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| The Majestic Mount Kinner Kailash |
The mountains have a way of rewarding the climbers even if they are novices, in their own ways. A bus trip from Shimla to Kinnaur valley undertaken way back in October 1994, was also no less enchanting.
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| Route map from Shimla to Reckong Peo |
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| At the Central Potato Research Institute, Kufri(plantation in the background) |
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| At the Cholling Nala, Karcham |
We passed by the small township of Bhabha Nagar known for the Hydel project and Tapri. As we neared Cholling Nala at Karcham it was almost sunset, and our bus came to a grinding halt. The driver pointed at a truck laden with goods that had broken down at the mouth of the narrow road blocking the incoming and outgoing traffic. We waited for some time watching huge lizards crawling on the rocks, but soon anxiety took over. How, will we pass the night in the middle of nowhere with our little daughter without food. Then I sighted a soldier and an Army Captain a little distance away. On enquiry, I learnt that he was headed to his unit a little distance away on the other side of the road. I introduced myself and he was happy to assist us and took us with our belongings in his jeep. The camp commandant was a Major and was delighted to meet my family. He arranged a small log cabin for us with hot water to refresh ourselves. Soon a hot dinner was arranged, and we returned to our cabin and fell on the bed.
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| At the Reckong Peo Market- notice Mt Kinner Kailash in the backdrop |
The next morning as I lifted the curtain, I saw the majestic Mount Kinner Kailash covered with snow staring back at me. The beauty of nature was at its best. It was an unforgettable sight, and I could not resist waking my wife and daughter to soak in the beauty. A short distance away was a small stream and on the other side, River Sutlej flowing with a roar despite being narrow. At breakfast, the Major told us that we could stay for as long as we wanted at the place. An offer so irresistible, that we decided to stay on.
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| The locals at Sangla |
For the next two days, we explored the beauty of places like Paori, Sangla, Kigli and Reckong Peo. We also trekked to Kamru’s Fort situated at a height of 2600m in Sangla, a majestic place in the midst of solitude.
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| Kamru Fort in Sangla |
The remarkable wooden structure has an idol of Kamakhya Devi( Kamakshi Devi). It was worth seeing and it is believed that the idol was brought from Kamakya Temple in Guwhati, one of the Shaktipeeth! There is also a Badrinath temple situated inside the Kamru Fort, where a fair is held once in three years to honour the deity. The ultimate reward on the return trip from the trek were miles of apple orchards and the locals gifted us a bagful of these ! Equally, juicy mammoth pears grow in the area. On return from Sangla, we had a company of a flock of sheep that also entered the bus, a truly cattle class experience!
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| With the Army Bravehearts in Matiana |
We stayed for two nights at the Army Mess in Paori which was a short distance away from Karcham. It had some amazing untouched scenic views. We also went for a day trip to Reckong Peo about 20 km away. The local market was interesting and the towering peaks of Kinner provided a staggering view.
How the time flew and it was time to pack the bags and plan
for the return trip. We halted at an Army unit at Matiana and were treated to
Poori and Aloo with piping hot tea, an unforgettable treat.
I will recount some more of such stunning experiences that I
consider rare gifts I am bestowed
with
PS- 1.All pictures are mine and digitally recreated
2. Route map kind courtesy Google
Hope to visit someday!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful place well worth a visit
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