A lovely Long trek to Kedarnath

 

You     cannot      go       to       Kedarnath by train, bus, car, scooter, or motorcycle . You      have       to        walk    14      kms      from    Gaurikund   where     the      motor    road   ends.

One Friday evening we reached Haridwar where the train route ends and went to Rishikesh to stay for a night at an ashram  on the banks of the river Ganga ( I have forgotten the name. See if you can recognize it from the picture below)

The next day we again went towards Kedarnath and stayed at a lovely little place by the name of Tilwara on the banks of the river Mandakini. One whole morning me and Biga sat on the river bed, competing with each other in throwing stones into the river ( whose stones goes further) . Biga won but I am sure one day I will beat him.

 

 

Me at Devprayag where a roaring Bhagirathi and sober Alaknanda meet and merge to form our beloved Ganga.

Finally we reached Gaurikund -a halting place hanging in the hills. The GMVN too felt different. 

The next morning we started walking towards Kedarnth. It felt lovely to walk in the hills amongst the chirping of birds, cool breeze and snow peaks beckoning to me in the distance. 

 

After 3 Maggi halts, at around noon, we reached half way halt at Rambara  . That night we stayed at Rambara. Mandakini here is much faster and noisier.

The next dawn again we were on the route with our backpacks and walking sticks. From here the way was sharp uphill . Panting and puffing a lot we FINALLY reached our destination after 6 hours of hard walk. 

 

The weather at Kedarnath was very cloudy and cold and soon after we reached it started snowing. The next morning we woke up to a world of white.

 

The entire landscape had changed drastically and it seemed like a scene out of Christmas. But wait it was actually the day of Dussshera.

Late in the morning the sun came out and the snow started melting. We went to the temple and had a good darshan after which me and Biga walked to the helipad while Ma roamed on her own.

 

 

Soon it was time for the beginning of the return journey. 

 

Kedarnath to Gaurikund and further down to Rampur where we stayed for 2 days regained our breath and energy and headed back to Dehradun to a lovely home stay. The house was  fantastic with a very green lawn and from our room you can see the hills of Mussorrie from the terrace and at night the view is LOVELY.