The Accidental Hike: Searching for Om Park, Discovering the Foggy Trails of Ghunde
🌄 The Plan: Om Park or Bust
It all began at 6 AM in the village of Andheri, where our group of friends gathered with excitement for a hiking day. We had heard of Om Park — a scenic, lesser-known spot in the hills of Sindhupalchowk — and were eager to explore it.
We followed the familiar road past Jalbari and reached Mankha, where we stopped for a quick tea and biscuit break. Locals kindly suggested we carry a packet of salt — leeches are a constant in the monsoon, and we were thankful for the tip!
🧭 The Wrong Turn: Confused by a Map and Meadows
As we climbed higher, above Buwase, we stopped to check Google Maps for directions to Om Park. That’s when things went slightly… off course.
The network was weak. Our friend (yes, that would be me — Santosh 😅) saw an open meadow on the map and confidently assumed, “Yes, this is Om Park!”
So we took that trail — unknowingly headed toward a place called Ghunde.
🌫️ Surprise Destination: Welcome to Ghunde
After hours of walking through thick fog, wet trails, and silence broken only by birdcalls and our own laughter, we arrived.
We asked a local, “How far is Om Park from here?”
Their reply? “3 to 4 more hours from here.”
We were stunned. We had come completely off-track.
But Ghunde — quiet, serene, blanketed in monsoon mist — had its own magic.
Though we didn’t get the views we had hoped for, the landscape held a kind of peace only unexpected places can offer.
🥾 The Never-Ending Trail to Lamosanghu
After soaking in the silence of Ghunde, we decided to return — this time via a different route, heading toward Lamosanghu.
On the way, we kept asking locals:
“How far to Lamosanghu?”
And the answer, every single time: “Dui ghanta jati hola!” (Roughly 2 hours)
We laughed because even after walking 2 more hours… we’d ask again and still get “2 hours.”
The eternal two hours. 🤣
💭 Final Thoughts: Sometimes Getting Lost is the Plan
Our hike didn’t go as planned — we never reached Om Park.
But in return, we found Ghunde, a place we never knew we needed to see.
It was exhausting, muddy, foggy, full of surprises — and unforgettable.
📝 Takeaways for Future Trekkers
If you're ever planning a hike in Sindhupalchowk during monsoon, here are 3 things to remember:
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🧂 Salt > Leeches
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📶 Maps + low signal = adventure
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🛤️ The wrong path might just lead you to the right experience
📌 Bonus Tip
Ghunde might not be on your original itinerary — but it should be.
Just maybe… double-check your GPS next time. 😉
Santosh Timalsina
Travel Writer, Photographer & Storyteller
I am a science student with a deep passion for web technologies and artificial intelligence, but what truly excites me goes beyond just the tech. I am captivated by the power of storytelling—whether it’s through teaching, sharing ideas, or simply connecting with others. As an educator, I love helping others build problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, all while weaving in stories that make learning more engaging. Outside of that, I am an active listener, a fan of films and music, and I am working on becoming a more dedicated reader. I am excited about any opportunity to connect with people and projects that blend science, technology, and a human touch, where every interaction tells its own unique story.
