Travelogue

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...

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 ...