Almora-Vridh Jageshwar- Binsar

After the Roop Kund trek it’s almost five months now, I being pissed from intelligence of knowledgeable stupid’s. And what could be the better stress-buster than trekking. Believing the same, I (Saurabh Singh) soon accepted the offer of Mr. Himanshu Dutt(sir) to accompany him On the trip of Jageshwar which we later extended to Binsar(bird Sanctuary).

On Firday 27^th nov 09 I left for the Anand Vihar to catch the bus for Almora, sir will be coming from the office. Around 12:45 p.m. I left the home and walked a km to catch the bus. As always trekking starts from home only. The bus was fully loaded, being afraid to reach late at Anand Vihar, I forced my foot on the 1^st foot rest and put my hand inside from the window in order to hold something, pleasure added soon with the bag-pack belt forcing against my shoulders. Uff!! some-how I manage to hold on till Rohini West. While paying the fair I asked the helper of the bus, when I didn’t entered the bus all the way for what shoud I pay for?

Taking metro from Rohini West I reached Dilshad Garden and from their I took another bus for the Anand Vihar. I reached their by 2.30 p.m., as sir was late I had cholle Bhatoore and then made myself seated at shed no.97 from where we will get the bus. Sir reached by 3p.m. and soon we searched for the bus and we found something interesting that crowd is mad after the buses to Muradabad. Entering from window in running bus, when doors were found shut by the people was a common sight.

We reached at Muradabad at 9p.m. to attend a sir’s childhood friend(Mohit) marriage. Sir had a blast with his group that gathered on the occasion and also danced a lot which came like a surprise to me. Because we always believed, Himanshu sir and dance…. Nahhhh!!!! Never!!!!. But it is rightly said big surprises comes in small packages.

Leaving from here at 1:15 a.m. sir’s friend Deepak dropped us at Rampur at 3:30 a.m. Soon we took bus for Haldwani and from their finally a jeep to Almora at 5:30 a.m. We reached Almora at 8:50a.m. and looked for Jeep to Jageshwar. Waiting for around 20 minutes we got one jeep at 9:20 which is going to Dhaniya. The jeep dropped us at Artola at 11:10 a.m. from where we decided to walk the remaining 3kms to Jageshwar.

Day- 1

The walk after so much travelling was very refreshing and pleasure added once we touched the woods. After walking for almost one Hour we rached Jageshwar and looked for Rest house. We found Jagdamba a Suitable one.

Without wasting the time we had a bath with cold water in the open and left for the Temples. Within 10 minutes we reached at Temples and I was amazed at the architecture of 8^th century. But exploring it wasn’t so easy, as one has to remove the shoes before entering it. And walking on the cold floor that too wet was something hard for our feet to bear. The experience reminded, “No pain, No gain” Dear.

Jageshwar is one of the 12 Jyotir-Ling. It is the only Jyotir-Ling where Parthiv pooja is done. The oldest structure among group is of Maha-Mrityunjai. The Pujari there rather than describing handed us the book and asked us to read that for the details.After exploring the temple as much as we can we left to rest house and had the Daal-Bhaat at around 5:30 p.m. as we didn’t had anything from last night.

Sir felt asleep as soon as he hit the pillow. I though put my dairy entry. After sometime I also felt asleep and we wake up when the rest house keeper got the dinner. Both of us hardly had a 3 chappati, and again moved to bed. Having no reason I wake at 8:30 and asked sir that I want to call at home. In the strong chilly breeze we searched for the STD but didn’t find one. So we slept again. But night seems to be too long this time as we waited for it to end from 2:30 a.m. onwards.

Day-2

Morning came with bliss, we tried to feel the same around 6a.m. and in this blissful sight we walked to another mystery of the area Vridh Jageshwar which is 3kms on foot through the lovely woods from Jageshwar group of Temples. There we discovered the story behind Jageshwar and Vridh Jageshwar

Story of Jageshwar

Books though the transferor of the knowledge over generations but fails to be as effective as one to one conversation and i witnessed it, when a shabby looking small old man began the narration. The narration supported by strong faith made us familiar to the our own mother land.

Yuga's ago King Vashrat the father of Parvati Mata(wife of Lord Shiva) conducted a Hawan in which he invited all the Gods and Goddesses except Lord Shiva. Red hot in anger Parvati Matahe reached the place of Hawan, even being stopped a lot by the Lord Shiva(as HE already knew the result).

Reached there Parvati Mata asked HER father(king Vashrat) for insulting the Mightiest God(Lord Shiva) of all. In reply King Vashrat stated that a Person(Lord Shiva) who lives in jungle is not worthy enough to be invited for such big a Ocassion. Even On the continuous warning from Parvati Mata, HER father didnt stop insulting Lord Shiva.As the result of which SHE offered HERSELF to the Hawan-Kund, stating that SHE has no right to live after bringing so much disgrace to HER husband.

