By way of brief introduction, my name is Monika and I am from Bangalore. 

As you both are the founders of Indiahikes I would like to share my recent experience about my trek with IH. Last week, I successfully completed Goa Netravali Forest Trek which was held from 28th to 30th November. This was my first trek with Indiahikes.

As my father was working in the armed forces, I grew up in an environment where discipline was always given the utmost priority in life. I was also part of scouts & guides, NCC, NSS during my school and college and this is when I was introduced to hiking and trekking in my life. After getting into a corporate job, I hardly found time to explore more outdoor activities. It is this year that I've started to realise how deeply I miss being outdoors and that this is when I live every moment and truly feel the most of myself. 

I've gone on hikes and treks but it was always a one day trek and this was the first time I signed up for a 3 days trekking experience and I really feel so fortunate right now to have completed this with Indiahikes and this email is to let you know why I feel fortunate and happy. Though I'm 28 years old, there are a certain things that I never experienced in my life and those are:

I never knew the correct way of tying an ankle length trekking shoe lace, 

I had never written a postcard in my life, 

I had never communicated through a walkie-talkie with anyone before, 

I never thought using a toilet in an open outdoor space would feel this comfortable, 

But most importantly I had never thought that my very first visit to Goa would become an opportunity for me to know and experience the true beauty of our county's smallest state and this is a very beautiful memory for me and all because of your wonderful team.

After my father's retirement, we became civilians and it was not very easy for me to get adjusted to the civilian world as I grew up with a lot more discipline and it was very difficult to find people and organisations whose core values are built on discipline and ethics. I am so glad to have experienced this discipline and ethics with your wonderful team. I also volunteered for DIY on Day 3 and I realised how much I enjoy taking responsibility and ensuring everything was on track made me feel so happy and safe. Trek Leader Naresh is not just a fantastic leader but also an amazing teacher. Our local guide Karma was very informative and we all enjoyed the delicious, nutritious meals prepared by the cooking staff. 

I have hardly seen businesses/organisations who TRULY understand what they are upto, and I am very happy to have come across India Hikes. I am happy to have completed a trek with a team who care for our planet.

On a personal level, I met some beautiful people. 

I learnt a few important skills during this trek from tying shoelaces to marking trails, had a very calming, beautiful experience trekking in the lush green forests discussing all about birds, animals and trees. 

The beach trek is something that I had experienced for the first time in my life and that serene feeling standing near the cliff to the sound of the mighty waves, the amazing beauty of those cliff rocks, green coconut trees, birds on the clear blue sky and the fisherman with his fishing net, is the picture of Goa that's imprinted in my heart. 

I'm so grateful that my first visit to Goa was not about what most people talk about and it is much more. Thank you so much for this opportunity and please convey my heartfelt regards to your team.

P.S. - Using walkie talkie for the first time was so much fun :D 

Beyond the Beaches: The Goa That's Imprinted in My Heart

Early this month I was on a hike with Indiahikes doing the Dayara Bugyal trail. For me to get to Dehradun, to meet the rest of the team, was a journey in itself. On the day of my fight, cyclone Fengal made a landfall in Chennai, where I live. All flights were cancelled, with some maneuvering, took a flight out of Bengaluru. 

At the basecamp in Raital (the picture with alpen glow - orange tinted mountain top), the locals, guides and seasoned trekkers, all of them individually mentioned how the snow coverage on the mountains have been deceasing over the years - not like from 20 years back, but as recently as 5 years back. 

I left behind a climate event to experience nature, where one can witness once again impact of climate change. The warming planet, rapid snow melts has directly increased the frequency and intensity of cyclones impacting Chennai. 

Mercifully, Indiahikes makes sustainable trekking as one of its core philosophy. We picked up trash we found on the mountains, carried no packaged food, had cooks with us to make fresh food at every camp site, used bio toilets and followed ingenious water saving methods(all of it needs a separate post). 

All of us, specially those of us working on sustainability and climate risks, need to explore some nature related activity. It will add to the urgency of our work. 

Collective action to keep global warming contained below 1.5 degree - complex. Choices at personal level, organizational level - doable. How much waste do we all generate - how many of your offices serve bottled water / use disposable plates and cups? 

