<p>My dream came true in August last year when I visited Uttarakhand. I completed 2 treks in the mighty Western Himalayan range, braving all odds. One month before the plan, a flood alert was issued. Hemkund Sahib was struck by a fierce landslide and the bridge had collapsed. </p>.<p>However, by June end, my trekking guide gave me a green signal and I wasted no time in packing my bags, convincing my family and heading off with some friends. We decided to trek to the ‘Valley of Flowers’ and Hemkund Sahib, two popular adventure destinations notwithstanding the pattering rain, silvery mist, gushing streams and waterfalls and glaciers in front of our eyes. Till the trek started, the only search item on our Google was ‘Valley of Flowers’. <br /><br />Our first stop was New Delhi. From there, we went to Haridwar and Govindghat via a Tempo Traveller. On the way, we encountered 2 landslides. It was quite scary as our Tempo couldn’t go through the narrow space and was also jammed for a few seconds. However, the route was cleared and we reached Govindghat. We started our trek in the midst of waterfalls and streams. We carried our heavy bags for half the distance but decided not to compete with mules. We conceded defeat and the mules carried our bags for the rest of the route. From there, we reached Ghangaria, which served as the base of our trek to the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Ghangaria is a temporary settlement occupied only by tourists from June to September. We stayed there for a night and passed time exploring a few shops and also visited an interesting exhibition of books and photography.<br /><br />The next day, our most awaited trek started. The weather was chilly and we could hear the bubbling Alaknanda River to keep us company. The trek to the ‘Valley of Flowers’ was beautiful. Clouds descended around us once we began our climb. It felt like sitting in an aeroplane and looking out of the window. Interesting flowers, leaves, bugs and bees popped out in fascinating colours, shapes and sizes at every step. It was scary crossing tiny bridges but we did it. After the initial steps, the entire valley was covered in blue and white wild flowers. It was like a colourful carpet that God had laid out for us. A tiny path led through the valley and to vast slopes covered in pinks, reds, purples and yellows. My favourite were the tiny, white bunches of bouquets. Most of us managed to find a quiet spot to breathe and relax . Unluckily, we had to head back early and couldn’t go completely inside the ‘Valley of Flowers’ as it started drizzling. </p>.<p>Our guide told us that the rains could prove difficult as bridges could break down. We might then be stranded. So we trekked back to Ghangaria, stayed at Hotel Devlok for the night and prepared for our next big trek to Hemkund Sahib. It was a pristine and peaceful trek. It was supposed to be the harder of the 2 but we managed, despite the steep climb and rough ravines. At the summit, the view of the glacial lake with its calm reflection of peaks was surreal. Furry animals ran around for attention and people were taking a dip in the crystal clear water. We could hear magnetic chants from the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, which is surrounded by 7 peaks. It was peaceful and stimulating. We also heard the bell chimes at Lakshmana Temple and these small nuggets made the trip suddenly worth it. </p>.<p>The descent was a formidable one with everything around shrouded in mist. As the rain started, we reached the base and were proud of ourselves. We headed to Govindghat and were much quieter on this journey since all of us seemed to be re-living the trek in our heads. I realised that both the treks had their own characteristics. Sometimes we do not realise what we are capable of until we do it. There are no words or pictures good enough to describe the experience. This piece is a small attempt. <br /><br /><em>(The author can be contacted at 88.kamath@gmail.com)</em></p>
<p>My dream came true in August last year when I visited Uttarakhand. I completed 2 treks in the mighty Western Himalayan range, braving all odds. One month before the plan, a flood alert was issued. Hemkund Sahib was struck by a fierce landslide and the bridge had collapsed. </p>.<p>However, by June end, my trekking guide gave me a green signal and I wasted no time in packing my bags, convincing my family and heading off with some friends. We decided to trek to the ‘Valley of Flowers’ and Hemkund Sahib, two popular adventure destinations notwithstanding the pattering rain, silvery mist, gushing streams and waterfalls and glaciers in front of our eyes. Till the trek started, the only search item on our Google was ‘Valley of Flowers’. <br /><br />Our first stop was New Delhi. From there, we went to Haridwar and Govindghat via a Tempo Traveller. On the way, we encountered 2 landslides. It was quite scary as our Tempo couldn’t go through the narrow space and was also jammed for a few seconds. However, the route was cleared and we reached Govindghat. We started our trek in the midst of waterfalls and streams. We carried our heavy bags for half the distance but decided not to compete with mules. We conceded defeat and the mules carried our bags for the rest of the route. From there, we reached Ghangaria, which served as the base of our trek to the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Ghangaria is a temporary settlement occupied only by tourists from June to September. We stayed there for a night and passed time exploring a few shops and also visited an interesting exhibition of books and photography.<br /><br />The next day, our most awaited trek started. The weather was chilly and we could hear the bubbling Alaknanda River to keep us company. The trek to the ‘Valley of Flowers’ was beautiful. Clouds descended around us once we began our climb. It felt like sitting in an aeroplane and looking out of the window. Interesting flowers, leaves, bugs and bees popped out in fascinating colours, shapes and sizes at every step. It was scary crossing tiny bridges but we did it. After the initial steps, the entire valley was covered in blue and white wild flowers. It was like a colourful carpet that God had laid out for us. A tiny path led through the valley and to vast slopes covered in pinks, reds, purples and yellows. My favourite were the tiny, white bunches of bouquets. Most of us managed to find a quiet spot to breathe and relax . Unluckily, we had to head back early and couldn’t go completely inside the ‘Valley of Flowers’ as it started drizzling. </p>.<p>Our guide told us that the rains could prove difficult as bridges could break down. We might then be stranded. So we trekked back to Ghangaria, stayed at Hotel Devlok for the night and prepared for our next big trek to Hemkund Sahib. It was a pristine and peaceful trek. It was supposed to be the harder of the 2 but we managed, despite the steep climb and rough ravines. At the summit, the view of the glacial lake with its calm reflection of peaks was surreal. Furry animals ran around for attention and people were taking a dip in the crystal clear water. We could hear magnetic chants from the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, which is surrounded by 7 peaks. It was peaceful and stimulating. We also heard the bell chimes at Lakshmana Temple and these small nuggets made the trip suddenly worth it. </p>.<p>The descent was a formidable one with everything around shrouded in mist. As the rain started, we reached the base and were proud of ourselves. We headed to Govindghat and were much quieter on this journey since all of us seemed to be re-living the trek in our heads. I realised that both the treks had their own characteristics. Sometimes we do not realise what we are capable of until we do it. There are no words or pictures good enough to describe the experience. This piece is a small attempt. <br /><br /><em>(The author can be contacted at 88.kamath@gmail.com)</em></p>
