The rhythmic clatter of the bright red Kumbha Express leaving Howrah station on a rainy afternoon of 27th of May marked the prelude to an adventure that would forever etch itself in my memory. The air literally crackled with anticipation and with each clickety-clack of the tracks, a symphony propelled me closer to the majestic embrace of the Himalayas.
A Tapestry of Landscapes
Arriving in Rishikesh, the spiritual and green landscape was a stark contrast to the concrete jungle of Kolkata. The anticipation and excitement regarding the start of the trek was pumping in all of our veins, and we slept that night with an ill-concealed excitement, anxious about the days that lay ahead.
The drive to Kotgaon in Sankri, our base camp, was a visual feast, a winding path through the idle valleys that unveiled landscapes beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas. Each turn promised a new view, a breathtaking scene waiting to be discovered. When we arrives at Kotgaon, our base camp, we saw a red and green building that looked like it was cut out of the side of the mountain. The view was breath-taking and the entire experience of bunking with my newly made friends was one that I shall not forget for a long time.
Embracing the Climb
With the first light of the day painting the sky, we embarked on the trail to Khujjai. The path, a soft carpet of pine needles, cushioned our steps as we ascended through the hushed woods. The air grew crisper with altitude, a refreshing change from the Kolkata heat. This ascent was the beginning of a physical and mental challenge, a test of our resolve that unveiled hidden reserves of strength, which I had not known existed within me. I had believed that it would be extremely hard to do the trek, but these reserves of strength powered me to the top and beyond!
A Mosaic of Nature
The next day presented a contrasting landscape. The trek to the next Kedar kantha camp, Dhoka was a beautiful mosaic of meadows bursting with wildflowers and rhododendrons in vibrant hues. Here, amongst the untouched beauty, we attempted and endured bio toilets, a testament to mindful practices and living in harmony with nature. These ingenious solutions fostered a sense of responsibility within us, a reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain in this pristine environment, and how wonderful it is to have facilities such as running water and electricity in our houses. The sleeping bags and tents were incredibly warm and comfortable, just like my bed back at home. Sleeping in the bright yellow tents and nestled among the three layers of blankets and sleeping bags, we could not help but feel at home in our campsite, with our friends who had in a short time period become our family.
Touching the Sky
The Summit Day or Summit Push was a true test of our determination. We
trudged through the icy wind and rocks (sadly free of ice or snow), each step a
testimony to our unwavering spirit. Finally, as we reached the peak, the world
opened up in a breathtaking panorama. The 360-degree view of the snow-capped
Himalayas was a painter's dream come true, the sky an endless canvas of the
most profound Clear blue. Standing at the summit, a sense of accomplishment
washed over me, a reward for the challenges overcome. We saw the numerous peaks
dotted around us, Mt. Swargarohini, Mt. Bandarpoonch, and Mt. BlackPeak, and a
sense of satisfaction enveloped us all.
Reflections and Descent
The descent, which started the next day, was a time for reflection. Each step down was a memory, a lesson learned in the mountains. The bio toilets, once again, served as a reminder of our impact and the importance of sustainable practices in these fragile ecosystems. Reaching Kotgaon in the twilight of June 4th, a sense of peace settled over us. The village, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, felt like a haven after our arduous journey. As the stars emerged, blanketing the night sky, a profound sense of gratitude bloomed within me for the invaluable lessons and experiences the trek had bestowed upon me.
A Celestial Spectacle
One memory that shines particularly bright is the stargazing experience at
Dhoka. Here, the night sky wasn't just a canvas of twinkling lights; it was an amphitheater
of stars, a stage for a celestial spectacle. As we lay sprawled on the ground,
the constellations seemed to tell stories, their celestial dance a mesmerizing
performance. The Milky Way, a silvery river across the vast expanse, left me
awestruck by the sheer immensity of the universe. In that moment, I felt a
profound sense of smallness, how small I was in the Universe and just another
ant on the Earth. I saw innumerable constellations – Scorpio, Leo, Orion, The
Great Bear, Gemini, Pegasus, and the stars Sirius and Polaris. I felt sad about
how polluted the cities were that you could not see these wonderful,
purple-green trails in their night-time skies.
Returning Home
The journey back from Dehradun to Lucknow on Day 7 was a bridge between the
serenity of the mountains and the familiarity of home. The layover in Lucknow
was a pause, a breath held before the final leg. As the plane soared from
Lucknow to Kolkata, so many emotions played within me - relief at the
successful completion of the trek, joy at returning to family, and an
overwhelming sense of satisfaction that lingered from the summit
experience. The clouds below mirrored the snow-capped peaks I was leaving
behind. As Kolkata came into view, it wasn't just a city that greeted me, but a
chapter of my life that had ended, which had been filled with adventure,
self-discovery, and memories that I will cherish forever.
This Kedarkantha Odyssey was not just a physical journey; it was an odyssey
of the soul. Every step taught me resilience, every star ignited a dream, and
every moment was a treasure to be forever held close to my heart.
