Kedarkantha Trek : A 4 days round trip from Delhi to Kedarkantha

Adventure for some may be a hobby or avocation, but, for me, it is a medicine to my soul.

In past few months I have been through really rough period of life, I lost Chetan Pandey Sir (someone who introduced me to the world of adventure) and my Mausaji, Mr. Ramesh Joshi (A gentle & philanthropist soul, an avid traveller and trekker in the family). It is the most disheartening thing to see your people in pain. You try to portray strong and make them feel better but deep down, it hits you hard. I knew nothing else, but being on a hilltop with naked soul having zero weightage of pain could bring me the peace back. Honestly, this was one of the reasons to pick Kedarkantha this time, Shivay.

Traveller : 

Me (mountaingirldhara)

 

Kirti Joshi

Destination: Delhi - Dehradun – Kedarkantha

Trek Duration: 5 nights & 4 days

Kedarkantha Peak, situated at an elevation of 12500 ft, is a part of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. A short trek around 10 Kms from Sankri village in Uttarkashi to the summit brings you the mesmerizing view of 13 Himalayan peaks including Swargarohini from the Kedarkantha top.

I was accompanied by Kirti Di, my school time senior, an amazingly charming & caring person, in this trek. So, Kirti Di & I, met at Kashmiri Gate Metro Stn on 8^th nov as we had our bus from ISBT here to Dehradun at 10 PM.

Day 1- Dehradun to Sankri

 

After an overnight journey we reached Dehradun on 9^th Nov 2019, the day was special as it was Uttarakhand Foundation Day. We reached ISBT Dun at morning 5:30 and rushed towards Mussoori bus stand to board the bus, supposed to leave for Sankri (road-head for the trek) at morning 6. As we reached there we found a different story. There was only one bus leaving for Sankri from Dehradun at morning 8 o’clock. So, now we had ample time to get fresh n up and to feed our hungry stomach.

View on the way to Sankri 

The entire day was spent on travelling, thanks to the serene nature, mystic valleys and mesmerizing bridges to make it worth rejoice. We thoroughly enjoyed the journey while capturing the jaw dropping beauty of mother nature in our cameras.

The bus dropped us at Sankri Market area around 4:30 in the evening.

Suggestions:

1.       The journey from Delhi to Sankri is nearly 18-20  hour travel by road. So, be ready for that.

2.       Only one UTC bus from Dehradun goes to Sankri, leaves dun at 0800 hrs.

3.       A number of hotels and lodges are available in Sankri market area, A GMVN associate hotel is just above the bus stand for those seeking economic stay.

Day 2 – Sankri to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Next day, we were all set to hit our trek. While, most of the people usually opt for Juda Ka Talab on day one, we decided to reach directly to Kedarkantha Base Camp. So, we left at morning 9 from Sankri. Since, this area is a sanctuary, named as the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, you are not permitted to enter or trek without an authorized guide with you. There is a forest office at the entrance gate of the Sanctuary, where you have to fill all your details and pay the entry fee (charges as per government rules) for the trek.

We took Kanhaiya with us, a local guide. He was guiding four more people for the same trek, so, eventually we got new company to trek along. KK, Bagmishri, Monika, Akansha.

My victory pose with (L-R) Kirti Di, Akansha, Monika, KK, Baghmishri

We started climbing through the forest until we met the gorgeous lake on the way – Juda Ka Talab. An epic location facing Himalayas at front, green oak and deodar trees around, a meadow nearby and Chai ki Tapri, what else you need. Took a refreshing halt there and resumed our trek to base camp.

Juda Ka Talab

The beauty on the way automatically provokes the photographer inside, so, we were in no hurry to reach the base camp on the cost of missing this & capture in our cameras to cherish for a lifetime.

By 3:30 we reached the camp site. Pitched our tents and enjoyed rest of the evening doing chit-chat, bonfire, hot soup, dance & music.

