Hemkund Sahib – A Dream Fulfilled, A Spirit Triumphant
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.
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 beautiful than the destination, especially when shared with loved ones. No summit feels as fulfilling as walking hand in hand with those who matter most.
Hours passed, and eventually, we reached a point where the path split into two — one a long gradual slope, and the other a steep staircase. We chose the shorter but more demanding stairway, climbing it steadily. With every step, anticipation built. And finally, at around 11 a.m., we arrived at the top.
The feeling was indescribable. The dejection of turning back two years ago was washed away by the exhilaration of standing here, fulfilled at last. The “never give up” spirit had triumphed. What once felt impossible was now behind me, and in its place stood humbleness, gratitude, and joy.
We entered the sacred Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, where the cold was biting, but the warmth of faith kept us still. Wrapped in blankets, we sat listening to the soulful Gurbani sung by two incredible singers. Their voices seemed to blend with the mist and the silence of the Himalayas, creating an atmosphere beyond words. After consuming the warm, comforting prasad, we stepped out of the Gurudwara and descended towards the lake to soak in the beauty all around.
Fog still surrounded the sacred Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and the serene Hemkund Lake, but glimpses of their beauty filled our hearts. We spotted clusters of the legendary Brahma Kamal, blooming bravely in the cold. We also visited the small but powerful Lakshman Temple, adding another layer of spirituality to the experience.
We took photographs and videos — me, Vidya, Sakhi, and my sister Surekha — capturing not just the landscape, but the joy of achieving this long-awaited goal together. These memories, etched into our cameras and our souls, will remain with us forever.
By 12:30 p.m., announcements from the Gurudwara reminded everyone that the weather was turning and it was time to descend. Reluctantly but gratefully, we began the return trek. The fog lifted in patches, giving us more chances to stop, click, and smile, before reaching Ghangaria by around 4 p.m.
That night, as I reflected on the journey, one lesson stood tall: Never give up. Failure isn’t the end — it’s a call to prepare harder, physically and mentally, until success is yours. Whether in trekking or in our charity work, the principle remains the same. Believe in yourself, train your mind, put in the effort — and even the impossible will bow before you.
Hemkund Sahib was not just a trek. It was a test of faith, resilience, and spirit. And this time, the mountain let us win.
Comments
Post a Comment