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Stunning landscapes
The long, long trek to Seema, the last village on the way, passed better then expected. True, we were panting like dogs in death throes, and at some points seriously doubted we would ever be able to make it, but make it we did -- through thick jungles, seemingly endless climbs and equally daunting descents. In 8 hours.
Along the way, we learned how to handle poison ivy stings (do nothing, and don't scratch), oohed and aahed at every new stunning landscape that pirouetted before us after a turn, and prodded through bogs, over mule dung and piles and piles of loose rock.
We also had our first glimpse of the Swargarohini peak (20,511.8 feet), which withstood all attempts to climb it till as late as 1992, and which seems a stone's throw from Har Ki Dun. In Datmir, the ritual of medicine requests replayed itself.
• Airfare for Rs 599 and less!
In Seema, I met Irbir Singh again after 11 years. He remembered me too, and joined us as our unofficial guide. It was as if 11 years had never passed.
Life was exactly the same here, except that Irbir now knew what a mobile phone was. The only sign of the telecommunication revolution that has swept India in the last decade was the forest department's wireless radio, which relayed messages across to Taluka or Sankri on request. And on that radio on the day before we headed back to Taluka after coming down from Har Ki Dun came the news that there had been a bear attack just outside Datmir.
A man had been seriously injured, and had to be carried down to Sankri, about 14 miles away, and from there he would be driven on to Dehradun -- the nearest place where there is a proper government hospital -- if a car could be persuaded to help.
Text and Photographs: Sumit Bhattacharya
Also read: Thrills 'n' spills at Hogenakal
Share YOUR travel stories and pix!
Have you been to Har Ki Dun? What was your favourite sight there? Where did you have the best meal? Do you have a hotel to recommend?
Do post details on the message board below so other readers can benefit from your advice. Remember to add information on what was special about the restaurant, hotel or sight you visited, along with relevant telephone numbers and addresses.
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