In the Jungles of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
After packing our backpacks with the essentials for a 1 day trek me and my friend started for Devprayag at 2.00 pm on 24th Dec’2009. After reaching the GMOU bus stand we found that there is no bus to Devprayag till next morning. So we decided to reach Rishikesh and see any alternative means. Luckily after reaching Rishikesh we got a Tata Sumo which was on its way to Rudraprayag. Reaching Rudraprayag would save us a lot of time and we did that. The dinner at Srinagar in Sainik Hotel was satisfying.
We arrived at Rudraprayag by 9.00 pm and stayed in a GMVN guest house. Next morning we waked up and started for Okhimath by bus at 11.00 am. Reaching there we did not find any immediate transport to Sari village, so we moved down at Tala in the same bus going to Makkumath . From there we walked till Sari village where we had lunch at Ramesh Lodge and restaurant. We hired a porter cum guide to Deioriatal, Suraj Singh Chauhan. As we started walking up the steps we could see the valley and the temple in the village . The sun was going to set and it created a red tinge in the westerly sky. Clicking pictures and panting in exhaustion we reached Deoriatal at 6.00pm. The whole range of mountains was by then in a sleepy shadow and the Chaukhamba could be seen standing gloriously against the backdrop of a star lit sky.
We pitched out tent and went to the stall set up by Mr Negi. A hot cup of tea and Noodles gave us a refreshing treat in the chilly weather. By the time our food was getting ready I tried my hands in Night Photography inspired by Rajib da . It was really difficult to stand still in the chilly weather for the right exposure and the desired image. Unable to get a clear shot of Chaukhamba I gave up to save some energy for the next day.
The morning was beautiful and the Chaukhamba appeared like a snow clad fort standing majestically in front of us. I tried to capture on the lake the reflection of the whole range in my camera which was a really unique sight at such a height with so less effort.
After consulting with Mr Negi about reaching Chopta, we found that public transport in that route was rare, but an alternative route exists which is used in the summers by the locals and shepherds. We then decided to trek to Chopta by that route and plan our next steps accordingly.
Suraj Singh was happy to accompany us in that route. The trek passed through dense pine and birch forest winding through high peaks and rainfed streams and dales. After sometime we reached a spot where Garhwali women were engaged in cutting highland grass for their cattle at home. They encouraged usfor completing our trek and told us to be slow and steady in the mountains. The sun was piercing the eyes but at the same time the chilly wind was getting into the bone. After travelling almost 7 kms we reached a spot where a small temple like structure appeared before us. Suraj told us that shepherds prayed there and called it Bagdua. After some refreshment and rest we started again for the next lag of the trek.
At a place called Tiggi Tibba, marked by a post like stone formation, we started the descend to Chopta. This is where the route to Bishori Tal starts and also another route to Tungnath via Kilapo bugyal. In the way, we came upon rivulets where ice formations could be seen onn the surface. The forest was more dense and a waterfall could be heard. On the way not a single animal nor bird could be seen perhaps due to the advent of winter season. The route met with the roadhead at Chopta bend .Walking another 2 kms we finally reached Chopta. The skies had worn a golden hue which was both mesmerizing and satisfying.
Next morning, after taking breakfast we started to trek to Tala at 8.30 am. The place from where we started the trek. The pebbled route passed through the forest and meadows following continuous slope till BaniaKund. It is a good camping place and provides a majestic view of the Kedarnath peak and adjoining peaks in clear days. After that we left the conventional route, which lead to Tala via Duggal Bitta, and followed the jungle route. Here we had to look for the way as it was covered with dried leaves. The slope was getting too steep to keep balance with the weight of the backpacks. The path had become slippery with moss and algae due to the cold weather and shade. We then came upon a waterfall which has gathered ice flakes. Stopping by that site we took a break and then started for the last lag. Ultimately we reached the road by a bridge at Pinglapani .Then another 2kms walk took us to Tala. We bid goodbye to Suraj Singh and thanked him for his help and company. Luck seemed to be in our favour that day as we could get a jeep to Okhimath.Then another jeep took us to to Agastmuni and then to Rudraprayag and Rishikesh. Finally we reached Haridwar by bus at 9.00 pm.
The trip was very satisfying and enjoyable that gave us a lot of opportunity to explore the wild Himalayas in so little time. I will surely travel back oen day continue to explore the other places adjoining Chopta in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
