Gangotri

There is no tedious walk here but a long long queue. It is supposed to be the originating place of the river Ganga. (Ganga actually Originates at a nearby glacier “Gomukh”) There was a hot spring (Khund) where we were allowed to take a dip. Again the Khunds are manmade pools where the glacier water is directed to. They are separate pools for men and women along with changing rooms. As we reached there at day break, we had a chance to get in there. The water was steaming hot. Though I am used to taking hot water showers everyday, the water here seemed really hot! At the first glance, I a was almost sure I would not be able to step into the steaming water but they were a few in there already. I decided to just dip my feet and relax but then managed to slowly slip into the pool. It was an awesome feeling and I felt spell bound there. I got a chance to go deeper into the pool as it was not crowded there and soaked in for a while. Though I wanted to hang in, I know he would be waiting for me and so had to get back soon.

After a rejuvenating soak at the pool, we headed for the temple. It is right by the bank of bursting Ganga. All the rocks around seemed to be bleached and polished.  It soon got sunny and we were basking to baking in the sun there. The mesmeric sounds of pure Ganga waters enthralled us all along. It was a state of trance. Every thought in the mind was soon interrupted by the roars of Ganga and ensured we very much lived in the moment. It gives me goosebumps each time I close my eyes and visualize that sight …. Tireless waters flowing, I am sure the rocks could run away but stand spell bound and are built though to withstand the force.

Yamunotri

The first trek of our char-dham yatra. Was not easy but not very challenging either. Probably we just knew this is a teaser for the bigger trek ahead. The path seemed decent wide and were lined with shops often. They were selling raincoats, sticks to aid walking, food (mostly aalu parata or Maggie), tea, coffee, lime juice, water and some refreshments. We also see a lot of benches for sitting along the way that would assure we could get some rest. Soon there was a rush of horses, pittus and Dolis that carry pilgrims to the destination making the path way crowded and difficult to dwell through. There is quite a good chance of getting pinched between 2 horses.

As we reached the temple, it was crowded with devotees taking dip in the hot springs and praying to the deity.  There are separate Khund’s (pools with the hot spring water) for ladies and gents along with changing rooms. But the time we visited was chaotic as some men and women were across the pools and changing rooms.

As we find the trek tiring, the shops with smiling people ready to serve stand as an assurance to provide refreshments and cheer your way. Elderly people taking the trek would inspire you. Nature fills you with zeal and zenith. It is not preaching but reaching you in its own way. It is an impression that lasts long. Every loaded tree greets in its own way. Bright flowers, gushing waters, might mountains, boulders – rocks - pebbles all preach in silence, a tale told by time that only an accepting soul can listen.

Char-Dham Nomenclature

Well the first thing people think when they hear “Char-Dham” (Yamunotri, Gongotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) is “Religious, spiritual ….” But this is a trek that is very very picturesque and refreshing. I believe one must do it in young age to be able to really enjoy the treks and soak in the nature beauty.  Reaching these places is not easy wrt connectivity. Slow but extreme driving is common there. The paths are narrow and land slides often put boulders on the way. Personally, a drive with 3 or 4 turns would pounce my heart and I would close my eyes and better put myself to sleep with the hope of waking up only if all is good 😊. Sights of accidents where vehicles falls into deep valleys are also common. Unless there is a vehicle behind, an accident could remain unnoticed.

At each of the religious place there is a trek. There are aided horses, Pittus and Dolies to help pilgrims reach the destination. They earn as they assist each pilgrim. Horses might not be actual horses but mules. “Pittu” is a basket in which one would sit and the basket would be carried over shoulder of a person. One would get an endless view of the sky for hours making them feel sick and depressed sometimes. Doli or palki is nothing but a chair tied to sticks there would be 4 people to carry and one can comfortably sit in a chair.

The horses, Dolies and pittus rush and brush through the crowd and sometimes it gets annoying to the pilgrims on foot as the paths are narrow with deep valleys. The paths at some points are stinky with horse shit. Showers are expected often. One would feel hot due to exhaustive steep walks, drenching in rains and cool breezes at high altitudes would make you feel the chillness. This would be a very unique experience.

The hardwork of the Pittu and Doli folks to ferry pilgrims is truly touching. Lots and lots of efforts. Also the stall owners still serve something for few little bucks While they really put in a lot of efforts to get their stocks.

Devariya Taal

A serene Lake uphill. So quiet as the sunrays dance in peace over the lake and distant snow clad mountains. An extremely satisfying 2.3 km hike as we started early in the day. Hardly people around.  The morning freshness flowing and cleansing every inch. Chirping birds, cool breeze, buds and flowers blooming, rose trees loaded with flowers adding the to the grace with the steep hike.

Huge trees with thick shadows and very narrow stone laid path to walk! We crossed a few closed stalls and soon had a few people walking with loads to open their stall. All in peace as we stretch our muscles for the hike, we reached a point where we couldn’t see beyond due to the inclination. As we hiked further high to the point, it opened up to a slight slop leading to the picturesque Marvel of Nature. This treasure is worth the struggle to hike. The place seemed like a small master piece worked up by creative baby angles up in the corner hiding it away from mommy and daddy.

It is a great location to relax and soak yourself in this gem of Nature. Magical airs of nature took away the strain and gifted calmness. 