Lord Shiva, intensely disturbed from this left all HIS responsibility of managing the World and wondered from place to place. During this phase HE reached Jageshwar, where the women of Rishi Sapt-Rakeshwarof, who were looking for fruits and vegetables saw HIM(Lord Shiva) nude in jungle. Seeing so they ran away being scared.

When Rishi asked why didn’t they brought the fruits and what will they have to eat now? Than the women told the Rishi that there saw a Jogi with a powerful aura standing nude in jungle because of which they got afraid and ran away. Listening to this Rishi got angry and with his power of worship he made the Lord Shiva to be distributed in Lings as punishment. Result of which is the Jageshwar.

One also finds that the Ling in Jageshwar is the only Ling in the world which has the Third Eye of the Lord Shiva.

Story of Vridh Jageshwar

The Mystery of Vridh Jageshwar was even more interesting. The Chaukidar told us that no one knows about the power and mystery of the Temple completely. Only this much is known that King Chand was moving from here for a battle. He saw an amazing thing that a cow is milking over a stone own its own. He was amazed. When he checked the place he saw a Shiv-ling carved in there. Seeing this, he prayed that if he wins the battle he will make a Temple here.

The king won the battle and as per his words he made the temple. For the Temple the stone is collected from the place around 10-12 kms below kms away known as Panvanola. The Stone available and gathered from the place was sufficient enough to make the temple, after which they found no more stones.

Back to trek.

After listening to this we were amazed. But now it’s the time to Walk back. We took the Road rather than the jungle this time. Will walking back one will discover the hospital made by the English. Coming back we stop at a Himdarshan Lodge and asked him to prepare the Jhuli-Chawal for us. For a while we enjoyed the Sun and the surroundings with a small puppy.

Roughly around 3 p.m. we reached Panvanola which is 10 km from Vridh Jageshwar and catch a Jeep For Chitayi Golu temple. After offering the prayer at Golu Devta Temple we left to Almora and halted ourselves for the day at Pavan Hotel.

Keeping our luggage we left to see the KMVN of Almora. It was around a km away but was beautiful. Coming back we had the dinner and went back to our hotel. We came across many drunk walking on the road on way back to hotel.

Day-3

By 6:45 we were out of beds and were enjoying the lovely valley with the clouds covering it all. At 8:05 a.m. we checked out with the discussion over today plan. Well we didn’t have to do a lot , as we soon manage to get a taxi at a Nominal rate to Kasar Devi and we said yes.

Hardly 12 kms away from Almora, Kasar Devi road is impressive if one walks else he don’t has to cherish much. Sir not satisfied with the place even skipped the temple and asked the driver to move to Binsar Sanctuary right away.

At binsar entry for the first time in my life I used my student I-card for the discount, that too when it was expired. The person asked it is valid upto 2008 and my reply was mba is for two years I have to get it renewed … ehhehe….

With this we moved in the sanctuary area and believe me it was awesome the place is covered with thick woods all over. The car stopped at KMVN(binsar) from where we have to walk for around 2 kms for the Zero Point.

Zero point is the top point there from where one sees the Himalyan ranges till where one’s eyes can see.

Sitting there for almost 1 hour we enjoyed every bit along with our modeling in different poses with the landscape. Soon the time calls “move back “ and we have too.

Coming back to Almora we purchased some speciality of Almora froma shop at the corner of the entery gate of Bisnsar.

Reaching Almora we explored the Bhotiya market and had our lunch. Sir liked the Chana Chole and Dahi with the Tandoori Roti and ate one etc this time. Exploring the Almora to its fullest we finally look for the bus to Bhowali at 5:15p.m.. But Failed to find one, as booking of the seats were over by 12p.m.

Having no choice left we took a jeep to Haldwani. And I enjoyed the just corner of the seat all the way back, as 10 seater was carrying 15.

Some how holding ourselves , sir and I was discussing that the trip is leisure one and too hard this time.

But but but….. leisure trip and that too sir and me…. No rather never is suitable.

Just crossing the Bhimtaal the front Tyre valve broke just before a sharp turn. And everyone’s heart was in there mouth. All said “kismat aachi thi bach gaye thodi aur age hoti to aaj toh ho gaya tha kaam.. “

Sir and me looked at each other and reviewed our lines. At 8 p.m. on hills you are standing on the road with the chilly breeze waiting for some other options to help you out.

The driver took the charges till Haldwani and adjusted the 15 in tits and bits. As two were adjusted on the bikes, two in car and 4 on trolly and finally sir and me got the truck as the option.

