It would actually begin today. We would be trekking from Govindghat
to Ghangria, which was the starting point for both the VoF and Hemkund
Sahib trek. We were woken up by our trek leader at 6.30 am and were
supposed to start trekking by 8 am, after another briefing. This briefing
included some pointers on how to use the trekking pole, the correct way of
wearing the trekking shoes and the correct way of carrying a backpack.
Most of us got a pouch called the 'ecobag'. This bag is worn around the
waist and is used to dispose off any trash we might generate on the way
such as chocolate wrappers, biscuit wrappers, etc. It is also used to
collect the trash left on the trail by other trekkers. This is a
commendable and superb initiative by Indiahikes. The waste thus
collected is segregated and then carried all the way down, away from the
mountains, where it is finally disposed off.
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| River Pushpavati accompanied us throughout |
This day involved walking for approximately 12
kilometers, plus an additional 4 kilometers of a cab ride. The route is
stone-paved all the way to Ghangria. There is no way anybody can get
lost, even if that person is as disoriented as I am (..the besties are
surely remembering all the times I have claimed to know the route and
gotten them lost ;) ). The incline is gradual except for the last 3
kilometers where it gets pretty steep. The entire route is very scenic
and the sight of the huge mountains accompanying us, and the sight and
the sound of the Pushpavati river fills the mind with peace. The only
annoying bit is the sight and smell of mule dung throughout. It was
still a welcome change from inhaling noxious fumes and going deaf by the
horns blaring continuously.
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| A-hikin' we will go! |
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| The scenic spot where we stopped for lunch |
We
set off at a steady pace and I quickly realized that my preparation for
this trek was indeed lacking, as I was lagging behind both the bestie
and the hubster (and the hubster was even carrying his own backpack,
whereas we had offload ours). I carried on however, at my own pace, and
made the hubster wait for me at regular intervals :D. This was my first
trekking experience and I quickly realized that once the initial worry
melted away, all other thoughts also left my mind. There were absolutely
no stray thoughts related to work, future, past, or life in general. It
was all about the next step and the step after that and the step after
that. This was the first time I had been so totally absorbed in the
present moment. Shorts breaks to catch one's breath were spent posing
for pics and hydrating. We encountered plenty of pilgrims on the way who
would greet us and encourage us to keep moving forward in the name of
waheguru. And
to my great astonishment, I found that I was actually smiling at the
people and talking to them. I was talking to totally random people! Back
home, I have been known to cross the road in order to avoid
acquaintances walking from the opposite side :D.
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| Finally! the helipad! |
The route has plenty of dhabas
where one can take a break and gain nourishment. The bestie would often
be waiting at such dhabas for us to catch up. We stopped for lunch just
before the steep incline began. The spot was really scenic with beautiful
views of the mountain and the river. There was a bridge across the river
which we had to cross before the final climb. We had a leisurely lunch
and relaxed while waiting for the last trekkers to arrive. The climb
post lunch was especially difficult because of a full stomach and the
angle of the incline. Besides, we had been walking for over five hours
and that too uphill. Finally, the helipad was in sight. This helipad is
situated right outside the village and it meant that our destination was
extremely close now. We marched on and went absolutely mental on seeing
the Ghangria signpost!
We had successfully made it through day 1 of the
trek. The trek leader assigned rooms to all of us and was kind enough
to put the bestie and I in the same room, which we would be sharing with
two other girls. We were staying on the first floor and while climbing
the stairs I realized that one of the heads of my left quadriceps was
acting funny. I did not pay much attention to it, thinking resting at
night would solve the problem. I was proved wrong and how!
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