Thanks a million to H.P. Tourism deptt. for organizing a 5 day trek camp to explore the inner core of nature at Great Himalayan National Park. It was not just the adventurous camp rather an opportunity to feel the nature closest to the heart and feel life without materialistic comforts.
After changing many buses, burdened with lots of luggage landed at the desired destination Aut( 30 kms down from kullu ). It was wonderful to be in the group of all nature lovers, very senior people, yet very young! We were the group of twenty people from all over country, from all age groups & from varied professions.
In cabs headed towards Neuli, the start point of trek it was a caterpillar ride on bumpy road. The most tempting feature was the Sainj river flowing by our side. God being gracious gave us many chances in next 5 days to feel this river very closely.
At Nueli we got the opportunity to shuffle our luggage & formally got to know about all in the group. After getting tea & packed lunch, lot many butterflies were jumping in the stomach, as trek was to begin. We started and it was told that 1st – 2 days is a leveled walk but I just could’nt find out that level as entire way was either steep ascent or too descent. Carrying a rucksack that was directly proportionate to my size was a big deal and astonishing was that everyone was doing this great deed. After little while, we were acclimatized to it and started enjoying beautiful mountains with lovely waterfalls. Our fate was in hands of efficient team of tourism who was assisting us throughout. Got many opportunities to explore the vegetation, fertile soil and collected many bright red & orange leaves. One cannot expect such beautiful leaves in plains. The real adventure was crossing the dancing bridges over the river, came across some huts where localites were trying to dry Pumpkins and corns. After completing almost 9 kms we reached a beautiful green valley, that was our camp. Hard rocks were the sofas to relax; bedrooms were the small little tents that were capable of housing three people with luggage. We were delighted to get full course meal right from the soup to sweet dish, in spite of no cooking facility in jungle. In no time, we all were snuggling in our cozy sleeping bags.
Mornings were very cold & pleasant embarrassing was to use open washrooms. Crossed many tough tasks next day but the group had a team spirit and at every difficult situation there was a hand to help. Energized our selves with Cadburys and marched. We used laughter therapy to keep ourselves charged. Bonus was the beautiful natural scenes & we could spot some birds and butterflies too. Came across many schoolchildren their innocent smiles reflected the hardships they face but still very contented. Marched for about 7 hrs. and entered a place called SHAKTI. It was a PARADISE… Wonderful landscape, constructed toilet / baths with flushing systems& rooms to sleep.
Next day was the toughest. It was 80 degrees ascent and the only recreation was laughter therapy and collection of walnuts as we came across many zones of walnut trees. Enjoyed the nature, retained our positive energy until it was dark but after the sunset, we felt that our aesthetic sense was no more alive. Tragic was that there seemed to be no end to this hard-core jungle. Fortunately we had experienced & kind people in our group who used to come back from the camp to help others. Finally after struggling in mountains for 11 hrs, entered a place called Dhel a beautiful meadow surrounded with beautiful snow covered peaks. By this time, all trekkers were feeling sick but we had doctors in the group to give immediate remedies to regain the energy.
In the morning admired the real beauty of this place and was all set to start another tough day. It was such a steep descent, that many of us had to slide ourselves. Finally, after lots of hard efforts and cracking our knees, we entered 5 star place of this jungle ‘Lopah’, a village where we saw electricity after 4 days, mobiles could catch network, rooms had attached toilet/baths & we had luxury of fireplaces. It was the last night at camp. On return, we all gave a tribute to these beautiful mountain ranges by collecting the plastic waste all the way until the end. Being it a last day, I was very slow as i was trying to grasp as much bonus of natural beauty as I could.
Overall, the experience taught me true team spirit, real meaning of kindness and a lesson for a lifetime that Life can exist without materialistic comforts also. All that matters is just one’s ATTITUDE! .
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