Yamunothri

It was a full  day trip to Yamunothri ahead of us. An elevation of approximately 3200 meters. Up to Barkot, the road was alright. We saw many Pine (evergreen) trees, one or two Banana trees in the vicinity of some houses. A few stray dogs who had resemblance to each other (as though we were seeing the same dog again). I felt strange that there were not any birds, animals or variety in trees.

After early breakfast (Roti, subji and tea or hot milk) we have begun our journey. The first destination was Hanuman chatti (about 2130 meters altitude) in our bus. The road was getting to be narrow and rough. We had to go up to Janaki chatti to start the trekking to go to Yamunotri. The trekking distance was about 9 kms. To walk it took about 4 hours. Some rode on ponies (mules). Some were carried in human-dolis. Nirmala and I negotiated the rate with four young Nepalese men. All my life, I resented the idea of being carried by fellow humans. But I felt safe in this situation to use this channel than riding on the pony. Rao started to climb with his newly made friends. We met them on the way a few times and waved. He looked young, enthusiastic, and cheerful as usual. Our doli-carriers stopped 2 to 3 times for tea and lunch break. They were smoking at every stop. Nirmala (with her severe sore throat and limited Hindi-hahahaha) told them that we would pay for the tea and meals, but not for the tobacco. I gave them a lecture on the bad effects of tobacco and about lung cancer etc. They ignored both of us and smiled!!!

As we reached Yamunothri, my heart was beating fast. Everything was heavenly (not that I knew how Heaven looked) and I could hear the flood of water. Due to heavy rains, the river was flooded. The crowds that were ahead of us - some in wet clothes, some rushing to the Temple, some shopping in the road side stalls and some others just silently gazing in to the sky. I was so happy to be there. To be continued....