                               
                                  A chill out session with Kanhaiya's Sher-o-Shayri

Suggestions-

I know most of us will be confident to trek alone. But, this is a request, please do not shy away hiring the locals as your guide. This is their livelihood and they are courageous enough to do not leave their home land and migrate outside. They are managing their lives in less. It would be great if we could respectfully encourage them.

Plus, they are amazing and friendly people. You will certainly enjoy their noble company.

Day 3 – Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit

We started the trek quite early today, as our aim was to be on the top to witness the alpen glow while sun rising in the Himalayas. Morning 2 o’clock we started from the base camp. It was nail biting cold penetrating our bones as we were approaching Kedarkantha Summit. 

Huts where we had bonfire in the morning

One kilo meter before the summit which is a steep climb, some of our mates were finding uneasy. So, Kanhaiya set up a small bonfire on the ice, which was quite impressive for me. I also learnt the technique from him. Our numb toes got some senses and we resumed our trek.

The sun was about to rise, and we were yet to reach the hilltop. Kanhaiya was climbing at a pace and I was literally running after him, for I could not afford to miss that view.

The divine Sunrise near Kedarkantha Summit

And finally there we were! I witnessed the most amazing sunrise of my life there at Kedarkantha. Tears started rolling on my cheeks, for I was in complete awe of the divine beauty of mother-nature. Only one thought was striking my head again and again – Millions of people out there but, I was amongst the very few fortunate to witness this moment. Honestly, I was feeling so privileged and overwhelmed in that moment. It is hard to describe in words. You must visit Kedarkantha to feel that feel.

360 degree view from Kedarkantha Summit

The 360 degree view from the top, which compelled me to do Kedarkantha this time, finally I was able to capture it real in my cameras, eyes and soul for always.

With happy & contended hearts we started descending to our base camp. Packed our backpacks and started trekking down further to Sankri. Where we spent the night at GMVN guest house and left for Dehradun next day.

Day 4- Sankri to Delhi

There are three buses one can avail from Sankri to Dehradun, around 5, 7 and 8 in the morning. The bus left around 8:15 AM, crossing the same bridges and mountains, which were now familiar to us.

Just as we were lost in the memories of the trek and thought the excitement was over, Damta had something interesting to offer us.

Ladies dressed in folk attire at Damta

A local fair, where men and women were all dressed in traditional attires, singing, playing music. Wowwww, What an experience! J We interacted with the people, had roadside food, danced in groups. THRILLED AGAIN!

Khushi Dekho Zara... 😃 Location - Damta Market Area

This experience made the trek even more memorable. Evening 6:30 the bus dropped us at ISBT Dehraun. We had another bus from here to Delhi at night.

Suggestion-

Most of the people and trekking sites suggest you to do this trek during winter after snowfall (Post Dec), but, trust me people, November is THE BEST time to enjoy every bit of this trek, snow and greenery, everything at once. So, people like me who want everything, November is the time for us to do this trek.

So, this is how a four day’s dream, yet another amazing trekking story came to a beautiful end. But every end is a beginning in itself.

As ‘John Steinbeck’ has rightly said - “People don’t take trips, Trips take people.”

I got my next destination there! Will be back soon. 😉

Till then, Stay Home, Fight Corona, Read my other trek stories...

Let me know if you enjoy them, STAY TRAVELOHOLIC!

Prashar Lake Trek : My solo trek story to this hidden treasure in Himachal

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

There are few people who take this saying of Saint Augustine dead seriously. 

I am one of those. 😊

So, here is my second solo trek story, this time I decided to go for Prashar Lake trek, a hidden treasure in Himachal near Mandi and to fulfil my long awaited desire to visit Prashar. 

This is a moderate trek and a must for every adventure enthusiast. I preferred to do in the month of March as I wanted to enjoy snow-covered lake surrounded by glittering white slopes.

