Following Yamuna to its Source – A Road Trip….Part 4

03 July 2011

After all the prayers were done, we came out of the temple and stood near the stream of mighty Yamuna, while Adhiraaj was enjoying the icy cold water, i was busy clicking photographs. By now the sun was making its way out from the thick blanket of clouds and slowly turning the cold, black and white atmosphere colorful. After spending a quality time, we got back to the small market area and inquired about the trek to Saptrishi Kund.

Hanging

Sunshine making its way...

Saptarishi Kund is the original source of Yamuna river fed by Champasar Glacier situated in the upper parts of the massif created by Banderpunch Mountain. It’s accessible only after  a tough 11 kms walk from Yamunotri, which takes about 8-9 hours for one way trek and one should have a guide and the necessary permission to do the same. Well, we were empty handed on both scenarios and also the time was running out pretty fast.

Yamuna at the source

Faith

A clear view

We very well knew that on this trip the trek to Saptrishi Kund was not possible but we thought of at-least trying the path for a few meters or kilometers  just to get the feel of the dense forest. As we moved ahead for a few meters, crossing the Yamunotri bridge onto the path leading to the Yamunotri check-post. An officer greeted us there and we told him about are plans to trek for a few kilometers, which he agreed and he also cautioned us about the presence of a bear in the area, who by the way greeted them last night near the camp. To say now i was bit afraid even to venture out in the thick forest. I looked at Adhiraaj, there was a wry smile on his face and we decided to give it a try….

Waiting for the customers...

Sometime later, i guess.....

Well, we moved for a few meters on that path and suddenly a loud voice from behind stopped us. I guess it was the senior officer who just ventured out at that time and he called us back. The dream of following that path was over then and we returned back to our room. What next was the question that was doing rounds in both of our minds. ‘Mussoorie’ out came from the vocal chords of Adhiraaj. We both had already taken a leave for Monday and reaching Mussoorie by that evening (Sunday) was possible.

The officer calling us back...

The moment i waited for so long....

Quickly, we packed our bags and paid the bills to the caretaker and started trekking back to Janaki Chatti. Adhiraaj was moving fast, and i on the other hand, slow as the camera was in my hand and i decided to make the most of it by capturing the way which i couldn’t do while we were going up to Yamunotri last night. I met several people on the way down, people from all the walks of life, most of them asking me ‘Aur kitna reh gaya?’ (How much further?), some elderly gentlemen congratulating me on completing the trek and some giving a smile on there way up….

The Final one...

The Joy of being there....

On the way back...

On the way back...

Faith....

On the way back....

On thee way back....

Janaki Chatti from a distance.....

On the way back...

Bid Adieu....

It was around 11: 30 a.m when i got back to Janaki Chatti to the shop where i kept my bike and the helmets. Adhiraaj was already sitting there waiting.  After having some rest and a water bottle later, i took the bike out and then we tied the bag at the rear of the bike so as to reach to our next destination or the night halt for the day ‘Mussoorie’…..

Contd…..To the final part of the series….. :)