Trek to Ghangaria: The Journey Truly Begins
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 around 11:00 a.m.
The Climb to Ghangaria
The first two hours were testing. The sun blazed overhead, and the heat made every step feel heavier than it should have. But just when fatigue was creeping in, clouds began to gather. By afternoon, the sky was shaded, and the breeze turned cool. It was as though nature itself had decided to walk alongside us, making the climb gentler and more enjoyable.
The trail was dotted with scenic spots where we paused to click pictures and soak in the views. Every bend brought a new perspective — a rushing stream, a distant snow-capped peak, or the laughter of fellow trekkers passing by. Step by step, the rhythm of the mountains began to take hold, replacing effort with quiet joy.
It was on this climb that we had an encounter that touched us deeply. We met a family on the path — a man walking alongside his mother in her 60s, his aunt who was bent with age, and another aunt, almost 70, stooped but determined. Naturally, we began chatting and asked, almost in wonder, why these elderly ladies were attempting the steep and demanding 12 km trek despite their age and physical ailments. The man’s reply left us humbled and inspired.
He said, “A true devotee always walks. Only walking takes us closer to divinity. We are wealthy enough to take a horse or pitthu, but it is our firm belief and resolve that we must walk — despite the odds.”
We blessed the man profusely for doing seva of her elderly mother and aunts, he alone was carrying the luggage of 4 people. Truly inspiring. 🙏
Those words stayed with us through the rest of the climb. Their determination and devotion inspired us even more than the mountain air itself.
Arrival at Ghangaria
By about 5:00 p.m., we finally reached Ghangaria, tired but exhilarated. Just as we arrived, the rain began to fall. Thankfully, our raincoats kept us dry, and there was something comforting about walking into the little village with raindrops all around us.
We checked into our hotel, freshened up, and soon found ourselves sharing stories and laughter with our group members. By evening, the rain grew heavier, but we sat snug in our rooms, the sound of the downpour outside blending with the hum of conversations and the quiet thrill of knowing we were one step closer to Hemkund Sahib.
✨ The trek to Ghangaria was not just a climb — it was the moment when the journey transformed from anticipation to reality, each step carrying us deeper into the embrace of the Himalayas.
Excellent travelogue...nice pic.S.
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