We have to take it. We threw our bag at the back and climbed the truck. The Dust carrier welcomed us with strong jumps and twist and turns. We find it hard to be stationary. Finally sir and me stuck us to the two corner and some-how enjoyed the way with channa eating.

But one can find good in every odd. Sir said Saurabh I.P. University me aise kitne bache hoge jinhone aise travel kara ho, So see excel so many… hahaha…. “ but enjoyment came to end when the Truck stopped at Mcdonals No.1 and asked us to get down and to catch a Auto. Sir asked the reason he stated No- entry for truck, but reason is something else.

We without having much debate got down and catch a auto and then the bus for the Delhi.

Note:-

• Rooms are costly even in off season
• Bus service is not so good. Last bus leaves almora at 6p.m. for Delhi
• Market gets close by 7 in evening.

Difficulty level :- Easy

Almora- Binsar- 37 km

For pictures please visit:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24078766@N03/sets/72157622917904398/

Tungnath Ji and Deoria Taal

Tungnath Ji, the Temple of Shiva, what a trek to take my first step in world of trekking. In short the first step to undiscovered zone out of this materialist and knowledgeable world, where everything speaks about the soul and peace to rest in….

My masters’ degree gave me the most pleasant surprise that even my school and graduation failed to gave. Even though at times, I fought at home to have permissions for trekking but never got one.

Knowing each other for about 2years my Lecturer of strategic development(Mr. Himanshu Dutt) laid the strategy of this trek and some how the execution was perfect.

Still! I can recall when sir discussed about his plan and asked me to accompany him while sharing his worry of walking and walking long. I don’t know what he saw in the skinny boy. Well, my reply was sir “aap chalne ki chinta mat karo, chal me lunga aap bas mere ghar walo ko mana lo”(hahaha).

Then I first asked my sister and created an emotional scene saying "I have never been allowed for outing. Not even at school when even when my cousins were allowed for trip was to Jaipur. Every time you(famiy) guys ask for some responsible person who can look after. Now my lecturer is going what’s the issue". Finally I won the argument.

On 10^th march, sir resigned from the college and on 11^th we left for the trek. I reached sir's home at around 7 in the evening and after a good dinner along with some deserts we left forour journey. My stomach was overloaded. We reached the ISBT at Kashmiri Gate and around 8:30 we sat in the bus to the Rishikesh.

Sir gave me few tips before getting in the bus such as keep your bag with you and take care of belongings. In march starting when the weather is good enough, the irritating sound of loose windows and the strong chilly breeze from these windows made us struggle entire night for sleep. Sir keep consoling me in different ways as it was my first trip.

Finally, relieved from the hard uncomfortable seats and those clinching noise of windows we reached the Rishikesh at around 3:40a.m. in the morning. We decided to catch the first bus of hills and started walking towards the bus stand which is few km away. Walking in morning time on dark roads with sound of dogs barking was an experience that still thrills.

We caught the bus on the way and sat on the last seats. Same things repeated, those irritating noise of windows with strong chilly breeze and our struggling eyes for sleep. The bumpy road and first high altitude experience didn’t took too long to make me puke.( thank God I was seated at window). Sir sleeping in tits and bits, was unaware about it. After several pukes, we reached Rudraparyag Ghat and had some tea with fried bread as breakfast after attending the nature's call.

From here we took the jeep as it is comfortable and takes less time. I sept all the way till we made it to the GMVN of Ukimath. The cook and care taker already knows sir as he has been to the place earlier. At around 1.30 p.m. we left for Chopta after having some tea and lunch. we walked for 5 kms and had fun with school kids with whom sir also spoke in Garhwali.

After this, we finally catch the jeep we were waiting for. It is the jeep of Maya deep rest house at Dugal- Bhitta. This is only jeep that one gets during no-tourist times to chopta at fixed time. Sitting in the jeep we discussed our worry of covering the remaining distance in just 2hrs. Reaching Dugal Bhitta I agained puked and now sir was seriously worried about me making it to the Temple.

PWD Rest House(left) the house at back is Mayadeep(right)

But somehow I holded myself and after having some maggi and tea we tried making arrangement for night stay in PWD. But after many discussion failed to have one. Finally, we had to stay at Maya Deep(which is few yards down from the road) as we can't even go to Tungnath and neither can we go back. After taking the room we visited the trekker's route from Dugal-Bhitta to Chopta. And when dusk started turning dark we came back to our rest house. The experience was not good at Maya Deep, seriously, they neither provided the candles for night and nor the hot water in the morning. Even! we wake up earlier and wake them stating that we are leaving.

Water was ice freezing at 6.30 in the morning and sir warned me not to apply soap on face after struggling for removing his soap so applied and being freezed by teh cold water. After touching the water I quickly accepted sir's advice. We left for the Temple at quarter to 7a.m.

