Namaste!
Located in the Lantang National Park, the journey to Gosainkund Tal was a physically and mentally challenging trek. It started off with a rather deceptively easy, 132km bus ride from Kathmandu to Dunche. Needless to say, the bus was packed like a tin of sardines. The only place not occupied was the driver's lap!
After a brief lunch break, we continued till the bus ground to a halt, what seemed to us, in the middle of the road. Everyone matter-of-factly began to scramble down, picked up their belongings and started walking to a known destination. We followed the herd, but wondered where's the town? We didn't ask anyone and no one said anything to us. But we were aware that there had been some landslides that had cut off transportation. But little did we realise that Dunche was 11km away from the drop-off point.
Ok, so maybe that was a warmup session for the trekking that lay ahead. Finally, when we reached the first landslide, we realised that the scenery looked threatening. The constant rainfall just added to the risk of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time. But this was a journey of faith. And so, hand-in-hand, we walked at a steady pace till we crossed the second landslide. As the well hidden sun took its bow, we finally trudged into Dunche (1920m)...wet and tired.
After a hot lemon tea, we hit the treks with enthusiasm and determination. We were forewarned that the 30-40 degree upward inclination would take its toll on our legs and stamina. But there was no turning back now. The mist covered mysterious forest was amazing. One step at a time, one breath at a time, we slowly inched our way up to Cholang Pati (3583m)...well past sunset, drenched to the bones, covered in ankle-height mud, exhausted.
Another wet morning dawned with a hot lemon tea. The going began to get tougher as the height and inclination continued. The journey seemed endless, we continued as if in automatic gear. Every curve lead to another curve. Stones and rocks paved the way to the home of the sleeping Shiva. The amazing fact was to see other pilgrims trek up at a brisk pace, ladies clad in sarees and slippers, oblivious to the wet weather with determination etched on their faces.
As we topped the pass, the scenery changed from dull rockeries to terracotta clffs softened with alpine shrubs bursting in pink-purple tiny blooms. A narrow ledge snaked along the cliffs till we finally reached the Gosainkund Tal (4338m). The reward was well earned as the sceneries were sealed on Kodak.
Early next morning, we dipped into the icy lake in the drizzle, prayed at the Sivalinga temple facing the lake and also at Shiva's shrine at the point where Trisuli emerges from deep within the rocky mountain side. We performed the kora around the lake before beginning the 2-day descent to Dunche.
On the way down, we met a fascinating man - Baba. After the salutations to 'Shambho', we shared a few rounds of 'grass' and listening to his tales. He was kind enough to pose for some rather hard to get pics by displaying his ability to 'chase the dragon!' That was truly an amazing sight to behold! Wow!
It proved to be a journey of a lifetime! It taught us a valuable lesson i.e. in life's journey the key prerequisites are identifying goals, preparation for journey, determination to reach the destination and completing the task undertaken and last but not least, be prepared for the unexpected.
God bless you.
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