Away from public haunt, sublime beatitude

Ajay Ramola

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Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 22

It is soothing environment on way to enchantment. The cool air is stifling sweet with the breath of numerous flowers. Thick trees with spirally arranged leaves bejewelled with red and pink rhododendron flowers accompany you throughout the 3-km trek from Sari village to Devaria Tal. The sun catches up with you when you are out of the wood shade. The Himalayan woodpecker and verditer flycatcher, foxes and langoors are your companions during the trek.

It is continuous ascent but the well-laid track frees you from worry of constantly watching your steps. The constant climb to the top strains your legs but then you are not here for the usual city walk. The trek through the woods is what you have come for. Valleys curve to your inquiring eye as you continue your upward movement. The woods still wear the vernal touch and hues. You realise Devaria Tal is near and you take curious steps to reach the top.

It is an awe-inspiring and beautiful mountain lake at 2,438 metre that is spread over 700 metre surrounded by a rare rhododendron forest and overlooking on the other side is the magnificent Chaukhambha range of the Himalayas. It is near Ukhimath in the Kedarnath area of Rudraprayag district. It is quiet here; so serene. Here, you are exempt from the usual public haunt, and you can relax and enjoy the visually rewarding scenery around. The green reflection of the woods in the lake lends a magical touch and as you look around, the sight of the majestic Chaukhamba peak and other mountain ranges such as Bandarpunch, Trikantha, Jauonli, Mandini, Kedar, and Parvati leaves you spell-bound. Now, you know why Devaria Tal is considered the most beautiful and stunning lake of Uttarakhand. You wonder why you have not been here before. It is an angler’s delight and ideal spot for bird watching. You watch the mountains without batting an eyelid.

It is evening and you watch the wonder play of the setting sun over the Chaukhamba peak and hear birds calling their partners from Devaria Tal. You decide to camp near Devaria Tal for the night with help from a Sari villager who provides you with the tent and other necessary material. The colourful play of the setting sun is over and the magical play of sparkling moon begins in the cold night. Brilliantly shining stars provide the perfect setting for the sublime beatitude that fills you as you gaze the dark blue sky full of sparkling jewels and a peeking moon. You know what awaits you in the morning.

It is very cold. The hot red hue of the rising sun on the Chaukhamba peak glues you to the sight. You had heard about it and desired to watch it. The sight has a calming effect even as the hues expand and change. You are enamoured by the serene beauty of Devarai Tal and the stunning sight of the Chaukhamba peak. Having enjoyed nature’s foreplay for two hours, you leave for Sari village with wholesome memories of pleasure and vow to revisit the place.

Meditation and lakes are wedded forever and this can be seen in the picturesque and pristine landscapes around the number of lakes that exist in both Kumaon and Garhwal regions.

These lakes are like earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. The journey to these lakes, namely Devaria Tal, Dodi Tal, Nachiketa Tal, Roop Kund, Kagbhusandi Tal, Sahastra Tal and Masar Tal, Vasuki Tal, Kedartal etc, is an out of the world experience of discovering nature’s bounties tucked away securely in hills.

The pristine beauty of these lakes is ready to enchant and cast a magic spell on the people, compelling them to forget the arduous trek they have taken to reach the water bodies that are also considered the water storehouse of the Himalayas.

Every lake situated amid the majestic mountains that can be reached through lush green forests is an award in itself for enthusiasts seeking peace and adventure. These lakes reinforce their connection to the earth through the rhythm of the ripples formed with every movement of the fresh air that blows silently over them.

If one has some energy left, the five-hour trek from Deoria Tal to the Chandrashila peak is also a good option. The trek to Rohini Bugyal, open meadows where one can camp with unrivalled views of the sunset. From Rohini Bugyal, traversing through the ridge, the adventurist can reach the meadows of Bhrujgali.

From lower meadows of Bhrujgali, the breathtaking view of the forest ridge of Tikidi Khal and the peaks from the Kedarnath side is a cherishing sight. The trek from Bhrujgali to the Chandrashila peak via Tungnath and back to Bhrujgali,Bhrujgali to the Chandrashila peak via Tungnath is accessible via a cemented trail that passes through a section of Bhojpatra trees and then reaches the Tungnath Temple.

Snow-laden paradise of winter, Brahmatal a must place to visit

Brahmatal in Chamoli district is another famous trek that is done in the winter and is considered a snow-laden paradise. Brahmatal during the winter has the right amount of snow in comparison to other lakes to make it a memorable trekking experience. The bonus of the superb forests and grand views is another reason why people take a trek to Brahmatal. The view of the summits rising above 7,000 m is common and the lake is the place from where mountains look much closer than compared to anywhere in the country. Tourists have to reach Loahjung for the trek passing through Gwaldam and then Deval. They are advised to buy medicines and carry necessary cash at Gwaldam as the chances of the bank ATM not working at Deval is high and chemist shops often run out of medicines. 

From Lohajung, you can catch a view of the Nandaghunti peak that colours several times before the sunset, giving an impression as if it is trying out several dresses before getting ready for the cosmic dance that would take place at night at the courtyard of Gods in heaven, literally. The trek starts from Lohajang and with every climb the sight of the Kail valley, where the Kail and Pindari rivers join, can be seen.

Passing through a cluster of homes called Budla and after around two hours, one reaches Begum. From Begum, one can watch the splendid views of Navali Bugyal and Bagdi Bugyal. An hour-long trek continues to Bekal Tal that is frozen during the winter. Trekking further for three to four hours, one finally reaches Khabekhal. Brahmatal is reached following a trek that passes through Chota Jhandidar and Bada Jhandidar. It is a trail on a mountain ridge with valleys on both sides. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach the Brahmatal top. On the way, look out for the magnificent Himalayan ranges on your right, especially Mount Trishul, which is very close to you, along with Nanda Ghunti. If you are lucky enough and the sky is clear, you will have a magnificent view of the complete Himalayan range from this trail.