We loose our breathe very quickly while trekking the steep slope, as the body temperature was down due to which our breathing was not synchronized with the pace of walking. Sir adviced to have some chocolate as it has carbohydrates and helps in keeping one self energetic. Each and every step for me was a paradise. We played the skeletons and clicked photo lying in the arms of the nature. Soon at 8:15a.m. we reached the entry gate of Tungnath ji. From here the trek of 3-5 km is left. Here we had “daal bhat” with tea and got 2 aloo paranthas packed. IIM student were also their but very reluctant to interact.

Enjoying the nature

In the name of Lord Shiva we stepped the path of the temple and on the way sir gave me tips of being good trekkers such as do not liter, and as good and obedient student I kept all the wrappers in my pocket.

Through the woods one comes out to the land of snow. For the first time I witnessed such thing and was fully pumped to explore it more and more. Sir was worried and on constant intervals asked me to be careful and also taught me how to walk on snow. Things were exciting I was eager to learn more and more and more….

Sir clicked my few photos on the snow. Their we find someone has written Divya on snow. We captured it as a gift to our friend Divya sitting back at home. And decided to tell her that see how much we missed you that we wrote your name there.

Soon snow fall started and withing no time drizzle took the shape of strong breeze but for me it was fun being unaware of the other side. Though sir was worried as he confessed later on. We reached the Temple before our feet had called it for the day. But seeing the temple we were recharged. After thanking THE for the trek we had our parantha in the small shed besides the temple. Sir wanted to trek Chandrashilla but seeing the snowfall and our preparation for the situation decides to return back.

Coming back we slided a bit which was new fun for us. We saw a slope and decided to slide again. Sir gave it a thought but my words “sir aise mauke bar bar nahi milte” put his thought aside. Sir in my concern decided to go first. He got stuck in between and by the time he could have stopped me I was also stuck just behind him. We both struggled hard as both of our legs were dug in the snow upto the waste. Somehow got out of it. And I said “sir mar gaye, sari jagah baraf he, haath toh gaye..” and was literally jumping on my feet.

Well after this we didn’t slide any more, and by 2:30 p.m. we got back to Chopta. Their we again had the maggi with tea and start walking to Ukhimath. Enjoying the nature walk to Chopta, we reached at 7 in the evening. Then we visited the Temple, with our feet tired we struggled walking to the place. We reach their at the time of aarti and after that we went to market to make calls and take thing for sweet dish ”halwa” as sir asked the GMVN cook to make it for us.

The next day 14^th morning again we left early for Deoria Taal. We took the trek for Deoria taal from Mastura way back from Saari( jeeps goes till Saari) and once got misguided too. Finally, making to the Saari village we saw the mighty mountains standing wide and straight on top of which is Deoria Taal. In Saari we met few school kids and enjoyed a bit.

Short Cut to Saari from Mastura(Left) And School Kids(right)

The sun was too harsh this day. We were completely drained out in the mid-way from Saari to Deoria taal. But some how we reached their. Only two shops were their along with the forest house. At shops we ate some biscuits and had tea. After which we lie down for some time. The Chaukhamba range was very clear from the Taal.

Deoria- Taal

Soon we started walking back and on the way enjoyed the nature.For the first time i saw THe mountain eagle and God how big it was. While coming back sir also got a marriage proposal from the group of village women. Sir had no words except to smile while I was enjoying the moment thoroughly. Around 7p.m. we got back to GMVN but the day isnt over yet. Again we went to the market to buy the juice of Borash and Malta.

Finally, the next day wake up bit late and had bath after 3 days. After that we walked down few km and sat near the river where sir and i holded fish in the hand. After this, we took the bus and had a dip at Rudraparyag where two holy rivers Mandakani and Alaknanda meets.

From here we took a jeep to haridawar where we ate some spicy stuff and caught the bus for Dehli.

Other deatils:-

Delhi to Rishikesh -Rs 130 per head in Bus

Rishikesh to Rudraparay- Rs110 per head in jeep

Rudraparyag to ukhimath GMVN:- Rs 35 per head

Dormitory at GMVN:- Rs 60 per bed

For Photos:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/24078766@N03/sets/72157604184844306/

Trip to Poanta Sahib And Renuka Ji

The Trip to Poanta Sahib one of the major Gurudawaras’ of the Sikhs in Himachal pardesh , was totally unplanned. On 11^th july, we left for the trip and last night(10^th ) my cousin called and asked me to accompany them. As I was looking some option to have a leave from Delhi for 2-3 days I accepted the offer in no time and packed my stuff in midnight for the trip.

