18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Mobile
Careful steps carefree souls

For some, its a wonderful hiking experience. For others, it's a daily path they have to travel on their foot, be it rain or storm, cold winter or harsh summer. This is my dad's hometown and we are heading towards my aunt's home. Yes, the only way to get there is through these kind of narrow path in the steepy mountain. Two kids (both under 10 years old) were showing us the way. It was surprising how fast they could run along these path without slippers in their feet. Although it was a thrilling experience of 5 days for me, it ached to see the everyday struggle of the people living there. Their struggle seemed unfathomable to me because it was clear that I did not have to the same experience as theirs; daily travel to fetch water far down the foothill, finding fodders for the cattle, protecting them from the wilds, unlit and dangerous paths. My life struggle seemed far more small after visiting this place.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2018
Date Uploaded: 10.2020
Photo Location: Okhaldhunga, Nepal
Camera: HUAWEI KII-L21
Copyright: © Rashmi Budhathoki