
Delhi - Rishikesh-Uttarkashi - Gangotri-Goumukh - Tapovan
Ever since I moved to Gurgaon the gypsy soul within me stirred due to the place’s close proximity to wonderful getaways in Himachal, Kashmir, & Uttrakhand. I did hop onto nearby tourist places but my heart craved for an insightful Himalayan journey. Opportunity knocked at our doors with a 10day long holiday owing to plant shutdown at my workplace. However the holidays got preponed & I was left without any plan. Just a day before the holidays, I choose Gaumukh as our trekking destination & convinced my DSLR colleague CP to join me, as solo travelling is still daunting to me. I was extremely excited as this was the first trek of my life. I packed all the things I thought were required, the day before. Our rough itinerary was Delhi -> Rishikesh -> Uttarkashi -> Gangotri using public transport.




Soon we began the bus journey and reached Uttarkashi by night. The journey through the beautiful hilly terrain, ensured that nobody complained. Not even CP


After 14km of trekking and we reached Bhojwasa base camp around 5 in the evening. We got comfortable accommodation in a large tent of Lal Baba Ashram for Rs300 including dinner. We strolled to nearby area that had a Govt meteorology station. Near the river side we saw chunks of ice clearly indicating how freezing the temp would get by night. Dinner meal of soya chunks & hot chappatis was insufficient to feed our hungry tummies. But what made the night so amazing was the phenomenal view of sky studded with millions of twinkling stars. It felt as if we're in one of Galaxial Colonies of Star Wars movie, surrounded by hundreds of other floating homes who were flashing their light at us as a greeting. I slept early that night. However my mind was filled with anticipation of the surprises that this place held for us tomorrow, on my birthday.



The route is really dangerous & shouldn't be attempted without a guide. We crossed the entire gravely and mud ladden terrain from one side of Gaumukh to other. Later on we realised that it was nothing but a huge glacier, as ice was visible beneath the soil. It was both thrilling and scary. A single wrong step could have led to a life threatening fall. After crossing the glacial trek we met the 2nd challenge. It was in the form of a vertical cliff with ~60-70° incline. The loose rocks made our ascent even more challenging. CP started complaining, but I managed to convince him again with our motto. We began slowly, the second step rising only when the former foot had found a firm ground. In a jocular mood I told him, "If I fall and die, then my birth and death anniversary would luckily coincide!" But soon I realised the seriousness of the situation when we had to cross the river fall - Akash Gang, mid way of our climbing. Though the vertical climb was short & dangerously exhausting, after reaching its top the view was arrestingly beautiful.
Tapovan is a plain area lying in the lap of Mt Shivling with Akash Ganga flowing like a gentle brook. We went to Mauni Baba's Ashram for night halt. Mauni Baba, an anchorite was living there round the year & hasn't spoken for last 7 yrs. But his warm food and hospitality was way better than any pleasing talk. We also met 2 Brazilian backpackers, a south Indian Baba(Guruji) and old Mata ji who all had came there on spiritual purpose.
I came to know through the Guruji that the whole Tapovan has been discovered by Swami Chinmayananda, with many peaks identified by him- Mt Shivling, Bhagirathi I, II, III, Mt. Meru. In evening Baba gave me lump of jaggery to distribute among fellow companion as my cake.
Though the Tapovan plan was made in a haste on our way, with all trouble and risk it was worth coming. With serene beauty of snow clad peaks and the surprise company of enlightened souls- this is how I celebrated my Birthday@ 14000 ft.
P.S. - A month post this trip I fell mysteriously ill. With swollen feet, locked jaw & intense pain I remained bed ridden for almost 3 months. It was later diagnosed as form of Arthritis. But as they say what doesn't kills you, makes you strong. Very soon will hit the road again.













