En Route to Taluka: Day 1 of Our Har Ki Doon Trek

Following are the posts of ma experience of the Himalayan Trek been in the month of May... The experience was sooo rockinnn that cudnt culminate it in one single post...!!!

Our trip to Har Ki Doon began its journey from Dehradun station where a bus picked us up and was going to drop us at Sankri (from where we would make our way to Taluka, the base camp) in Uttarkashi district,Uttrakhand. Our 12 hour bus journey began with not so curvy ghats but as we neared the destination the roads became steeper and cold winds blowing as we gained higher altitudes. On the way we had our lunch in a dhabba at Mori with delicious roti, sabji and dal. Cooked on logs of wood this sumptuous meal freshened everyone from the long bus ride. In just about 2hours or so from there we reached the destination, Sankri. At Sankri, a jeep was arranged to drop us till the base camp, Taluka. However, a landslide had unexpectedly broken a bridge connecting two banks of the small-flowing river where the jeeps couldn't cross over, resulting in just about a kilometer or two of walking to reach the base camp from the point. A man-made bridge built across was crossed one by one and a good warm-up began for days of hike ahead.

On reaching Taluka, everyone was spellbound looking at location where we were camping. We were alloted our tents and asked to settle ourselves inside. Hot Soulful Soup and Dinner was served. The cooks put up an excellent buffet with Healthy Food inclusive of Salads, Papads, Delicious Sabjis, Garama -Garam Rotis and Yummy Dal-Rice.

The sun had set and the sky wore its night robe.
Thats where we were to head in days to come! Even in that Persian-Blue coloured sky one could admire the scenic beauty. Down lay the beautiful river melting down from the glaciers of mountains which could be seen by our eyes at the entity. Rocky mountain range lay on the other side of the river bank and as the range moved ahead it began to cap itself with snow.

Day 2: Taluka to Seema

With adequate amount of sleep in that fresh and vibrant environment our day began early morning at Taluka. An early morning wake up call in form of bed-tea arrived at each tent. Most refused to budge in this climate but eventually everyone's sleep withered. Had about an hour or so to freshen up, and as instructed we had to come at the kitchen area for the breakfast. Egg-omelet, Porridge and Cereal(Cornflakes) is what constituted our meal in the morning. Tea and coffee was then served. With all energy pumped up in each of us we began our excursion to the second camp at Seema. The walk was about 12 kilometres plus an additional 5 kilo meters was a detour we took because of a calamitously bridge due to landslide. Thus, the 17 kilometers walk began at around 7.00 in the morning.

The walk towards Seema began with a rocky terrain with frequent ups and downs . With pumped up energy all were in full spirits to reach the destination as soon as possible but certainly admiring the terrain around. As we walked we encountered grass routes, rocky terrain, a steep descend along a stream of river, and finally the rains broke and we took shelter at a small shop-cum-hotel. This is where we took our lunch break. Even though each of us had been given our packed lunches we'll hogged on the steaming Maggi Noodles. Delicious was the first thing that hit our souls when we relished each plate of Maggi.

After everyone freshened up we began walking again. Slowly the terrain we entered was a jungle. Man made routes were seen along this dense forests. Tiny streams of water lay along which complemented the scenic beauty of the dense forests. As our water bottles used to get empty, we filled water along these streams. Crystal clean water is what could be seen through and through our bottles. Rocky paths ran in this forestation. Each one began to struggle a little but with immense passion to reach the destination made each one go for it. With grassy lands nearing one could predict that the village,Seema wasn't very far. At open still narrow pastures, we saw sheep and goats grazing, with young shepherds at their guard. Interesting to see was a sheep-dog there with an iron collar. On being asked why such a harsh collar was put an older experienced shepherd said, "usi ke rakwale ke liye hain. Bageera jab humla karta hain sabse pehle gardan pe var karta hain." Which means that it was clasped on to protect him from the tigers or panthers who might attack.

And then, the grassy lands changed its form to a rocky path, a road-like feature and up ahead one could see small houses and civilization. As we walked this path, on the left lay the same river that flows till Taluka. It looked more cleaner, with water crashing into the rocks. The waves were much stronger resulting in white-milky coloured froth. The water was most definitely in its purest form.

