Kedarnath- The Home of Lord Shiva

Without New Experiences, Something Inside of Us Sleeps.

 The Sleeper Must Awaken (Copied)

Uttarakhand, as I have mentioned many times, is a place having plenty of temples and holy shrines. The state has some well-known tracking sites which always invites the attention of adventurers and trekkers around the world. Not only this, on the other side, the four pillars of faith of pilgrims Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath, collectively known as “Char Dham” are also nested in the lap of great Himalayan range of Uttarakhand.

Every year the yatra for these char dham, commence from the beginning of summers (from Apr onward) and ends with the start of winters. Traditionally, the pilgrimage begins from the West and ends in the East (Starts from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath).

We were not planning any pilgrimage tour but of course were planning for another bike journey in Uttarakhand. We had heard that the Kedarnath temple is the remotest temple of lord Shiva. So this time we planned the trip to pay a visit to this holy place.

Travelling is now not new for us only the places and experiences are. So we now don’t find any difficulty to plan the itinerary and to arrange the necessary items required for the journey. This time too, the planning and execution was perfect.

21 Apr-15-  Delhi to Haridwar (220 Kms)-

Around at 8 pm, we all gathered at my flat in J&K pocket Dilshad garden. Naveen, Rajesh and Amit came from Kalkaji, Delhi. We finished our dinner and by 9:30 to 10:00 PM we all geared up for this journey of Kedarnath. The luggage was already packed a day before. It took no time to tie the luggage in our bullets and in few minutes we were at NH-58 which is the highway connecting Delhi to Uttarakhand.

NH-58 has become very familiar to us as we use this route to our home in Dehradun. Also many tours we have done in Uttarakhand itself. After a ride of 3:30 Hrs we reached Haridwar at around 02:30 AM. Naveen one of our fellow biker, stays in Haridwar itself and he had arranged our stay for the night at his home. Once in our cozy beds we immediately fall asleep.

22 Apr-15:- Haridwar to Gaurikund (185 Kms)-

All woke up at around 07:30 Am, got fresh and with a delicious breakfast, we made our stomach full, and started the today’s tour towards Gaurikund, the end point of our day long journey. Days before the journey, we had already booked our rooms in Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) guest house, Gaurikund. The journey today was long that too through the hilly terrains.

On the way, our 5^th partner “Bharat” joined us for the trip. At Rishikesh the mobile registration camps were set up by Uttarakhand government. We did our bio-metric registration there. The government has mandated the registration to keep track of the pilgrims visiting the char dham, so that the necessary support could provide in case of any requirements or tragedies.

Soon you left behind the Rishikesh, the hilly curvy roads welcome you. Biking in spectacular and lush green views pumps up the adrenaline rush into the body and you will feel like the best thing happening with you.

Pic:- On the way to Srinagar

At around 1:30 PM we reached Srinagar and had our lunch en-route to Rudraprayag. The weather has started getting changed soon after we crossed Rudrapyag and rain started to slow down our speed. By the time we reached Sonprayag which is 5 kms before the Gaurikund, it was 9:00 PM. The Sonprayag is the main stoppage for the Kedarnath pilgrims as this small city has many options for lodging and food. At Sonprayag, there was barricading done by Uttarakhand police and tourist movement was not allowed due to possibility of landsliding on the roads ahead in Night.

As we had booked our guest houses in Gaurikund, we somehow managed to cross the barricading to ride towards Gaurikund. However, luck was not with us and just behind 2 kms from Gaurikund we witnessed the heavy landslide in front of us. Plenty of sludge and rocks had blocked the passage ahead and more was coming. The creepy sound of stones striking with each other and complete dark everywhere around us made the scene very scary. Without wasting time we turned our vehicles and returned to Sonprayag. Cops were like waiting for us in Rudraprayag, they yelled at us warned us and then let us go to find accommodation in the city. The time was 10:00 PM and the hotels, lodges all were full due to heavy rush of pilgrims. A local suggested us to go to Sitapur which is 3 Kms back from Sonprayag. We had our dinner in Sonprayag and ride towards the Sitapur where we managed to book two rooms at very cheaper rates (Rs 500 per room) to stay overnight.

