My debut book - Dreaming Of Everest is out now!

 

While my blog was in hibernation for a long time, I was not! I was preparing to publish my first book, Dreaming Of Everest. It is based upon my trekking experience to the foot of the highest mountain in 2019. I am delighted to announce that it is available worldwide on Amazon, Kindle, as well as select bookstores across India.

About the book
The story of a young woman’s journey to the Everest Base Camp despite limited trekking experience that will inspire even the hoi polloi to realize impossible dreams and prove that limitations exist only in the mind. Despite limited trekking experience, Saachi sets her sights high and embarks on a 130-km long maiden trek through a region of outstanding natural beauty. The protagonist takes you on a sublime adventure through blooming rhododendron forests, gushing streams, and majestic mountain scenery. Along the way, the group braves many challenges - the aftermath of Cyclone Fani, altitude sickness, and extreme weather conditions. While two members drop out, will the remaining manage to pull through?
It is an inspiring personal narrative of grit, focus, and the weight that we carry in our lives.

So, go on, grab your copy now!

Amazon - https://bit.ly/3B4KYCv

The Lama House

This one has been a year in writing. Nestled amidst apple orchards, deodars and lush green meadows, lies a quiet haven called the Lama House. Home to Pavane Mann, a mountaineer, adventurer and storyteller, her warm hospitality and intrepid spirit made me feel right at home. A tastefully done up house, full of curios, family photographs and elegant upholstery took me back in time. We spent many evenings sharing travel stories with hot toddy by the fireplace in one of the many cosy rooms.  Karma, a handsome, loving, black Bhutiya dog, warmed his way into my heart like no other. Perhaps, that is why I stayed and worked out of here for two months last autumn.

I woke up each morning to the melodious voice of the blue whistling thrush as sunshine filtered through the French windows offering a panoramic view of the lush green mountains and snowy peaks, as the wind carried the sweet fragrance of the purple hydrangeas outside my window. I watched Sher Singh, the gardener, care for the beautiful garden full of bright-coloured flowers and apple trees, come rain or shine. My favourites are the light pink roses – I enjoyed many afternoons by their side.

Room with a view

   

Karma and me

              

                                             The library - a treasure trove of mountain literature

The staff, Rakesh, Pooran, Sher Singh, and Kanta treated me like family. Rakesh, the caretaker and one of the cooks, treated me to waffles, roast chicken, apple crumble, trout amongst many other delicious items, during my stay. Karma and I went on many-a-walks together, up the hill to a lovely meadow overlooking Old Manali and the Manalsu River, towards Lamadugh or a nearby village. These are some of the reasons that I am back here again. And I could not be happier!

I have been waking up to the song of the blue whistling thrush. Outside my window, I watch a pair of red-billed blue-magpies peck away at a few of the leftover apples on the tree. On cloudy days, there is a riot of colour in the air, thanks to a flock of crimson and yellow-bellied sunbirds. Karma meets me with utmost enthusiasm each morning in the hope that I would take him for a walk. His light-brown eyes look into mine for cues. He is most disappointed when I pick up my laptop for work instead. He does have his way eventually.

Hot toddy has been replaced by gin this time round. Evenings spent with Pavane and her friends are always interesting. Her fascinating stories and experiences continue to inspire me.  Pooran, one of the cooks, has been spoiling me with homemade delicacies. On clear nights, I gaze at the millions of stars from the balcony. I doze off listening to the gentle sound of the flowing river. It feels like home. Every time I am here, it becomes difficult to leave.

Some places touch your heart. And then, there are those rare few that move your soul.

To The Top

 

Yet to bloom wild lilies sprinkled everywhere

I was on a weeklong vacation in Tirthan valley, a remote fishing hamlet located in the northern, hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. Cutaway from the rest of the world, it seemed like the perfect place to unwind and do some climbing. My brother, Aman, and I booked a quaint B&B by the river set in a deep canyon. After learning about the nearby Crystal Mines & Lambri Top (3600 m) trek, we were keen to explore the surrounding area. While I had been on many treks before, I had not climbed up a known mountaintop in a while. This seemed like a great opportunity to do so. However, due to inclement weather, we were advised against venturing there due to heavy snow lodged at the top. Undeterred, we decided to find someone who would agree to take us there. Luckily, one of my contacts led us to the right person. Pratap, an experienced mountaineer and the head of a local trekking cooperative, would take us to Lambri Top the next day.  Generally, a 3-day trek, we planned to attempt it in one day.

