WHY SOLO?
We humans are a confused species, we do the unexceptional in a unexcepted way and one such thing is solo travelling.
It’s an urge to leave everything what’s there and go on a self-discovering journey. It’s not always that you know what you are doing and why you are doing something! Sometimes, life is all about unexpected and unplanned adventures that create memories which can never be compared to any other feeling. But when all things go right, something must go left- and that’s when mother nature plays its brutal game it rained that night heavily stopping me to leave for my long awaited adventure. After a long heated discussion with my family, I left carrying too many thoughts, fear and lots of unanswered questions. But the mountains’ gods had their blessings on me and it didn’t rain the very next morning when I was in Rishikesh- seeing the sun shining bright on the edge of the hills, giving me a blessed feeling to continue my journey.
WHERE AND WHAT EXACTLY IS CHOPTA?
Actually, Chopta is a very small village with less settlement at the altitude of 2600metres above sea level. The place is famous for the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world and for Chandrashila peak among trekkers. Tungnath is one of the Panch kedar of Garwal hence it’s an important pilgrim destination.
Before going any further, take some time to understand where exactly is Chopta and how to reach.
Just for info there are two Chopta in Uttarakhand 1- Chopta, Joshimath 2- Chopta, Ukhimath
So, guys don’t just depend on google maps must ask locals for direction as for which Chopta one is heading to. Reaching here is not so difficult, one simply has to board a bus from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh and from there onward local buses and shared cabs/taxis are available till Chopta. I took the easier way and I drove by myself form Delhi to Chopta.
THE DAY!
I started the first leg of the trek at 5:30 in the morning when there were only handful of porters with their horses. The trek starts with a single paved path welding its way upward. It was just perfect - quiet mountain morning with cool breeze and the only sound was of the chirping of birds with some scenic meadows to watch It’s eerily quiet and that’s what all I wanted to feel - the calmness of the place!
After about 2 hours of trekking I reached Tungnath ji temple around 7:40 am the place was quite the only sound was of the wind, the temple bells and prayers chanting.
Spending an hour or so, having some talk with the temple priests, sharing stories, exploring the place- and after taking the blessings and paying my respects to Lord Shiva at the temple, I headed towards “Chandrashila peak - The Moon rock”. The trail goes through a paradise like surrounding and one will experience scenic beauty at each step.
Chandrashila is approx. 1.5 km from Tungnath temples and the trek is comparatively easy for a regular trekker. Chandrashila peak is famous for its 360 degrees view. This peak provides views of the Himalayas, including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandar punch and Chaukhamba peaks.
I reached the peak and the first view was of the small Ganga Dham Temple at the entry and a board mentioning 4000 meters.
Clouds and fog were rolling everywhere which was adding spell bound beauties and I found myself above the clouds. But there was no sign of what I seek at the top of the peak? So the eagerness and restlessness were increasing with each passing second but I had my reasons and faith. So I decided to wait for the clouds to scatter. But wait was not for too long, the view was clear after spending an hour up the peak & I was able to get a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges. Though the 360 view was missing but was able to capture the Mighty Chaukhamba peak . And as its said something is better than nothing , sometimes taking the leap of faith is the hardest part. Maybe some destinations are not just to travel . Travel isn’t always easy , sometimes it breaks your heart , sometimes the overall journey changes you. But one thing is for sure you will always take something with you. Tungnath- Chandrashila was my 1st solo Trip and its said when you believe everything is finished.
Actually, that will be the beginning. And from here on it’s the new beginning and I am as clueless as you .
THE END