Travelogue | Narrated by Sachin Thapa | Transcribed by Gopal Pun
There’s something about travelling—you never really get enough of it. No matter how many places you’ve seen, there’s always that one more road calling you, one more destination waiting somewhere beyond the horizon.
This journey started just like that.
After returning from Sandakpur, a friend and I decided that we weren’t done yet. The urge to ride was still there, and this time, we chose Gupha Pokhari—one of the most loved yet slightly mysterious destinations in eastern Nepal.
We didn’t plan much. Just a bike, a destination, and a bit of madness.
The Beginning: Early Ride & A Small Lie
It was around 6:00 in the morning when we left home from Charali, Jhapa. Like many spontaneous trips, this one also started with a small lie to our parents—because some adventures need a little rebellion.
We had no proper idea about the route. Our only guide was Google Maps, which showed a distance of around 272 km.
At that moment, it felt manageable.
But journeys like this are never just about distance.
First Stops & The Road Rhythm
By the time we reached Bhedetar, about 100 km into the ride, it was around 9:00 AM. The roads were busy with school buses and morning movement, and we stopped for a quick tea break—the kind that feels essential on any Nepali road trip.
While riding through new places, I always feel this quiet curiosity:
What will the place be like?
What kind of people live there?
What stories are hidden behind those hills?
That curiosity keeps you moving.
Our next stop was at the Tamor Bridge, a perfect place for a few photos and a short break. Then we reached Hile, where we had a satisfying lunch before continuing the journey.
We didn’t want to risk riding late into the night, so we kept pushing forward.
When the Journey Turns Uncertain
We had already covered around 200 km, and just when everything seemed on track, things began to fall apart.
We asked locals about the route to Gupha Pokhari.
The responses were unexpected.
Some didn’t know about it at all.
One person even told us there was no route from where we were.
After riding so far, hearing that was frustrating—and honestly, a bit scary.
But turning back wasn’t an option.
Choosing Hope
It was around 3:30 PM, and we decided to trust Google Maps once again. It showed a route, and that was enough for us to keep going—even though doubts filled our minds.
About 15 minutes later, we met an old man.
He said:
“पुग्न त पुग्छौ बाबु, तर बाटो निकै अप्ठेरो छ।”
(You can reach, but the road is very difficult.)
That one sentence changed everything.
Suddenly, the doubts didn’t matter anymore. We just wanted to reach.
The Real Challenge Begins
As we continued, the road slowly disappeared into rough trails.
Gravel. Mud. Stones. Steep climbs.
And then came a moment we’ll never forget.
We reached a riverbank… and there was no road ahead.
Just mountains. Silence. And fading daylight.
We stood there, confused and exhausted, wondering how we had ended up riding through such terrain without a clear path.
A Sign That Changed Everything
After struggling for a while, we came across a board that read:
“गुफापोखरी जाने बाटो” (Way to Gupha Pokhari)
We couldn’t stop laughing.
After all the confusion and doubt, we had actually been on the right path.
Falls, Fatigue & Determination
From there, the journey got even tougher.
The climbs were steep. The road was slippery. We lost balance more times than we could count.
We honestly don’t remember how many times we fell.
But each time, we picked up the bike—and kept moving.
That was the only option.
Darkness, Mud & Fear
By the time night fell, we reached a small house lit by a dim bulb. The people there told us:
“यहाँबाट आधा घण्टा मात्र हो।”
(It’s only half an hour from here.)
That gave us hope.
But the journey wasn’t over yet.
Soon after, our bike got stuck deep in the mud. We spent nearly 45 minutes trying to get it out—tired, frustrated, and slowly losing energy.
At that moment, all kinds of thoughts came rushing in:
What if we couldn’t get it out?
What if we had to stay there all night?
What about wild animals?
But somehow, we managed.
Reaching Gupha Pokhari
After another 15 minutes of riding, we finally reached our destination—Gupha Pokhari.
That feeling of relief is hard to describe.
It wasn’t just about reaching a place. It felt like we had earned it.
We found a small place to stay, freshened up, had a warm dinner, and slept deeply after one of the most exhausting rides of our lives.
The Morning That Made It Worth It
The next morning, we woke up early and went out to explore.
And just like that, everything changed.
The view was peaceful, surreal, and breathtaking.
The lake was calm and flawless, reflecting the sky like a mirror.
At that moment, every struggle from the previous day felt worth it.
What This Journey Taught Me
This trip wasn’t just about reaching Gupha Pokhari.
It was about not giving up.
Sometimes the road disappears.
Sometimes people tell you it’s not possible.
Sometimes everything goes wrong.
But if you keep moving—with hope—you eventually get there.
For Fellow Travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Gupha Pokhari:
- Be prepared for challenging off-road sections
- Don’t rely only on maps—ask locals
- Start early and avoid riding at night
- And most importantly—don’t lose hope
Because some journeys aren’t meant to be easy.
They’re meant to stay with you forever.
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