Stepping into the New Year Together: A Hike of Connection at Jamacho Gumba

The rhythmic crunch of hiking boots on forest trails, bursts of laughter echoing between towering pines, and the shared accomplishment of reaching a breathtaking vista—these moments defined the Leo Club of Kathmandu Himalayas Patan's New Year Hike and Fellowship Program on April 13, 2024. Beginning at Bypass, Balaju in the early morning hours, club members and their guests embarked on a journey that would strengthen their connections while celebrating the arrival of Nepal's traditional new year.

The destination—Jamacho Gumba—offered not just a physical goal but a symbolic ascent that mirrored the club's aspirations for the coming year. Situated atop Nagarjun Hill and home to a significant Buddhist monastery, this location provided both cultural significance and natural beauty as the backdrop for a day dedicated to fellowship and renewal.

More Than a Hike: A Journey of Connection

While many might view hiking primarily as physical exercise, this event deliberately transformed the activity into a vehicle for deeper human connection. As participants navigated the moderately challenging trails leading to Jamacho Gumba, natural conversations flowed freely—something often difficult to achieve in more structured settings. Walking side by side, members naturally shifted between different groupings, creating opportunities for conversations with colleagues they might interact with less frequently during regular meetings.

"There's something about walking together that removes barriers," reflected one participant. "When you're helping someone navigate a steep section or sharing water during a rest break, titles and roles fade away, and you connect simply as people with a shared goal."

The physical aspects of the hike also created natural metaphors for the club's approach to service and leadership. Just as experienced hikers offered encouragement to first-timers on challenging sections, senior members provided mentorship to newer ones. When someone needed a rest, others waited patiently—a tangible demonstration of the club's values of inclusivity and mutual support.

Fellowship Through Food and Song

Upon reaching a suitable resting point with scenic views of the Kathmandu Valley below, participants unpacked their "dry picnic"—a thoughtfully organized meal designed to be transported easily while hiking. But what might sound utilitarian in description became a feast of sharing in practice. Club members exchanged portions of their packed lunches, offered homemade specialties to the group, and created an impromptu buffet that represented the diverse culinary traditions of their families.

This meal became a centerpiece of fellowship as conversations deepened and spontaneous singing emerged. Traditional Nepali folk songs mingled with popular tunes, creating a soundtrack for the day that reflected both cultural heritage and contemporary connections. Even those initially hesitant to join the singing gradually found themselves humming along, drawn into the inclusive atmosphere that characterized the event.

Strengthening the Club Through Shared Experience

Beyond the enjoyment of the day itself, this hiking program served important organizational purposes for the Leo Club. In the natural, relaxed setting of the outdoors, members felt more comfortable sharing ideas for future club initiatives, discussing challenges they'd observed in past projects, and offering suggestions for improvement. These conversations, happening organically without the constraints of a formal meeting agenda, generated valuable insights that will inform the club's approach in the coming year.

The hike also presented natural leadership opportunities for members who might be less vocal in traditional meeting environments. Those with hiking experience naturally stepped forward to guide others on tricky trail sections, while members with knowledge of local flora volunteered information about plants encountered along the way. These moments allowed different strengths to shine, reinforcing the club's recognition that leadership takes many forms.

A Metaphoric Ascent

The journey to Jamacho Gumba served as a powerful metaphor for the club's service mission. Just as the trail required persistence, mutual support, and adaptability to changing conditions, so too does effective community service. When hikers encountered obstacles—a fallen tree across the path or an unexpectedly steep section—they collaborated to find solutions, modeling the problem-solving approach that characterizes the club's community projects.

Reaching the destination brought not just the satisfaction of achievement but a literal shift in perspective. From the vantage point of Jamacho Gumba, participants could see the broader landscape of Kathmandu Valley stretched before them—a visual reminder of the importance of maintaining perspective on both challenges and opportunities in their service work.

Looking Forward from New Heights

As the group began their descent back to the starting point, conversations naturally turned to the future—both the immediate plans for upcoming club projects and longer-term visions for impact. The shared experience of the hike had created a foundation of strengthened relationships and mutual understanding that will support these future endeavors.

The Leo Club of Kathmandu Himalayas Patan's New Year Hike and Fellowship Program exemplifies how thoughtfully designed social activities can serve multiple purposes—providing enjoyment while simultaneously strengthening organizational capacity. By stepping away from formal meeting spaces into the natural environment, members found fresh perspectives, deeper connections, and renewed energy for their shared commitment to community service.

As the traditional Nepali new year unfolds, the club moves forward not just as a collection of individuals with shared goals, but as a more tightly knit community bound by shared experiences and strengthened relationships—ready to climb new heights of service together.