. ........ Journey on the way of Pandavas .........
DAY......2
The Satopanth Lake, 25 kms from Badrinath, could be reached after a difficult trek of two-day with night rest at Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha. Caves in those stopovers are used as the night shelter. Around Badrinath every place is steeped in legends so are Lakshmi Van and Chakratirtha. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi ( goddess of wealth)and her husband Narayan ( the preserver) meditated in Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha respectively and while meditating Narayan kept his famous Sudarshan Chraka on the valley which depressed by the weight of that Chakra to form a beautiful round shaped meadow surrounded by lofty mountains.
It was still dark, around 5 in the morning, when I woke up. As I fell asleep around 8 in the night, an early rise was obvious. Even dog-tired souls just cannot sleep more than 9 hours. As I looked with some trepidation towards the dangerous trail that lay ahead that we have to traverse, the first few sunrays touched the snow crested peaks of Himalayas and the peaks erupted into a blaze. Stunned, I devour the sight — a prodigious fire on snow peaks. All of yesterdays’ hassles and hardships have turned into a beautiful gift.
Himalaya takes a lot but gives back plenty; one could not hold it in ones palm, it always overflows. These blessed mountains were so compactly filled with God's beauty of Sunshine....
I felt Nature is the most thrifty thing in the world; she never wastes anything;she undergoes change, but there's no annihilation - the essence remains.The first act of awe,I was strucked with the beauty or wonder of Nature, was the first spiritual experience."
The most sad part of the trek. Prasad has to return back to Badrinath. Previous night he had severe breathing problem and his pulse was dropped to 60. He got fever also. In the morning we made the decision and he returned back and Me,Vishram,Sanjay,Vish,Ana
This day was expected to be a hard day as we planned to cover the additional distance of the previous day's shortfall to reach Chakratirtha in the evening, as scheduled. As the valley is inside towering mountain walls, we had to wait for the sun to dry our tents. At nine a.m. Devendra came back and we walked along trackless paths and over large boulders.
Clambering up the loose moraine, going two steps forward and sliding one step down, with a few water falls and snow peaks giving company; it is laborious and event less except a few land slides and rock falls that nearly killed us. But by that time, such happenings were ‘all in a days’ work’!
While approaching Lakshmi Van, just opposite the Banglung Glacier snout point at Alkapuri ,On the way Devendra Sing showed us a valley, high up on the mountain and said, “ O dekhiye Alakapuri”( See there is Alakapuri)”! Alakapuri, the abode of Kuber, the God of wealth, was immortalized by Kalidas – the great ancient poet, in his book of verse “Meghdutam..
At Lakshmi Van we saw Bhuj Plants that grow in the Himalayan region at altitudes over 10000 feet. In ancient days, the leaves of the bark of these plants were used for manuscripts.it is here Sahdev breathed his last..
At Bandhar we got the first view of the Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier which emerges from Mt. Bhagirathi I, II & III and continues to meet the Banglung Glacier at Alkapuri. Mt. Bhagirathi I (22488 feet), II (21359 feet) & III (21169 feet) were visible from here. From Bandhar upto Sahashradhara the path was entirely over boulders strewn over a narrow ridge.
Taking rest in between hopping over the bolders.That was a powerful stream we crossed.At Bandhar Nakul was released from his earthly life.
By the time we reached Sahashradhara at 2:30 pm, the weather was rapidly deteriorating, as it is wont to do in the late afternoons. We decided to pitch our tents at the bank of a narrow stream. As it was not a proper camping site, the wind at this altitude of some 14,000 feet was harsh and biting cold. Most members were feeling the ill-affects of high altitude. The west face of Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet) was visible from here. From Badrinath we can view the East face.