Here is all about my travel story from Delhi to Prashar... 🚌🚞

mountaingirldhara

Traveller:  I, Me & myself

Destination:  Mandi- Prashar Lake

Duration: 3 nights & 2 Days

So, like most of my previous treks, this was also a sudden plan, though I wanted to visit the Prashar lake since long. The route is not well defined for Prashar and since I came across a few videos earlier in which the trekkers were lost midway, I thought it’s better to ask someone for company. But, as usual, because it was a sudden plan nobody could make it. I was in no mood to change my destination this time so I decided to go for it. Come what may!

Delhi to Mandi

It was 8^th March 2019, my all-time high spirit was on the peak as it was woman’s day and ultimately I was going to meet the snow beauty Prashar. I boarded the bus to Mandi from Ramakrishna Ashram, New Delhi at night 9 PM.

The bus left from Delhi near 10:30 after covering other pickup points and stopped at Haveli for dinner after one and half hour. The ambience of Haveli was actually mesmerising at night. Suitable for a long drive from Delhi with family, friends and special friends. You know na WHAT I MEAN!!!

Toh! AAO KABHI HAWELI PE... 😃

The bus moved again to reach Mandi after 30 min of halt at Haveli. In the last few treks, I have noticed one thing that I am calmer and more chilled out while going on a trek now. No butterflies, nothing. I feel like going home every time. Those who travel will agree that travelling or adventure brings revolutionary changes in your perspective to see people and life.

View from Mandi Bus Stand

   So, adoring the fearless night and beauty of mother nature,

   I reached Mandi at 9 AM the next day. 

What a morning it was! I could see the magnificent tricolour flying high in the sky right in front of me with the giant mountains in the background complementing to its beauty near Mandi bus station.

Just made my morning!



Day 1- Mandi to Prashar Base Camp

So, I reached Mandi about 9 AM and as obvious I missed the bus that leaves directly on the starting point of the trek, Bagi.  This direct bus leaves from Mandi at 8 o’clock in the morning. Now, I had to wait for the next bus which was at 10:15 AM, going to drop me at Katola, from where Bagi is about 8 km.

Oh! I forgot to tell you, my earlier plan was to do the trek from Kandlu, as the route from Kandlu, is a clear unmetalled road that takes us directly to the lake. But, a co-passenger who was a resident of Bagi suggested me to do it from Bagi itself as it is more adventurous & better views. This is how I landed Bagi.

On the way to Parashar

The bus charged Rs. 40 And dropped me at Katola, from where I took a shared cab which cost me Rs. 80 and dropped at Bagi. There are a few local shops that offer Maggie and tea etc. So, I had tea to reenergize myself after a 12+ hours journey.

I enquired a little from the locals & started to climb near 12 PM from Bagi along with two fellow trekkers, Amit and Tosh. Both were coming from Gurgaon to escape the city life, same as me.

The trek starts with jumping over a small river and then following the unmetalled road for approx. 1.5 Km. The villagers guided us to follow the river body till we reach the primary school, from where we entered the jungle.

View on the way ahead of  Bagi

The route seemed to be quite confusing to me from here so I decided to follow a local guide, who was taking a group of youngsters to the lake. Because the route is not well defined so I would suggest you to take a guide along if doing this trek solo from Bagi. That too when don’t have enough time and required food and tent to survive if lost. 😄

After climbing approx. 7 km I touched the snowline. Now, the owner of a local camping house Krishna Camps and I were climbing together to reach his campsite. My plan was to reach the lake by the evening. Krishna told me that it is approx. 2 km from his campsite. So, as per that, I was going good with the time.

Krishna Camp Prashar

We reached his campsite near about 5 in the evening. The moment I reached there I was greeted with the beautiful snowfall. At a corner, pakoras were getting fried. Hmmm… Aren’t you lucky to have Pakoras on such a height amid thick forest that too while enjoying a lovely shower of snow?

