Three boys at a swing
Tupche, 2000

Near a tributary to the Trishuli river, stood this swing where small boys took turns swinging. Swings are often built especially for the Dasain festival (celebrating Rama’s victory over evil spirits) but this swing may be there year round (I’ll check on my next visit). Usually Dasain swings are huge things about thirty feet tall. Made of four tall pieces of bamboo, they are arranged in a large square and tied together at the top.

The tributary here is quite beautiful, running through large rounded stones. Crossing is by means of several rickety wooden bridges with an occasional small hop if you’re feeling especially adventurous.

If you would like to donate to Mercy Corps’ Nepal Earthquake fund please click here.

If you would like to donate to UNICEF’s Nepal Earthquake fund please click here.

One such wooden footbridge.