Day - 1

The very next day at around 11 I have to reach Narela, as we were suppose leave by 12 noon from my cousin house in Narela. I First tried for train to reach Narela but was late, So finally have to catch the bus to reach their. I was bit late and failed to find any source to reach to bus stand that is 1.5km away from my home. So I decided to walk and walk fast with my easy to carry bag-pack.

Hardly, have walked half km heavy wind with dust welcomed me in the company of heavy rain. And I have no choice except to walk as I was already late and have to reach Narela before my uncle reaches from office.

To my luck this time I managed a rickshaw and had paid him Rs. 5 hardly for 2 min(all done to save my camera). And soon after, I got a DTC bus for Narela. Reaching their I called my cousin to pick me up from their to his home and I felt that was the big mistake on my part.

He first came on scooter in rain and drive it so wonderfully that the entire standing-water with a mixture of cow dung and all gave us bath. Things didn’t stopped here he marginally managed to escape from a peddler. And when I shouted on him asking why isn’t he applying the brakes, he then told me “ Bhai Scooter me brakes nahi he”( scooter without brakes).

My adventure has already started.

Some-how in one piece we managed to my cousin home(thank God), and had a good lunch with fresh lassi. My uncle got bit late and we left for the trip At 2p.m.. After this, things were pretty smooth; we had a tea at dhabba around 4p.m. along with Paranthas’ so packed by my aunt. But with Sumeet (my younger cousin) things cant remain smooth for long.

While taking a turn to Yamuna-Nagar we bought Aanar-Dana(digestive tablets one can say). And sumeet cant’ resist him from having that. There is no issue in him having these. But issue was the smell he is producing after having them(hope u guys understand) and literally, Puneet(my another cousin )and me have no option except to open the car windows to the fullest . And sumeet was enjoying the moment.

Finally day -1 had an easy end as we reached our hotel by 8p.m. and thereafter had a dinner and went to bed after palying some cards.

Day-2

Waked up at 7a.m. we all had breakfast and checked out hotel by 10 a.m. reaching Poanta Sahib at around 11 a.m. after My uncle finished off his work in PNB(Punjab National Bank)branch of Poanta.

Poanta Sahib is surrounded by material jungle in front and with natural jungle at back. The back side of Gurudwara is surrounded by river and small hills covered with thick forest.In the Gurudwara their is a museum which provides answer to every question rising in your mind regarding the place.One also come across the Weapons so used by Sikh Gurus for their fight.

From their we visited BCL Labs a factory of Soap Making and learnt about the Soap making. After having lunch at BCL Labs we left for Renuka Ji. While passing through Didahu we haulted on a bridge and had some pics. And after having tea in Didahu at 4p.m we reached Renuka Ji by 5 p.m.

At Renuka Ji we covered the area of Parshuram Lake in car and also tried to cover the Renuka Lake in car, but at 5p.m. gates of Renuka lake gets closed and thus we dropped the idea. I was bit happy as I was completed against covering the lake in car.

Then we first went to temple of Renuka ji had our worship and looked for room thereafter.

Himachal tourism rest house were full so we have no option left to go to forest rest house or to a local one there.

We managed our room with Forest people, and at 5.30 I some how managed to take everyone to renuka lake on foot. After a lot of pushing succeeded in covering the area on foot. It is around 5-6km long but worth walking. In the dense forest , the calmness and peace surrounds you with too many monkeys(please carry your eatable carefully while walking, as monkeys were expert in snatching them). One also come across lions, beer , deer, leopard, fishes and turtle in the lake while walking.

Almost when the entire trek is walked one come across this small temple. It is written their that the water so coming down is the milk of Renuka Ji and every devotee must have it for the blessing of Renuka ji.

If one tries to find out the source of water, will find nothing else but a huge tree from the roots of which this water is coming.

But it is said In Faith is no logic. So with a devotion in the holy feet of Renuka ji we had some.

One will take hardly an hour to cover it on a normal walking speed, but we took 3 hrs to cover it.

As we were busy enjoying each and every bit of it. We did hell lot of drama to shoot the pics of lion in desired pose and to shoot the vedios. Even we touched one of the lioness through the grills as she is sitting in corner and tell you what as soon as our finger touched her she roared to us(my god, that’s was scary but excting).

playing lions(video)

We ended the day on tired note, as when we went for dinner in himachal tourism rest house the only place their to have dinner, all the table were occupied except one. Almost 10 minutes, we all were busy discussing the order to be placed when waiter came and put the reserved notice on it . We annoyed with the attitude, left the table without even asking anything. And then for dinner we had to go back around 2km at 9 in the night and came back by 10.30 p.m. completely exhausted.

