Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to accompany my daughter, Khriya, on the Dayara Bugyal trek, a journey that promised stunning views and unforgettable experiences.
Preparation:
Getting ready for this adventure was quite a challenge. I had to make several trips to Decathlon to buy all the necessary trekking gear like shoes, backpacks, pants, jackets, gloves, thermals, water bottles, head lamps, hiking poles, power banks for our phones, and even a mule bag for carrying our cold weather gear. Despite being active in sports during my school days, now that I am almost 50 and feeling the effects of aging, I knew I had to physically prepare myself. So, for a month before the trek, I made a commitment to walk 6 KM every day, although not always consistently. As the excitement mounted, there were nights when I couldn't sleep, my mind filled with anticipation for this spiritual journey in the the majestic Himalayas
Day 1: Bangalore to Dehradun!
Filled with excitement, my daughter and I packed our bags and headed to the airport, ready for our adventure.
However, our enthusiasm quickly turned to mild panic as we realised we had mistakenly arrived at Terminal 1 instead of the newly built Terminal 2. Fortunately, we boarded a bus to Terminal 2, but it wasn't moving because there weren't enough passengers.
Time was slipping away, but after a brief wait, the bus filled up, and we rushed to the counter—only to discover it had just closed.
With pleading eyes, we begged for leniency, and fortunately, a compassionate staff member agreed to guide us through security, expediting the process. Breathless but determined, we made a last-minute dash and boarded the flight, clinging to hope. The seat next to us remained vacant until a friendly young woman joined us, striking up a conversation. To our surprise, she too was headed for the Dayara Bugyal Trek, not just as a fellow traveler but also as a teacher of French at another branch of Khriya's school.
As our plane touched down in Dehradun, we were warmly greeted by the crew, who had arranged a comfortable tempo traveler to transport us to the hotel.
After a satisfying meal, the crew advised us on what to bring for the rough and adventurous drive to Raithal on day 2. Then, we settled in for the night, eagerly anticipating the adventures that lay ahead.
Day 2: Dehradun to Raithal!
As the sun rose over Dehradun, I eagerly prepared for another day of exploration, filled with anticipation for the journey ahead. After a nourishing breakfast, we packed our belongings onto the roof of the tempo traveller, ready to embark on the next leg of our adventure to Raithal.
As we set off, I couldn't help but marvel at the changing landscape outside my window. The vibrant hues of the Himalayan mountains painted a breathtaking scene, inspiring me to capture every moment with my camera.Â
As I traveled alongside the majestic Ganges, a surge of creativity flooded my senses, compelling me to paint the beauty of every place and moment I encountered along the way.
I must share about our skilled and charismatic driver, who added a unique touch to our journey. Throughout the trip, he drove swiftly yet safely, engaging in lively conversations in Hindi with the locals we passed along the route, as he was familiar with the area.
An interesting feature of our ride was the transformation of the vehicle's interior to a cool blue light mode whenever we entered tunnels, creating a fun and dynamic atmosphere. It was these little details that made the journey even more memorable.
During the drive, I couldn't help but feel like a mere speck in the presence of the towering Himalayan mountains. Lost in awe of their grandeur, I found myself captivated by the sheer scale of these majestic peaks.
Surrounded by such breathtaking beauty, the laughter of our crew echoed through the air, reminding me of the deep bond we had formed during our journey. Despite the occasional discomfort of altitude sickness, I remained undeterred, fueled by the excitement of the adventure unfolding before me.
As we reached Raithal, the sun dipped below the horizon, covering us in darkness as rain began to fall and a chill settled in the air, heightening my senses. Quickly, I bundled up in layers of clothing, including a cozy monkey cap and gloves. Chuckling at the younger crew members, who were shivering with cold and exchanging comical jokes, I prepared to explore the picturesque village nestled at an altitude of around 7,700 feet, amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan mountains.
Day 3: Raithal to Gui Trek!
Excited and curious, I rose before the sun, greeted by the chilly mountain air as I stepped out onto the wooden floor of my room. The sheer majesty of the towering mountains stretched out before me, a panoramic view that left me speechless. My senses were overwhelmed by the sheer beauty that surrounded me. I was alone, frozen in awe.
Without hesitation, I began capturing every fleeting moment. With each click and every frame of video recorded, I knew that I was immortalizing a memory that would stay with me for a lifetime.
As the minutes passed, the sun's rays began to peek through the towering mountains, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Captivated by the moment, I slowly became aware of some background noise—the fellow crew enjoying the moment alongside me.
After a quick breakfast at 7:30 AM, I geared up for the trek to Gui. With helpful tips from our new guides, we set off, offloading one of our bags for the mules to carry. Trekking through narrow paths lined with thorny bushes, we were accompanied by a few happy dogs who seemed to be part of the local crew. The initial path was rugged and steep, scattered with rocky stones and slippery terrain.Â
Despite initial muscle cramps an hour into the trek, I persevered,
drawing on my sportsmanship and the encouragement of friends to push through. To combat muscle cramps, I was advised to consume glucose along with water regularly, helping me to maintain my pace.
As we journeyed forward at our own rhythm, taking small breaks along the way, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of our surroundings.
Bonding with fellow trekkers, as we faced obstacles head-on while reveling in the lush green biomes and moss-covered tree trunks that adorned our path.
Nearing Gui, a cold rain descended upon us, prompting us to don our rainproof jackets from our backpacks. Walking in the rain brought a unique experience, navigating through slurry and slippery sections with care. Despite the weather, I found joy in absorbing every detail of the landscape, from the vibrant greenery to the serene ambiance.
After a challenging trek, we finally reached Gui, a stunning spot surrounded by lush green meadows and towering snow-capped peaks, around 3 PM. As we eagerly awaited the setup of our tents and the arrival of our mule bags, a sense of awe and tranquility washed over us.
As the group paused to catch their breath, I found myself drawn to a cozy hut nearby. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountains, I enjoyed a comforting plate of steaming noodles, feeling the warmth spread through me in the chilly air. It was a moment of tranquility and gratitude, a chance to recharge amidst the natural grandeur.
Inspired by the stunning scenery, I felt an urge to capture its essence on a small canvas. I took out my travel Plein-Air kit and began painting one of the meadows.
Each brushstroke was a reflection of the awe I felt, guided by the mountain's silent wisdom. Soon, fellow trekkers gathered around, intrigued by my artistry, as I painted and shared stories, laughter echoed across the meadows, It was a moment of pure bliss, where art, nature, and human connection intertwined to create memories that would be cherished forever.
