Girls of a Himalayan village
The journey to the mighty Himalayas begins at Haridwar where the sacred river Ganga (Ganges) can be seen in its full form. There are many bathing ghats, various religious institutions and a giant statue of Lord Shiva at Haridwar. We may also see sanyasins, some fully dressed in saffron colour and some partly dressed. On certain occasions, sanyasins without any dress with ash all over the body may also be seen at certain points. The aarati, the magnificent worship of the sacred river in the evening attracts many devotees and others, and is worth participating. This aarati is performed in many other points also on the course of the Ganga, as the Ganga is the Goddess on earth to provide life and living to millions.
The Manasa Devi Temple is on a hill top near Haridwar. We can reach there very easily by rope-way. Traders selling temple offerings and other things have occupied a large portion of the Temple, and the devotees are forced to buy these things from them for an exorbitant price.
From Haridwar we proceed to Rishikesh. The atmosphere, the climate and the surroundings give us a refreshed feeling. There are so many religious institutions, beautiful buildings, glass museum, various aashrams, curio shops etc. at Rishikesh. There is also a hanging bridge across Ganga through which we can go to the other side of Ganga. We can also have a boat travel across Ganga. We may also witness funerals on the banks of the Ganga. The Ganga takes its full form at Rishikesh by the confluence of many rivers.
When we proceed our journey to the mountains, we can see many caves where Rishis lived. Some caves are still occupied by sanyasins of the present day. The journey to the uphills is enchanting through dense forests, beautiful valleys and river banks. Then we reach an important point of pilgrimage-Devaprayag-where Bhageerathy and Alakananda rivers join together. The next important point is Rudraprayag which is the confluence point of Alakananda and Mandakini rivers.
The journey further is really fascinating. The lofty mountain ranges, the enchanting valleys and streams, thick forests, expanse of flower beds and ever changing moods of the atmosphere take us to another world. The river banks with beautiful polished stones and long stretches of sand will invite us to have a stay there.
After long travel through different climates and varied moods, we reach Gaurikund, the base point of our trek to Kedarnath Temple. We can have a refreshing bath at the hot water pond there and have rest for the next day's journey to the Temple. Kedarnath Temple is 14 kilometres uphill from Gaurikund and there is mountain path through rocks and steps. It is better to start our journey in the early morning. We can purchase a staff and walk with it, we can go by horse-back or by litter (generally called tolley) carried by four experienced young and energetic men. There is also helicopter service.
For enjoying the splendour and magical charm created by the mountains, the snow,the sun and clouds, we should walk. In horse-back travel we have to sit in an awkward posture leaning forward, and will not be able to see the real beauty of the surroundins and the hills and the sky, nor be able to take some good photographs. If we feel so tired on our walk, we can hire a horse from the middle point of our journey. As we go up, the atmospheric pressure will be low and we may feel the paucity of enough oxygen for our lungs. In that case we can purchase small oxygen cylinder (available on the way) for less than Rs.200/- and have an intake as and when needed.
We are now at the premises of Kedarnath Temple at a height of more than 3.5 kilometres above sea level. Mandakini river which emerges from the mountains above Kedarnath Temple flows by the side of the Temple. The mountains seem as if poured by melted silver over it. The mountain ranges just beyond the Temple have now been covered by snow. The Temple is closed by the end of September when the snow completely covers this place, everybody leaves the place and the place becomes deserted till the next April. It is better to stay there during the night experiencing the chilling cold, and to descend the next day morning. After a refreshing bath at Gaurikund hot water pond, we can continue our journey to Badrinath.
Badrinath travel through various mountain ranges is yet another experience we cannot forget. We pass through different ranges, see many rivers, water-falls, hydro-electric projects, ridges etc. on the way. It is a riddle how the polished stones seen on the river banks are in abundance on top of the mountain ranges. Some times certain parts of the roads may disappear due to land-slide and the travellers may be detained there two or three days until the Border Roads Organisation reconstructs the road.
Badrinath is accessible by road. It is chilling cold there. We pass through a small bridge over Alakananda river and reach the Temple premises. There is a hot water pond here. The water is hot as it emerges from sulpher deposits. Badrinath Temple is also open only during the period from April to September.
We can visit Mana village nearby which is on the border of Tibet. It is a small village where there are small temples and caves. Alakananda river also can be seen emerging from a rocky region.
On our return journey we can visit so many other places, temples, pilgrim centres, religious institutions, aashrams etc. to gain more knowledge and memories.
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