Read the complete LinkedIn post here.

PS: In the picture with me is Ankur Roy, our lovely trek leader, without who I could not have finished the trek. The last two pictures are of Chennai metro and Chennai airport the day Fengal made landfall.

Early this month I was on a hike with Indiahikes doing the Dayara Bugyal trail. For me to get to Dehradun, to meet the rest of the team, was a journey in itself.

Why Nature Connection Matters for Sustainability Professionals

Each morning, I wake up to a sharp, slashing pain in my throat. As my senses sharpen, the harsh realization sets in—I’m neither in the mountains nor the meadows. Instead, I am enveloped by the weight of this unfamiliar world. A life with GAD had taken a more aggressive form this year, with panic attacks becoming frequent, almost hourly visitors. Once the epitome of joy, I never imagined vulnerability would strip me so bare. Losing my grandfather to Parkinson's and my dad being posted away, plunged me into an abyss where moving forward seemed an insurmountable challenge. Everything that could go wrong, did. My imbecilic self thought the only way out was to end it all, just to feel a fleeting moment of relief. Everything I tried to hold onto just slipped away, leaving me in a place I didn’t recognize. I found myself grieving the lost remnants of my inner child, the joy and innocence that once defined me. Through psychotherapy, I managed to survive the daily grind, but true healing remained elusive. That’s when I made a promise to myself: I would embark on a trek I had been delaying for the last three years, knowing that only in nature’s embrace could I find the peace I desperately sought. After considering various agencies, we finally decided on IndiaHikes, though unbeknownst to me at the time, became the very catalyst for my metamorphic journey.

As a nature enthusiast, I’ve always been spellbound by its beauty. I remember how, as a child, I would drift to sleep wondering about the mysteries of evolution, fascinated by the world in ways I can’t describe. When we left Rishikesh for Sari, the journey was accompanied by songs for Shiva. The beauty that unfolded around me made me bow my head to the supreme energy, because the magnificence of it all felt too good to be true. Devprayag, Ukhimath, Byasi, Rudraprayag—each place we passed had the most mesmerizing scenery I’d ever laid eyes on. I kept picturing how breathtaking DC must appear from that lofty altitude. 

On each day of the trek, I could barely sleep, not wanting to miss a single moment of the stunning vistas unfolding before me. I don’t remember the last time I was this optimistic and engaged in something. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly content just to be alive. I don’t think people understand how deeply I feel about things.

At Jhandi Top, I remember tears streaming down my face, overwhelmed by an unexpected surge of happiness. The only thing I said was, “Shailey, chin up, the war is over.” I was deeply indebted to the universe for not allowing me to end my life over something trivial. (TW) If I had, I would never have experienced the divine energy that held my hand and guided me to the most wondrous place on Earth: the Himalayas. At that point I often wondered how I could help those lost in darkness, burdened by their suffering and on the brink of giving up on life. If only I could show them the beauty of life beyond the pain, that even in the most desolate moments, there is hope. I wish I could be the one to remind them that they are not alone and all it takes is someone to walk beside them, guiding them through the storm only if you’re brave enough to ask for help.

In the deep meadows, I felt like I was in a trance, walking through pure serenity. It unlocked feelings and emotions I didn’t even know existed, almost as if I were living through a sequel to "Inside Out" where anxiety no longer had the power to take control. Adulthood, I’ve come to realize, is a constant process of losing and finding oneself, over and over again—and I felt it in every fiber of my being. I used to bow my head constantly, but whenever I looked up, I could see why this miraculous journey was worth every bit of effort. The grandeur of the surroundings took my breath away! It made me question, "How could the god who created such magnificence create a speck like me?"

I remember the rhythmic “rat-a-tat-tat” of a woodpecker, the crunching of maple leaves beneath my feet, the soft, dappled sunlight casting its glow, and the distant flow of water. My senses shifted as if the sound awakened a quiet longing within me to be closer to its source. On the last day, despite my slip disc, I managed to reach Tungnath within the allotted time, though something stopped me from continuing beyond that. I stayed alone at Tungnath, feeling numb. It was as if Shiva himself stood with me, telling me not to punish myself anymore. The pain I endured on summit day—reaching Tungnath, feeling as though my spine might crumble at any moment—was beyond words. The trekkers who were behind me continued on to Chandrashila but I couldn’t pull myself away from the energy that enveloped me there. Even now, thinking about it gives me goosebumps. I watched the sunrise from Tungnath, and Mt. Chaukhamba looked like a bride dressed in dazzling light—stunning.