Enjoying this landscape around we entered the house booked for our camp. It was definitely more colder than our base camp. Inside the wooden house(our camp stay) however, it was very warm. We sat on the couch when the cooks came with hot tea and coffee and also some Yummy delicious bhajiyas. They came as a boon after this nearly 12 hour walk.

To acclimatize to the climatic conditions all were asked to walk out of the house and stay out in the open. Even an acclimatization walk was conducted to just get our body accustomed to this sudden change in climate. Some went further for a walk down to the river bank to enjoy the water. On the banks of the river each took their positions on the rocks. None was allowed to go too further for safety reasons as the current of the river was very strong. Photographs were clicked with a spectacular background behind. It was drizzling and the cloudy sky added to the spellbound environment. This walk relaxed us of the tiring journey. We made our walk back to our lodging.

Soups were the first thing that came to us for dinner. Around the camp fire, as everyone sipped their soup, shared their experiences about previous treks and experiences and also anything particular events of the day. With fun and frolic, entered the place again where dinner was served. Beautifully laid Salads, Dal-Rice, Roti and Gravy-Bhajis of Soyabean and Potatoes were laid before us. After dinner, everyone was briefed about the next day's trek to the final destination, Har Ki Doon. Technicalities about the feature and terrain were explained and also the post-effects of gain of altitude were asked to be judged and reported immediately. Safety was the prime need for this trek as altitude gain resulted in a lot of symptoms towards altitude sickness.

The discussion was finished and everyone just wanted to hit the bed then. A long day was ahead of us. Adequate sleep and rest was of utmost priority because of a back log of tiredness of the day and an steeper terrain walk the next day. With silent prayers and deep desire to reach the top each of us dozed off listening to the music of the river!

Final Day- Day 3: Seema to Har Ki Doon

As the sun cracked its first ever rays amongst the white landscape, we were woken up by our as usual bed-tea. All ready for the hectic hike today everyone geared themselves up with early morning breakfast. Still exhausted from the previous day trek we still managed to encourage ourselves from making it to the final. As we walked out a spellbound landscape lay before us. Rocky road path, crystal-clean rapid river, and far ahead lay the snow-capped mountains, and that's where we were off to.

Our trek from Seema to Har Ki Doon was 14kilometres, lesser than the previous day. But, we were briefed that this walk is going to take more time and energy than the previous day because of the ascend and altitude. We started our day with a steep hike which pulled a lot of energy from us. Crossed couple of waterfalls and bridges, and the way ahead lay muddy and rocky paths. Our journey basically consisted of crossing one mountain then the other. As we walked, on the right down below lay a deep valley which ended with a gurgling river. And opposite us lay a paralleled snow-capped mountain range which ran from end to end.

We took frequent stops, since the altitude began to increase slight breathlessness caught on to us. Halts taken were for pictures, admiration of scenic beauty, some snacks, and also for lunch. The landscape around was a portrait painted by Nature and the Creator Himself. Little boys and girls of the villages around kept us company, as we walked, narrating tales about their experiences and rendezvous with calamities around. We came across spread out meadows where the sheep and goats came to graze. We rested for some while there making sure not getting to lazed as much more had to be covered. Also, the Rain gods "showered" us with their blessings!

It surely was an exhausting trek, but we were made sure by Mother Nature that none get bored looking at the same terrain everywhere. In fact, each patch of the hike had something added to it that made us go wow! along every bend. Thus, with occupied minds and soulful landscapes around we loathed for more. None knew what was in store for us ahead. We just walked and walked. The last kilometre and half was hectic mentally and physically due to exhaustion. The desperation to reach and curiosity of what lay ahead began to kill.

And there, behind the group of conifer trees lay the stone stairs. Upon climbing it lay ahead a buffet of wonder that made each gasp. It was a sight to behold. Welcoming us with a carpet of stones, on either side lay lush green grass, at the foothills of Swargarohini with a top coat of snow, was the destination Har Ki Doon. Afar, we could see a bridge connecting the banks of a downhill river, which one had to cross to reach our lodging. It started to rain heavily with clouds seeming to touch our feet. At that minute only 3 words struck our minds- Heaven on Earth!!


