Some Mysteries Are Meant To Be Seen.
Somewhere in Between….
The barren lands, the rocks that paved the way, the brilliant blue sky with some white clouds hovering over majestic mountains, the never ending walk of the fellow trekkers, the hope of reaching the destination, and the cold wind of last day of the year slapped our face at regular intervals. The temperature dropped down as we ascended up in the search of a mysterious destination; we kept moving up as a result of stimulation given by the Mother Nature. The mystery that stand at an altitude of almost 2730 meters (approx. 8950 ft.); the word “Mystery” gave the fillip to move forward every time. The chilling winters after autumn snatched away the greenery, but the brown color also looked prepossessing. We kept on ascending and we reached; mystery could be witnessed in front of our eyes. The feeling of achievement hovered our heads and we jumped with jubilation.
The Start….
The vehicle moved on the curvy roads surrounded by mountains, the chanting of songs by us, the stupid games that made us laugh out loud, to which mountains also seemed to throw a smile on us. The group of 15 people in a single vehicle gave some exhilarating effect from the very beginning of the journey. It started from Chandigarh and came to an end at Mandi with few halts on the way. The hotel rooms were booked which made all of us to take some rest as the trek to the mysterious lake was scheduled for the next day. We all got up at 6.00 am and the cab was waiting for us to take us to the Bandi village from where the Trek will start. Thanks! To Trek Trails for providing the cab. We had a delicious breakfast at a distance of 10 km from the hotel. Thanks! Again to Trek Trails for such a stupendous arrangement of food. Bandi village is a small village with an entirely different culture that can be experienced if you want. When we reached there, we were briefed about the distance and the difficulty level of the trek. The 7 km trek to the mysterious lake dedicated to Saint Parashar was considered an easy one. When the word “Easy” came out from the mouth of our Trek Guide, all got inspired and I could sense a half battle won.
The trek started and the steep hills with steps welcomed us in the initial half. It was so weary that the sweat found the way from everywhere to flow and it drenched the clothes. The walk of 3.5 kilometers looked never ending but inspiration came from a 44 year old lady who was there with us. She constantly pumped us all and thwarted us to sit and take rest. As sitting at regular intervals induces cramps. So she said,
“Stand and take a halt. Don’t sit”
After a 3.5 km weary stretch, we had our lunch and a photo shoot covering the trail of mountains that surround us. We took a halt for a while and started moving ahead. The next 3.5 km had no steps as told by our guide. We started again on a high note and ascended further. The small green patches could be seen but the ways were mostly brown; brown rocks, brown mountains, and brown grass. The beauty lies in every color. It just need our true perception to see it. When the sun rays fell on the brown patch of land, it shined and vibrated positive energy which made it look enchanting. We passed through many quaint villages which looked so soothing because many of us were experiencing this scenery for the first time. The huts there cloned the scenery that we used to draw in the childhood. The gratification on the faces of village people made us learn something. In spite of not having any proper basic necessities, they remain happy. These all things could be experienced only when we trek and the after effects of these will surely make you self-effacing with the outer world. The scenic beauty mesmerized everyone as if we were witnessing a dream. After a walk of 3.5 km, we could see the boundary with fences and the mystery was confined within that boundary. The mysterious Parashar Lake; floating island on it which changes its direction according to the seasons and depth which is still unknown. These two mysteries made this lake prepossessing from a long time. The sun was setting down and the moment was worth capturing and my eyes experienced a soothing effect. The heart could sense that moment; the moment we all wanted to be eternal. At a height of almost 2730 meters (approx. 8950 ft.); we stood there hypnotized by setting sun and the lake seemed saying,
“Have a look at me also. I’m here”
There is a temple dedicated to Saint Parashar near the lake which is also beautifully built and it could be a perfect destination for those who loves to know about historical architecture.
Soon, the night overpowered the day showing off the beauty in its own way. The moon and its light showering unconditional love on us, the sky with a myriad of stars showed us the never ending galaxies, a small hint of clouds trying to cover the moon and a guitarist on the earth gave the pristine look to it. The songs were sung by all the trekkers sitting all around the bonfire. The soup and popcorn at such high altitude by Trek Trails made it more amazing.
It was something different we did on 31st night; an unusual 31st night in the mountains with no alcohol. The mountains gave us entirely disparate intoxication which was addictive in a positive way. The guitar continued and one guy started reverse counting from 10. At a stroke of 0, we all screamed with zeal
“Happy New Year”
The cake was served by Trek Trails as a surprise which gave the finishing effect to an astounding day. The dance around the bonfire continued for some time and then all slept in their camps with a smile.
The Return…
The wake up call and the tea was served to all the trekkers. The mornings have its different beauty in the mountains and the temperature was quite pleasing after a harsh drop in the temperature at night. The clear day showed us panoramic 180 degree view of Dhauladhar, Pirpanjal and Kinnaur ranges. The scintillating view forced my tongue to say, “WOW”
The yoga sessions near the lake and chanting of “OM” that echoed the mountains with positive vibes penetrating inside the body which reinvigorated us and our soul felt reawakened. The mouth-watering breakfast after the session made our spirits high. We started the downhill trek, which was a different route which made this whole trek a circular one. The return trail passed through dense forests and we danced with our heart out when we took a halt somewhere. The indomitable silence of the forests and the peace that poured its heart out. The heart smiled which overpowered the weariness to large extent.
After trekking down for 6 km, we found a river where we had our lunch and the sound of crystal clear water brushing the hard rocks made the ears to experience musical harmony. The downhill trek ended at Baggi village where we were welcomed by a snake show. The King Cobra slowly came out of the box and moved its body like the flame of a candle. The cabs were ready and we were dropped at the Mandi bus stand. A pleasing 2 day circular trek ended and we felt content after a perfect start to the year 2017.
To witness the alluring beauty of a mysterious Parashar lake, you all should go to this trek for at least once in your lifetime.