The snow was already 3 feet high and due to snowfall, it was difficult for me to continue the trek to reach Prashar lake today. As I always say, take the risks but calculated one. So, I decided to stay at the campsite tonight. No, it was nowhere because of PAKORAS… 😋

enjoying bonfire and snowfall

Krishna arranged bonfire for us and we all were sitting there enjoying hot Pakoras with Tea while sharing our stories with each other. Here I met Ashu, Vivek (Dhuaandar), Jagga and Lovepreet(Secretary).

Left to right (Secretary, Dhuaadar, Dhara, Jagga, Ashu)

Each one was pro in their own way to give a tough competition to The Kapil Sharma Show.😁          It was an evening full of laughter and joy. I was no more regretting my decision to stay there!

DAY 2- Base Camp - Prashar Lake –Mandi 

Waking up with a clear sky, snow around, cooing of birds & sunshine. Such a blissful morning it was! I couldn’t resist practising my mountaineering skills to reach to the top of a hill nearby and feel the first kiss of sunshine. While recalling the moment I still can feel the joy!😇

Miss D (my backpack) resting inside the tent

Anyways, after a delicious breakfast including crispy poori and bhaji, I started the hike to hit my destination Prashar Lake. Another guide, Raju and I were leading from the front and rest of the people were following us at their own speed. Haha… It was very much like this as I was walking faster than others. Perhaps because I couldn’t wait to be at the lake and wanted to spend more time there. Though I made sure not to skip a single chance to relive my childhood. It was after so many years that I got a chance to slide on the snow. Wow! such a thrilling experience that was...😃

Dhauladar Himalayan Ranges 

Enjoying the awe-striking beauty of snow-capped mountains, both the one right in front of my eyes and the one we were crossing at the moment, I was finally there, at the gorgeous Prashar Lake.

So serene and captivating she was, shining gracefully in the mountains. Lake Prashar!!!!!!        My heart was totally mesmerised seeing her beauty to recall the much famous song by Westlife-    You look so beautiful in white...😍

I first went inside the Prashar Rishi Temple, offered prayers and then did meditation for 10-15 minutes. It was magical, you must do it before you leave this place!

Later, I went to a high point near the lake and spent some time there. Enjoying the peace and extreme beauty of mother nature, it was a feeling no less than offering some worship to God. Trust me, friends! You can actually feel your presence, your heart beating and dancing with the joy (singing in my case) to become an eye-witness of this divine place.

The Divine Lake Prashar

There were a few shops nearby the lake to offer food and accommodation. You can even opt these to stay. The temple also provides accommodation.

Though I was just not in the mood to leave this place but had to… We all started descending after having tea and snacks. The descend was equally thrilling for us due to 3 feet high snow covering us up to the knees. Following the criss-cross trails, we reached Bagi by 4 PM.


Then I asked a funny question just to tease as everyone finished the trek. – Who all have guts to do it again! And everyone was gazing me as if they will kill me. 😂 lol

This is the best part of a solo trek; you may start alone but you end up making friends. Cheers for the new friendships!!!

To reach Mandi I took a direct bus from Bagi that leaves at 5 PM. I had prebooked my bus ticket from there to Delhi. The departure time for the bus was 8 PM from Mandi, so I had enough time to explore the town. I, along with my four new Punjabi friends was roaming around in the market. We had dinner and left together to reach to our respective destinations.

This way! Another long-awaited trek to Prashar came to a happy ending. If there is something I can never get tired of, that is Adventure. And, from my experience, I can say that;

"Trekking is a kind of addiction. But, this one is good for your health. "

Isn't it!

So, keep wandering! Stay Traveloholic!! 

Nag Tibba Trek in Uttarakhand

" Craving for adventure! don't think much, just GO."

Yes this is exactly what I would suggest you and any other adventure lover will do. Depends on if you are in sound health and have holidays with you. Though the trek we did seeks nothing more but two days to have an ultimate experience. Nag Tibba is the right place for you to land if you are planning to explore Garhwal Himalayas and wanna spend your weekend in complete peace.

