The spark of my biking passion was ignited during my childhood when I watched a Discovery documentary about Harley Davidson. That vision of freedom on two wheels stayed with me, leading to a lifelong dream of owning a cruiser bike and exploring India’s diverse landscapes. My Bajaj Avenger became my trusted companion for these escapades. In 2011, I had an extraordinary opportunity to cross the Indian border into Nepal—an adventurous feat I’d always envisioned. While on a trip to Nainital with office colleagues, the allure of the China & Nepalese border was too strong to resist. As my colleagues opted out, I embraced on solo journey towards Nepal, as i can’t enter china without proper passport and visa. From Nainital, I rode to Tanakpur, then crossed the Gadda Chowki checkpoint and Sharda Barrage into Mahendra Nagar, Nepal, which marked a pivotal moment in my biking adventures.
Riding through Nepal was surreal—a stark contrast to the bustling chaos of Indian cities. The simplicity of life there was enchanting, with lush farmland, grazing cattle, and a culture steeped in Hindu traditions. In Mahendra Nagar, I explored vibrant markets resembling those in Indian towns but with unique local charm. I indulged in traditional Nepali food, exchanged currency, and purchased a symbolic Nepali topi. During my brief stay, I made calls to my parents and close friends like Sunil Jadon, Rishi Tiwari, and Pritesh Gehlot to share the thrill of my journey. The roads were quieter, and the people exuded warmth and simplicity, leaving an indelible mark on my heart. The cultural shift was evident, and I cherished the unique experience of seeing a different side of life just across the border.
Before returning to India, I ensured I captured lasting memories. Though photography of the actual border was restricted, I documented my adventure with snapshots of nearby milestones, 1 KM to Gadda chowki and 5 KM to Mahendra Nagar written in Hindi. Crossing the border back into India was bittersweet, as those few hours in Nepal had shown me the beauty of simplicity and connection. To this day, the framed border crossing permit of that journey along with currency Note and coin, remind me of the profound lessons learned on my two-wheeled exploration. The experience wasn’t just about crossing geographical boundaries but also breaking barriers within myself, embracing spontaneity, and celebrating life’s simplest joys.
#Year2011 #Nepal #MahendraNagar #MotorcycleDiary #BikeRide #SoloRide
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