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Jab We Met!

I walked away speaking on the phone,
"Anu" , I heard behind, in a doubtful tone,
"Why don't you come as well?"
Truly, I didn't know what to tell,
"Haan, ok no problem", I respond
A lil' odd is what I sound,
Back into the phone I say,
"Yup, Ash.. Have been invited!"
I try hard to keep my voice steady,
Within me though I am all jittery,
Sitting back and thinking of that night,
It upon me enlights,
What if you wouldn't have called?
What if my head wouldn't nod?
A beautiful relation wouldn't have begun,
This melodious strong bond wouldn't be sung,
Thanks for staying by me since that day,
Thanks for standing tall for me till today,
Thanks for the voice, How can I forget,
On the day when we first met!

Signin off,
Me!!!

Second Hand S-M-O-K-I-N-G

Heyaa Folks.....

I know long since I wrote *don wanna give ne excuses/explanations*.... And I know wat u thinking looking at the topic above.... M not writin this one to promote ill-effects of smoking, or the pleasure of the same...blah blah blah.... The reason is simple....! Ma frnd *shwetz* jus made this as her status mssg wen she was harrowed in a discotheque coz of smoke *wink*.... The funny part is tht she meant Passive Smoking!! *actually this word dint happen to click her *lol*... Neways there v were, 3 of us at the office laughin our guts out on this one*lolz*.... But me and the other frnd *Mr.Punit Ruparel* took this one to heights cracking our mind-ware to find mre n mre meaning of wat this "Second Hand SMOKING" *copyrights: Shwetz for inventing the same* could Mean....*you jus cant imagine hw we went*

So, following lies a list of things tht our gray cells cracked this word to its atomic parts to jus come up wid, wat this stupid nonsensical thing cud..... actually MEAN *wat an irony!*!!

1. Uhummm.... To Begin wid, keepin sentiments of Shwetz in mind, ya it most definately cud mean Passive Smoking
2. Further exploring we rchd.... It cud also mean Sharing of cigs arnd the grp of frnds/colleagues (It changes various hands u see)..... *wink*
3. Okk this was a mind-boggler by Mr. Punit: "Normally incase of biddis or even cig wen sum1 happens to throw a bud with a lil bit left still burnin, sum road side urchin may jus happen to pick it up n puff" *The second hand the bidi/cig goes to... lol*
4. Err.... Could also mean Smoking from holding the cig in Left Hand first and then changin the HANDS by shiftin it to the rite or vice versa *lol*.... The hand change showin the use of "Second Hand" *on the floor laughin*
5. Going into deeper understanding of the same.... It could also mean sum1 holdin the cig u faggin for u (Like in case while ridin a bike the one behind assists you) ... The Second person's Hand *Yes! I agree tht v r beginin to totally loose it!*
6. Smoking with both the hands (The use of second hand u see!).......[Sources: Shwetz via e-mail]
7. One big cigarette made zamaano pehle and being passed on from generation to generation as 2nd hand smoking in a Fukkads Family!! [Sources:Shwetz once again via e-mail] *I knw we have taken it to heights now!*

Ok.... I realize tht I should stop before it goes overboard....!!!!!*wink*

Thats all for now..... More stuff had to be added by someone... which hasn't still arrived....!! *~:x~boiling wid anger!!* Neways adios for now..... If any more points hit our grey cells wil keep it posted....Thnx for readin!!

Signin off,
Me....!!!!

Sorry....

