It was the second trek of my life, the first being to Guna temple. This track seemed a lot better and now having done it almost four times, almost a rocky cake walk.
But before we begin all this trail, can I go before gorging on some deliciously cheesy pancakes and healthy muesli. Definitely no! A walk to Sansu's place in Upper Bhagsu is like my preface to the walk later in the day. Huffing and puffing, I fall on his table for the yummy morsels he makes for anyone who doesn't fall foul of him.
It's easier walking on a full tummy than a growling one.
As I cross the river from across his place towards Dharamkot, I begin my journey up in to the clouds. The first strech can seem strenuous and it is! For it has a lot of steps, then there are rocky and steep bits with muddy paths in between. And I reach Gallu in sometime. Green guest houses and few rocks to seat my self greet me. I make it this far without crying out loud only due to my friends who decide to be patient with me, knowling fully well I'm a plains girl. I'm only beginning to become a mountain lass.
From Gallu, the walk is rather pleasant but not easy especially during the monsoon. It does get a little squishy, but isn't that expected on a trek? Tiny rivulets, popping spings and picturesque waterfalls accompany you on most part of the trail after Gallu. At some places, there are even green tunnels and small caves. You can let loose your imagination here.
Panting, I reach the magic view cafe. After all the green cover and waterways, the cloudy, misty cloud cover in the distance does seem like somone cast a spell for me to relax. An expensive garam chai and friendly banter amidst crystals does seem like the perfect place to hang my legs, maybe even yours.
But not for long, as I'm just still half-way from the mountain-top. Shepherds with flutes and wanderers with ektaras become a part of the romantic landscape here. Notes and sheep float about in equal measure. One soothes your soul and the other your view. Like hairy beings in white, black and marble, the sheep flit about sometimes deciding to be as stubborn as a mule.
The climb is steep and in some bits, full of rocks, so leaves you no time to muse. But all in good time, you cross another chai shop and some more stony parts and bingo you are on the top. It's not as easy I make it sound. It will take you a good 1.5 hours to finally make it to the top from the half-way shop.
As much as you are tired, the view and the sunset is wonderfully stunning that you forget your muscle aches and breathlessness. Sitting on a parapet wall or even the meadow up there, watching the sun sink or throw up a ball of fire at the last moment makes up for all the effort. In the distance you will see eagles with rake-like wings fly past and even crows glide by. These sqeaky crows seem to be jet-black beauties up here and get away taunting the mountain eagles. The crows seem to have come into their own up at Triund, from where the snow line is just a blink away.
Lovely, don't you think. Come and see it for yourself to believe...
