Down the Memory Lane: Cloud Nine Ecstasy – The Uphill task [ Part

Joshimath : At an Altitude of 6000ft and temperature was cooler, most probably around 15º Celsius or less. August 26, morning waked up at 5a.m. and enjoyed a cold-water bath. Decided to leave one bag at Joshimath, divided the belongings in two parts, most needed for next three days packed in one of the bag, lucky one indeed. After breakfast, we left for Govindghat After breakfast, we left for Govindghat. This twenty-two kilometer bus ride through the narrow road along the mountain ranges took us almost an hour. The sight was unbelievable and even better than previous day.
Way to Ghangaria	Sikh Pilgrimages	LaxmanGanga River
After reaching Govindghat, it was time for each one to decide their respective mode of transport. Palanquin was one of the option but very costly affair too; one has to book it for all four days. Madhusudhan Bhaiji decided to take it as he was having some problem with his legs. Other options were a horse (rather call it mule) or hire a porter to carry your luggage and then trek along 14-kilometer narrow route to Ghangaria. Of-course option to hire a porter depends upon your luggage. Taking a horse not at all a “chickening out” act, it was very tiring and as well as quite dangerous too. Anyhow, everything settled within an hour and then the real journey started. Here onwards we left alone with our own way and own respective pattern. We were moving along Laxmanganga River, obviously, the river is flowing opposite direction. The en route ingredients like mountain ranges, trees, river and sound of water from the river has everything that can give one an unforgettable memories to live with. Most of the peoples, who were trekking down or up, mostly were Sikh pilgrimages for Hemkund Sahib. Some of them even walking without any foot wares, it shows that how much courage one can get form their respective religious belief. At this juncture, I was all alone, so my journey was a lonely one but latter, at some point Madhuri joined me. On the way stopped twice to a roadside tea-stall, there were some tiny villages too. While moving along never failed to click whatever I can and still not satisfied. These includes a couple of photographs that found myself in the frame too, could not resists otherwise always avoid this. The journey was even memorable as we were going up, from 6000ft. to 10000ft. The sights around; please spare me I am not having enough words to describe it, just look at the pictures that I posted and keep guessing. Around mid-afternoon, had the first sight of Ghangaria, when a few small colourful tents could be seen just outskirt of it. GMVN TRH was at the starting point only, Madhuri and myself approached to the concern person over there and got my room at Priya Hotel. After changing my clothes, instantly gone to bed. Gosh, it was cool; specially the bed was very nippy. After resting for an hour decided to go for lunch, took Roti and Vegetable along with a cup of tea and retired to my room.
River Runs Through	Paint me Green	Who is the Painter?
Ghangaria is use as base camp for these two places Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. The business over here meant only for these three and half months. Economic wise peoples here are very backward; there is no electricity or proper telephone connectivity. Whatever commodity used here come either from Govindghat or from Joshimath, so foods and other necessities were very costly. One liter packed mineral water bottle cost around 30 bucks. After these three months period, everyone goes back to his or her respective home somewhere at a lower altitude and during winter, Ghangaria endured a deserted look. They said that during these time, Ghangaria fully covered with snow and even wild bears from near by mountains come to stay here. For electricity, fully depended on the hotel generator, that works between morning 5 to 7 and night 7 to 11. Most important work during this time was to recharge all batteries, camera and mobile. Night I took an omelet and two-piece bread and then gone to sleep, but sleep denied my company for a long time.
Some Encouraging Status	First Sight (OOPS!)	GMVN TRH