Trek to Birni Mata Temple, Palampur and insight into the life of a Gaddi ( Herder)

We were at Palampur ( Himachal Pardesh) to attend a marriage ceremony. We enquired for nearby treks and came to know about Birni Mata temple hike from locals. The Google review suggested that it's an easy trek and can be completed in 2.5 to 3 hrs. We planned to go to first Jakhni Mata temple by car and then start the trek from there. The Jakhni Mata temple is approximately 5 km away from town and the road to the temple is in good condition. We reached the temple by 0430 PM and asked the way to Birni Mata Temple from the nearby shop. Anil ji (the shopkeeper) told that its bit late as it will be dark while returning back. We told him that we will be camping there only and will return next day. He told us about the regular trek path and also told a short cut directly though the mountain. We asked him whether he can accompany us for shortcut path and he agreed. There was no well marked path on this trek and there were dry leaves scattered which were making it slippery

After about 50 minutes of hike we reached a place where we can see meadows. There were few mudhouses there but there was  no one in that houses.

As Anil ji has to go back he guided us for the further trek and told us that it will take approximately 1.5 hr from here to reach the temple. We started discussing whether we should hike further or setup our camp here only. Near the houses we heard some bells and saw horses grazing there. We thought definitely there will be some herder as the horses are there.

After few moments we saw herd of sheeps and goats coming near our camping site.

We met the herder Sunil Ji. We told Sunil ji about ourselves and asked him where its OK to camp here. He told its absolutely fine. We spotted a nearby place and established our camp there.

Then we started a chat with Sunil ji. He told us that he belongs to Gaddi community. He is in this place for last 10 days and will be there for few more days after that they will start travelling towards Manali. They go to Lahaul valley in summers. We witnessed a mesmerising Sun set in clear sky.

They call their place of stay as 'Dera'. Sunil ji offered us tea made of fresh goat milk and the tea was really awesome. There were about 100 goats, 15 sheep's, 5 horses and 4 Dogs in the Dera. The dogs were very attentive.For dinner Sunil ji made Allo pyaz Sabzi and Rotis for all of us on wood. We made Maggi on our portable stove. The food cooked on woods was really delicious.

We had a long chat with Sunil ji. There are only few Gaddis left who are still involved in herding. They are very close to nature and minimalistic in there requirements. They have very sound knowledge of the treks and the forest which they follow during there movement. They keep on moving from one place to other whole life. Presently they are using solar lights whenever feasible. It was really an amazing experience to spend time and get insight into the life of a Gaddi( herder).
Next morning Sunil ji took the herd for grazing and we started our trek to Birni Mata Temple.  The temple is located at Hilltop and the view is very picturesque.