Do mountain dogs truly become soul companion ?

.....As I sit to recount my 4km walk along the rocky mountainous stretch from Kalpa to Roghi I could clearly remember his cheerful gait leading us on the road along the towering deodars on one side and cliff on the other. His happy eyes had won our hearts and he for the time being probably enjoyed escorting us in his own land. We named him guide. A strong, free calm and happy mountain dog absolutely on his own. We met Guide on the first day we reached kalpa hotel. he was sober and friendly on first impression. Second day when we spotted him early morning he acknowledged us with a calm stare and continued to gaze meditatively overlooking the magnificient mountain. We did not disturb him. Throughout the day we did catch hold of him few times super busy with his business. Third day as we set on foot towards Roghi village, Guide joined us and as if on a pre assigned mission he led us all along; stopping whereever we stopped, moving a bit ahead of us leading like lord of the mountain. True that Guide did not emerge out of nothing in the middle of our journey. He had been a two day old acquaintance who led our path through the surreal beauty of mountains on a lonely path. And at that point of time, he seemed to be part of a greater plan.

Travel to Kalpa to find if Guide awaits you on a walk you will probably not miss through the scenic landscape of Kalpa.

Wait! Am I not writing a travelogue ? Well ! What is a journey without a story? Travel tales are mines out of which journeys are curated. These tales are not any set of consecutive incidents nor they could be concluded. Yet these are tales of particularly inexplicable moments, feelings, vibes and memoirs which just remain etched in our memories thus making each trip marvellous in its own way. And sometimes the tales could be as small as the pebbles on the river bed or the bright yellow flowers in the bushes. These are pearls I collect in each trip. They just set the vibes.

KALPA VIBES

What makes Kalpa stand out of many hills I visited so far ? Kalpa is one of the most visited stop over for the people heading towards Kaza and Spiti valley. Apart from acclimatisation it gives breathtaking view of Kinnaur kailash mountain range and the revered Shivaling worshipped by both the Tibetans and Indians. Located at the base of Kinnaur Kailash mountain range Kalpa village is surrounded by the ranges with towering peaks. Travelling to Kalpa is trailing along the river Sutlej till you hit Rekong Peo , the district capital of Kinnaur. From Peo it is a steep uphill drive through moderately narrow road with pines and deodars both the sides and occassional glimpse of snowy peak at the bents till you reach Kalpa and devour the exquisite panoramic view of Kinnaur Kailash just in front of you. Kalpa is a peaceful hamlet of some little more than about thousand villagers. The old temples with beautiful architecture and Buddhist monasteries wrap the village with spiritual atmosphere all over. The tall temple roof that can be sighted in the Village is that of the temple of Kothi Devi presumed to be standing guard against all evils. All through the day the sun plays along the curves and snow caps of Kinnaur Kailash painting the mountains with different shades at different times of the day. From here I would not play the spoiler anymore before you discover this hidden gem called Kalpa. Two best time of the year to visit Kalpa would be in summers ( April - May) and autumn (September -October). During the later season the apple scented air of Kalpa people say is unmissable.

While I roamed on the roads of Kalpa in summer one thing Just went deep down my system is the air filled with fragrances of flowers unknown, the roses that grew in bushes in abundance, pines, the trees of apples, berries and apricots. That was the time when these trees had just borne fruits. The small and tiny green unripe fruits abound the trees. Each time I took a walk through these roads I wondered what else could we call paradise?

While nature is overwhelming wherever you set your foot in Kalpa, the benign manners of the local Kinnauris makes the place feel like heaven. I will here make a brief note of reasons why one must not miss this incredible land of Kinnaurs.

1. The quaint village that looks ancient with it's beautifully crafted wooden houses and exquisite temple tops. If you reach Kalpa at sunset, you will experience a divine moment when the golden peak of Kinnaur Kailash will welcome you as the quiet hamlet lay nestled in the valley. Welcome to Kalpa.

2. Kalpa's sparse population. Probably a few thousand villagers scattered on the foothills with modest old fashioned houses. Here, mountain is towering and rest everything , men women houses, trees, plants crops flowers birds are humble offerings to the grandiose of nature. Kalpa people are not into business of pleasing tourists with far fetched luxuries. Enjoy a plate of simple plain rice with local curries while you cannot turn your eyes off the view that the window offers.

3. Kalpa is for those who can set out with a set of change, a sleeping bag, and mind full to the brim. Kalpa will take care of that mind, empty it and make you mindful. Far from Shimla kalpa is also far from luxuries that shimla or any other commercial tourist spot offer to the tourists like Fast food giants, mall road shopping, ultra luxurious resorts with infinity pool. Journey to kalpa is a pilgrimage one emabarks on to be one with Nature. Humbly.

4. There are many nature trails and villages near by which one can explore without disturbing culture of the place. Enjoy local cuisine, hang out in small village bazaars, walk through the allys, find peace in monasteries, visit temples and just devour the magnificient view of snow capped Kinnaur Kailash.

Caution : Your paths will be laid out through the roses, daisies and unknown flowers; butterflies will flutter; bees will buzz around and the air would be engulfed with fragrances. A red carpet you will cherish throughout in life!

.....And there might emerge out of the forests of pines and cedar the Lord of mountain , your own pathfinder and protector in the majestic mountain. Surrealism is the word.