23rd Apr-15 Gaurikund to Kedarnath (18 Kms)- -

Today we had to track towards Kedarnath which is a 18 kms long tough track. Bullets were to be on rest for next 2  days and our legs had to do the job. At 08:30 Am we reached Sonprayag where vehicle parking facility was available.

Pic- At Sonprayag vehicle parking stand

In Sonpryag we came to know that we have to go through a round of medical tests before starting the trek. There was a long queue of pilgrims in the medical facilitation center and we had to wait at least for 1 to 1:30 hrs. At 10:30 AM, the formalities were completed and after having light breakfast we moved towards Gaurikund which is the base from where the trekking starts. From Sonprayag to Gaurikund the 5 kms were traveled through local jeeps at Rs 20 per person.

Now the trekking has started. Here I would like to remind the fellow travelers that the trek level is tough with having minor moderate routes and major steep ones. And one would have to be physically fit to complete this trek or else people also have the option of Helicopter services upto Linchauli Village which is just 4 kms behind the Kedarnath temple.

Pic (Copied)- Latest Trekking route map to Kedarnath. The dotted route was the main route before 2013. After disaster the route destroyed and the alternate route was developed by authorities.

Having said that, we also soon realized that this trek is not going to be easy. Each kilometer was feeling like miles. We did this trek in year 2015 and the place was recovering from the disaster at that time. There were very few halting places en-route.

Merely 4 kms ahead we had our first break at Jungle chatti. We took some refreshments, tea & Maggi here while watching the beautiful scenic beauty around.

After trek of 10 kms around at 3:00 PM, we were at Rambada where we witnessed the horror of the flood of 2013. whole village was washed out by this disaster and what remained was the broken hearts. Lately Army had made a temporary bridge to cross this village. The main route from Rambada to Kedarnath has been completely destroyed and the agencies have started to develop the alternate pathways which is comparatively less tough but the distance has increased (previous length of this trek was 14 Kms and now is around 18 Kms). We took some rest in Rambada and moved towards the next stop namely Linchauli which is second last base camp to Kedarnath and is 3 kms ahead from Rambada.

The feet were soaring the energy level was going down but seeing the fellow pilgrims we met en-route was keeping us motivated to trek. I was surprised to see the faith and confidence of the people going to see kedar baba temple.

At around 5:30 PM we were at Linchauli. Tomorrow on 24^th April was the kapat opening ceremony of the temple , so, to take fist blessings many famous personalities like Congress President Mr. Rahul Gandhi, then Uttarakhand CM Mr Harish Rawat and Kailash Kher etc. were also present in Lincholi which the Helicopter base for the temple.

Generally, few of the pilgrims stays in Linchauli and rest march ahead towards Kedarnath base camp. Like others, we had also planned to complete this last lap as well and stay overnight in Kedarnath base camp. Both in Linchauli and in Kedarnathh, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) have arranged the tents for overnight stay of pilgrims.

While we were taking some rest in Linchauli, the rain started and NDRF team announced all pilgrims to halt at Linchauli for the night. Unable to move ahead, the mass gatherings at Linchauli started having the issue of shortage of tents.

 Uttarkashi, a small city in Uttarakhand is my birth place. The one of the four mountaineering institutes (NIM) is also situated in Uttarkashi ( others are in Darjeeling, Manali and J&K). I requested one of the NIM official to arrange for a tent or help to find one. He took us to one of the tent where 2 pilgrims were already sleeping. We all 5 had somehow adjusted into that tent but could not sleep due to space issues. Rain had stopped by now and sensing the shortage of tents, the NDRF personals made an announcement that anyone who wish to trek to Kedarnath base Camp can join one of the NDRF team. Despite being fully exhausted, we decided to trek ahead.

The time was 9:00 PM and we were in between the snow clad mountains around us. The temperature was in negative. The bright shining stars, full moon and snow covered trek made the path very clear to ascend. This last 4 kms trek was the best thing which happened with us in this journey. This unique experience of night trekking in bright white snow is a rare experience one can have.

At around 10:30 PM we reached at Kedarnath base camp. The NDRF team was way ahead of us and by the time we reached Kedarnath they may have already went into their tents changed and slept as well. We were totally exhausted and rushed towards the very first camp we saw. This was an army camp so we did not face any issue. We had our dinner and, our beloved Army men set the new tent for us in the snow for night stay.