The story of Deoriatal Lake, the dog who accompanied us to the summit justified the myth of Yudhishthir I heard at Tungnath, and the miraculous views—all of these brought me closer to God. I recall the ache of not reaching the summit while it was within my grasp, the weight of my slipped disc pain pressing me to fight harder. Yet, when Umarji spoke, gently suggesting that perhaps Shiva needed more time with me, something within me softened. I released my disappointment, letting go of the struggle, and surrendered to the quiet grace of acceptance, no longer resisting the flow of things as they were.

The cherry on top was the remarkable group of trekmates I had. Their wisdom and unwavering support gave me the strength to move forward. Our conversations felt timeless, each word opening a new door into their lives, too precious to end. Umar Ji asked each of us to share how we felt at the end of the day, and each story touched me deeply. I resonated with every one of them, and their words marked a turning point for all of us. It brought us closer together, and I owe much of that to umarji—he is truly stellar at what he does, and I cannot emphasize that enough as mere words can never encapsulate the depth of the remarkable soul he is. My beloved Sheen and Kshiti, the heart of my being, made this trek an odyssey of gratitude and boundless joy. From Naveen Ji’s whimsical ‘porcupine’ moniker to Umar Ji’s presence, whose soul-stirring playlist reflected our shared musical pulse, to birdwatching with Devji, and constantly marveling at the love between Beena Ji and Mohan Ji, Ansa’s motivation and positivity alongside Mubaraka Ji and Rashida Ji’s motherly affection—each fleeting moment was saturated with warmth, keeping my spirit alive in ways beyond words. The kindness of my fellow trekkers, always watching over me, made this experience something I’ll carry in my heart forever. They taught me how to give love even in the toughest times, because these are the moments that test your core. My path is now defined by a quiet, soft love for what is, what was, and what will be.

I remember calling my dad at midnight, gasping for breath, tears streaming down my face, telling him, “Dad, this has healed me. I never want to go back to that eyesore of a city again. Please, I can’t bear that shallow life anymore!” His concern was palpable, as he fears I might never return next time due to my deep connection to the mountains. The way I’ve transformed—from the grip of anxiety to the calm I now carry—has got everyone saying, “Beta, you should go on a trek every trimester!” (It makes my dad uneasy, haha.)

This journey has changed the trajectory of my life. It feels like a rebirth—crazy coinkydinks, as I turn 21. All my anxiety, my fear of the future, and my palpitations faded, as if I’d just stepped away from them. I’ve discovered a new void within, and strangely, it feels like a blessing. Yet, an unsettling silence persists, one that unsettles me as I drift into aloofness from the mountains. I’ve surrendered to the flow of life, and with that surrender comes profound liberation. I now know there is a higher power that loves me, and I will hold onto that. I’ve realized that death is inevitable, and I’ve found the courage to embrace it warmly when it comes—returning to the universe what it has lent me. I am simply happy to experience life, no longer passing judgment on others, recognizing that they, too, are like random trees along the trail of life, each nurtured in different forms and shaped by their own experiences.

This journey was about embracing the power to create my own narrative. I once thought my purpose was already drawn out, but this trek redefined what it meant for me. Being closer to the mountains will now be the foundation of that purpose. Looking at the everlasting flowers, I’ve come to understand the significance of our existence—a far cry from my earlier rejection of it.

Each night, I surrender to slumber, my mind adrift in the cryptic woods where the night whispers my name. In their quietude, I am reminded of paths unwalked and the latent magic within. I yearn for the mountains, holding on to the hope that their transformative power will continue to change lives, as it has indelibly changed mine. In their boundless expanse, I left a part of myself—one that completes me—and now I seek it, yearning for the moment when our paths will entwine once more.