I checked the weather forecast for the next day. It seemed to be clear; a perfect day for hiking. The next morning, we woke up to a glorious, spring day. Sweet birdsong, gentle breeze, and light sunshine peeked into the gorge. We were lucky to get a good weather window. We met Pratap who had brought along a colleague to chalk out an alternate trekking route. He was unable to find crampons anywhere in the tiny village so we decided to carry on and try our luck.

The starting point of the trek was located 20 kms away from the village of Jamala, the endpoint of the Sarchi road. We drove on a smooth, narrow road snaking up through a deep mountainous valley, on the fringe of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). A UNESCO world heritage site, the park spread over 754km²  is known for its rich biodiversity including medicinal plants and several threatened species, and is characterized by high alpine peaks, alpine meadows, and riverine forests. Lush green, picturesque surroundings, outlined by craggy white peaks as far as the eye could see. It felt like I was in the lap of the Himalayas, being gently caressed by the gentle breeze.

As we gained altitude, a fabulous view of the magnificent, snow-clad peaks came into view. I gasped at the natural beauty surrounding us and tried to capture it on camera. Thick deciduous forests, colourful houses peppered along the mountainside, and apple orchards covered with white plastic sheets to protect them from unseasonal hail and snow. The white sheets gave the illusion of snow from a distance. Global warming seemed to be increasingly prominent.

A first glimpse of the snowy climb

                                                 

It took us roughly an hour to reach our starting point. We could see a white Lambri Top in the distance. As we could only spot a small section of the peak from the road, it was hard to tell how much of the mountain was covered in snow. We walked past a handful of traditional Himachali homes in the tiny settlement of Jamala. Curious village folk peeped out of their homes to look at us, while the cattle and sheep grazed leisurely in the early morning sun. A young girl asked us where we were going. She told me that I would not be able to make it. I smiled and told her that she would be surprised. There were a handful of homes and a couple of guesthouses under construction. The closest market was in the nearby village of Sarchi.

As we exited the village, a verdant green meadow opened up in front of us. Our guide, Pratap pointed at the view behind us. I turned around to find a breath-taking view of the Western Himalayas as the first light tinted the snow-clad peaks. We walked on a narrow trail through thick deodar and pine forest. The trees were more than a hundred feet tall and would have witnessed many adventurers like us across centuries. Its needlelike leaves swayed gently in the light breeze as if to stir up a conversation with us. The ground was still moist with dew. I breathed in the damp, crisp air diffused with the scent of pine. My trekking poles helped me maintain a steady pace and keep my balance while walking over slippery pine needles and loose stones that covered the thin mountain path. The melodious song of the oriental white eye and blue whistling thrush kept us enthralled.

Thousands of yet to blossom wild lilies were sprinkled all over the hillside. I imagined what a beautiful sight it would be to walk amongst them in full bloom. Pratap asked us to fill our water bottles at a streamlet flowing down from the melting snowcaps over boulders covered with moss. ‘This is the purest water you can ever drink. It will rejuvenate your senses and clear any ailments’, he said. As we crossed over a makeshift wooden bridge onto the adjoining mountain, the real climb began.

It seemed that the entire hillside had been ravaged by a terrible storm. We climbed over uprooted tree tops blocking the path. The steep gradient coupled with scree, leaves, and a barely-there path slowed us down. We were the only ones on the trail. At 2800 m, we came across chunks of muddy ice from time to time. I looked up at the tree-lined blue sky and listened to the whispers of the rustling leaves under my feet. Three hours into the trek, we stopped for a refreshment break. Pratap, also an avid birder, told us about the various birds surrounding us based on their unique call. As we started to make our way again, a pair of shrieking Himalayan monals darted across the sky. Their colourful greenish-blue foliage glinted in the sunshine.

We came across our first stretch of soft snow. Excitedly, I stepped forward, only for one of my legs to get stuck knee-deep in it. I laughed as both guides pulled me out. Aman seemed worried. He was not wearing waterproof shoes unlike me and was skeptical about navigating a near 400 m vertical incline in deep snow. He kept suggesting that we turn around due to a bad experience in the past, but I was keen to go all the way. I reassured him that we were in good hands. While I told him that we could always turn around later, if required, I was determined to reach the top. When I gave Aman the option to wait it out, he did not want to leave me alone.