24^th Apr-15 Kedarnath to Sonprayag ( 25 Kms)-

The last night was not easy to pass. We couldn’t sleep properly and kept tossing and turning due to high altitude breathing issues. In the morning whole body was aching and we weren’t feeling that good. We were still 1 kms behind from the temple but the long distant chattering of music, folk songs were clearly audible to us.

We were informed that the doors of the temple were to be opened at 08:35 AM. We quickly had our breakfast in the camp (poori Chole and Halwa). And at around 07:30 AM we marched towards the temple through pathway with feet long side wall snow.

At 8:30 AM we reached the temple premises and saw the whole new world around there. The temple was beautifully decorated and there was a huge crowd gathered, be it local people, folk singers, dancers, sadhus, media persons, celebrity and what not. This kapat opening day was being celebrated by everyone by their own ways.

The Pradhan priest of the temple after doing the pooja opened the doors for all. We did the darshan and then sat there to watch the activities happening around. After spending some time there, we now started to trek back to Sonprayag. The return journey was all descending and easy. By evening we reached Sonprayag and stayed there overnight.

25^th Apr-15 Sonprayag to Delhi ( 400 Kms)-

Today nothing was planned only the target to reach Delhi by evening. We started early and took halt at Rudraprayag for Lunch and started again this non-stop ride. By 3:30 PM we reached Delhi. With this, an another exciting journey completed and part of bucket list emptied.

We are so much into the touring and trekking that the mother nature is our soul now and our bikes are our wings to fly and dip into the soul.

Regards

Shekhar Saklani

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A Journey to Heaven : Ladakh

A Journey to Heaven : Ladakh Motorcycle Diaries

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” ― Anaïs Nin

Spending few evenings for rotten discussions , we 4 guys finally planned a trip to Leh-Ladakh for 11 days on our Bikes.  Of-course, by then we didn’t know much about Ladakh. But with the help of other travelers/riders blogs/suggestions , we finalized our itinerary.

All set, but 2 guys back out at the last moments  . And finally we were only two guys remained for the journey.

Day 1: Tour starts from Delhi to Udhampur (J&K) by Train:-

In the span of 2 weeks before the journey, we managed/collected the things which we had to take with us ( eg clothing, medicines, eateries, servicing of bikes, spares and riding gears)

On the night of 24^th July’13, we catch the train to Udhampur (J&K). the tour officially started at 22:00 hrs. But We reached the station 3 hours before the departure time, for bike paper verification, bike Packing, and loading in train. All done in time. After 650 Kms journey, morning at 10:30 am we reached Udhampur.

Day 2: 25^th July:-Udhampur (J&K) to Srinagar:-

We unloaded and unpacked our empty-tank bikes and pushed these 200 kg bulls to the exit of the station. uffff…very tuff job (while loading the bikes railway officials make sure that the fuel tank is empty). Outside the station, we fueled the tanks and tied our luggage in the backseat with bungee ropes. From here onwards, we started journey. For those who have extra gastric desires can have famous Patisa at Kud and Rajma Chawal at Peera Dhaba in Ramban distt. We board  our guest house in Srinagar at 21:00 hrs , had our dinner at Mughal Darbar famous for dishes like Goshtaba, wazwaan and then we headed to Dal lake.

Day 3: 26^th july:- Sightseeing at Srinagar (Dal lake, gulmarg, local market):-

      Gandola Ride                                                                                 DAL lake

We didn’t ride much this day and decided to go for local sightseeing in Srinagar. We visited Shalimar garden , Gulmarg (60 Km from Srinagar)and enjoyed the photography, Gandola riding and horse riding.

Day 4: 27^th july:- Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil-Overnight in Hotel at Kargil:-

D-Day for long riding hours have been started as we entered the Srinagar –Leh highway. This road remains open for traffic from June to October. We started from Srinagar around 9 AM in the morning and we went past the green meadows of Sonmarg, before making our way to the Zoji La(Pass) at 11,500 feet. Officially this was the first pass we were scaling up on our trip. The road was muddy, gravely and non-existent at best.

Pic - Zoji la                                                                   Pic- Sonmarg Entry

The scenery got better and better as we crossed Gumri (the army check post) heading towards Drass – the second coldest inhabited place only after Siberia. As we were nearing Drass, we could see the Tiger hill over the distant peaks. 