At Sahastradhara lots of streams were coming down and those were very powerful.Eventually, on the verge of collapse, we reached our destination. As we collapsed on the last ridge – the valley laying under us,Ana, my companion uttered a full sentence of the day, she was too busy to save his life. She said wearily, “Well, we are saved
Icy winds blew through the night and it was biting cold. As is often so at higher altitudes, we could not sleep properly. We awoke to the thick layer of fresh snow on the narrow stream beside which we pitched our tents. There were footprints which some claimed are the rare snow leopard believed to be occasionally sighted in these regions
It was a clear morning and we were mesmerized by the spell-binding views of the snow capped peaks of Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet), Mt. Chaukhamba (23413 feet) and Mt. Balakun (20040 feet). As this place was behind Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet) in the east, we had the same problem of not getting sun rays early in the morning. We also waited for the chilled wind to stop.At last,We started at 9 a.m.,climbing long distances over boulders, short of breath and stamina, keenly aware of the scarcity of oxygen in the air.We took 1.5 hours to cross 2 km. The most dangerous part I encountered during the trek.
We reached Chakratirtha at about 12 noon to snack on our supply of dry foods, hoping to continue upto Satopanth Tal, but some members reached after 1 p.m., so we decided to camp at Chakratirtha. The valley at 15,000 feet has a large grassland and we basked in the afternoon sun, here.
Surrounded by lofty snow peaks, Chakratirtha, a well shaped circular green meadow, around 2 kms in length and 1.5 kms in breath, was a relief amidst the harsh environment. A small rivulet of about three feet wide divided the meadow in two halves. We witnessed terrifying avalanches off Mt. Satopanth (23206 feet) & Mt. Parvati and heard the gigantic sounds of glaciers breaking. Quite suddenly the sun vanished and it was entirely white, far in the distance. The snowfall which started at about 3 p.m. did not last long.
At Chakrateertha, The Great yogi and The Great Warrior Arjun Breathed his last..At Chakrateerth only it is said that Arjun did penance for Lord Shiva before the Mahabharat war to have the great Pashupatastra...
Next day morning clouds removed from the sky and weather became so beautiful.Balakun was bright,Parvati peak was also visible.
We were now about to start our last climb towards the holy Satopanth Lake surrounded by lofty mountain from .Chakratirtha to Satopant Tal. It was Ekadasi, when it is believed that Lord Narayana Himself bathes in these sacred waters.An unknown power was dragging us towards the holy lake and we were walking in solitude,silence as no body wanted to ruin the Divine silence created by Nature.....We Walked Towards That Unseen,Divine Power.
The Satopanth Lake, 25 kms from Badrinath, could be reached after a difficult trek of two-day with night rest at Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha. Caves in those stopovers are used as the night shelter. Around Badrinath every place is steeped in legends so are Lakshmi Van and Chakratirtha. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi ( goddess of wealth)and her husband Narayan ( the preserver) meditated in Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha respectively and while meditating Narayan kept his famous Sudarshan Chraka on the valley which depressed by the weight of that Chakra to form a beautiful round shaped meadow surrounded by lofty mountains.
Flora @ Chamtoli BUgyal...
It was still dark, around 5 in the morning, when I woke up. As I fell asleep around 8 in the night, an early rise was obvious. Even dog-tired souls just cannot sleep more than 9 hours. As I looked with some trepidation towards the dangerous trail that lay ahead that we have to traverse, the first few sunrays touched the snow crested peaks of Himalayas and the peaks erupted into a blaze. Stunned, I devour the sight — a prodigious fire on snow peaks. All of yesterdays’ hassles and hardships have turned into a beautiful gift.
Sun Rays Kissing The Himalayan Peaks @ Dawn...
Himalaya takes a lot but gives back plenty; one could not hold it in ones palm, it always overflows. These blessed mountains were so compactly filled with God's beauty of Sunshine....
Sun rays Kissing The Himalayan Peaks @ Dawn..
I felt Nature is the most thrifty thing in the world; she never wastes anything;she undergoes change, but there's no annihilation - the essence remains.The first act of awe,I was strucked with the beauty or wonder of Nature, was the first spiritual experience."
Fire Ablaze On The Himalayan peaks...
The most sad part of the trek. Prasad has to return back to Badrinath. Previous night he had severe breathing problem and his pulse was dropped to 60. He got fever also. In the morning we made the decision and he returned back and Me,Vishram,Sanjay,Vish,Ana
Prasad and Devendra Rana Back To Vasudhara Falls..
