Mountains Unplugged: Ashutosh's Review for a Kedarkantha Trek
2022 was bidding farewell and the city was alive with the energetic spirit of New Year’s celebrations. My friend and I felt quite overwhelmed by the age-old festivities.
“Do you really want to attend another crowded party this New Year's Eve?” I asked my friend, sipping coffee.
“I'm not so sure anymore, I need something refreshing - a real adventure,” she remarked, shaking her head.
“What if we go hiking instead?” I suggested, pulling out my phone.
That got us both busy with our phones, checking out different travel forums and eventually stumbling upon the Kedarkantha trek.
“Look at the views!” she exclaimed, “And…no network signals! ”
The idea of stepping away from technology and diving into the charm of the Himalayas thrilled us. In the next few hours, we had mapped out our adventure with Thrillophilia. I had never booked a travel experience with them before, but their positive reviews filled me with confidence.
“It feels like we’re in good hands,” I told my friend. Their seasoned destination experts helped us create an itinerary that promised new sights, challenges, and the thrill of exploration.
Excited, we raised our coffee cups, “To new beginnings in the Himalayas!”
New Year, New Beginnings
Right from the moment we headed out from Dehradun, we were welcomed by the scenic landscapes leading to Sankri. The winding roads went through dense pine forests, and the air was filled with the fragrance of pine. Each turn on the road that brought us closer to Sankri revealed the beautiful villages and charming valleys.
“Maybe this is how you fall in love with the mountains...feels like love at first sight,” I said.
Our ride along the Tons River was a treat to the eyes, and we cherished every second as if it were a treasure. Upon our arrival in Sankri, a peaceful village located in the middle of majestic mountains, we felt it - the rush of anticipation. After witnessing such beautiful landscapes, we just couldn't wait to begin our adventure.
That first night was such bliss, we sat with fellow trekkers, sharing life stories and cracking jokes over dinner.
“This is exactly what we were seeking,” I told my friend. That's when everyone raised their glasses in toast.
“To new beginnings in the Himalayas!” everyone said, as excitement filled the air, building an ambiance that promised an unforgettable adventure ahead.
Reflections of Gratitude
The next few days felt like something out of a storybook, each chapter held breathtaking views and challenges that tested our limits.
While trekking from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab, we walked along bridges suspended at high altitudes and explored several scenic villages along the way.
“Can you believe these views?” my friend gasped, as we reached Juda Ka Talab.
A fellow trekker told us how once Lord Shiva opened his hair locks and a drop fell from it, creating the breathtaking lake. The stories that accompanied the views were just as fascinating as the sights themselves.
To add to our fascination, our campsite was set near the lake, so we could enjoy the views all around us. The water in the lake was sparkling under the sunlight, and the snow-covered mountains flaunted their beauty and reminded us why escaping city life is important.
“Can you believe we almost went to a party instead of this?” I told my friend, as my heart swelled with gratitude for our decision.
Every moment that we spent felt precious, and the joy we shared echoed through the pine forests. One of my favorite moments was during the sunset when the sky looked like a canvas painted in shades of orange and yellow.
Right at dusk, before our dinner, all of us settled around a crackling campfire to get some warmth.
This adventure wasn't just a trek for us, it was a journey into nature and friendship.
Awakening to Adventure
“This is it! It's the moment we’ve both been waiting for!” I exclaimed with joy as we put on our snow boots and prepared for the climb.
Honestly, waking up super early in the morning, while it was still dark and cold, was a bit of a challenge in itself. We found it really funny, because the real challenge hadn't even started - which was the climb to the Kedarkantha summit.
The trek was challenging, but at every step, we got a chance to admire spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. As we reached the summit, we noticed the sun rays peeking from behind the dense clouds, rising over the Himalayan peaks. The bright sun shined upon the snow-clad mountains, making the snow look like gold. It felt like the mountains were welcoming them, along with us on the summit.
“This is beyond anything I ever imagined,” my friend remarked, mesmerized by the beauty surrounding her.
"I wish more people would have plans of this sort, so they could see what the world holds," I responded.
On our way back to Juda Ka Talab, we talked about our favorite moments, from the scenic landscapes to the thrilling experience of standing at the summit. Trading the noise of city life for peace in nature was one of the best decisions we ever made.
As we packed our bags to bid farewell to the Himalayas, we also carried not just fantastic memories but also a newfound passion for adventure.
“Imagine if we had settled for a party,” I told my friend, smiling.
Read More: Thrillophilia Himalayan Trek Reviews