Traveller :

Me ( mountaingirldhara)

                 

Sanghmitra (thepahaditrekker)

                 
Destinations: Delhi - Dehradun - Nag Tibba 
Trek duration - 3 nights 2 days

Nag Tibba Trek 

A weekend was there to invite me for some adventure and here I left with my friend Sanghmitra to climb Garhwal Himalayas.
We both left for Dehradun on 22nd nov at 9:30 PM from ISBT Kashmiri gate. We had dinner near Khatauni by midnight and reached Dehradun at early mng 4:30 next day.

Ginger Tea at ISBT Dun (Our Savior)

It was a little cold and we first jumped to a tea stall to warm ourselves with a glass of hot adrak wali chai (ginger tea), also to get into complete senses from our half awaken body state (We all struggle with subah ki meethi meethi need right! 😀)

Day 1 - Dehradun to Nag Tibba base camp

After reaching Dehradun, we had to reach Pantwari which is the starting point for Nag Tibba trek.

Dehradun to Pantwari

The bus/taxi stand for Mussoorie is at a distance from ISBT, so we hired a battery rickshaw which charged us 80 Rs. during odd hours. After enquiring we got to know that we will get a bus till Nainbagh from here and will have to hire a taxi from Nainbagh to reach Pantwari (starting point of the trek).

The bus started from Dun at 5:30 AM and covered a distance of 138 km in approx 3 hrs. From here we got a Maxx which was open from back to carry construction material to Pantwari. He charged us 100 rs each hand while booking a taxi would have cost us 1000 rs. for 16 km.

So, we seal the deal 😎 and what a deal it was! You know, we both enjoyed open air ride for least 3 Kms. And trust me that was such a thrilling experience for both of us.

We were at Pantwari by 9:30 AM after a nerve chilling open air ride in the month of November. We had vitamin D first of all and then Tea with stuffed Parathas. It was a long journey since evening 9:30 yesterday to morning 9:30 today. We decided to rest a little bit here. Also, because we had ample time with us.

 Pantwari to Nag Tibba base camp

So, after having proper brunch we started our trek to base camp. Around 11 we started from Pantwari.

On the way from Pantwari to Nag Tibba

The trail was quite rough & craggy, as the trek is done by a number of beginners, I would suggest to avoid doing this with your regular sports shoe and get yourself trekking boots instead. Else, you may put your feet in trouble.

So by 1 in the afternoon we were at our base camp, which was near goat village.
Total distance from the starting point to this place is approximately 5 km.

Camp Site near Goat Village

Now here, some important suggestions-

1. The regular base camps set by adventure agencies are 1 km above this place inside the forest range.  So, don't get confused and confirm from your agency if you are coming through them.
2. This point (shown in the picture) where we have pitched our tent is THE BEST site for the base camping if you are coming on your own and have a tent with you.
3.Don't pay any forest fee to anyone that my frn payed ,as we were unaware at the starting point, if you are not pitching your tent inside the forest area.
4. It is the best to pitch your tent near village if you are not carrying enough food. Manveer (a local villager) can provide you delicious pahadi food, they also offer homestays.
Here I am sharing the pic of his house so that you don't get confused while visiting the place.

Manveer's House

We had enough time after pitching our tent, so we came down to meet Manveer and enjoy hot tea with yummy Maggie.
Here we met with Manveer's two children,
Shridev and Tanvi . They were really cute, when I asked them, what they want to become in life, Tanvi said Doctor and Shridev said he wants to become a teacher. ☺️ So good to hear that, may their dreams come true.

