Day 11. Trek to Kalpeshwar : Panar - Damuck through Toli Tal

From Panar , it was a steep downhill through the forest, my ankles and knees were aching like hell. wow , after a few kilometers , it was a delight to the eyes to find this heavenly lake in the middle of wilderness. It looked like an English / Scottish country side with the flock of sheeps.

Day 11.trek to Kalpeshwar : Camping at Panargupha

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pics 1-4 : Camping site at Panar. We reached Panar by 11pm from Rudranath. It was very cold ( 5 degree celcious) and tent was fixed in no time and cooked hot rotis and curry. We realised the beauty of the camping spot the next day morning. It is one of those dream locations to pitch a tent. the last picture was taken near our tent - shows a lamb just born in the morning.

Day 10. Rudranath- Panargupha

I reached Rudranath around 5 pm. It was drizzling for a few minutes and then the clouds cleared and the sky opened up revealing the marvellous sights of the peaks glowing in the evening sunshine - a shutterbug's delight. It may sound rediculous , but in fact a trekker prays for rain so that the clouds clear off.

Day 10. Fourth Kedar : Rudranath Temple

Rudranath temple - very much tranquil and divine place sans the crowd and concrete jungle - perfect for meditation. The temple is encircled by many Himalayan peaks including the Trishul. The nearby Vaitharani stream is revered by the believers ( myth is that the soul of the dead passes over the water and attain salvation).

Day 10.trek to Rudranath : crossing the steep pass over Hans bugyal

the views that transport one to ecstacy.

started the day's trek from Hans Bugyal and it took 2 hours for me to climb to the summit of the mountain and cross over to continue to Rudranath. Pic 2 - look at the lilac flowers of some grasses found on the meadow . a thing of beauty is the joy for ever!

Day 10.Trek to Rudranath: Hans bugyal

views of the Hans Bugyal - beautiful meadow where I found the ashram of a Vaishnav saint called Swami Ramand Das . What a perfect solitute and devine atmosphere to meditate.

The day's walk was started at Anasuya temple. I was not sure about reaching Rudranath by the end of day since my pace was slow - it was a steep climb and the very look at the peak from the base literally drained my energy. Hours and hours passed and I was not anywhere near the peak.By the time i reached this bugyal at 4 pm , it was getting dark and clouded and I was very weak by exhaustion and hunger but still I vividly recollect - seeing me dragging myself up the ridge, the Swami made Dalia ( recipe of broken wheat with vegetables) and fed me. The God presents himself in the form of food for the hungry.

day 9. trek to Rudranath: Anasuya temple to Hans Bugyal

pic 1-3 : deep forest.

the last 2 pictures show the anasuya temple and the village from the opposite mountain : viewed through telephoto lens. It took 2 hours of walk to reach this place.