"Sorry", is what I say,
Flat my heart lays,
Don't feel its right,
But say it 'cause it might,
Just heal everything,
But do feel nothing,
Things took a turn then,
Someone failed to even listen,
I shouted again, "Sorry"
And now, it began to worry,
What the hell went wrong?
Bells in my head rang along,
There he walked out of sight,
Somehow I didn't feel right,
Rays of setting sun depressed me,
Eyes stared hard, to see,
And there, his head turned,
A gleam in his eyes made my stomach churn,
"Its ok!" is what he shouts,
Happiness within begins to mount,
Every thing is fine,
Things fall into line,
Dug my happy teared face into my hands,
The last wave touches my feet as I stand,
Expected the 5-lettered word to work the same way,
Smile as I stand Staring at the bay!

Hope!!!

I look up to the dim starry sky,
Questions in my mind asking why,
Why today am at this crossroads?
Why lone do I carry this load?
Many more do I sit and ponder,
Some myself i try answering and wonder,
Not a minute I sit, keep strolling,
The garden plants seem to be sleeping,
I look up again in despair,
Teary eyes gaze a long stare,
I answer some questions myself,
Still, bombardment within me dwells,
At the entity I see,
Rays of light begin to beam,
It brings a sense of happiness and joy,
And dries the tears from my eyes,
Nature was at its best then,
The sunflower to it bends,
It teaches me a lesson at an instant,
Nothing around is ever constant,
Neither the nature, nor my questions,
As for each there has to be a solution,
For every black there's a white,
And, for every darkness there's light,
I walk back to the door,
With courage, confidence &
Hope...

Murderin Time.....

fourth time hve clicked on to this page 2day endin up exitin d page as really dont hve nethin to write!!! but now finally jus gave a thot tht as i type sumthin may jus pop up... an utter waste of d -day must say.. gt up as usual by 11.30 n sat online by 12.15 or so... till 3 i refused to even budge frm my seat*now hve a frozen bck* did wat??? orkuttin... chattin... learnin frm a frnd technicalities of a camera...*gt the defn of iso today in its purest form*...logged into youmint thnx to a curious frnd who made me the same...*already earned a buck.. bling* then facebook.. bck to orkut then gtalk... don think m an addict to these netwrkin sites but these show my absolute capabilities of killin time...!!! murderin it to the core till i c the straight line...

m really in a weird state actually...!! too bored sittin at home...! practically doin nuthin... this is suppose to be a Prep leave*wink*... but its no gud to me...!!! lol spkin of studies its surely gne for a six... endin up jus wastin time n nt studyin... hve realized i gtta study but wen wil it finally happen i donno....!!! hmmm this week on a whole has been dry but end of the week met up few f ma skool frnds.. rejuvenated the days f our school... was relaxed it came at the right time must say....*thnx a ton sonam* constant worry was a frnd goin thru sum prob tht very day cald up to say things al fine..

hmmm al he need was a catharsis... it wrkd well*pat my bck*!! nuthin to write... i donno y ma creative strength seemin to weaken.. wil take time to hold up myself n cum up wid a nice article or sumthin... its jus a phase i knw it...! wil return wid a rockinnn article... I Promise*cross my heart n hope to die :)*

signin off...
Me!!

hmmmm

cudnt think of ne title.....*lol* jammin to lotta new music 2day... sittin to download sooo many songs...*groovin to the tunes as i rite this blog*... 2day at home no plans goin newhre.. plannin to finish off ma journal 2day... so wil b al free for 2mrw n sunday...

2day feelin a lot creative.. lets c wil try makin sum new psychedelic art form or say a card or sumtin... listenin to lotta trance n odd songs 2day*stick linkin park weneve wanna jus chill out*...!!! mayb thts wats givin me tht kick to make sumthin creative...!!! TIESTO can b named as Lord of trance now... damn nice music... wid trance as long as it doesnt give a dizzy hypnotic feelin it fails the purpose of such a beautiful music!!!

wen it sums to music.... i can go on n on n on...!! cant live widout music....!

signin off,
the musicial Me!!