I would like to sign this off with Anaïs Nin’s,
“Touched bottom again, decided to liberate myself.
We are never trapped unless we choose to be.”

The Summit Within

My name is Prachi, I live and work in Bangalore. Recently, I went for the Minchukallu Betta trek with my 13yo son. This was our third trek with Indiahikes in the last one year.

I want to start by expressing my deepest and most sincere respects to you and your team for creating INDIAHIKES . What you guys are doing is truly commendable and I consider myself fortunate to be associated with this great venture in whatever capacity I can. I have done treks with other organizations as well. The passion, humbleness, expertise, attention to details and the spirit of your team is unmatched.  

"Trekking is transformative..!! it is a life changing experience" This is something I read on your website last year. And what I want to share with you today, is my transformative journey.

Last year, for my son's b'day(Nov),  I registered for the Channarayana Durga Trek. Our experience was phenomenal,  learning to pitch and un-pitch the tents,  about green trails, water conservation, tips on handling steep climbs and descents , the lovely cake at the summit and scrumptious food at the base campus, a delightful and enriching experience. I discovered a whole new side of my son's personality on the trek. A kid who is generally so shy at home was so active, curious and enthusiastic during the trek. 

Kevin, who was our trek leader, inspired us to plan a Himalayan trek . Few other co-trekkers suggested that Dayara Bugyal trek is a good one for beginners and with all the interesting stories and experiences shared over that weeknd, we returned home, smitten by our newfound interest.

I started reading on the internet about longer duration treks, the challenges and preparations needed. Once again, big thanks to Indiahikes team for the informative videos on youtube that cover almost every aspect, from buying merchandise, renting gear, packing the bag ,folding clothes, medications, curated workouts..etc. The more I read, the more I was clear that we have to do this, and do it the proper way.

We booked the trek for Apr2024 and started preparing as per the guidance from the videos. Though I have always been a regular at the gym,I was not running much. But this new endeavour I had undertaken, brought motivation. By April, I was able to run 5Kms in 38min. That was the first transformation, which happened even before I went for the trek:-).

The trek was a great learning experience for us .Packing and preparing for the trek was super exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Despite the warnings about overpacking, we over packed..like most first timers. 

Being in Bangalore, and spoiled by the year round comfortable weather, we found the weather chilly esp. at night. The biggest orderal was getting out of the cozy tents and going to the toilet in the middle of night, with huge mountain dogs barking and the rain making the trail wet and slippery.

Washing utensils in the rain was another thing I disliked. 

Honestly speaking, there were moments when I was doubting my decision. 

My son, on the other hand, was so much at peace and not at all vexed. He was enjoying every bit of it, embracing it all. 

The 4-5 days, filled with lovely moments, interesting folklore from trek guides, new experiences , and picturesque scenery made me go through a full spectrum of emotions. At times, I was irritable, exhausted and sleep deprived. Other times, I was filled with joy and gratitude.There were a lot of emotional moments as well.

Minimalism, the perks of keeping your life simple and close to nature.

A sense into how little we actually need and how much we accumulate.

An insight into what really matters in life, valuing experiences over things.

A feeling of gratitude and appreciation for what we have, without all the time worrying about what we don't have.  

After 5 days of using dry bio toilets and not bathing, an attached bathroom of my home seemed like a luxury:-)

As a woman, travelling alone has always been a worrisome affair. Indiahikes makes it possible for women to explore the world without depending on anyone to accompany us. This is truly empowering.

Excited over this newfound interest area, I was extremely scared when I read the fateful news about the trekking group from Bangalore this year. I did bring it up with Bharath, our trek leader for Minchukallu, and he patiently explained  and cleared all my doubts and queries.

I am extremely pleased that I got an opportunity to go through this journey, even happier that my son has embraced it. With the values and learnings from such experiences, I am sure he will be able to make wise choices in life and navigate the challenges thrown at him.

Someone once said "Travelling makes you speechless and eventually turns you into a storyteller."

Looking forward to many more treks with Indiahikes...

Thank you once again for doing this ..and for doing it so well...

