Morning view from my hotel
A glorious - and most unexpected - ride through a wildlife sanctuary
I felt like I was alone in a fairyland!
Occasionally I would come to a ridge and get an amazing view of the valley below
I learnt from the sign that I am in the musk deer sanctuary
And suddenly I get an amazing view of snowcapped mountains!
I start climbing up to Tungnath, and the views get better and better! Chaukhamba in all its glory!
It's a long and steep ascent - and my trusted tortoise technique serves me in good stead. Slow and steady wins... or at least, completes...the race!
I was very amused to see the signs pointing to the High altitude research centre of the Garhwal university! The students and profs here must be very fit indeed.
Look at that view!
And finally I reach the temple ! Huff puff!
The temple is clearly ancient - but small and nondescript
But it is clearly a place of power! I have never had such an emotional experience before. Wonderful
Beyond the temple is the climb to Chandrashila - the top of the mountain
There is supposed to be an awesome jaw-dropping view of snowcapped mountains from this point. But alas - the clouds have settled in and the sights are veiled... so sad
I meet some interesting people at the top - a genuine Potel! A Motel-owning Patel from the US...
...and a fellow maharashtrian lady from Pune...
I don't know why people pile stones on stone... but I did it anyway.
Me proving that this rock is very strong indeed!
Goodbye Chandrashila. It was great knowing you!
Supercool Shiva graffiti on dhaba outside temple
How can there be a gujju without thepla? But this thepla is favoured with Dill instead of Methi... a sign of fusion of oriental and occidental...