Sunset from Manveer's Varandah

We witnessed a beautiful sunset from his varandah. There was a red lining in the sky seemed to be blushing out of joy. I was equally happy & bit lost adoring the beauty & purity of mother nature at that moment. By the time the dinner was ready and a pahadi thali with Maduey Ki Roti was waiting for us. Here, I have saved it for you people to enjoy atleast by seeing.😁

PAHADI THALI  

Day 2- Base camp to Nag Tibba

Last night we had decided to wake up early & start hiking at morning 6 to go to the Jhandi peak. But, as we both were chatting late night and woke up late in the morning, so we changed our plan. We packed our luggage, and tent and came down to Manveer's place. Got fresh and up and after having breakfast started our today's hike to Nag Tibba. So, we started around 9 and reached Nag Tibba by 10:30 covering a total distance of about 4 km.

Forest Chowki

Suggestions-

1.There is a water reservoir near Forest gate. So, make sure you fill your bottles here. Because there is no water source on the way.
2. There are various short trails on the way, don't get confused and take the broadest one. Keep following the same to save your time and efforts .

Beautiful trail passing through the Jungle

The trail goes through the lush green forest where I could find oak trees in majority. At 9000 ft is located the Nag devta Temple, because of which the place is called Nag Tibba.

Nag Devta Temple

The local people have a lot of faith on Nag devta and Surkanda Devi, whose temple was just adjacent to the Nag devta temple. Peopel offer prayers to both of them for peace and prosperity in the valley. There is also a Mela takes place and 10 days Pooja function called 'Saptah' in these temples.
There is a small Kund for fresh water inside the temple premises. So you can refill your bottles only after reaching here. 2 km above is Jhandi Devi top, you can have a clear view of all the mountain ranges in Garhwal Himalayas from there.

We came down to Manveer's place by 1 in the afternoon. Had our tea and left for Pantwari. I must tell you, the food is a little(not much) costly here. So, be ready for that else, you will have ample space and time to cook for self. 😁

We started descending and reached Pantwari by 3 PM or so. Here we again had hot tea and booked a shared taxi with two more hikers who were going to Dehradun.
It costed us 1000 RS. ( 250 each hand) till Nainbagh. From where we took a bus, as buses are frequently available from Nainbagh going to Dehradun.

Suggestion-
We boarded a bus which was going to dun via Vikas Nagar, it took us 2 hours extra as compared to Mussoorie. So, please check if the bus is going via Mussoorie in case you want to save time or have to get down there. 😀

Chillar party (met them twice during the trek)

Well! as I always say, every trek has a pre or post story. This one has a wonderful post trek story that I can't share right now. Please be patient and stay connect to my blogs to know that in the future.

So, here comes an end to our small trekking experience in Nag Tibba, my first trek into Garhwal Himalayas and I kindaa liked it. ☺️

See you soon with another Trek story...
Till then, keep wandering!
STAY TRAVELOHOLIC.😉

FOR MORE PEEPS INSIDE MY LIFE ADVENTURES PLEASE FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK at @mountaingirldhara. 

HOPE TO SEE U THERE! ☺️

A three days solo trek to Triund Himachal Pradesh

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

These lines of John Muir start buzzing in my head as soon as a weekend arrives. The happiest news that I heard in the last few months was a 3-day’s weekend falling at the end of March. Though I was willing to explore some of the seashores this time, mountains are love and the idea of a solo trek allured me. So, I decided to go with the instinct. The destination this time was- Triund, Himachal Pradesh.

Traveller: I, Me aur Main ;)

Destination: Delhi- McLeodganj- Triund

Trek Duration: 3 nights and 2 days

Day 1- Delhi to Mcleodganj

I was supposed to leave on Friday (April 27) evening itself but, due to a tiring day in the office + my ticket was also not confirmed, I decided to rest that night (Knowing the fact that Triund is not a long trek)

So, the next day (i.e. 28^th April 2018) I had my bus from Potla ground flyover, near Majnu Ka Tila at 8 PM.