Day-3

In morning at 7 we again left for the Renuka lake round. This we all make sure that it wsa completed in time (1hr). we soon return to room, got ready and left it by 9:30. Forest guy who rentes us the room was bit uneasy as this was the time of officers to visit the place and room is still occupied, which is unauthorized.

We had our breakfast at same place where we had dinner last night, and finally left for delhi via Nihaan at 10.30. The stretch of 35 km from Renuka lake to Nihaan is very beautiful , entire is cover with thick forest and ones sees beautiful valley all-round. With these beautiful scenes we fall asleep after Nihaan and wake up at 2 when our car got punctured near Karnal.

Driver replaced the tyre and we had tea there at road side dhabba and then moved to delhi. And after this, played cards all the way. Just players kept on changing. In final few games my uncle too joined and beat his own son. We some light talks we ended the trip at 4.30 in Narela and I ended it at 5.30p.m. reaching my home.

Key deatils:-

Route followed:

Delhi- Panipat-Yamunagar-Poanta Sahib-didahu-Renuka ji

Renuka Ji - Nihaan - Ambala- Panipat- karnal - Delhi (coming back)(take this routes as roads are very smooth and time taken will be less(5-6 hrs), only one has to bear the Toll Tax if going through personal vehical)

Go with proper booking as other rest house at Renuka Ji either refuses to give a room or charge too much.

Also the behavior of Himachal Tourist rest house their is very strange and not so tourist freindly.

For Photos visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/24078766@N03/sets/72157621365148422/

Roop Kund:- Mysteries unleashed

Roop Kund

Originally uploaded by i m bad

The u-curve in center is the area Of Roop Kund.

mystery no.1:-

While Trekking to roop kund one crosses the place Patal-nachna.

This is the place where demons from hell, have danced in the marriage of Lord Shiva.

and it is believed that anyone not going to Roop Kund with faith or good intentions. these demons doesnt allow the trekkers to pass this area. Something or other will happen to them.

mystery no.2:-

Another interesting fact about Roop Kund is till date no one clear about the skeletons at the place.

some say that long ago a king with army got stuck their and got buried under the snow.

some say that were the local people who got trapped in the snow strom during the yatra(holy voyage) called Raj-jat. under this the people starting from a place around AAdi badri in Chamba area and from other place gets collected at one palce and goes till the homkund with a Holy goat having four horn.

mystery no.3:-

The Goat i just talked about, above. It is said that in tweleve year this goat born only once and automatically reached to the family on which the responsibility of conducting the Raj-jat is their.

the speciallity of this goat is that it has four horn in which the sculpture of mata Parvati can be placed. it is same as some one sit on a chair.

This goat after reaching Hom-kund is left alone and from theron this goat cover the rest of the way on its own.

Trek to Roop Kund

The journey to one of my dream track, Roop Kund, started at the evening around 9:15 p.m. from Kashmere Gate bus stand. Though the dreams has started long back when Mr. Himanshu Dutt(sir) told me.

In starting we were a group of five but finally only three of us managed including:- Mr. Himanshu Dutt( the main motivator), Mr. Sanjeev and Me (Saurabh Singh).

Three of us put in great effort for the trip. Among which sir was top ranker. He created fake conference and all, to fetch few handy leaves for the trek. I lied to my family as they would not have allowed me and reached straight from my end term exam of MBA.I remember how I borrowed scooty of my sister and carried a big bag-pack to my exam centre. Everybody was looking at me, astonished.

At the eve weather was testing too, with heavy rainfall and we all unprepared for same have left for our meeting point, Kashmere gate. Somehow we managed and as soon as we reached their we got our bus for Rishikesh. Settling fast in there, we all were hungry as all were coming directly from the offices and me from exam centre.

With the movement of the bus our action also started, primarly informing our home ones and friends and fiancés. After hell lot of talking and lectures from dear ones, we hanged the phones and relaxed for a bit.

Relaxing and that too while keeping ones’ mouth shut is something one cannot avail in the company of Sanjeev. Soon he started with his blah blah. Sir and me after a while deviated his attention to starvation. Our hunger initiated our search for eateries started. And our tragedies to trip begin from here itself.

Sir forgotten the dinner so packed. Now, we were in a moving bus and starving. Finally, sanjeev pulled out some snacks’ we ate a bit and bought a pepsi when bus stopped for a moment from hawkers, added to this I pulled out a sweet dish(nariyal ki barfi) on the demand of sir.

Bus was moving in the busy traffic at a slow pace and we all have nothing to do except to discuss how we have managed for the trip(stated above). Not much time passed sanjeev received a call from his girl friend and that’s it, his pass time is on. Sir and me on the contrary discussed our preparation about the trip and how we have to proceed.

