Song of Stars and Mountains – A day at Kashmir Great Lakes trek

Where eyes opened at dawn with the whistle of the trek leader,
We got out of our tents with toothbrushes and toilet papers…
Attending nature’s call in the midst of cold meadows was a dreaded task,
Its something about which to trekkers you never ask!

Once done with morning routine; we had breakfast and tea,
Waiting for the sunrays to bring warmth in bounty…
Sunscreen on our face made us look like ghosts,
We didn’t curse the sun; for without it we would have frost!

Trekkers preparing themselves for the day ahead

Sunrays made way through the surrounding ice clad mountains,

The blue lake mirrored the golden peaks’ reflection…
Overjoyed with happiness, hundreds of sheep ran in glowing sunlight
Casting shadows on the lush green meadows, we saw dreams catch flight!

Vishnusar lake mirrors the golden glow of first sunrays on mountain peaks

Casting shadows - Sheep playing around in sunlight — Casting shadows – Sheep playing around in sunlight

Tents were packed, along with food for noon
Things were mount on horses, they were a boon
Holding our backpacks, we began the day’s trek,
For any traces of litter we double checked!!!

Horses carrying the camping tents, cooking equipments at Nichnai Pass

Trekking pole on a hand, DSLR on another we walked uphill,
Passing by rivulets where melted water was filled…
Ring clouds engulfed mountain peaks,
Glaciers burst to make way for river streams!

Clouds on our top, flowers by our side, and miles to be lost, to ultimately find ourselves!

Hours passed as we walked on terrain unexplored,
Meadows, snow, rocks, flowers; we couldn’t ask for more
Descent was nothing but the beginning of ascent we learnt,
Enchanted, we kept walking to see the next lake discerned!!!

Where goats pose for you when you take a break!

There were moments when we felt we couldn’t make it,
Nature at its glory tired body would refrain to take in…
Fight between body and mind was always at its peak,
But odds of body winning over mind always were bleak!!!

Me after climbing Nichnai Pass. VIshnusar and Kishansar twin lakes in the background — Me after climbing Nichnai Pass. Vishnusar and Kishansar twin lakes in the background

The long descent - Towards Nandkul and Gangbal lakes — The long descent – Towards Nandkul and Gangbal lakes

We reached at a point just 20 km from the Line of Control,
And jumped with joy as we put down the trekking pole,
For it was time to unfurl the Tricolour of ours…
With Patriotism we sung our Jawaans’ glory for hours…

As we hopped and played at lunch point we arrived,
Resting our bare feet in water, by the river we dined…
Sound of water cutting through rocks brought in peace,
It reiterated struggle was essential, be it business or service!

Time had come to halt that moment, it was filled with calmness and happiness

Suddenly, wild horses from far off mountains ran down,
Enthralled, we looked at each other like clowns
And grabbed our cameras as they playfully bathed in the river…
And caressed each other with love infinite as we quivered!

Fellow trekker enjoying view of wild horses passing by

As they twisted their necks and soaked in sun,
Competing with each other, we saw them run…
It were moments like these we got captivated,
Unspoken love of animals got us motivated!

We walked post lunch at reduced pace,
For campsite wouldn’t be far, though there wasn’t a trace 😛
Singing songs or playing some game as clouds passed by
Landscapes changed, but friends stayed by…

Identifying shapes of clouds was a favourite pass time

Finally we were near enough to see the campsite along the lake,
The view tempted us to take a break
Never had near been this far in life…
For to reach it, there was another descent

As we sat there observing the highest peak in the town,
Rivulets formed from melting snow slithered their way down
And joined the sapphire blue water reflecting thousand suns,
Beholding its beauty made all our pains shun!

Harmukh peak in glory with Nandkul lake at its feet

As we walked down a sound reached our ears,
Amazed, we looked around to face our fears…
It was a Giant Indian Marmot so shy,
It fled soon as we passed by.

The campsite view was beyond words,
The smell of pakode and soup struck a chord…
Undeterred by the ice cold water we took a dip in the lake,
It was more difficult than taking a leap of faith!

The feeling of chilling water hitting your face!!

As we gathered to play the gentlemen’s game,
Bangalore team hoped to earn fame…
But ROI (Rest of India) team were destined to win the game,
As history repeated itself, Bangalore team lost with shame.

Clouds outburst as we ran for cover,

Chances of a rematch were over…
All wet; we assembled in the kitchen tent,
For what to do next was all set…

Playing mafia was a favourite pass time,
Mafias sweared on the country, for it was worth every dime
Villagers got out and mafias won;

And Doctors saved themselves for fun!

As the sun set; the sky dawned a star studded black gown,
And beguiled us with her beauty in which we drowned…
For dinner we ate to our heart’s content,
To summarise it, it was a day well spent!

Calendar Khaana lao!! :P — Calendar Khaana lao!! 😛

Washing plates in chilling water was an arduous task,
Later, we gathered in tents after filling hot water in flasks;
The night had just begun as we played game of tens…
Happy and content we felt like kings in our dens!!!

Warmth on hands, friends singing soulful songs, could it Be any better? :P — Warmth on hands, friends singing soulful songs, could it Be any better? 😛

As the moonless night advanced we dared to venture in the dark,
Watching a million stars shine just for us as we left our pug marks…
Nocturnal music entertained us as we shared life stories,
Then all got to sleep while I read Tuesdays with Morrie!

Counting Stars - Milky way as seen from Shekdur Campsite — Counting Stars – Milky way as seen from Shekdur Campsite

When eyes could no longer stay open, I went to sleep
Wondering how many mysteries could nature keep!
Tomorrow would be another date with heaven on earth…
Electrified, I laughed with mirth!!

Photo Courtesy – Abhinav, Chery, Sidd, Udit, Abhineet and myself 🙂