Dharali Devbhoomi, Heavenly abode of Devdar forest धराली देवभूमि, देवदार वृक्षों का स्वर्गीय निवास

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 5, September 25, 2022: Holy trail from Gangotri: Gangotri Gaumauk Tapovan trek
Pandava trail

I could not hide my disappointment and Arun J noted it. We walked down to घाट before paying our respect to गंगा माँ at गंगोत्री मंदिर। There was no queue for दर्शन। We took our time to click a few pictures.

Captures from main temple

The serene temple for ourselves

A few Purohits at the seat of Ganga goddess

Purohits waiting for the their devotees

He is probably waiting for someone. His attire is mix of western and Dsi style

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve King Bhagiratha’s predecessors’ sins, following his severe penance of several centuries. Bhagiratha, the grandson of King Sagar, is believed to have meditated to please the Goddess Ganga enough to cleanse the ashes of his ancestors, and liberate their souls, granting them salvation or Moksha.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve King Bhagiratha’s predecessors’ sins, following his severe penance of several centuries. Bhagiratha, the grandson of King Sagar, is believed to have meditated to please the Goddess Ganga enough to cleanse the ashes of his ancestors, and liberate their souls, granting them salvation or Moksha

Shivalay

We had the whole temple premises to ourselves

Separate ways at the main shrine

A few devotees enjoying the serenity of the Marble temple

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve King Bhagiratha’s predecessors’ sins, following his severe penance of several centuries. Bhagiratha, the grandson of King Sagar, is believed to have meditated to please the Goddess Ganga enough to cleanse the ashes of his ancestors, and liberate their souls, granting them salvation or Moksha.

The Gangotri Temple architecture is built following the Nagara style with 5 Small apexes, 20 ft. In height.

The architecture of Gangotri temple is quite simple and follows the Katyuri style with five small shikhars (pinnacles) of 20 feet height.

It is built of the granite stones found in the same mountain ranges. The entrance of the temple is found with a porches entrance which is having a pyramid tower.

It is built of the granite stones found in the same mountain ranges. The entrance of the temple is found with a porches entrance which is having a pyramid tower.

Jai Bholenath

Jai Bajrang Bail Temple

This area is the other side of main shrine. Jai Bholenath

Entrance for the main temple. Love the reflection of the purohit

Climbing up to the main shrine

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 5, September 25, 2022: Holy trail from Gangotri: Gangotri Gaumauk Tapovan trek
Pandava trail

Then we proceeded to सूरज कुंड। I would describe it as devine green waters roaring down from heaven along the orange cliffs making a huge cloud down under.

Captures of Surya kund

Gangotri temple has the most picturesque location of all Dhams

Clouds giving Gangotri a mystic look to this picturesque location

Ashrams with picturesque background of Devdar trees and tall mountains

Surya Kund for U All

Gangotri amidst clouds with ashrams in the foreground

Snow clad mountains amidst clouds around Gangotri temple

Clouds in heaven

My lens was probably drenched in the rain

Clouds followed us all the way from Dharali to Gangotri

It is dedicated to Sun God

Bhagrathi river from the height makes it a spectacular falls

The Surya Kund is believed to be the kund of eternal purification.

It is believed that there is a Shiva Linga downstream immersed in water which is being washed by the waterfall all the time. It is also known as submerged Shiv Linga.

Dhood Ki Dhara

Mesmerized by clouded heavenly views of snow clad mountains

Enjoying the views along to Surya Kund

Clouds playing hide and seek with the peaks

Love the capture of peak under the spell of clouds

Devdar laden mountains amidst clouds

Paradise amongst the clouds

A rainbow is created every time water falls down into the kund while the sun in shining

Walking to the other side of river towards Surya Kund

Arun P and Sunil D are crossing the bridge to reach Surya Kund which is on the other side of ri

Taking the walkway past the Dandi Kshetra and Tapovan Kuti ashram

Surya Kund is about 500 meters from the main temple and on the other side of the bridge

In this trip we got to witness many iconic green iron bridge

The Green Bridge not too far

Love this capture with Saffron clad pundits with yellow umbrella

I love the Safron Om of this monastery

First view of Surya Kund

Suryakund holds religious significance as it is believed that Goddess Parvati used to take a bath here, paying homage to the Sun God

The majestic water falls from orange colored cliffs

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 5, September 25, 2022: Holy trail from Gangotri: Gangotri Gaumauk Tapovan trek
Pandava trail