A near 400 mtr vertical climb

Soon, we neared the sharp ascent and looked up. A solitary tree stood tall near the summit. As the sun had been out for a few hours, the ice had melted in some sections making it easier for us to get a grip on soft snow. It seemed to be about 4 - 5 feet deep at places. As our guides were familiar with this route, they were confident of climbing without much difficulty. Pratap advised against walking close to rocks as there was no way to tell how deep the crevice would be in case of a fall. We walked in a zig-zag fashion. I dug my boots into the snow to get a good grip. It was difficult to walk more than ten steps at a stretch. I turned around to witness an even better view of the snow-clad Himalayas. The camera could not capture the beauty my eyes could see. I could feel my heartbeat in my chest. Other than that, the calming sound of silence. A solitary raven glided in the azure skies above us. We were all tired but happy.

We started to make our way again. Each step felt reflective. We were so close to the mountaintop. I could hardly contain my excitement. We came across a dark, moistened rock wall on which water trickled off icy crystals into a small pool. I snapped off one of the ice crystals and pretended to eat it for a photograph. We filled our bottles again and kept climbing. Aman seemed anxious but did not turn back. It took us about an hour to reach the halfway point. I rested on a rock while gazing at the scenic views and the precipitous slope we had just traversed. A curious marmot came out to see what the commotion was about. Satisfied, it returned to its hiding place. ‘Another 40 - 50 minutes’, Pratap announced. I leaped forward with excitement. It took an immense amount of effort to trudge my way up.

Almost there

                                       

The virgin snow glinted under the afternoon sun. My energy levels were depleting but my determination to get there was at its peak. I could not walk more than five steps at a time before stopping for a break. I took a deep breath as my heart thumped in my chest. ‘Almost there,’ the guides told us. I was brimming with joy. We moved slowly and soon, we were there. On top of the world.

 

Sweeping views of GHNP

An extraordinary view of the entire Great Himalayan National Park and the extensive Himalayan range - all the way from the Dhauladhars to Kinnaur left us spellbound. Majestic snowy peaks, undulating mountain valleys, luscious green forests and sapphire blue skies. On the other side of the valley, we had a lovely view of Jalori Pass amidst thick forest and green meadows bespeckled with snow.

The sweet melody of a pair of alpine choughs was music to the ears. It reminded me of my time on the Everest trail where they often gave me company on solitary walks. At a short distance, we noticed a small shrine made of stones - a temple for a local deity. I bowed my head in prayer and gratitude.

Like The Flowing River

 

We embarked on a mini-adventure yesterday, about an hour’s drive from Chandigarh. As a bird enthusiast, I was keen to explore Chakki Mod, a Birder’s Paradise, in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. I wanted to hike upstream along the Kaushalya River to explore the area and perhaps, witness some of the unique birds that the area is famous for. Two of my friends tagged along for the excursion.

We drove from Chandigarh towards Zirakpur and then got onto the Chandigarh-Shimla highway. I turned on Google maps shortly after passing Timber Trail, to not miss the Bhojnagar turn. We drove downhill on a fairly empty road and parked the car close to the second bridge. We made our way down to the river bed while listening to the sound of the gentle, flowing water and chirping birds surrounding us. The fog had finally lifted, allowing the winter sunshine to filter through. We crossed the stream while carefully balancing ourselves on rocks.

I could hear the sound of a woodpecker hammering into a tree. I quickly took out my binoculars and spotted the bird, much to my delight. We carried on forward on the dry part of the river bed, observing many other birds around us. My friends relied on my limited knowledge to learn about them. Curious villagers grazing their livestock stared at us, probably wondering what we were doing there. We walked slowly, taking in the valley views. I stopped often to observe the ebb and flow of the river.

We came across deities and other religious items washed ashore.  I wondered about the distance people’s prayers travel. All of us walked in quiet contemplation through shrubs, wide cracks in the dry sand, and sections of sandy beaches at some places. I was very excited to finally see a white-crested laughingthrush, an otherworldly beauty. We reached a large, natural pool with water falling over massive rocks into it. It seemed like the perfect place to take a break. We dipped our feet in the cold water while munching on delicious sandwiches and drinking gin.

Stories, laughter, and Chopin floated through the air. We were in the moment – like the flowing river.  