                                                                                       Pic- Distant view of Tiger hill

We reached Dras at 3:30 PM and it was 5:45 PM by the time we finished our tea and noodles with the great dose of stories of Kargil war by the Commanding Officer  posted there. After that great session, we headed towards Kargil.

We reached Kargil by 8:00 PM and with a small affords , we managed to find a room (hotel Siachen). This day, we covered a stretch of 205 Kms.

KARGIL WAR MEMORIAL                                       PAK SENTRY POST now a GLORY SIGN OF                                                                                                                 INDIAN ARMY

Day 5: 28^th july:- Kargil – Lamayuru – Magnetic Hills-Leh:-

We started off to Leh by 9 AM. Fueled our bikes, and left the greenery behind. Today was the foray into the deserts of Leh-Ladakh. The scenery changed to brown mountains dotted with snow capped peaks. Crossed Namik La(12,200ft) and Fotu La(13,432 ft) and reached Lamayuru around 3:00 PM where the beautiful monastery welcomed us. After having our lunch there, we again started towards Leh, we witnessed the brown coloured rocks descending almost 4000ft in a long stretch.

A SCENIC VIEW OF BROWN MOUNTAINS                                   AT NAMIK LA

Finally after 10-11 hrs and 220 Kms, we were in Leh!. Today we realized, Himalayas were not all neat and snowy but instead it was muddy and rocky as well. 

Day 6: 29^th July:- Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits:-

A TOP VIEW OF LEH CITY

This morning wasn’t good enough for both of us. We got stuck with Acute Mountain Sickness and the severe headache was killing us. After our breakfast in hotel we took the medicine and decided to go to bed again. This day was for our acclimatization and for inner line permit ( for visiting Nubra valley, Panamik, Pangong lake, written permission from DC office is necessary).

Day 7: 30^th july:- Leh –Nubra Valley – Getting high at Khardung-La pass- Overnight at Hunder:-

Nubra means garden in Ladakhi. This valley is home to all of the following: a high-altitude desert, complete with camels and wind-carved dunes; vast fertile tree-lined grassy expanses; and sky-reflecting blue lakes;.

To get to the Nubra valley, we head out from Leh on a picturesque 6-hour journey over Khardung-La pass (18380 Ft), which is the highest motorable road in the world. There we had our surprisingly tempting, victorious: a bowlful of humble Maggie noodles —at “Highest Cafeteria in The World” Which I’ll  affectionately remember all over the years.

KHARDUNG LA PASS (HIGHEST MOTORABLE ROAD IN THE WORLD)  WORLD’S HIGHEST CAFETERIA

This high point behind us, we descend to Diskit/Hunder  in the Nubra valley. And in few hours we were in desert: specifically the grey-white dunes at Hundar. It's a great place to explore. In fact this was the place I liked most in my whole journey. The Hundar dunes are fascinating. We spent some time in the desert, relaxed, played and then went back to our camps at night. There are a few camp agencies in the area and we hired one cheap nearby camp.

SAND DUNES OF HUNDER                                   SOME GOOD  MOMENTS AT HUNDER

Another fascinating, adventurous 130 Km exciting day ended after a nice meal in our camps.

Day 8: 31^st july:- Hunder –Panamik –Khardung-La pass- Overnight at Leh:-


                                                                                WAY BACK TO LEH

The famous Ladakh Scouts-snow leopards  reunion at some en-route cafe

Panamik has hot water springs. After a 210 Km journey we reached back to Leh. After checking back in to our hotel, we spent the evening exploring Leh and its market. At night we headed to Leh’s other great panorama point, the Shanti Stupa.  Whole Leh city looks beautiful at night from this point.

Day 9: 1^st August:- Leh – Over Chang-La pass -Pangong Tso Lake- overnight at Leh:-

CHANG-LA-PASS (THIRD HIGHEST PASS OF WORLD)                            PANGONG-TSO LAKE

This was another exciting day. While preparing our tour itinerary we came to know about Pangong- Tso lake ( 3-idiot lake).So today was blocked for visiting this beautiful mountain lake. The Pangong lake — a long, shallow sliver of water 130km long and barely 7km wide at most — lies partly under Chinese control. No water traffic is permitted here. Before reaching to the Lake we encountered another (Third highest pass in the world): Chang-La pass ( 17586 ft). We enjoyed the complementary tea in army sentry in Chang La pass. Yaks and wild horses were another attractive scenes on the way to the lake.