We set out on trail to पाण्डव गुफा। It is actually very scenic hike of around 1.8 kilometers one way. After our hike we were hungry and dropped into one of the restaurant along the road towards गंगोत्री temple. Fresh batch of समोसा पकौड़े और जलेबी were been prepared; समोसा और जलेबी were yummy . Sunil D, my mate in holy trail ordered the vegetarian thali; he loved the freshly baked रोटी।

Captures of walk to Pandava Gufa

Arrow heads to Pandava Gufa

Our homestay owner, guide and now our friend Arun P

Mosaic created by dried pine cones, leaves and mushrooms

Picturesque views of mighty Himalayas amidst clouds along thr

Entrance of Pandava Gufa

Purohit with his devotees in the Pandava gufa

Sundar Devbhoomi with places to visit in Gangotri

Jai Bajrang Bali

Jai Bajrang Bali

This Purohit was one of few we met along the trail

it is very beautiful and tranquil trail; underra

Sunil D crossing this bridge; not the first and most difficult one!

This places serves the best food. We had our lunch over here. Samosa and hot Jalebis are heavenly. Tandoori Rotis were delicious according to my friend Sunil D

The trail is beautiful with Devdar and Pine trees all along

Barisho ke Mausam Mein Pahardo ke Aur hai

Chal Kahi Door Nikal Jayege

Towering mountain peaks along Indo Tibetian

Devbhoomi has its own charm in monsoons

My lens was wet during our trail

Just sit back; enjoy and cherish the views

This cliff is highlight along the trail

These views will remind you of Hawaii

There are the natural views to die 4

This trail can be developed for devotees to enjoy the beautiful surrounding of Gangotri

Deep ravine with roaring Bhagrathi river down under

Take time and reflect in tranquility

Chala Sanyasi Aapne Raah Mein

Follow your own way

Us and them

Devotees to Gangotri should venture to this trail

We did meet a few like us who were stranded due to closure of Gangotri National park

In Autumn it must be beutiful with yellow, orange and red hues

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 5, September 25, 2022: Holy trail from Gangotri: Gangotri Gaumauk Tapovan trek
Pandava trail

We walked back to our car and drove to Dharali. During the uphill walk to our abode sky opened up for a couple of minutes getting a peek of sky blue. On reaching up we refreshed ourselves with tea and biscuits. The light faded very quickly; rains came down again. We were very disappointed that we could not go for गौमुख Tapovan trek. So we had another change of plan for next two days. We could not do alternative overnight trek as arrangement for sleeping bags and tents had to made in advance. So the plan for tomorrow would be Sattal trek (सातताल ट्रेक) followed by a visit to Mukhba टेंपल, winter abode of गंगा मइया। Tonight our dinner was egg भुजिया, local green सब्जी and कड़ी. The rain continued till early hours of morning.

Serene Bhagrathi river along Harsil valley

Along the bank of Bhagrathi river

The Wooden Watchdog

Clouds playing hide and seek with the mountain peaks! tinge of Azzure ray of hope

Taking a rest while climbing uphill to our homestay

Blue Blue sky! Just stay a little longer!

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 6, September 26, Taal Pe Taal Mila:

Finally Surya Devta smiled; better late than never! We got to see the sun and azure sky above Dharali mountains . I was awake early as usuaand proceeded for my customary walk. I just strolled around our homestay and apple orchard. For 5 minutes Harsil valley was swept by a wave of fog. We had delicious मूली पराठे with yogurt for breakfast. We left around 9:30 hours for our Sattal trek.

Captures from my morning walk

He was my companion for my morning walk

Valley got swept by wave of fog

Harsil valley and Dharali under the spell of fog

Clouds still playing hide and seek with the peaks

Clouds still hugging the snowy peaks

Clouds, Megha are not giving up without a fight

Just sit back and cherish Mother nature

“Clouds Clouds go away little Johnny wants to play”

Harsil valley has equally good if not better view of mighty Himalayas

Our abode on a better day. I will cherish my memories of Arun’s place for a long time

Yeh Wadiyan Yeh Pahad Yeh Megha

View from behind the homestay. Mukhba till under the Megha spell

An apple a day keeps the Doctor away

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 6, September 26, Taal Pe Taal Mila:

We left around 9:30 hours for Sattal trek. First we took our downhill walk from homestay to Gangotri highway. We then drove to Dharali main market and parked our car. The Sattal trek starts from the market itself. The first few meters is steep, stepped, well laid and boring. Later the views are magical. It turns into forest trail interpersed with apple orchards and heritage houses. Arun J took us to his चाचा heritage house. It takes you to back in time. It is made with Devdar wood; colorful with a red colored temple on third floor. You get beautiful views of Mukhba गाँव from his place. His son who is an avid trekker took on guide's mentor. The trail became more beautiful with breathtaking views. We finally made it to the first Tal दडिग्या ताल। The water is shallow with water plants growing in it. The second pond was not too far called मृदृगा ताल। The reflection of the mountains could be appreciated over the pond. The third pond was just a few meters away called छडिग्या ताल। The pond was dry; however rhe adjacent man made pond had water. The last pond was रिख ताल; small with reminant of tree trunks and leaves. On return leg we saw two more Tals which have very miniscule and dried up.