Mussoorie - Kempty Falls

In the morning as we set off from Haridwar for Barkot via Mussoorie. I happen to notice the hills and mountains that promise fear but at the same time are getting tamed with a step fashion cultivation. it is a visual retreat to see the the hills carved to steps and have rich crops of Apples, walnuts and highly energetic herbs apart from the regular crops. Thriving life in serene back drop. Life almost never stops but adapts. Innovative, creative, simple, humble and adaptive living there is so inspiring and fills you up with positive energy.

 We had a break at Kempty falls. We stopped on a small bee busy street and were shown a way down to the falls. It was crowded and lined up with shops and stalls. There was a ropeway to go down but we choose to take the stairs as it looked promising for shopping and we can get to taste the local culture. There were great articles of wood and other crafted stuff here and we decided to shop on the way back. We finally reached the falls. It was too crowded with people enjoying in the water. In a couple of clicks we decided to fall back on shopping as it is getting difficult to stand near the falls.

Seems like the beautiful falls lead to tourism and then a mushroom growth of market around it.

Shopping! if you live in a metropolitan, it is a hard pinch as you realize how much you shell out for the antique look corner piece on online portals/ malls as the price for the same here would be less than half. Sometime even one seventh the price you pay in a city. There were a lot of wood crafted stuff to buy but we din want to get overloaded. After decent shopping, we proceeded to Barkot. 

Sikkim - Temi Team garden and Namchi

We got back to Gangtok very late from Lachung as there was a vehicle ahead of us which would break down every 10- 15 mins and our driver was trying to help the other vehicle start. We checked into the hotel at around 09:00 PM. checked into the hotel at Gangtok. Well the next day was time to take off Sikkim and we were really clueless on how to reach West Bengal as there was an ongoing strike, we did not have any cab to take us from Gangtok to New Jalpaiguri and may be, we had to rely on buses run by the state government. Hotel Tashi Tagey was a very charming space run with passion. The couple running this are really passionate and have good ambience set with simple and great artifacts. The view from the terrace is great and to add to the delight they have a beautiful terrace garden. Alas!! It was only the view in the dark but indeed seems promising for a pleasant stay though this is away from the main market.

The couple maintaining Tashi Tagey almost signed off for the day when we checked in but did their best to make us feel comfortable. We felt very homely as they asked us if we would to have dinner. The lady did not hesitate to get back to the kitchen and prepare something for us as it was already getting late as uncle helped us get comfortable with the space. We did discuss ask them how far the bus stand was and explained them the discomfort of not finding a cab to ferry us to West Bengal. Uncle soon extended to help us. Not just help but he gave us hope to squeeze in more and more of Sikkim into the day. We quickly made a plan to go to Namchi and then head to New Jalpaiguri. Silence followed with no confirmation. As it was too late we did not want to bother the elderly couple. Our time to start was 04:00 AM if the plan is on. We retired for the day with a plan to be ready by 04:00 AM and fall back on plan B of taking a Govt. bus if nothing works.

Knock! Knock! At before 04:00 AM, the cab is ready! Uncle could not reach to his driver the previous night and so had gone to his house early hours to check if he can make it by 04:00 AM. And yes it all worked out very well. 

We started off for Namchi enroute Temi Tea gardens.

We were not very keen on Temi tea gardens as we have seen enough of estates at Ooty and Coorg. We happen to be there as it is on the way and we had sometime. This turned out to be very worthy! We reached there early in the morning around 07:00 AM. The tea garden seemed to be a jewel of pride bestowed amidst the white capped mountains, the green hills and blue skies. The early morning sunrays seems to be polishing this jewel of pride as it wipes the sprayed dew. The tints of hue slowly changing to green as the light brightens up was indeed a refreshing sight. We walked along in the total calmness. I strongly vouch, you start your day early on your vacations. The fresh look and the no much crowd gifts you a great experience.

Namchi has a few attractions but with the time on hand we could just do the replica of char-dhar where all the major pilgrimage spots in India are replicated. It is a peaceful and nice place to visit. Just a co-incidence, my Sikkim trip ended with visiting char-dham at Namchi and my next trip after Sikkim happens to be Char-Dham (Haridwar- Mussoorie – Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Rishikesh).

Sikkim - Lachung - Yumthang Valley

The Yumthang Valley is a promise of surprise. The valley is covered with a bushy shrub “Rhododendrons”. This is considered to be “The valley of flowers” but not really as it is more appropriate to call it “The valley of Rhododendrons ”. It was not the flowering season that we visited in and hence all we could see is a rocky abode. All the way Teesta river was luring us to get closer to it but the killer chill hurled us back after short ventures.

We reached a cheerful street that serves breakfast (warm bread and molten butter) and sells colorful woolen stuff and some gift articles. Prices are very reasonable.

Zero point is interesting, picturesque place as we got to see different phases of freezing water. Completely frozen waterfalls, flowing river, fascinating patterns formed by the impacts of nature on the freezing and un freezing water were just amazing. A deep breath in the freshness is very very relaxing. The hush hush of the water was soothing. I shall let the pictures do the talking here.

There is an army maintained coffee shop here that actually serves coffee and biscuits to the tourists free of cost. They sell deep fried bondas. Best of all, they have a good fire place. All we could ask for at that point is warmth and yeah, it is a blessing there. Appreciate and respect the army service. Though we readily had the free stuff accepted, we also wanted to pay something and hence had the snacks they sold. We also bought a coffee mug. The money shall be for a good cause.

We proceeded to a glacier near by. This had a hanging bridge decorated with Buddhist flags. The glacier water is supposed to possess medicinal value and there are local ways of curing people here. The glacier is thin and domed by a small room not very well maintained.