Ironically, I was late as my rickshaw met an accident on the way. Don’t worry! All were safe. But, you know na such situations her in Delhi! Somehow I reached the flyover. You should have seen me, I was like SRK of Pyar Kia Toh Darna Kya! :D

We finally departed at 8:20PM.

Honestly speaking, there were no butterflies in my stomach, instead, A feeling of calmness, feeling like I am going home. So, the journey has begun and I, made my first friend, Digi, a co-passenger. She was working in Dharamshala & was in Delhi due to some passport related work. I asked her I don’t know what not! She was so humble answering all my queries in a very sweet manner.

Chokhi Dhani 

After two hours @ 10:30 the bus took a halt at Chokhi Dhani for dinner. It’s a beautiful place with the glimpse of Rajasthani culture & art in Sonipat, Haryana. I had uttapam in dinner with my friend Digi under the open sky. Though it was supposed to be a 30-40 min break, it took 1 hr for us to start the journey again meanwhile, I got a chance to explore the place. Loved the sculpture & artwork there. It was more like entering the magnificent Rajasthan. The journey resumed & we were 2 hr late than the said timings.

Next day at 8:15 am the bus dropped us at McLeodganj. Ab Udi Titliyan 😉

Day 2- McLeodganj to Triund

I had plans to ascend on the same day so, after getting fresh n up at the station itself (as the market in hills does not open before 9-10 am) I was vigorously looking for some aloo paratha shop. After roaming around the entire marketplace, luckily found this one “Sai Coffee Shop” near the monastery in the main market. I quickly hogged two aloo paratha with adrak wali chai and after having some good Panjabi stuff I was all set to commence the trek.

I asked for some guidance from cafe wale bhaiya and he instead was suggesting me to take a guide & avoid to trek alone (out of concern I guess). Digi was also saying the same, maybe because I am a girl. Anyways! I was in no mood to shorten the distance. So, I started climbing.

Galu Devi Temple

The first stop on the way was Galu Devi temple, some 5-6 km from the main McLeodganj market. There is a public water tank in the main “chauraha” if you stand there with your face outwardly, the narrow lane right in front of you leads towards the Temple or say Triund.

On the way, you will find the Regional Mountaineering Centre McLeodganj. As you ascend here, the route diverges at two points. You need to follow the left one, both the times. Bole Toh! Follow your heart. 😉

At Galu Devi temple, there is a general store just adjacent to the stairs of the temple. You can pre-book a tent here with Dharamkote Adventures for your stay in Triund if you are not carrying one.

They provide you with tents at a cheap price of Rs. 500 for a night. The same tent costs 1000-1500 bugs once you reach the hilltop.

100m above the temple you are asked to register your name by HP police. You must possess an ID proof having your home address. They usually ask you to trek in big groups. There are a number of stalls on the way where you can refill your tummy. Don’t buy water bottle every time, as you can refill them in just 20 rs/ltr. This way you can GO GREEN!

The trek is an absolute bliss; the magnificent view of the valley holds you on the verge of ecstasy.

By, 2 PM I was on the hilltop. I wanted to climb up till snowline on the same day but, I was advised not to go further by the tent owner as rain was expected and that’s exactly what happened after 35 min. It started raining there as I got inside the tent.

I could not have asked for more. Rain, tent, Tea, Maggie, Triund top and I. Speaking to my heart, I was actually feeling complete in that very moment. 😍😇

One more thing quite obvious in such a weather is, that the shayara inside you comes out in no time. :P I wrote something that I was planning since long… Masterpiece? Can say 🤗

If I have to explain this journey in one word, I would say “moments”. This place has all the elements to make you feel loved and blissful.

After the rain stopped, I went down to explore the area nearby & see the point where the land ends to create a void of excitement and thrill in the mountains. It became my favourite corner in the entire Triund top.

Suggestion: You are advised to carry own tent if you do not like noise and want some peace at this place. So that, you can place it near land’s end. 

