The Himalayas, the mind-blowing marvel …!

Oxygen level was so low that we found it extremely difficult even to move one step forward …

Gowrigund is a very beautiful place. Hot water springs are there. But we decided that we could go for site-seeing on our return journey. While Rampur is at a height of 6,000 ft. from the sea level, Gowrigund is at 6,500 ft. We had to climb a height of 5250 ft. on mules. The total height is 11750 ft. Though filled with various doubts and fear, our thoughts were focused on Kedarnath. Horse-climbing was a new experience for us. During journeys like this, we cannot wait for others. I saw my daughters climbing the horse, but I saw them again only after 21/2 hours! We put two children in doli. We could not even know where they were. The path had been carved out of rocks. Mandakini River was flowing underneath. Iron barricades were missing on many points. When the mules went near the missing places, we were gripped with fear. The mules tumbled at times due to the unevenness of the path. The horseman told me not to leave the horse when it fell if we were to avoid injury. The mule on which my husband Nagarajan was sitting fell at one place. He lost the grip and he also fell. But he managed and continued his journey on the mule. We felt joy whenever our relatives crossed us. But still, we had fear at the innermost. After climbing 1,500 ft. we saw the hilltops covered with snow. The snow-hill at a distance, the falls, the clouds that crossed over our heads, the titillating sound of the flowing Mandakini River, the tall Alpine trees, the chill in spite of our woolen dress … aah …the experience should be experienced … it is beyond words …!

We reached Rampada after three hours on the mule. This is a resting place for the pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath. We exchanged our experiences and feelings during our three hour journey. The girls recalled with excitement the mischief the mules played while climbing. We were simply enthralled! We continued on our journey after having tea. In the meantime, the children and our grandma crossed us in doli. But my brother’s wife Ramya with her six-month old baby, her mother and my mother were not to be seen. But, as I had said earlier, we couldn’t wait for others. We continued, after praying to God for their safety. As we climbed, we were able to feel the shortage of oxygen. The mule journey, which was started at 7 a.m. ended at 11 a.m. The majestic tower of Kedarnath temple struck our eyes. The tower shone in the background of the snow-hills behind … the flag atop the tower was becoming visible … we all were enthralled … All arrived there within half an hour, but the doli carrying the three girls did not arrive.