Lessons from the Mountains: Kumaresh's Review of a Brahmatal Trek with Thrillophilia
'The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.' - Jeff Johnson
I came across this quote somewhere while scrolling posts on Instagram, and it immediately made me introspect about so many things. One of the most intriguing things was that I had never experienced a trek among the Himalayas. I realized that I had not traveled in a long time, and the thought of heading out on a solo adventure struck me.
"Looks like the mountains are calling..." a colleague who caught me gazing at Brahmatal Trek pictures remarked.
"And I must go..." I replied with enthusiasm.
I strongly believe that travel destinations are not simply decided - they call out to you. It's almost like an invitation, which if you accept and respond, changes your life in ways you could never imagine. Brahmatal trek, in particular, was an invitation that I just couldn't ignore.
Trekking Into Nature's Heartbeat
It was my first-ever trek in the Himalayas and my heart was overflowing with excitement. As a solo traveler in the Himalayas, the thrill of heading into unknown landscapes was unbeatable. As the bus moved, it left behind the urban life and slowly replaced it with the natural scenery. As soon as I reached Lohajung, I was welcomed by tall pine trees and a fresh breeze. The ambiance of the village was simple and calming, making it an ideal starting point for the trekking expedition.
The trek leader soon introduced me to fellow travelers with whom I'd be heading out among the mountains. With the sun peeking over the clouds, we began navigating the trails that went through dense forests. In all honesty, every step felt heavy but it was equally liberating to walk along the narrow and challenging trails. Initially, it took me a while to adjust to the rough terrains, and it tested my endurance many times. But as I ascended, the views started to become more breathtaking.
"Maybe that's what makes people carry on with the tough climb," I thought to myself while admiring the views.
Snow-covered mountains stood in the distance, reminding us of nature’s grandeur. I found it really fascinating how even in such challenging conditions, we could spot patches of colorful rhododendron flowers blooming along the way. The deeper we walked into the mountains, the more connected I felt with nature. It was as if the mountains were whispering secrets in my ears, and I was listening to it quietly.
As soon as I reached Bekaltal, I was spellbound by the stunning views of a frozen lake. We get so caught up in the views of buildings, cars, and people that when we finally get to admire nature's beauty, it appears almost otherworldly.
Nature's Mirror of Self-Reflections
The trails that stretched from Bekaltal to Brahmatal were pretty magical in themselves. On every turn, we could admire the panoramic views that left us all speechless. The path was lined with snow, and it felt as if I was walking in a winter wonderland. The way Brahmatal Lake seemed to emerge from the mountains was truly fascinating.
At a height of more than 3,000 meters, the Brahmatal lake looked like a mirror reflecting the natural beauty all around it.
Its existence among the mountains, at such a great height, was symbolic of nature's power and majesty. I took a moment to take in the peaceful ambiance that surrounded me. The silence felt so fulfilling, interrupted only by the gentle chirping of birds nearby. Sitting by the lake, I felt a sense of peace and accomplishment.
The fact that I wasn't the only solo traveler in the group, helped me understand how everyone in the world has a journey of their own. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and winning in their own unique ways. In that moment, I understood the true essence of travel - it's not just the destination, but the perspectives that it allows you to build. The beauty of Brahmatal Lake wasn't just restricted to visuals, but in the peace that it offered - a perfect place for self-discovery.
Strength in Solitude
As a first-time solo trekker, I was expecting the way back from the summit to be exhausting. It was super tricky to safely navigate downhill and it had its fair share of challenges. But the snowy landscapes and mesmerizing views kept us all going. We would put forward every step with utmost care, balancing ourselves while keeping an eye on each other.
It was amazing how so many 'solo' travelers were trekking 'together'. We had all become friends by then and supported each other along the tricky terrains. I also thought about how my steps had transitioned from being wobbly to confident by then.
I had a great time interacting with locals and fellow trekkers along the way. All of them shared amazing stories of past treks as we laughed our way through the rough terrains. From sharing meals around bonfires to patting each other's back at the summit - we had all come a long way. Each encounter during my solo journey reminded me that even in solitude, community could be found.
On our way back to Lohajung, I thought about the lessons I had learned throughout my time in the Himalayas. The Brahmatal Trek transformed my perception of travel - The mountains had left a permanent mark on my spirit, one that would inspire several future explorations.
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Trek Reviews