A Walk in the Woods

It was a bright, lovely autumn day. I woke up early for my trek from Vashisht towards Bhrigu. My friends had ditched me last minute and I was in no mood to waste a free day. Although I felt anxious the night before, I decided to go ahead with my plans anyway. En-route, Vishal, my friendly, well-mannered driver chatted with me about various treks in the area. He was also quick to caution me about any ‘druggies’ that I may meet along the way. Apart from that, there was no danger, he said.

Feeling confident and raring to go, I was unperturbed by this little piece of information. The trail started from alongside the Vashisht temple where I asked a little girl for directions. I started to climb up the stone steps, stopping every few minutes to catch my breath.  As I stood outside the last house in the village wondering which of the two paths to take, an old man magically appeared as if to guide me on where to go.

From there, it was a steep uphill climb. Little did I realise that it would only get steeper as I climbed higher. The morning sun rays, birdsong, and sweeping valley views of the snowy mountains kept me captivated. Steps carved out of stone soon turned into a steep dirt track with loose stones and rocks strewn all around. While I would want to catch a breather every now and then, I had to keep a firm grip on the ground to avoid rolling down the mountain! The path did flatten out at times, however, too few times to count. Leaky pipes along the way made for a muddy adventure. It did come in handy when I had to wash my hands from all the holding onto rocks, bushes and tree branches to carry myself up precipitous corners.

Starting out from Vashisht village

A verdant green mountainside

Navigating rocks and loose stones en-route

Breath-taking views

Jogini waterfall

One of the flat sections on the trail

I enjoyed walking at my own pace without a destination in mind. For a change, I was actually taking the time out to enjoy the journey and the beautiful surroundings. With no one around, I had the cool breeze in my hair and chirping birds for company. It was so quiet that at one point I could hear the sound of rustling leaves and spotted an oriental turtle dove foraging through them for any light bites. Further on, I was lucky to catch a glimpse of the colourful Himalayan Monal, its electric blue coat glinting in the sun. Throughout the way, I only came across two villagers making their way down for supplies. Apart from that, it was just me and nature in all its glory. I have never felt more at home.

My friend had told me that I might get bored alone. On the other hand, I had the most magical time being in the moment – bird-watching, filtering through happy memories and gazing at the mighty Himalayas. I went on a trek alone after many years. Generally, I am always trying to keep up or catch up with someone, oftentimes missing the lovely views and the journey. This time it was different. Every step felt meditative. I feel like I came back stronger, except the minor aches courtesy a few slips along the way. Perhaps, that’s what makes the journey even more worthwhile.

A happy poser

Going The Distance

Carrying our backpacks, we made our way;

Traversing new grounds & heights along the way;

Amidst yak bells and over-loaded porters;

Munching on chocolates, we carried as hoarders;

Pushing each other to climb further;

While taking pictures for one another;

Breath - taking scenery and slow, deep breaths;

Took us all the way to Everest Base Camp, step by step.

- Saachi Dhillon

The Mountains We Climb

On the way to Gorakshep

Everest Base Camp at a glance

Wide eyed, I smiled incessantly while breathing in the thin, icy-cold air at Everest Base camp.  At 5364 metres (or 17,600 ft) above sea level, with a glint of snow in our eyes, we felt at the top of the world! Group photos, videos and warm cheer filled the sub-zero atmosphere. Rumour had it that Tom Cruise was around as well.  

My Khumbu cough and cold magically disappeared during that time.

We had made it.

I had made it.

Made it!

Having traversed over 60 kms over 9 days to reach there was no small feat. From high passes to deep valleys, through fragrant rhododendron to blue pine forests to rocky flatlands adorned with the world’s highest mountains; we had come a long way. Panoramic views of Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Ama Dablam (6812 m), Nuptse (7861 m) amongst some of the world’s other tallest peaks kept us mesmerized.

Having scaled new heights, the weight that we carry was slowly lifted off our weary shoulders. Amidst epiphanies & new perspectives in the oxygen-poor air, we felt a sense of relief. An achievement like no other.

The Mountains we climbed to get there, the mental shackles that we broke through and the dreams that we realized as a result. It all came together at the world’s highest base camp.

Peek Into The Peaks

A Good Year

2018 has been a highly memorable year for many reasons. It has been a year of many adventures, beginnings and endings. All for a bigger and brighter 2019!

I stayed away from my usual, frequent short trips this year. Instead, I saved up and splurged on my big Euro trip. After all, I was going back to my favourite part of the world after 8 long years. Italy has a charm like no other. The art, people, food, music and serendipitous views had a resounding effect.