First set of pictures: Taal Pe Taal

Dharali main market along Gangotri highway

The point from main Dharali market where the Sattal trek starts. There is another point in Harsil from where you can start the trek

Paved walkway at the start of trail. Nepalese workers are employed during the apple harvest.

After half K it is a stone laden trail with tall Devdar and Pine trees

This trail is underrated but beautiful trail

Arun and his young cousin leading us along this wonderful trail

Today the Mother God and Mother Nature were kind to US

The earlier part of trail with stone laden path

Sunil D, my partner toiling on the trail surrounded by apple orchard

Dense forest Pine and Devdar trees with snowy peak

Dense forest Pine and Devdar trees with snowy peaks in the background

Doosara Taal मृदृगा ताल

Doosara Taal मृदृगा ताल

Doosara Taal मृदृगा ताल

Enjoying the green hues: vitamin C, chlorophyll for our mind and soul

Pehla Tal दडिग्या ताल

Pehla Tal दडिग्या ताल with horses gracefully grazing

Fourth Tरिख ताल

This part of thee trail along the open space with Rajma plantation and apple orchards on both sides

Fourth Taal रिख ताल

Fourth Taal रिख ताल with remnants of plants and trees

Teesra Taal छडिग्या ताल; original Taal on far end is dry with small amount of water in man mad pond

Teesra Taal छडिग्या ताल in the foreground, forest in mid ground and mountains in background

Clouds covering the snow capped peaks

Snow capped Himalayan peaks in the background with lush green Garwal Devdar forrest

Teesra Taal छडिग्या ताल

Teesra Taal छडिग्या ताल; the local municipality could do a better job by maintaining the water to the lakes

Thick coniferous along the trail

Arun and his nephew leading the way as usual

Teesra Taal छडिग्या ताल

Sunil D enjoying his walk on this wonderful sunny day

Teesra Taal छडिग्या ताल

Teesra Taal छडिग्या ताल

The reflection of the mountains could be appreciated over the pond

The reflection of the mountains could be appreciated over the pond

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 6, September 26, Taal Pe Taal Mila:

On return leg we saw two more which have very miniscule and dried up. We stopped @ Arun J चाचा house for लंच; for lunch we were served व्रत का खाना which included delicious homegrown Dharali आलू and साबूदाना desert prepared in milk

Captures on return leg:

Enjoying the scenic view along the trail

It is a wonderful trail

It could be better with restoration work on Taals (water feeding system from streams)

B & W shot of Teesra Taal

Clouds have been with Us throughout our trip to Devbhoomi

Clouds hugging tight the snowcapped peaks

This capture has everything that the trail offers; mountains, forrest and Azzure skies

Fresh snow on peaks in the background with dense Devdar forest in the foreground

Yeh Wadiyan Ka Mazda Legeye

Small bugyal along the trail

Most of trail is natural hard soil with no signposts

Trail through dense coniferous forest

Another Pahadi house along the trail

Pahadi houses along the trail

View of Mukhba gaon, winter abode of Ganga Ma from Arun Chacha’s house

Panoramic shot of Teesra taal: did not take many panoramic photos

Pahadi house along the trail

Entering Arun Chacha’s from the back

Colorful Garwali Pahadi house

This heritage house belongs to Arun’s Chacha. Red temple on 2nd floor was the highlight. Peeling and drying of b and on the right side of frame

Next time I would to stay overnight in this heritage house!

Family member of Arun. Thank you for your Garwali hospitality.

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 6, September 26, Taal Pe Taal Mila:

We stopped @ Arun’s चाचा house for लंच; we were served व्रत का खाना which included delicious homegrown Dharali आलू and साबूदाना desert prepared in milk. After this we headed to Mukhba temple. However the road from Harsil to Mukhba was closed. We decided to call it a day and go back to our homestay. It was getting cold and temperature had dipped to 10 degree centigrade probably the coldest. Bonfire was on under the fading evening light. Our dinner consisted of yellow डाल, patar गोबी सब्जी topped with savory सेवाएँ desert. We went out to the garden and continued to warm ourselves in Bonfire and count the stairs until late night.