Sleep n Food... cant Live widout it!!!!!

kk now m tired of sayin this is d fourth time in a row... lolzzz.... life's sailin well ma routine of gttin up at 12 resumes... woooaa it rockzzz....!!! dis whole yr hve gt up at abt 5.45 in mrnin... so its helpin me rejuvenate ma wholeee yr's sleep.... SLEEP n FOOD are sumthin i jus cant live widout.... hmmm so jus lazzin around but i gtta finish my psychology journal... i'll b the happiest person on this planet on 25th wen ma journal wil b certified n then its donnneeee!!!!!!

gnna meet ma ol coll frnds on sunday for dinner.... at an really awesum place... its been soo long since hve met them n spent sum time wid them.... gnna relive those days!!!
will keep posted abt tht meet...

i gtta go now!!! adios!

signin off,
Me!!

woooo hooo.... 3rd in a row

nt bad nt bad at all.... 3rd post in a row... nice!!!!!!!!!!!!! hmm pracs al done dnnaa done...!!! so no mre xams til finals in april *doin the congo dance* pracs nt at al bad.. she did try takin our cases in the viva but thik hain ppl hve done worse than me*chuckles*... neways no mre talkin abt those stupid xams... howeve sad news is tht v gttin our papers on the 25th.. no1's bothered and no1 bloddy cares....huh!!!

ma lucky brother gttin a 5-star chocl8 coz he predicted ma paper 2day.. he tol d the options i'll b gttin.. n voila!!!! the chit showd the same pracs... tada... so had a rockinn time conductin and ritin it... howeve didnt hve time to complete n... oops i fuhgt nt to talk abt xams now...*slaps oneself*

neways so now its allll partyyy..!!! ne1 joinin?????

signin off....
who elz... Me!!!!

Day begins at 9am.. Shocked?? I am

Hmmm.. Nt bad logged in 2day as well.. Tht too this early *psst used to gt up by 12 evryday*.. Reason for gttin up's tht our water supply's gnna b cut 2day.. But guess wat til i gt up its already gone..! *sighs* compromise wid cold water *brrrr* now!! To top it al LOAD-SHEDDIN!! Electricity cut out.. Aargh..! *on a usual day don mind coz m fast asleep n don even cum 2 knw d power-cut.. Since m awake now it frustrates me*.. Waitin 4 days wen al these basic necessities f life r at our disposal.. Nt vice versa!
Sittin 2 think of t its coz f us tht these gttin ltd.. Hw many f us consciously switch off lights n fans as v walk out f d room.. *raisin ma hand up* Sprayin d water all ova or keepin d taps open til v brush our teeth*hand slowly goes down*..
B4 i gt too preachy n philosophical me thinks shud log off.. *giggles* lets c Hw ma rest f d day goes.. Oops tht reminds me hve ma pracs 2mrw Gtta cal ma skool frnd takin her as a subject.. *claspin na hands n prayin hard* Hope she shud b free.. Gtta study 10 expts wonder Hw gnna do it.. May i b blessed wid sum super power *lets nt gt there.. Ma imaginations run wild*
Neways wil sign off now.. Wish me luck!! Hopin 4 d best n preparin 4 d worst!!


Signin off,
me!!

whew!!

feel like ages since hve logged in....!!!! jus too bored so thot wat better to do... postin after *methinks* november.... whew!!! thts a really long time since hve ritten nethin....
life was at a rapid pace then.... coll... travel.... classes then bck home... used to start ma routine at 5.45 in mrnin ending it at about 7 in evenin....*sighs* long day wid horribly crowded trains.. askin ppl for a seat... but as i sit bck at home now... doin practically nuthin *furiously noddin ma head* wonder tht life was sooo much mre rockinnn.. least there was sum momentum....!!!! wen i used to travel in tht f***** crowded trains felt wen wil tht day cum wen i don hve to gt up early n run... do mental calculations as to wat train to catch to rch the lec *nevr rchd on time neways*... thane-churchg8 travellin was damn hectic man... but least sum activity... now wen i hve gt wat i want *thts sittin at home* crib abt the fact tht don mind tht rountine....!!! ppl around busy wid studies 4 their final univ xams.. so do i hve but in april... grounded at home til april like this.....!!!!!! day after hve ma pracs *wonderin even psychology has practicals*... cant believe wat i was runnin frm b4 m lukin forward to it now...!!! lozzz life's really funny..... na????

signin off....
Me!!!