INDIAN ARMY”S PATROLING BOATS AT LAKE      AREA IS SURROUNDED WITH MINEFIELDS

We spent few hours of noon in lake and then we headed back to Leh. We travelled 370 Kms that day. By the time we reached our hotel, we were completely exhausted. After a shower of warm water followed with delicious dinner, we went to our beds.

Day 10: 2^st August:- Leh – Moore Plains – Pang – Over night at Sarchu:-

From here onwards our Journey back to Delhi has been started. Before starting this second phase we went to bike mechanic in Leh and fixed some minor problems of bike. Around 11:00  AM we headed off to Sarchu through Leh - Manali highway. We had our breakfast in Karu (40 Kms from Leh). There was an army canteen which served the delicious Dosa just at 25 Rs. It was really surprising to have that cheap price for Dosa at 13000 ft.  We fueled our bike tanks in karu and now, only 600 Rs were left in our pocket with no ATM around. It was informed by locals that next ATM we will find will be in Manali which is 400 Kms ahead from Karu or 40 Kms back (at Leh). We decided not to go back. Before reaching to Sarchu, we met with our third Glory: Second highest pass in the world: Tanglang-La pass ( 17582 ft).

TANGLANG-LA-PASS (SECOND HIGHEST PASS OF WORLD)                          CUTE PEMA

On the way we encountered the first rain of our tour and after this shower, it was blizzard cold out there. After a big glass of tea, we continued ahead and reached Sarchu around 09:00 PM. We got a good and cheap accommodation (100 Rs for a bed in a small roadside hotel).

Day 11: 3^rd August:- Sarchu- Rohtang Pass-Manali:-

Other riders  whom we met back in Leh, told us that due to bad weather it is very dangerous riding out there in Rohtang Pass  which is en-route to Manali. Also great amount of dirt and slush will worsen the problem especially after noon time, when glaciers starts to melt.  

Hence we started early in the morning ( 6:30 AM) so that before noon we can cross the pass. After paying the food bill and accommodation charges to the Nepali couple, we had only 40 rs remained in our pocket. Manali was still 225 kms away from where we can get an ATM. We were not in a position to afford our breakfast and lunch. So we managed the day with dry fruits only(which we brought with us). And here comes Rohtang pass ( 13051 ft): 'Roh' (crying) 'Thang' (sorrow) pass: The cool winds, all covering mist, slushy road:. But finally we crossed it unhurt  and had the amazing feeling of victory. This was the last pass we were crossing.

WAY TO MANALI                                                         WAY TO MISTY AND COLD ROHTANG-PASS

Around 4:00 PM we reached Manali. Had our meal here. At 5:00 PM we were done with the food and rest, so decided to move ahead towards Chandigarh. At 3:00 AM we were at our destination in Chandigarh .This was the longest distance we covered ( 500 Kms) and we were really tired.

Day 12: 4^rd August:- Chandigarh- Delhi:-

Whole day we slept only and did nothing. Evening at 5:00 PM we headed off to Delhi and at 10:00 PM we were in our places.

I witnessed the Himalaya mountains like never before  and always remember this adventurous bike journey. We have left behind those green, brown, ice covered, muddy and rocky mountains but have taken some special moments back home on our camera cards.

It was an great experience and  has encouraged me to do the adventures like this time and again. This was my first long bike trip which opened the channels for next many adventures. Julley! (greetings in ladakhi).

Year 2013

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Into the Wild:- Har Ki Dun Trek

Har Ki Dun Trek Overview
Area	Garhwal, Himalayas
Duration	7-8 days
Best Time to visit	Apr - June (Summer Trek) Sept - Dec (Winter Trek)
Trek Grade	Moderate
Trek Altitude	3556 Mtrs ( ~12000Ft)
Trek Distance	54 Kms
Nearest Airport	Jolly grant airport Dehradun
Nearest Railway station	Dehradun
Base Camp	Sankri Village

“There is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. #IntoTheWild ”

ü   Tour Period:- 16^th to 21^st Apr-19

Tour Mode- Bikes

           No. Of Riders:- 6

           No of Bikes: 5.

           Total Travelling Kms:- 914 Km approx (Including 54 Kms trek).

