It was one of those trips where everything was planned, but did not go accordingly. That was the best part about my trip to Mussoorie. It was 4 a.m. and 9 bikers were ready to leave for the hills, because they were truly calling.
Delhi was hot, it was August after all! But nothing would beat the feeling of breathing in the cool breeze and the scenic views that the mountains would offer us, and that thought kept us going for the next eleven hours to Mussoorie, the Queen of the Hills.
Now, biking has a completely different thrill to it, because one can feel the air changing around them, the terrains that unfold the excitement of a new journey and the gradual increase in the lush green trees. But I had another element that was accompanying me in this vacation - an injured, bandaged foot.
It took me a lot of convincing for my parents to allow me to go for this trip. I had to get a thumbs up from my doctor, a reference from my hospital and carry my entire medical file to make sure no mistakes were made, and that my parents were sure that I was safe.
As we left for Mussoorie, I was coping with the phobia I had recently developed of riding bikes, and trust my friend's riding skills as I was the pillion. I still thank my biker friends, out of whom, two had decided to take their car just in case I were to face any difficulties.
As we left, I truly felt one with the biking group as well as the path that led to the beautiful mountains. Our goal was to see as many waterfalls as time, weather and our energy would allow.
At around 1 in the afternoon, we reached the foothills of Mussoorie and decided to have brunch. We had the classic - a steaming hot bowl of vegetable Maggi and some piping hot tea. Lo and behold, it started raining cats and dogs, and the brunch extended to an evening snack.
We sat under a shack listening to Garhwali music and conversations about how life was going back home. After about 2 hours of waiting and another two hours of searching for a place to stay for the night (camping was certainly out of option for the night), we finally found a place that was secluded and filled with flora.
After a good night's sleep, we woke up to a truly blissful view! Not only were we surrounded by flora, we were also surrounded by the heavy water-laden clouds of the season as well as the mighty mountains of Uttarakhand.
Soon our day started with the plan of enjoying as many waterfalls as possible, and we did, only the rains made it a little difficult. The weather in Mussoorie was beautiful, but it was really unpredictable. Whenever it rained, and it was often, the water currents used to increase and the sightseeing areas used to be shut down for fear of someone getting caught in it.
One of the most tiring and futile journey towards a particular waterfall also happened that very day. It was a bit of a walk, 8 kilometres to be precise. Because of the rains, the path saw multiple landslides and as an added bonus, it was covered in lush green moss, making it equally beautiful and dangerous.
Now one thing every traveller should remember are the shoes that they should wear according to the demands of the terrains. I learnt it the hard way. I was wearing worn down Puma sneakers that did not provide me any kind of comfort from the slippery roads, the dewey weather or the showers provided to us generously by the skies.
My injured leg was also not providing any comfort, but somehow, saving myself from the score of times I almost tripped and fell, I made it half way. what happened next was infuriating as well as incredibly hilarious. I saw my group heading back, and the reason was same as before - strong currents. That infuriated me.
What made by stomach hurt with laughter were the vain attempts by my friends to made their climb up the moss-filled lane effortlessly. There was a lot of "manly" screaming, swearing and roars coming from the entire group, and that made my anger go away.
Soon enough, it was the evening and we had to find a sweet spot to set up camp and call it a night. But before that, we decided to swing by the Mall Road and well as visit the hospital to get my bandages changed. As I returned, and then waited for the guys to come with a plan, I saw the beautiful city lit with lights, which truly looked like stars residing in the endless valley.
Soon enough, it was time to pack-up and leave for the camping site. Luckily, we found a piece of land, uninhabited and away from the city at George Everest. There was nothing around for at least 10 kilometres and there was no signal, which meant we had no choice but to enjoy our surroundings and the company of each other.
The inexperienced group that we were, took 2 hours to set up camp, and when we finally got to the part where we had dinner, it was stone cold. But none of that mattered, as we were famished from the day's adventures. We chatted away through the night while shivering from the cold, all the while transfixed with the soft drizzling all around us.
We slept like babies... Well, most of us did, others were screaming on the inside because of the snores that were echoing in the valley! Everyone got to hear the end of it in the morning after we woke up in the morning to shouts. Turns out, it was a grazing ground, and the cows had trampled on to ropes.
We were also greeted by fresh manure as we got out of our camps and stretch, but that was interrupted by the art of nature that stood still before up. I saw an endless valley, with clouds and trees and the freshest air I could have ever breathed in!
As it was the last day of our trip, we had planned to go to Chakrata and back. But things did not go accordingly... One of the bikes had failed breaks which led to a complete change in plans. We had to leave for Dehradun to get his bike repaired. That took away half of our day and sadly we decided to return home.
We started at 7 in the evening, with a heavy heart, but soon enough were greeted by an advanced patriotic celebration in the air. Before leaving, we all had fixed the proud Indian tricolours in our bikes and our car and saw a smile in every face that we passed by.
And finally, at 5 in the morning, of 15th of August 2017, we finally reached our respective homes and took a good night's sleep before waking up to the celebration of our independence.
This trip was one of the most memorable ones as it tested my limits physically, mentally as well as emotionally. I took away a lot of vivid memories and stronger bonds and got a little taste of freedom that I had so longed for since I was 13 years of age!
As it was the last day of our trip, we had planned to go to Chakrata and back. But things did not go accordingly... One of the bikes had failed breaks which led to a complete change in plans. We had to leave for Dehradun to get his bike repaired. That took away half of our day and sadly we decided to return home.
We started at 7 in the evening, with a heavy heart, but soon enough were greeted by an advanced patriotic celebration in the air. Before leaving, we all had fixed the proud Indian tricolours in our bikes and our car and saw a smile in every face that we passed by.