Sometimes, the path to healing is uphill. And muddy. And full of buffalo.
🌬️ I Was Burnt Out and Needed Air
Three months ago, I was tired. Not just tired like I-need-a-nap tired. I was done. Work was stressful, my sleep was terrible, and I had forgotten what it felt like to be excited about anything.
That’s when I found Khopra Ridge. I had never heard of it before. All I knew was that it was a quieter trek in Nepal. It is less crowded than the usual ones. It seemed like a good escape. And honestly, I didn’t know how much I needed it.
🥾 My First Trek Ever
I had never done a proper mountain hike before. I was nervous. What if I couldn’t keep up? What if I hated it?
But as I started walking up through the small villages and forests, I felt something shift. My phone had no signal. My inbox didn’t matter. I was just walking one step, then another.
The air was thin, sure. But I could breathe. For the first time in weeks, maybe months, I felt light.
🌄 The View That Changed Everything
On day four, I reached the ridge. I was out of breath. My legs ached. But when I looked up and saw Dhaulagiri standing tall in front of me, I almost cried.
It was so still. No cars. No noise. Just mountains, sky, and silence.
There were a few buffalo nearby. A couple of curious kids waved at me. And I just stood there, feeling small in the best way.
🧠 Nature Really Does Heal (It’s Science!)
Turns out, it’s not just in my head. Spending time in nature has real effects on mental health.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20 minutes in nature can lower stress hormones like cortisol (Hunter et al.). Another report by the American Psychological Association confirms that time outdoors boosts mood and focus.
And hiking? Even better. Walking in green spaces has been shown to improve memory, lower anxiety, and increase feelings of well-being (Berman et al.).
I didn’t know all this back then. But my body knew. My mind knew.
❤️ The People Made It Even Better
On the way back down, I stayed in small teahouses. The food was simple but warm. Dal bhat never tasted so good. The local people smiled often, even though we didn’t share a language.
One man gave me ginger tea for my sore throat. A little girl shared her biscuit with me.
It felt like the world slowed down. Like people actually looked at each other.
🧳 You Don’t Need to Be a “Trekker”
I’m not super fit. I don’t have fancy gear. But I did it and so can you.
Khopra Ridge is perfect if you want a peaceful, beautiful walk without the crowds. You don’t need to be fast. You just need to start.
🌞 I Came Back Lighter
After the trek, I came home the same person but different. I still had emails. I still had bills. But something inside me had changed.
I remembered how to slow down. How to be present. How to breathe again.
📌 Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or just need a break from the noise, take a walk up Khopra Ridge.
Not to “find yourself” but maybe to lose the stress for a while.
Because sometimes, healing starts with sore legs, a cold breeze, and a view that takes your breath away.