Time passed, at around 12 bus stopped at a Dhabba for half an hour for eating and for attending nature’s call. Sanjeev was the first to rush for the call. On the way back to bus we bought pepsi and a pack of kurkure as we were not in a state to take heavy food. Reached in bus, kurkure become the hot topic for discussion. Sir mentioned it is of plastic and to prove the same started searching for the match stick. I was carrying one. He lighted the match stick and pulled one kurkure and burned it to prove to sanjeev. He was actually right but sanjeev is a guy of his own he smiled and said “that means none of you gona eat this. Thanks”. He ate entire stuff and slept on tired sir with all his weight and specially those gelled hairs which were as hard as bushes. Sir tried to get rid-off , but in front of sanjeev you are helpless sometimes.

At around 4 in the morning we hit Haridwar. We were drowsy but chillness of breeze coming from the old out-framed windows forced us to stretch ourselves to wear some warm clothes. After this none of us slept and were grumbling over the delay so caused by the driver. As by this time bus should have reached Rishikesh.

We Reached Rishikesk at 6:30 in the morning and cause of delay have missed our bus to Lohajung/goldam(2^nd tragedy). We struggled for some commutation for the palce. But didnt find one. After moving here and there for half an hour we caught auto-rickshaw for the taxi stand. Sir had a dispute with him as he charged us doubled (but of no use). From there we managed a taxi to Tharali. From Tharali we took another taxi to Dewal and finally from here we catch the bus of Lohajung we missed at Kashmere Gate.

At 5:30p.m. we reached Lohajung, almost after travelling for 21 hours on a stretch, struggling with our stamina to stand and search for place to stay at night and to arrange a guide for next day along with the required goods.

The 3^rd tragedy, our guide(Mr. Mohan Bisht) with whom we have to cover the trek is not there, we tried his phone several times, asked from him from the people their but of no use. Finally we had a chat we the locals' their and arranged for the guide cum poter, after the things were almost done we have purchased all the things and were about to go for sleep, the poter raised the issue over the charges we were willing to pay. After a hell lot of discussion he agreed ( the local who arranged him on reasonable rate, asked for a bottle of beer, corruption has reached everywhere).

Day -2:-

All set to leave, we wake up early around 5:30 in the morning. Body was still struggling, as the sleep in a room on the ground was not enough to relax ourselves. After getting freshed,( except sanjeev as he needs a good room rather than an open area for work to be done), we all were waiting for the poter. He was late by half an hour and that too not carrying the essentials; we asked him to hurry up, then n there only his drama started, regarding timings, the things he will carry, the trek we will cover, so on. Finally, I lost my patience soon followed by sir and we decided to go alone on the trek. (4^th tragedy)

We began for the trek at 8:30 a.m, late by not less then 2 hours, with two issues on priority, one is arrange for a burner to cook the food and second is to carry the luggage. With the kindness of the forest rest house care-taker the issue of burner is resolved as they lended us one. But for luggage we were still struggling as sanjeev has not brought a bagpack on the trek and thus Sir and me have to tie up the entire stuff on our bag-packs. Finally, we managed and started the trek.

After walking for 6 kms we found a guide cum poter Mr.Kuvar Singh Bisht the cousin of Our guide who suppose to meet us at Lohajung. We had a discussion with him and hired him for the trek for Rs. 1300 along with Ramu(his horse) to carry our luggage.(first good thing on the trek so far)

We started moving fast as we have to reach Vedni Bugyal by any mean, and we are still more 20 kms away, At Vann around 10 km from Lohajung we haulted to eat some thing. With a nice tea, sanjeev preferred omelet and sir and me sticking to our vegetarian diet Khicdhi. As we were about to leave from there rain welcomed us, with our plastic outfits we set ourselves and started walking, but wasn’t easy at all as air pressure is pushing us back and our legs were also fighting with the outfits we were wearing.

Nothing matter such things only make trek exciting, we walked like anything but just when Vedni is hardly 2-3 kms we all struggled like anything, it was hard for us to keep our breath and hold on our foots. Firstly sir drived us for some distance, then I took the charge of leading, but sanjeev was struggling hard in last few laps. Sir holded him and make sure that he kept walking until we reached at Vedni Bugyal.

At around 6:30 in the evening we reached Vedni Bugyal. Mr. bisht and I started searching for the place to camp, and after a lot of here and there we finded one. By the time sir and sanjeev also reached, we pitched the tent and asked Mr. Bisht to cook something quickly.

At Vedni we met Mr. Mohan Bisht also and had a long discussion over his misconduct and sir made him realized what all problems his mis-conduct caused to us. Being too tired we all ate a bit of noodles and without wasting anytime fall to our sleeping bags.

