the fog moving behind your face. Beautiful sunset-feel like we are on Heaven in Earth.

Sunsit view from Manokamana Temple

Foggy View From Manokamana temple

Day 02.Manokamana Temple to Damauli 2066-3-15

Today, temperature perfect, the weather perfect-blue skies, no clouds- I thought about just ideal the conditions were for motorcycling. Just perfect, I was comfortable, the motorcycle was behaving exactly as it should, and the most overwhelming sense of well-being came over me. But it was more than a sense of well-being. It was a feeling of complete awareness of the perfection of the moment.

Highway Riding

Sometimes we just can’t get where we are going by nice curvy country roads. We have to get from point to another point, We need to travel a distance on the highway, at high speeds to get where the real adventure motorcycle, when I first started riding, I was little bit worried. I felt as though the wind would blow me off the bike or the wind would blow the bike off the road. I lacked the confidence that I had total control of the motorcycle, and that I could outsmart and outrun the vehicles with whom I was sharing the highway. To me, seed, wind and distance were dangerous.

Way to Damauli

The Seti river offers two options, one easy the other a little harder.

Option 1 for Novices/ Clinics and family groups involves a bus ride to Damauli (Pokhara 2 hours, Kathmandu 5-6 hours) here you join the Mardi Khola which brings you very quickly to the Seti river. Early season you could get to the take-out in a day. A steady float would make it two.

Seti river....Kids having fun

Option 2 is a good self sufficient trip for kayakers. Starting with a bus ride to Dule Gouda (Phokara 1 hours) and a day of 4+ then class 3 rapids get steadily easier to class 2 at the Confluence of the Mardi Khola. A day or so from here in a kayak would bring you to the take-out.

Chapdi Barahi Temple

Day 03.Chapdi Barahi Temple-(Damauli) to Phokhara 2066/3/16

Breakfast at the Hotel (Hotel Navaratri) and ready for riding at 8:00 am. For Chapdi Barahi Temple. The temple is 20 minus far from Damauli bazaar with my Motorcycle. Some believable person trust that the main goddess fish have a golden remark in the middle of head but its shows on 15 Ashad month only.

Lunch at the Hotel at 11:00 am. We are ready for ride to the Pokhara. We booked Room at Stay Well Guest House. And went to look around at Lake side. After Boat ride in Phewa lake and visit Barahi temple I feel that “पोखरा मा तालै ताल but काठमाडौँ मा पानी को बेहाल”.

Barahi Temple

Bat Cave

 Day 04. Pokhara- Respect to the Danger-2066/3/17
Start riding early morning to the next adventure experience. We went to grab the thrill in Mahendra cave. This is a limestone cave named after King Mahendra . The Surrounding village is known as Batulechour. Professional minstrels known as Gaines live in this village. There is another cave known as Bat Cave in the nearby vicinity. In Bat Cave we have most unforgettable moment. We entered 2 times in this cave there are lots of bats and too bad smell. Next move on Devi’s fall:- Locally known as Patale change, Devi’s fall is the most famous water fall in Pokhara. It is 2 km southwest of downtown Phokhara. During summer and raining season, the waterfall takes its real form, with gushing water splashing and making its way through the rocks. There is a cave known as Gupteshower Ghupha on the other side of the road. The cave is popular of the different natural from limestone deposits. 

Phewa Lake

Our last visit on World peace pagoda (The Chinese gumba).

Chinese Gumba

Near the Kumari Cave Seti River

Sapan Shrestha Near the Kumari Cave

Day 05. Back Home from Pokhara 2066/3/18

Trip Ends….After breakfast we fill fuel full tank in my motorbike. Then we arrive to the Kathmandu. Time and experience changed my mind with respect to the danger involved, but we still don’t really think that highway riding is fun but it is fun but it is sometimes very necessary. If you want to get from east to west, and you are going to have to do some highway riding. You’re going to be doing some long distance motorcycle travel. So make the best of it. Look over at those people in cars and feel sorry from them. Cause you are on a Motorcycle !!

Way back Home Pokhara to Kathmandu

Cover Design