In recent days, I feel like I have been accumulating enough memories for a lifetime. The photographs, which are a token of the happy times, have been a constant reminder of the priceless bond I share with some of the best people in my life. It all happened during one of my college excursions.

I didn’t understand the value of those times when it was happening but now, looking back, I think travelling with my close friends and establishing new friendships has been a life lesson. It happened during my visit to Pokhara and Bandipur.

The four-day visit wasn’t anything like I had expected. I surely wasn’t expecting to learn so many things about myself also while enjoying the most out of it. The excursion was a very rushed one—we visited Pokhara, hiked to Ghandruk, and also made a quick pit-stop at beautiful Bandipur.

The highlight of the trip for me was getting on a bus full of people who were just acquaintances but building strong friendships with them by the time we got off on our first destination. When I took the bus I didn’t have the slightest idea that I would form such a strong bond with people I barely knew. Someone had told me that travelling together can be a fantastic way to connect with people, and I couldn’t agree more after my experience.

Apart from the company, I also realised that travelling is a source of education. I soaked in the beauty of nature, the vibrant vibe from the city streets and the constant motion of the journey. I learned to appreciate the cycle of nature—the sunrise and sunset, and its impact on us and our survival. I would have never understood these things if I had not travelled out of my protective shelter.

In a nutshell, the money I had spent during the travel is nothing compared to the memories, experiences and learning that I gained. It was not my first time in Pokhara, but it was certainly the best one.

 It was a perfect vacation. I learned more about myself and it is one trip I will cherish all my life, even in my old age.

Twayana is Grade 12 student at Khwopa Secondary School