I met a French guy ‘Kelvin’, who had his tent fixed there. In an hour-long chit-chat, I came to know that he was a yoga practitioner and climber. The view at that point was astonishing. I witnessed sunset and full moon over the snowy glaciers together. That was a moment I can’t describe in words. All I would say is, if you have been to Triund & missed this moment, Mark my words, you have missed almost everything. It’s a MUST.

At night, after having rajma chawal (the most common meal after Maggie) I spent 3-4 hrs on a boulder nearby gazing the moon & glaciers and humming my favourite songs.

Suggestion: Do carry tissue papers & extra toilet paper with you, there are only a few temporary toilets.

Day 3- Triund to snowline + McLeodganj to Delhi

I forgot to tell you, last evening I met three boys who surprisingly emerged from the lands’ endpoint while I was adoring the nature. Came to know that they took a wrong turn and climb all the way from the other part of the Triund valley. Their condition was actually pitiful. I helped them to secure tents, so became kind of frnz, a friend in need is a friend indeed! 😃

Saurav (Papa)

Rohit (Tuli) 

 Lovepreet (Luv)

Next day morning, I woke up early as I had plans of snowline trekking. Saurav was awakened while I was capturing the peaceful morning in my camera. He expressed his willingness to join me for the trek to snowline. Tuli and luv also joined us, and we were four to climb at morning 6. It’s a 10 km trek up and down.

Tuli & Luv were finding it a bit difficult and about to quit in between but, my target was to get them to the snowline, since they started with me. Saurabh & I were almost climbing together. I kept on fooling these guys throughout the trek that we have reached the snowline, climb fast. And finally, when I reached there I waved to Saurabh, his words were- firse goli to nahi de rahe na aap? 😜

Snowline Triund

These two (Tuli & Luv) were invisible for some time, I thought they finally chose to quit in b/w, but to my surprise, they were there at snowline after 20-30 min.

Groupie near Snowline Cafe

I was so happy to see them there that I literally started clapping for their daunting spirit. Well done boys!👏

I spent half n’ hour there and descended to the base camp at Triund by 9:30. Already had packed my bagpack. Had tea & left for McLeodganj. This time the boys were descending together so that they don’t get lost again. Reached McLeodganj by the afternoon, got fresh n up and had proper Panjabi meal. Then we decided to explore the town together.

The places to visit nearby- 

•          Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Art & Culture.
•          Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
•          War memorial Dharamshala
•          Monastery in the main market.

Norbulingka is a beautiful place to enjoy Tibetan art and culture. There are various sections inside the Institute for Thangka painting, wood carving and painting etc. The institute is located at a distance from McLeodganj. We hired a taxi from the union office. (it’s safe in case you miss any of your articles inside the taxi, they keep the record). It took us 15-20 min to reach the institute. We spend approx. an hour inside the campus. They charged us Rs. 40 per person for entry and sent a guide along to explain everything.

Cricket Ground Dharamshala

We went to the cricket stadium from there. I must say the only reason you must visit the Dharamshala Stadium if there is no match is its location. You can even cheer for the view as it is surrounded by mesmerising Dhauladhar Himalayan peaks. We saw young cricketers practising there. Stars in making! ☺️

War Memorial

On the way to bus station, there is the War Memorial, jointly of army, navy & air force. For me, this is the temple where I never miss to bow my head, food for the soul. The energy of this place refills your tired soul after everything you have done in the valley.

With all preserved in my memories, I left the place in the evening at 06:40, but with a promise to be back soon. While leaving the hills, the words of my new frn Saurabh were buzzing in my head.

Aap to pahado se he ho na! wahi pale-badhe ho, Fir pahado se itna pyar kyu?

(You are from hills, born and brought up there, then why are you so much passionately in love with the mountains !)

And a grin appeared on my face, with an automated response in mind.

“Tum kya Jano babu Moshai!

In pahado main kya nashi hai…” 😊

See you soon with another story, keep wandering! STAY TRAVELOHOLIC.