Adventures in Nepal and taking a leap of faith

After a period of hard work on an internship and studying for the past six months, I knew that I needed a significant break to refresh my mind and decided to spend the short semester break hiking, sightseeing and adventuring in Nepal.  

My trip's main purpose was to test if I could learn to be mature, make independent decisions and get out of my comfort zone. It was also to help me transition back into a productive study session. Did my journey lead to triumph and efficiency, or was it just a tale of unexpected challenges? Could the outcome surprise you with its twists and turns? I’m leaving the decision to you as you read.

Bungee jumping

Arriving in Pokhara, Nepal felt like walking into a chill town where the snowy Fishtail Mountain gazes at the shy cloud in a gentle embrace. This town is home to the world's second-highest bungee jumping spot along with hotspots for paragliding and hot air balloon rides, Everest scenic flights and zip-line rides offering a thrilling mix of fear, bravery and an electrifying experience.

My day began with a challenge as I overslept, missing the transportation service from The Cliff company. I was determined to save money for future adventures or a delicious meal like Tteokbokki at a fancy restaurant with an aesthetic interior for my Instagram reels. I ended up asking a local for advice, and a kind brother suggested taking the local bus, which cost me only 500 NPR for a round trip, saving me 4000 NPR of an expensive private jeep. 

At The Cliff Bungee base's waiting room, I met a seasoned Swedish adrenaline seeker who shared his past jump experiences, encouraged me to take the leap of faith, and told me to savour the moment while it lasts. Standing on the edge of the cliff, countless thoughts whirled around my mind until I heard the instructor's countdown - 3, 2, 1, bungeeeee! They don't usually push you; it's your choice. If you back out, there's no refund. I thought, what the heck? I had nothing to lose. So, I took that leap of faith.

Suddenly, I discovered myself flying in the air with arms wide open and the wind rushing past me and my pounding heart. All my anxieties and self-doubts seemed to melt away as I fell for a straight 7.5 seconds. The experience was exhilarating, and it was worth every heartbeat. I want to do it again and I encourage everyone reading this to try it at least once!  

It took me some time to reflect on the experience and how it related to my journey of personal growth. As I stood near the edge of the cliff, looking out at the verdant valleys and the howling river flowing below, I thought about the phrase "take the leap of faith" that the Swedish adrenaline junkie said to encourage me to make the jump. I realised that in many ways:

Life is a series of steps outside our comfort zone - and growth happens when we find the courage to take just one more step.

Hiking to the Australian Base Camp

After taking the leap with the bungee jump, I headed straight to a nearby camp for some trekking action. The whole journey from my hostel to the Australian Base Camp in Dhampus Village in Nepal, and back, took me six hours. As I trudged up the mountain, I crossed paths with Tung Shen, a Taiwanese American Doctor fresh out of her master’s programme. We hit it off instantly, bonding over our cultural quirks as we hiked our way up. Being a newbie to mountain hikes, my legs would go numb every 30 minutes. But Dr. Tung was cheering for me and influencing me to take that extra step and soldier on for just five more minutes each time.

We usually took breaks along the trail for water, chocolates and even caught sight of a majestic mountain deer. Finally, after hiking 2065 meters, we saw the peak of the snowy Fishtail Mountain gently piercing through the cloudscape. From the rugged short stone walls beside us, to the distant colourful tents dotting the landscape, the flowers, and the chirping of birds, every little detail seemed straight out of a dream. Stunned by nature's beauty, I wondered how breathtaking it all was.

Taking that “one more step” and pushing myself to the edge rewarded me with a mesmerising view, a new friend, and a cup of tea at the mountaintop with a golden opportunity to watch the sun slowly setting beside the snowy Fishtail. At that time, I had no mental pressure and no regrets about my life.  

Setting mini goals

Upon returning home, I found myself pondering newfound energy and determination. One of the first steps I took was setting mini goals, both academic and personal. Academically, I aimed to improve my grades by one letter in each subject and master the Pomodoro technique for efficient study sessions. Personally, I committed to maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, drawing from the restful nights enjoyed in the serene villages of Nepal. The peaceful surroundings and my disciplined daily routine there taught me the value of quality sleep, which I’m now incorporating into my life at home with enhanced focus and productivity.

Moreover, I began utilising productivity tools and methods that mirrored my adventures. Using the internet, how I cautiously planned my trekking routes, food hunts, and activities in Nepal, influenced me to use tools like Generative AI and Notion for tracking assignments and deadlines. I’m also trying “active recall” and taking thorough notes to make it my new normal. My Nepalese adventure was more than just a physical journey; it was a blueprint of realisations for achieving mini goals through structured efforts and strategic planning.

Reflection and motivation

Traveling through Nepal provided me with stories that underscored the profound impact of exploration and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. For instance, my encounter with the local who helped me navigate the bus system to save money: this experience highlighted the importance of communication and openness to new experiences, teaching me that solutions often lie in unexpected places. Another inspiring moment was meeting Dr. Tung during my hike. Her encouragement to push through the physical strain of the trek mirrored the academic challenges I faced before my midterms. Each step up the mountain became a metaphor for overcoming obstacles in my studies.

These stories are not just personal anecdotes but universal lessons. Traveling offers insights and experiences that textbooks cannot. It fosters resilience, adaptability and a broader perspective on life. I encourage every student reading this to plan their own journey. The world outside the classroom holds invaluable lessons that can shape one’s academic and personal growth in ways one would never imagine.

Reflecting on my Nepalese adventure, I realised it was a transformative experience that extended far beyond thrill-seeking. What do you think? To me, it was about facing challenges, setting goals and pushing boundaries both physically and mentally. Traveling opened my eyes to new perspectives and empowered me to be equipped with practical tools for success.

So, dear reader, have you taken your leap of faith yet? What steps will you take to rejuvenate and refocus your life? Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Jamiul studies BSc Computer Science in Bangladesh.