Written by: Muskan Vazirani
Magical Manali...!!
Written by : Muskan Vazirani
It was a six days adventure camp in the Lap of Himalayas, Manali. Also, my very first trekking camp. Coming from a city area and being an IT Engineer where the entire day is spent either in traffic or working in front of a computer, and from being stuck to a desk to experiencing unknown natural trails, it was all about coming out of comfort zone, getting out there in the wild, setting yourself free from the norms. That is what it makes a memorable trip!
Without thinking much I decided to go for a trekking camp, I was already so excited that I didn’t consider caring if my friends were coming along or not. But honestly it doesn’t matter, because everything is so beautiful and mystical there that you won’t miss anything.
Before leaving home, I thought it will be just like going to any other hill station and had a misconception about trekking I considered it as simple walking but very soon I realized what trekking is all about. Walking with loads of weight on your back on a steep surface wasn’t an easy task. There were times and moments I gave up, but I kept reminding myself the climb is the worth all the efforts, not just because of the un-imaginable view from the top but also for the feeling of accomplishment. The entire team was super supportive, caring and encouraging the way they motivated played a very important role. And I don’t mind getting out of breath once in a while if the view is worth it.
Zero network, Minus temperature and all you have is just basic things still it felt so good, I still keep on wondering how. It was not so easy initially adapting to the climate, bare resources, walking and climbing for hours but gradually you learn and start enjoying the minimalist approach. And the moment you start appreciating the beauty you forget all the discomfort. That is something so special about lakes and mountains. Walking in the midst of pine trees, alongside of the Beas river, waking up early morning witnessing foggy mornings and sunrise over the mountains to watching cozy sunsets and starry nights.
It was a trip with adventurous sports, rock climbing, rappelling, zip-line, valley crossing and that made me realize I am more strong and more courageous than I thought I was. These few days were a perfect blend of adventure, self-realization and fun.
We visited all the tourist places Vasisth Hot Water Spring, Jogini falls, Mall Road, Nehru Kund, Hidimba temple, Manu temple and many more. The best part about these places was not just the destination but the route we walked through, climbed the mountains, we chose to walk in the forest and mountains instead of taking any sort of vehicle and the reason why journey was beautiful and so was the destination.
Mountains teach you discipline, life-skills, admiring peace, appreciating little things in life, team work, while walking on the edge of the mountain, walking in a single line like school students, helping each other crossing the hurdles. This is where the lessons which we read in our value education and physical training came together.
The most important day, THE SUMMIT DAY it was the ONE DAY TREK TO BHRIGU, half the height of Mount Everest, in the month of June when it was about of rain, where weather condition can get adverse at any moment. We left our base camp at 3:30 in the morning as we were supposed to start the trek early and come back to base camp before the sunset. It was a hectic and tough day.
Unfortunately, I didn’t climb up to the top or even near the top. I stopped and gave up very early, I was the only one from the entire group who choose to sit at Maggie point and not continue the trek, but God had an great plan for my entire day! I didn’t expect that things will turn out this good, but God’s Grace.
So, there was an uncle at Maggie point who made me feel very comfortable, and asked me to call him “dadu” (that’s the beauty of Indians and our culture). Along with him was his son-in-law and a few other people who took care of different things. I was amazed by their generosity and kindness. I have spent an entire day at Maggie point instead of going to Bhrigu lake and that was still the best part of the entire trip, sharing gujarati theplas with them and had Pahadi Pulaav instead of Pahadi Maggie, spending entire afternoon listening stories from dadu and his son at Maggie point… how they got there, how tourism has brought change in entire state in past few years, and about their apple farms, Kullu Dussehra Mella, kids and a lot more about their life! I was amazed by seeing how happy and content they are here in the midst of mountains away from their family and yet found their moments of happiness, their eyes sparkled with joy while sharing their thoughts.
They believe that the essence in living life is in the small, little things. They tend to do whatever makes them happy and their family.
We age not by the years but by the stories. And that is the reason why it is said, go somewhere, where nobody knows your name. These moments and conversations that I am living for! Who knows will we ever be meeting again!?
Now, that I am back at home at peace, and every time when I go down the memory lane I have one more blessing to count and realise I have learned so much more about myself and about Manali.
There are multiple reasons why it is tough to get over this trip and things I learnt in Himachal:
~If you are up early there are more chances of freezing to death than getting killed by a bear.
~No one judges you for not bathing for 3 days.
~No one needs six pair of clothes for a six day trip.
~Walking in the midst of pine woods and mountains is what you will remember for your entire life.
~Literally every person you meet here will be more helpful than you’ve ever been or seen.
~Rolling bidis is an art.
~Local people dress effortlessly well.
~You can find really good parathas, gulab jamuns chilly noodles, momos.
~Little children in school uniforms and pink cheeks are a treat to watch.
~You can never click enough pictures.
~Most locals you meet here really have beautiful eyes.
~You start believing in love because you can’t help falling in love with the mountains.
If you hesitate in life, you could die without living. We all are under the same upper hand and world is a wish granting factory if you start believing in yourself. This trip will always be preserved in my memory book.