About Har Ki Dun Valley

The Har Ki Dun Trek literally means trek to Valley of Gods. The trek is one of the most sought-after treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The valley of Har-ki-Dun is located at the base of Fateh Parvat, at an altitude of 3,556 meters. The valley is surrounded by dense Pine forests. The 27 kms trek goes through some isolated villages of Uttarakhand which are still unaffected by the civilization.

As per the Mythology, Pandavas took the very same route to ascend to heaven via Swargarohini, the mountain that dominates the Har Ki Dun valley.

And, to again closely witness the mighty Himalayan ranges, we again geared up with our bikes to ascend the Har ki Doon trek. Our trekking enthusiast Rajesh planned the tour itinerary, and  that too without hampering our office duties. The tour was planned on the holiday week 16^th to 21^st  Apr-19 as under:-

Day 1:- 16^th Apr-Delhi to Dakpathar ( 270 Kms):-

As we all riders are residing at different part of NCR, Delhi, we planned to start the journey together from Rajnagar extension in Uttar Pradesh and decided to meet there by 06:30 PM. Due to heavy holiday rush, we were only able to start the trip at 08:00PM. The journey was of 6-7 hours through NH-58 highway which is majorly well maintained roads. we reached the Dakpathar at 02:00AM. In between we had our dinner in a dhaba near Meerut by pass. The route to enter the Dakpathar is hilly (approx 20 Kms) but wide and it’s a delight to drive there in day time. But we were driving at night so couldn’t enjoyed the natural beauty.

Day 2:- 17^th Apr- Dakpattahr to Sankri( 160 Kms):-

The first day was started with the delay and was hectic due to traffic, and the present day was also going to be exhausting due to hilly driving of 8-9 hours, we started the day abit late. Heavy rain was predicted by the Uttarakhand government & MET department so riders of our team who did not have the rain jacket and pants, purchased  them from the Dakpathar market.

After finishing the breakfast at friend’s home, we started the trip towards the base camp of the trek “Sankri” at around 11:30 AM.

 One cannot rely upon the public transport to reach Sankri as there is only 1-2 buses in the morning. Enroute to Sankri there are villages like Purola- Derika-Mori- Netwar  etc.. We had our lunch in Purola which is the central point for tourists and a good market for locals and nearby villagers. Enroute rain reduced our speed from Purola and then my bullet got punctured near Derika village which is nearly 4 kms from Purola.

I was riding with a pillion rider (Anurag) and Rajesh was riding behind me. Other bikers were ahead of us and due to rain we were still 2-3 hours behind our destination, so we asked other riders to reach Sankri and make the stay arrangements in Sankri.

After Purola, there is very small population density in villages and no facilities around. I couldn’t find any puncture shop around so took a lift from passerby to Purola while Anurag & Rajesh stayed there with the bullet.

In Purola, mechanic was not ready to come as he was only one working in the puncture shop. I hired a Tata 407 to Derika and loaded bullet to bring it back to Purola.

Bullet fixing took time and by the time it was fixed at  06:30, it was raining and getting dark. We were thinking of staying in Purola and then start very early in the morning to catch the rest of the riders. But we 3 finally decided to move forward to base camp to join others.

Night driving in hills made the 2 hour journey to 3 hour and around at 9:30 we reached the GMVN guest house where the team members had made the arrangements of stay.

After a quick hot water shower, we had our dinner in the mess of the guest house and then went to bed to recharge ourselves for next day trekking. 

Day 3:- 18^th Apr- Sankri to Taluka to Paunigharat ( 15 Kms biking and 12 kms trek):-

Due to riding in rain in previous day and long 9-10 hour journey, we all were feeling down today morning. Shoes, clothes and gears were drenched in rain. Hot tea and rich breakfast did its job and refreshed us and we started packing our bikes for onward journey to Taluka (15 kms from Sankri). Only luggage needed for the trekking and camping was packed and rest luggage was dropped in the reception area of the guest house which was to be picked after the return. We carried our camp from Delhi and rest camping gears like sleeping bags, sleeping mats etc were rented out from the guest house. One can hire the items at Rs 300 per night.

We also hired a guide named Mukesh, at the cost of Rs 3000 plus fooding and lodging with us. We took the permit with forest department and procedded towards Taluka. Please note that without the guide the forest department do not provide the permit to go beyond Sankri.