I will conclude with one request, please add more treks to the South Campus near Bangalore.  North Indian treks need a lot more planning, air tickets, longer time aways from work and school, but the south campus is so easily reachable from Bangalore. It doesn't matter what mountain we climb, the whole experience is what makes it worthwhile. This will allow up to trek more often.

Why I Believe Trekking Is Transformative

We are made of soil and are going to go back there . Soil is not ours , it is of mother earth , we have just borrowed from her for a while yet we behave as if we own it .

Being in these beautiful mountains , I could understand the true power of nature , the huge heart with which nature gives us , even without expecting anything and yet ,..........what do we do ??

The one who has created this beautiful creation, crafted each and every leaf , so many different varieties of mushrooms , trees , who all live in symbiosis with each other , all of them exist with harmony and are here to give before they get  .

WHY do we worry so much for our existence??

WHY don't we accept all with open arms and with full trust in the creator who has created this beautiful Universe ??

THIS is  because we have a INTELLECT with which we dissect our thoughts, add or delete  , with only keeping in mind our own personal agenda .

We live with scarcity mind and think of grabbing things  before anyone else can , because WE LACK TRUST IN THE CREATOR that he is abundant and his creation is abundant too .

WE ARE ONLY FOCUSSED ON THE END POINT , the destination where we are going to reach and not the journey . This is because we believe success is external and we crave for validation from others .

WE NEVER EVER EXPERIENCE JOY IN SMALL THINGS AND IN THE JOURNEY as societal expectations have always taught us that big is better and more is better .

I BOW DOWN TO YOU THE MOUNTAINS for you are majestic and who always reminds me that I am just a speck in this creation .

I BOW DOWN TO YOU MOTHER EARTH , because I am because of you , I have borrowed this life from you and it is my responsibility to keep it well .

I LET GO AND LET GOD , with full trust and surrender .

4. I LIVE FOR MYSELF , KNOW AND LOVE MYSELF more than anyone else not caring for any validation. ( I am God’s spark and his beautiful creation )

5. I DO NOT CHASE WHAT I WANT TO ATTRACT , rather I become one of your creation and all that I want comes to me .

I bow down to u mother earth and the majestic mountains , asking for your grace , caress , love and guidance forever in my life and seek peace in this world .   

My Teachers, Mother Earth and Mountains ...

21 trekkers, 14 frontline warriors, 3 campsites, 2 trek guides and 1 trek lead magically came together on the 23rd of September to create a lifetime of memories and deep friendships. 



Gaumukh Tapovan, a trek that I was initially skeptical about, now has a permanent and a most special place in my heart. It was not only a complete sensory experience but also a much needed fuel for the mind, body and soul. It catered to both the theory of knowledge and the philosophy of mind. 

The entire canvas from Gangotri to Tapovan couldn't have been more surreal with different layers, textures, colours, smell, sounds coming together to create an awe-inspiring, overwhelming, spine-tingling experience. 



The three campsites, Chirbasa, Bhojbasa and Tapovan felt home. These were my comfort places, in the warmth of which I felt safe and cuddled into like a child. Each campsite was a reminder to celebrate what was achieved and to prepare for the journey ahead. 

The sun-lit sky, unending stream of the holy river, palm trees that created gentle breeze, scorching day and freezing nights, all were in perfect harmony. 

Tapovan of course was the cherry on the cake! It was love at first sight. I would be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear at the sight of the majestic Mount Shivling. The belief I have always carried about Lord Shiva being present in each and every matter truly comes to life here. 



True to Lord Shiva's persona of being an epitome of compassion yet horning a fierce demeanor, Mt Shivling stands tall, unshakeable and at peace! Much to Lord Shiva's child-like nature Mt. Shivling didn't disappoint in tricking us by making a shy appearance once in a while, seeking out in between the floating clouds, and then the next minute disappearing and leaving its disciples with a hope of getting a glimpse of their favourite lord yet again. 

The Ganges, revered as a symbol of spiritual purity and magical healing, accompanied us from the word go. As if Ma Ganga has descended from the heavens to purify souls and to protect those who encounter it. She was, in its true sense, a source of hope and life! 