Greece’s Santorini is paradisiacal.  Breath-taking views as far as your eyes can see; the food a sensory delight. Soaking up the sun while sipping Ouzo, staring at varying shades of the Mediterranean sea made time stop still.

Earlier in the year, my love for the mountains took me back to Barot, a sleepy hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The place has changed considerably from what I remember from my younger years. I had the most incredible time sitting by the river, an umbrella in hand, listening to the sound of the rain and gentle waves.

My job took me to Sathkhol in Uttrakhand earlier this month. Gazing at the Milky Way on a clear night sky and waking up to a panoramic, snow-clad view of the Greater Himalayas took my breath away.  I hope to see more of this amazing state next year.

As I plan next year’s adventures, I took some time out to reflect on life’s lessons from this year’s journey. And boy, has it been a ride!

To bigger, happier adventures in 2019.

Enchanting Cinque Terre

Back in Europe!

Sunset from Piazza Michelangelo, Florence

I can’t help but feel immediately at home when I am in Europe. The cool breeze feels welcoming, the architecture familiar, the food awakens my senses and street music fills my soul. I just returned from a three week long break in Italy and Greece and am still basking in its afterglow (Quite literally with a nice Mediterranean tan!).

I landed in Milan during the world renowned Milan fashion week and the weekend engagement party of the daughter of one of India’s biggest business tycoons. Passing the placards for the guests of the said party, I made my way to the second busiest train station in Italy - Milano Centrale. And then it began. A trip of a lifetime. Experiences I would treasure forever.  The sun shone bright during most of the trip. On other days, massive grey clouds added a beautiful dimension to the otherwise blue skies.

Over the next few weeks, we witnessed beautiful landscapes, rich culture, not to mention stunning art and architecture. We watched in awe as the Tuscan sun set into the countryside; only after enveloping Florence and the surrounding villages in its amber glow. In Pisa, the setting sun draped us in its warm embrace while we leaned sideways on the famous tower for pictures.  

Sunset at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The colourful towns of Cinque Terre stood out against a cobalt blue sea on a hot, clear day. Atop one of the 13 towers in San Gimignano, rain lashed down shortly after we had marveled at the beautiful scenery. Rolling hills, castles, houses, vineyards and olive groves bathed in the October rain as we got dry with a hot cup of cappuccino. The lemon capital of Italy, Sorrento offered panoramic views of the Napoli coast on a very windy day. Cruising down the extraordinary Amalfi coast was an experience that I will never forget. Salty sea water splashed us as we gazed at the rugged coastline with sheer cliffs, colourful villages, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves. Santorini left me completely mesmerized with its caldera views and whitewashed buildings against the deep blue seas.

Sunset at Oia, Santorini

Views from Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Tunes flowed in from a string quartet band as we enjoyed evening lake views in the charming town of Bellagio, Lake Como. In fact, music was a constant throughout the trip. One night in Florence, I came across a solo violinist, a string trio and a guitarist in a span of 30 minutes. An accordion player kept crowds entertained on a packed train to Pompei. At the Acropolis museum in Athens, I enjoyed my lunch listening to the melodic tunes of a harpist. As we made our way back from watching the famous sunset in Oia, a harmonica player kept the crowds entertained.

It is rare that you come across picture postcard scenery on a daily basis. So much so, it seems like a dream. Over the next few weeks, I will be covering some of the highlights from my trip.

Stay tuned.

Barot: The Perfect Monsoon Getaway

Imagine waking up to the sound of the river, melodious birdsong, and the perfect morning view. As you sit by the river drinking your morning cup of tea, a green carpet of Himalayan deodar trees beckon. Dark clouds rumbling overhead as you set out on a morning walk. Expect this and much more at Barot, situated 6020 ft above sea level.  

View from our hotel - Taj River View

Set deep in the Himalayan valley, Barot is a trekkers’ and nature lovers paradise. It is most famous for trout farming and a gateway to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary. It is roughly an 8-hour drive from Chandigarh. You could also break your journey at Palampur or Bir-Billing for a night and then head upwards. Here are the top things to do while you are there:

1. Visit a trout farm – Although a major tourist spot, there was nobody there when I visited. It was interesting to see the famous trout fish at different stages of the lifecycle, from fry (baby trout) to sub-adult to a fully grown adult. They seemed to be enjoying each other’s company, as they swam together.