Few more captures form Arun’s Chacha house, return leg and homestay:

Veranda on second floor of heritage house

This is the place where we had our delicious Navaratri Bhojan

I loved the Red Temple

Love this colorful Garwal Pahadi house

Drying the renowned Dharali Rajma

One of the bedroom in this heritage house

Another colorful bedroom in this Garwali house

The local temple in Dharali Gaon

Halfway on uphill walk to homestay with Harsil valley down below

Love the reflection of green coniferous trees on window pane

The Red Temple is the highlight of this heritage house

My favorite shot for the day

Our first evening without overcast sky; these scenic mountains views giving a calming effect

Mountains are call in’

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir

“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.” John Muir

Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery. John Ruskin

Sunil and Arun warming up themselves; tonite it was 9 degee

I have been trying telescopic captures of mountain peaks with not much success

Clouds still hugging the peaks in pink light

Fresh snow over mountains in the last few days over
Great things are done when men and mountains meet.
William Blake

Snow capped mountains in the blue hour
“How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!” John Muir

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 7, September 27 जंगल और गाँव में मंगल

We woke up to clear azure sky with snow clad mountains. Today my partner joined me for my customary morning walk. We went to the viewpoint along the forest path to capture a few shots of panoramic mountain peaks. Due to ongoing risk of landslide and stone/rock we had umpteenth change of plan; forest trek in the morning and later in afternoon Arun’s father would drive us to Lata village and stay overnight over here. Next morning we would return to Dehradun.

Captures from our morning walk

Good morning Dharali with snow capped peaks with azzure

B & W Mein snowy peaks Aur Bhai Acche Lagte Hai

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” John Muir

“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.” John Muir

“Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves, and half in love with oblivion.” Robert Macfarlane

“Going to the mountains is like going home” John Muir

“Nothing lives long, Only the earth and mountains.” Dee Brown

Shivay homestay on a glorious September morning

Today Mukhba gaon was basking in bright sunlight on a glorious morning

We knew today would be our last morning with this heavenly mountain views

Mukhba Gaon loos peaceful in an early sunny September morning

What a view of view of Mukhba gaon with snow capped peaks in the background

Band Gobi

We did get to savor the delicious Bang Gobi Sabzi

This year he had poor crop Phool

A peek of Mukhba gaon behind the tall Devdar trees

Wild mushrooms

B & W capture of peaks with fresh snow. I cannot the peaks.

Wild purple mushrooms

Wild purple mushrooms; I am no sure we can eat them

 

[AR Ardent Rambler]

Day 7, September 27 जंगल और गाँव में मंगल

Due to ongoing risk of landslide and stone/rock we had umpteenth change of plan; forest trek in the morning and later in afternoon we would drive to Lata village. After breakfast of chickpea curry and rotis we left for our forest hike with Arun J. The trail was beautiful; however it was damp and slippery. We got 180 degree view.of panoramic mountains around Harsil valley. We did get to see a few भोजपत्र trees, the skin of this tree was used for writing in ancient times.

Remaining captures from morning walk



“Go where you feel most alive.” Unknown

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Unknown

“Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” Sir Martin Conway

When preparing to climb a mountain, pack a light heart.”
That’s true! We doctors do like “Big Heart” literally!

“The mountains were his masters. They rimmed in life. They were the cup of reality, beyond growth, beyond struggle and death. They were his absolute unity in the midst of eternal change.” Thomas Wolfe

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street.” William Blake

“Mountains teach that not everything in this world can be rationally explained.”Aleksander Lwow

“If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain.” Unknown

“If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain.” Unknown

It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Unknown

Azure sky and the Himalayan mountains! An unbeatable combination

“You are not in the mountains. The mountains are in you.” John Muir

Finally Surya Devta smiled upon us!

“I’ve realised that at the top of the mountain, there’s another mountain.” Andrew Garfield

Shivay homestay on a pleasant September morning

“Coffee, Mountains, Adventure” Unknown
Good morning Dharali! This is the probably last breakfast

Captures from Mangal in forest

Forest full of Bhojpatra trees. It’s bark was used to Sholakas in ancient times

Bark of Himalayan Birch was used to write Sholakas in ancient times

View of Bhagrathi river from above

Mukhwa gaon in the middle and Dharali main market on right of screen from summit

Beautiful scenic capture from one of the view point

Bhagrathi river is still visible from this view point

We could not further up as Arun

“I like the mountains because they make me feel small. They help me sort out what’s important in life.” Mark Obmascik

Dharali main market visible from the summit

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than what we could learn from books. John Lubbock

“Stop staring at mountains. Climb them instead, yes, it’s a harder process but it will lead you to a better view.” Unknown