Speaking of the terrain, it was a complete package. From rocky, swampy, hilly, forested, stream crossing, steep climbs to sharp descents, we experienced it all. While I struggled to find firm feet and successfully managed to trip off from most surfaces it was indeed the greatest joy to explore things on your own feet! And despite the aches from all the falls, once you reach the summit, and see other peaks and the valleys between them, it feels all worth it. It was picture perfect! 

And just when every inch of my body starts to pulse, my legs are tired, I can't catch my breath, and I'm dead tired - I felt the most alive! Gaumukh Tapovan, an experience of a lifetime! I know I'll be back again!



Gaumukh Tapovan, a trek that I was initially skeptical about, now has a permanent and a most special place in my heart. It was not only a complete sensory experience but also a much needed fuel for the mind, body and soul. It catered to both the theory of knowledge and the philosophy of mind.

Gaumukh Tapovan: An Experience of a Lifetime

gaumukh tapovan mountain shivling  chirbasa bhojbasa gangotri gangotri national park trekker stories story

Crossing through the mountains 
Walking by the river, 
Cool breeze brushing through the face 
Abundant leaves whispering in the ears.

Greenery leaning over the earth from the windows of sunset 
Dark blue sky with clean and crisp air, 
Trees dancing with the autumn leaves 
Beauty all around with a drift of snow in her hair.

Heartfelt image of earth 
Soul enchanted beautiful song you hear, 
Multifold layers of virginity 
Ecstatic living in this wordly mirror.

Not otherwise you would feel 
Until close your eyes and shut your ears to see, 
To get absorbed in mother earth and nature 
Silently connecting to Thee!

Walking Through the Mountains By Pooja Tuteja

Articles transformation transformative power of trekking email trekker

‘Everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die’ so said Steve Jobs once. The latter part of his words are as true for me as also for possibly everyone reading this. Quite early in life, I chose to find my own heaven on earth even in the smallest of things around me, be it during a walk around my residence complex or during my travels or a soulful music composition. As part of this endeavor of seeking heaven on earth, I drop all my work engagements for a few days every year and take off to some lesser known, consequently less spoilt place, preferably in the lap of nature.

I had successfully done a 4 day trekking program in Goa, with my son, during the peak monsoon season last year, which involved climbing a different set of slushy hills every day, getting drenched in the torrential rain as we walked, to witness the 3 or 4 most gorgeous seasonal waterfalls. Spurred by this, I decided to take to the Himalayan mountains this year. My son suggested that we look for treks organized by India Hikes (IH), a fantastic Bangalore and Dehra Dun based organization. After much research sometime in early March, we shortlisted and booked ourselves on a five day ‘moderate’ trek to the pristine splendor of Tulian Lake, starting in the third week of August.

As you reach the summit, nestled between the majestic mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Zanskar, a sight emerges, that takes your breath away - The Tulian Lake. Picture by Jothiranjan, Head of Photography team at Indiahikes.

Given my age, viz. the wrong side of 60s, the fitness criteria are a little more stringent as per IH policy which, inter alia, insists on a satisfactory TMT report. While I never had any doubt about this fitness test, I only decided to intensify my regular morning regimen with an increased proportion of cardio to prepare for the trek. I was glad I challenged myself in this preparatory period as the trek tested my physical & mental endurance to the hilt, much beyond my preparedness.

Armed with our medical fitness certificates, some basic medicines (including one called ‘Diamox’ for high altitude acclimatization), some IH specified clothing (like quick dry track pants) and other necessary items, my son and I arrived at a very warm, sunny Srinagar after over 5 hours of flying on August 19th . We headed straight to SBI’s Guest House on the busy Residency Road, adjacent to the renowned restaurant, Ahdoos, where my son got his fill of delicious local ‘Wazwan’ food. That very evening we strolled down and picked up our ponchos (rain wear) and track bands (adjustable walking sticks) from an HI affiliated tour agency so as to be in full readiness for the trek commencing next day.