Natural waterfall

      2. Visit a waterfall – In the rainy season, you are likely to come across more than one waterfall here. If you are walking from Barot Reservoir towards Jharwar, you will pass a natural car wash, opposite which lies a lovely green pasture. Walk towards the mountain, and you will come across a small waterfall flowing down. This is a great place for a picnic or to just relax. Sheshnag waterfall is another popular attraction, though not as impressive.

        3.  Sit by the river – Take a good book or company and plonk yourself on one of the huge rocks by the river. There is nothing more meditative than listening to the gushing river while raindrops fall on your head. Take an umbrella, just in case there is a heavy downpour!

     4. Take a hike – With so many forest trails to choose from, it is hard not to go for a hike. Climb up a mountain and you are likely to come across a friendly local or two who are eager to help. Walk amongst deodar trees, breathe in fresh mountain air and forget your worries in this paradisal valley.

  5. Gorge on fish delicacies – Barot is a delight for nonvegetarians. From fish curry to fish pakodas to steamed fish, there is plenty to choose from. Taj River View Hotel has amazing food, perhaps one of the best there.

If you are looking for the perfect long weekend getaway, pack your bags and head to Barot. You will come back rejuvenated.

p.s: I love writing such pieces especially when the monsoon gods are showering us with their blessings! Like this morning :)

Monsoon Travel

Munnar, Kerala

As grey clouds loom high above, followed by thunder and raindrops splatter the window, I gaze outside. My mind is brimming with joy as I sip hot tea, with my notepad in tow. This is one of my favourite times of the year.

With the summer crowds gone, it is also a great time to travel, especially for nature lovers. Here are some of my favourite monsoon trips (in no particular order):

1. Kasauli – I remember the mist seeping into our room through the wooden ‘jaali’ door at Birds View Resort, after a thundershower. The cool breeze interspersed with fresh, earthy smells of the surrounding forest is always refreshing. If you set out for a walk soon after, you can hear the call of the partridge and bird song around every bend. It is our family tradition to have an evening BBQ with old classics playing in the background, ending the night on a ‘high’ note.

2. Barot – My early memories of this beautiful hill station are from when I was about 10 years old. When I went back last month after ages, this picturesque hill station did not disappoint. The monsoon showers had hit Himachal Pradesh by then, turning this riverside retreat into a memorable weekend. I spent a lazy afternoon by the Uhl river, watching the rain fall as I lay there under an umbrella; while the gushing river provided the perfect background score.

3. Goa – Although monsoon travel seems to have caught on in this tiny state, I would still recommend visiting Goa during monsoons. South Goa is a great place to stay in as it’s less crowded. On a mid July afternoon, my friends and I roamed around a deserted Colva beach, enjoying the salty sea breeze as it poured. Peri peri prawns and beer in a beach shack tasted wonderful afterwards.

4. Munnar – Although it is a good idea to be anywhere in Kerala at this time of the year, Munnar is definitely worth a visit. Lush green hills, tea gardens, cool breeze and a hot Shirodhara massage make for a great combination. Driving through misty meadows, picking tea leaves or simply trying out one of the many varieties of tea make for an unforgettable trip.

A trek to the high altitude, glacial Kareri Lake

At Kareri lake

On the May Day weekend, I along with my brother decided to go on a trek to a relatively lesser known destination – Kareri Lake. We were a group of 12 people, a mix of solo travellers, friends and siblings (a rare pairing, as we learnt). What we all had in common was our eagerness to escape the humdrum of our city lives.

Aman and I

We were served a buffet breakfast at Kareri village, our starting point for the 15 kms trek, with a hearty serving of the snow clad Himalayas on the side. Our group leader, Ashish gave everyone some instructions on responsible travel and we were on our way. We trekked through green pastures, blooming rhododendron trees and broad leaf forests. Once the actual trail began, we were literally climbing up the river bed, traversing huge rocks in the process. A few lunges later, I could feel the muscles in my thighs awaken. We kept moving ahead, taking frequent breaks along the way.

The first stop was next to a small waterfall where we filled our water bottles with fresh, chilled stream water. Some people dipped their feet in the water while the more adventurous ones, their heads. I munched on chocolates and frooti along the way in order to keep my energy levels high. The clean air, flora and fauna were such a welcome relief from my busy city life. A black dog kept us company along the way, stopping as and when we would.