The 15 kms stretch to Taluka village was literally rockey and muddy and the riding without support was quite impossible. This one hour journey though was exhausting and danger but this was the only adventure we were looking for when we decide to come here by bikes.

 Taluka was the home town of our guide Mukesh and we parked our vehicles and dropped our helmets  at his house. Mukesh also arranged the pair of horses and their porter at Rs 700 per day cost, to load the luggage so that we could trek easily and freely.

After having our lunch in Taluka around at 02:00 PM we started the trekking to our fist stay in Seema village which is nearly 13 kms from the Taluka.

Initial trekking was a piece of cake but increase in height and then heavy rain made it difficult and we could not maintain our speed. In between Gangad is the village to take some rest and snacks. Rain did not stop and we were still 2 kms behind the Seema when it was getting dark. So we decided to set our tent near Paunigarat near the only shop which was providing meal for the night.

Camp was set, and hot food was prepared (egg curry and rice @ Rs 200 per plate) and we enjoyed the dinner with the bonfire and antakshari fun.

Day 4:- 19^th Apr- Paunigarat to Har ki Dun to Kalkatidhar( 20 Kms):-

Today we started early and around by 07:00 Am, after our daily ablutions and breakfast (Maggi, biscuits and tea), we were ready to start the next level of trek. Trekking grade was started to become tough but the spectacular views and majestic mountains around the trek were acting as a catalyst to our energy.

Today weather conditions were favourable and we reached Kalkatidhar at 12:30 PM. This is the place where space for camping is available and you will see number of camps of India hikes around the place. We took some rest there and had our lunch in the only shop there.

Distance of Har ki Dun from Kalkatidhar is around 4-5 kms and that is a snowy trek with high altitude. We started around 02 PM and targeted to reach the Har ki Dun by 03:30 PM. We decided that our horse potter will stay there with the guide for set up of camp and the guide will catch us in between the route as he was experienced and fast.

We trekked merely 1 kms and the snow covered treks welcomed us only to witness the breathtaking wonder of nature around. By 03:30 we all were at our destination. We were so close to the nature that snow, waterfalls, river, beautiful flaura and fauna, valley and gigantic mountains, everything was there in once place. Swargarohini peak was just in front of us flaunting its mightiness.

Tiredness, stress, pain, cold, and thirst, everything went away when we saw the snow covered valley area in front of us. We all set there for 1-2 hours and watched this wonder of nature.

Time flew and in an hour or two, the darkness was to spread over this beautiful white blanket.  We decended back to our camps and reached there at 6. Hot cup of tea and refreshments welcomed us.

By 07 -07-30, Mukesh arranged for bonfire where we gossiped with our drinks and snacks. Today dinner menu was yellow daal and rice. By 09:30 we all were settled in our camp for good night sleep.

Day 5:- 20^th Apr- Kalkatidhar to Taluka to Purola( 22 Kms trek & 70 kms bike):-

The day was long and hectic, hence we started early today too. The shopkeeper was not around for breakfast so we had the tea only that too in the India hikes camp mess. At 6 we started and at 1 we were in Taluka. The slopes helped us to trek faster. We took the way back from the picturesque  Osla Village which surprisingly provides Homestay for the tourists.

In Taluka after lunch in a local shop, we distributed the BSES T-shirts to the children and some medicines available with us to the elders. 

Now it was time to again gear up and start our bikes for return journey. We reached Sankri at 03:00 Pm and returned the rented luggage, packed our bikes and reached Purola by 7:00 Pm.

We hired the rooms in GMVN guest house (700 Rs per double bed room) and ended our day journey.

Day 6:- 21^st Apr- Purola to Lakhamandal to Delhi ( 390 kms):-

Again, in the early sunny morning, we proceeded towards Delhi. Enroute we visited the Lakhamandal village which has a history that dates back to centuries. As per the locals, it is believed to be the place where  Duryodhana  of  Mahabharata episode conspired to burn alive  the Pandavas.

After visiting the Shiva temple, at around 11:00 am we started towards Delhi. Traffic was very busy and by 10 PM we reached home.

Though, this time the itinerary was hectic which made journey exhausting, but still there was a life lesson that  “ With every trip you take you start appreciating the every little things in life”.