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Hemkund Sahib – A Dream Fulfilled, A Spirit Triumphant

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The day had finally come. The unfinished dream of years past was waiting at 15,500 feet. We woke up at 4 a.m., eager and ready, and by 5 a.m. we set out from Ghangaria with determination in our steps and positivity in our hearts. I kept reminding myself, “I can do it. I will do it.” Everything about the morning felt aligned — the weather was good, the spirit was high, and hope carried us upward. We were literally in the clouds Resting A small glacier This time, Vidya wasn’t feeling her best, so we started at an easy, unhurried pace. Step by step, we moved forward, greeting fellow trekkers on their way up and those returning down. A thick fog veiled the mighty mountains around us, but the mist added a mystical touch to the climb. We paused often — sometimes to rest, sometimes to click photographs — but most of all, to soak in the journey itself. At times, Vidya encouraged me to move ahead since she was walking slowly. But I told her what I truly believed: the journey is more beautif...
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Valley of Flowers – A Walk into Nature’s Canvas

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After a restful night’s sleep, we were all set for one of the most awaited days of our journey – the trek to the famed Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We started early, around 7:30 a.m., and by 8:00 a.m. we were at the gates of the national park. After completing the necessary formalities, our trek began. The trail welcomed us with a gentle climb, but soon turned into a serpentine ascent that tested our stamina. We paused at a few places, partly to capture the beauty around us in photographs, partly to catch our breath, and then moved ahead with renewed energy. Information about flowers at the gate of the national park  Group photo  Group making way to the destination  After a few hours of hiking, the trail opened up into the wide expanse of the magical Valley of Flowers. Stretching as far as the eyes could see, the valley was painted in vibrant shades — an endless canvas of wildflowers, glowing under the mountain light. Our guide pointed out rare blooms ...
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Trek to Ghangaria: The Journey Truly Begins

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Our day began before sunrise in Joshimath, with a visit once again to the Narasimha Temple. Morning darshan here is especially moving, for it is the time when the adornments of the deity are removed, revealing the thinning wrist of Lord Narasimha. The sight is both awe-inspiring and humbling — said to be no thicker than a matchstick now, it carries with it many legends. Standing there during the aarti, surrounded by the fragrance of incense and the chants of the priests, I felt a deep calm, as though the Lord was blessing the path that lay ahead. Onward to Govindghat and Pulna After the darshan, we packed up, boarded our bus, and headed toward Govindghat. From there, a short taxi ride brought us to Pulna village, the starting point of our long-awaited trek. The moment felt significant — after days of moving from town to town, this was the real beginning of our journey into the Himalayas. We handed over our heavier luggage to a porter and, with only our essentials, began our ascent arou...
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Joshimath: In the Shadow of the Mountains

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At 5:00 a.m., we set out from Rishikesh on the long road to Joshimath. The journey itself was uneventful, but the winding mountain roads slowly lifted us higher, each turn bringing us closer to the Himalayas. Somewhere along the way, we stopped at the revered Dhari Devi Temple, perched dramatically in the middle of the river. Legends surround this shrine, and though our visit was brief, the image of the goddess standing steadfast against the current stayed with me — a symbol of resilience, unshaken by the storms that come her way. By late evening, around 5:00 p.m., we finally reached Joshimath. The air was crisp and cool, a welcome change from the heat of the plains. After checking into our rooms and freshening up, we set out to explore the sacred heart of this town. The Narasimha Temple – A Living Link to Badrinath Our first stop was the Narasimha Temple, a place of deep spiritual importance. Tradition holds that during the harsh winters, when the path to Badrinath is closed, the deit...
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