We were close to our base camp, Reoti village, when dark clouds set in. As thunder roared above our heads, we kept walking ahead. Light rainfall followed. We stopped for a late lunch at a small café set inside a cave. A short while later, we crossed over a metal bridge and reached Reoti village. Everyone took a moment to take in the beautiful scenery; sheep grazing on the mountains and the Nyund nallah flowing through.

Campsite at Reoti village

Our camp for the night was set in a deep valley; a bamboo bridge dividing tents on either side. Our tent had the most magical view, of the forest and the stream running through. Just when everyone was settling in, there was heavy rainfall. Aman, my brother and I listened to the Doors as raindrops battered our tent. Our evening snacks comprising of tea, popcorn and maggi were just what we needed to enjoy the lovely weather and scenery.

At night, everyone shared their stories huddled around a bon fire under the starry night sky.

One of the many ladybirds

Up the river bed

We embarked upon the remainder of our trek the next day, right after breakfast. Along the way, I took a dip in the icy cold waters, which was one of the trip highlights for me. Many others followed suit. The trail was tiring yet picturesque; I took frequent breaks to admire nature in all its glory. There were all kinds of ladybirds along the way, their body designs fascinating.  

As we reached the top of the valley, we could see the snowy mountains up close. The sight of the beautiful, fresh water Kareri Lake amidst snowy mountains made me forget all about the arduous journey that we had undertaken.

As we trekked up the rocky, sometimes steep trail, I was reminded of challenging situations that I had faced recently; the trick is to keep swiftly moving ahead.

A nightout at Siem Reap

The Sunday Tribune, 13 May 2018

A Spring Poem

With a spring in my step, I walk out the front door;

To smell the blossoming flowers and lose some of those kilos;

It is time to plan a trip, a getaway to the mountains;

Climb up a hill or to sit still in nature?

With adventure instilled, a trek it is;

Amongst Pine and Rhododendron forests, gushing streams;

A place where I am the happiest, my soul at ease;

Cool breeze & Dhauladhars, to make me go weak in my knees;

With less than a week to go,

My face aglow;

Thoughts swarming like bees, travel light please.

- Saachi Dhillon

A Weekend in Rishikesh

On the banks of the holy river - Ganga

Known to many as the Yoga capital of the world and India’s spiritual hub – Rishikesh is a popular getaway from Delhi. A lot of us go there for rafting on the Ganges, for others, it is a spiritual sojourn. I went there earlier this month for some quiet time after an extremely hectic period at work. Although I had booked an ashram, we were later upgraded to their yoga retreat centre and resort due to some urgent renovation work at the ashram.

Amidst nature at Tapovan Vatika Resort

Situated a few metres from the tempo stand and the main road, Tapovan Vatika Resort is a great place to get in touch with your inner self. It has three large gardens, blooming flowers and is surrounded by fields and mountains. With regular yoga and meditation classes, it can be a great getaway for anyone looking to get in touch with their spiritual side.

My friend and I had taken a book each to read on our trip. In between reading, we went to different eating joints across town in search of good food. Being a religious place, Rishikesh is largely vegetarian and alcohol free (unless you are carrying your own). Here is my list of where to eat while you are there.

Ayur Pak

1.       Ayur Pak – This is a quiet, green homestay away from the city’s hustle and bustle. We had vegan dosas with sambhar and imli chutney, grilled vegetable sandwiches and a chocolate pancake. It was the most fulfilling breakfast I had on my entire trip. Although the flavors were different from what I am used to, it felt wholesome and filling.

Meat Lovers pizza

2.       Bistro Nirvana – Probably the only non vegetarian bistro in Rishikesh, it was a welcome break from all the vegetarian fare. After a long hike to the Beatles ashram on an unusually warm day in March, a cold soft drink and a meat lovers’ pizza was the perfect comfort food.  Surrounded by trees, Bistro Nirvana is a welcome escape from the heat.

3.       Himalayan Kitchen - Rooftop Cafe & Restaurant – We had dinner here on two consecutive nights as the ambience and views were great. The food was not that bad either; do try their ginger tea, tomato soup and pancakes.

4.       Tulsi Café – Located on the main road in Tapovan, it is a cosy café. Food is great but their service was incredibly slow when we were there. A Hawaiian pizza and fresh lime soda took about an hour to arrive. They were quick with the hummus and pita after which we along with other diners had to wait a lot. It is worth a visit but go there if you have a lot of time to kill.