Early next morning, before the break of dawn, my son and I walked down the empty streets to the start point viz. the same tour agency. There, we briefly met with the other 19 members of our trekking group as also our very young, boyish Trek Leader named Isop (native of Tripura), appointed by IH. A couple of Tempo Travelers drove us down in 2 hours to the trek start point, Ganesh Bal, a couple of KMs ahead of Pahalgam. During the bus journey, we witnessed the reassuring presence of the army and the paramilitary every few KMs as also the multitude of shops near Anantnag predominantly selling saffron and Kashmir willow cricket bats. A bio-break in the ‘apple valley’ gave us a chance to view huge orchards full of trees laden with bunches of ripening apples. Moving on, after a stopover for breakfast of paratha, potato curry and tea at a native’s house (where two locals joined us as trek guides), we reached Ganesh Bal to a rainy welcome.

Out came our ponchos and off we were trudging on the way to our first stop at Deno Valley, about 5 km away. After the first km, the village trails vanished and we entered a thick forest of huge, tall coniferous trees. After crossing a couple of difficult river points in the midst of our climb of over 2,000 ft., we reached our campsite amidst the beautiful meadows of Deno valley (over 6000ft. above MSL) late that afternoon. We spent the evening frolicking in the gorgeous neighborhood, letting the awe-inspiring beauty of our surroundings sink in.

The next day was a more arduous almost 7 km steep climb through a thicker alpine forest to our next camp at a place called Kanimool at about 8,500 ft. above MSL. Given the intermittent rain spells, we took almost 7 hours to do the stretch. Once again, at the beautiful camp site, we were surrounded by sheer, tall mountains, some with thick groves of pine trees at their lower reaches, overwhelming us with nature’s bounty. Walking around the camp area amidst grazing horses and noisy sheep, I felt indebted to the Almighty for such soul touching experiences in my life.

We then trekked through similar terrain, the next sunny morning, for 4 km to our next stop, 2 km short of the summit. This stop was at Tulian Valley at 10,500 ft. above MSL where we set up camp adjacent to the picturesque Tulian River, around some of the most spectacular and varied landscapes, depending on the direction your gaze went and on the time of the day. That evening, the excitement in our group of making it to the summit the next morning was overflowing and reflected in the mood of merriment, pre and post dinner. Songs, laughter, jokes, mimicry, star gazing, you had it all. You can well imagine my feeling when I finally lay down in my tent, shared with my son, next to the musical river, a most relaxing sleep gently creeping over me, as I tucked into my cozy sleeping bag.

The boulder-laden section to the Tulian lake. Picture by Rishivar Mukherjee.

The climb, the next beautiful and bright day, to the Lake was, fortunately, without our backpacks but through steep, boulder laden, undiscernible paths; a two hour walk to the summit and two hours for return with the most joyous 2 hours at the overwhelmingly beautiful and unspoilt Tulian lake at over 12,000 ft. above MSL. Undisturbed by human habitation for miles and miles around it, the Lake quietly left its indelible mark on each one’s heart. On returning to the camp, I, as the oldest member of the team, had the honor of cutting the celebration cake made by our cook. 

On the last day, we headed back and walked all of 7-8 km downhill through thick forests and undulating hills and meadows, straight to the start point, Ganesh Bal. After the chest thumping and farewell hugs, we boarded the waiting Tempo Travelers which whisked us back to the warm, dusty, bustling, and crowded streets of Srinagar.

I count this as one of my most memorable treks where I spent 5 days trekking through pristine valleys, beside deep gorges and through thick alpine forests as also unbridled, gorgeous streams of clear water under the constant gaze of towering glacial peaks to a lake of indescribable beauty. The humbling majesty of Nature effectively brought home my own insignificance in the entire order of this universe. I must, however, confess that my endurance and will power were tested like never before. On many a difficult phase, I drew on my reserves of will power, physical strength and energy, focusing on a somewhat comforting thought that there is a rainbow of delights waiting for me and my camera at the end of the grueling walk. The subconscious knowledge that my son was around for my support day in, day out was a huge added comfort. As they say, altitude tests your attitude, more than your aptitude. Moreover, the heartwarming bonds built with fellow trekkers hailing from all over the country, formed the invaluable fringe benefits of the expedition. Life truly enriched! Where next?

Trekkers in comparison to the majestic Tulian lake. Picture by Jothiranjan.

‘Everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die’ so said Steve Jobs once.

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