My first tryst with the mountains was in 2012 when the family visited Kedarnath and Badrinath. Although a pilgrimage, the trip did manage to sow the seeds of love for the mountains. It was just a matter of time that this seed transformed into a huge tree, whilst blossoming whenever there is a vacation. The vast valleys and the gorges sculptured by the meandering rivulets, the shiny mountain peaks that play hide and seek scripted by the wind and clouds, the feeling of time standing still, the air, so fresh, that the brain always stays in HYPER MODE etc were all a different experience and the battered soul longed for it time and again.
ROUTE OF THE CURRENT TRIP
Delhi – Hardiwar – Ukhimath – Saari – Deoria Tal – Chopta – Tungnath – Anasuya Temple – Atri Muni Cave/ Falls – Gopeswar – Helang – Kalpeswar – Joshimath – Badrinath – Mana – Vasudhara Falls – Charan Paduka – Mt.Neelkant Base ( almost) – Pokhiri – Kanakchauri – Kartik Swami Temple – Rishikesh – Dehradun – Bhunter – Kasol – Sar Pass – Tosh – Kullu – Delhi
JOURNEY DATES – May 6, 2017, to June 3, 2017
The UTTARKHAND LEG
The journey began with Ukhimath, which is usually where travelers take a break for their onwards journey to Saari and then ultimately to the DEORIA TAL and I was no different. Reached Ukhimath by evening after a long tiring day, which involved a lot of bus/shared jeep switching. The evening Aarti was a spiritually enriching experience and I met some fellow travelers. Travelers have a common pattern. They talk about the love for the mountains and travel plans are always enquired about. We get to know some hidden gems during such interactions. Among the attendees that night, there was a young sadhu who had chosen the spiritual path. He wore white clothes, had long locks and a beard and very deep observant eyes. We exchanged pleasantries, spoke about mutual travel plans and after a while bade farewell. And I was very sure that THAT WAS THAT. But destiny had other plans. The same person would play a very crucial role in contributing to what could be said as one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever experienced. A rejuvenating night’s sleep and I was off to Saari the next morning. I’d already visited Deoria Tal in 2015, so I had a contact there and informed him about my arrival so that tents could be set up. So by noon 8th May, I was camping near the Tal. The last time I went, it was just wifey and I. We had the entire place to ourselves. Not a single soul around, and frankly speaking, it was really spooky. But this time around, it was just the opposite. There were at least 20 tents put up. *So much for solo traveling and finding peace in the mountains* PHEW!!