At around 12:30 in the night I wake by the noise of wind that was flowing like anything, the tent was struggling with it and when I asked sir about the same, with no time sanjeev opened his mouth saying “our tent will flew away cause of wind”, being my first experience in tent such line was more than enough to make me feel scared. Things for me didn’t stopped here, I somehow opened the tent to check the reason and guys believe me the valley that is looking heaven in the day time is haunting hell in the night, with the noise of bells and rain drops all over. This all was more than enough to make me shiver entire night thereafter; I hold sir tightly to get some strength and tried to sleep.

Day-3

At around 5 we wake up in the morning. I told Sir about the experience last night and recorded the same in camera. After that we clicked some morning pictures. The morning view at Vedni surrounds one with the saome mighty mountain ranges including:- Chowkhamba, Kalidak, and Trishul. Sanjeev was still inside, we asked him is what happened. He said nothing and cleared that he is not going to trel further. Sir asked nearby people to take care of him and we finally left for the Roop Kund at arounf 7a.m.

Weather was with us, with nice breeze and some mountain eagles gliding just over our head we were enjoying our walk. But trek was long enough to test us. After walking for around 4 hours we reached Pathalna-chana from were Kalu Vinayak is around 3 km, here we rested for few moments and had some eateries. But the trek from here on is steep like anything that test one on every step. Hardly 10 step on these 3 kms were breath taking as also we were feeling drowsy due to lack of oxygen.

“But Remember this is trek is trekking and every moment one has fight with himself, whether he can do it or not”

And we choose not to give up yet. Taking more than one and a half hour we covered these 3 km, enjoying our breath and also seeing Kida-Jadi(the insect that holds high medicinal value, as per the local is sold for more than 8lakhs per kg).

And the scenic beauty we came across there is something that hold us like anything. A small temple in which a sculpture of Shri Ganesha is there. And behind that one sees the entire Kailash Mountain ranges, with Roop Kund at back. As if Maa Parvati(the Mother of Ganesha as per Hindu religion)is holdind her son. At that very moment we forget entire pain we took to reach their.

We clicked few shots and left for Roop kund, Sir not so very keen seeing the weather haulted at Bagu Basa and asked me to do the same. But me very excited to see the Roop Kund, wanted to give my best to reach their. But due snow being sleepery and new, and weather getting bad, I could only manage 1and a half km ahead and had to return from a snow patch were I got stuck and find it very hard to cross.

Also sir shouting hard from his place “saurabh come back, don’t go ahead”. I lost my confidence and decided to get back. No later as I turn back to walk for Vedni bugyal, snowfall with strong breeze see-off us from Roop kund.

Struggling hard and very tired we reached back to our tent at around 6 in the evening. We after walking for more than 20 km on a consecutive day left with nothing to do rather than resting just after having a tea. At night I asked I asked Sir to eat the Khichdi though it was not cooked properly, Sir resisted I starting but reason to keep body in good shape sir and I did so.

Day-4

Sanjeev after resting for the entire 3^rd day and drinking water from the wash-room bottle he was charged up. We started At 7 in the morning for Lohajung, but this time we decided to trek form Ali Bugyal.

Ali bugyal is a lovely green plateau, our walk their for 1 Hr was awesome, but after that when we reached the jungle the entire enjoyment vanished as the trek from there on is very steep downward and is very hard on our tired foots’. But our jokes and Sanjeev acts made it easier for us to complete the trek. As we reached near kuling the rain started, we waited for some time for rain to stop but of no use, we choose to walk and reached Kuling.

There, we had some tea and all of us called at our home to inform them that everything is fine.

After reaching Lohajung, We asked Sanjeev to return the Burner to the forest guys, by the time we looked for dormitory in GMVN. We took two bed at Rs.200 and decided to catch the early morning bus at 4 a.m. to Rishikesh.

At Rishikesh, we visited Ram jhula, had something to eat and stayed their till 8 in the evening when we finally moved to the Bus stand to catch the bus for delhi.

Details of the Trip:-

Route we followed;-

Delhi – Rishikesh- karanparyag - Tharali- Dewal - Lohajung

Lohajung- Kuling – Vaann – Vedni Bugyal – Kalu Vinayak – Roop Kund

Vedni Bugyal – Ali Bugyal – Tol Pani – Kuling – Lohajung- Rishikesh- Delhi (coming back)

one can Hire the Tent and sleeping bag from Pujari Store at Lohajung his rates are;-

Tent(2 man) - Rs. 150 Per day

Sleeping Bag:- Rs. 50 per day

Matrices:- Rs. 15 per day

(it is advisable to carry own belongings, as his behavior is not upright.)

Note:- Do carry Cashew nuts and some choclates as they prove to be best thing in treking to feed oneself apart from other eateries and medicines.

to view the photos of the Trip Plz visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/24078766@N03/