This day was expected to be a hard day as we planned to cover the additional distance of the previous day's shortfall to reach Chakratirtha in the evening, as scheduled. As the valley is inside towering mountain walls, we had to wait for the sun to dry our tents. At nine a.m. Devendra came back and we walked along trackless paths and over large boulders.
This is path towards Banglung glacier....Boulders and Glaciers..
Clambering up the loose moraine, going two steps forward and sliding one step down, with a few water falls and snow peaks giving company; it is laborious and event less except a few land slides and rock falls that nearly killed us. But by that time, such happenings were ‘all in a days’ work’!
Pathless journey...
While approaching Lakshmi Van, just opposite the Banglung Glacier snout point at Alkapuri ,On the way Devendra Sing showed us a valley, high up on the mountain and said, “ O dekhiye Alakapuri”( See there is Alakapuri)”! Alakapuri, the abode of Kuber, the God of wealth, was immortalized by Kalidas – the great ancient poet, in his book of verse “Meghdutam..
The Alaknanda rises at the confluence and feet of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers in Uttarakhand.opposite the snout point of Banglung Glacier..
Alaknanda Becomes Broad Here...On The left Bank...The Trees Are Laxmi Van...
At Lakshmi Van we saw Bhuj Plants that grow in the Himalayan region at altitudes over 10000 feet. In ancient days, the leaves of the bark of these plants were used for manuscripts.it is here Sahdev breathed his last..
Laxmi Van...Lakshmi-van. This is an amazing spot, believed to the place where goddess Lakshmi is supposed to have meditated.contains Bhurj Patra trees..
At Bandhar we got the first view of the Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier which emerges from Mt. Bhagirathi I, II & III and continues to meet the Banglung Glacier at Alkapuri. Mt. Bhagirathi I (22488 feet), II (21359 feet) & III (21169 feet) were visible from here. From Bandhar upto Sahashradhara the path was entirely over boulders strewn over a narrow ridge.
(L to R) Bhagirathi II,III and I.Bhagirathi are the group of three high peaks namely Bhagirathi - I,II,III with the height of 6856,6512,6454 in garhwal himalayas.
Taking rest in between hopping over the bolders.That was a powerful stream we crossed.At Bandhar Nakul was released from his earthly life.
The Glacier Zone Begins.At Bandhar we got the first view of the Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier which emerges from Mt. Bhagirathi I, II & III and continues to meet the Banglung Glacier at Alkapuri.
By the time we reached Sahashradhara at 2:30 pm, the weather was rapidly deteriorating, as it is wont to do in the late afternoons. We decided to pitch our tents at the bank of a narrow stream. As it was not a proper camping site, the wind at this altitude of some 14,000 feet was harsh and biting cold. Most members were feeling the ill-affects of high altitude. The west face of Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet) was visible from here. From Badrinath we can view the East face.
Beautiful cloud formation from Neelkanth.
At Sahastradhara lots of streams were coming down and those were very powerful.Eventually, on the verge of collapse, we reached our destination. As we collapsed on the last ridge – the valley laying under us,Ana, my companion uttered a full sentence of the day, she was too busy to save his life. She said wearily, “Well, we are saved
Sahastradhara falls,15 kms from Mana.From Bandhar upto Sahashradhara the path was entirely over boulders strewn over a narrow ridge.
Icy winds blew through the night and it was biting cold. As is often so at higher altitudes, we could not sleep properly. We awoke to the thick layer of fresh snow on the narrow stream beside which we pitched our tents. There were footprints which some claimed are the rare snow leopard believed to be occasionally sighted in these regions
Sahastradhara falls,15 kms from Mana.From Bandhar upto Sahashradhara the path was entirely over boulders strewn over a narrow ridge.
It was a clear morning and we were mesmerized by the spell-binding views of the snow capped peaks of Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet), Mt. Chaukhamba (23413 feet) and Mt. Balakun (20040 feet). As this place was behind Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet) in the east, we had the same problem of not getting sun rays early in the morning. We also waited for the chilled wind to stop.At last,We started at 9 a.m.,climbing long distances over boulders, short of breath and stamina, keenly aware of the scarcity of oxygen in the air.We took 1.5 hours to cross 2 km. The most dangerous part I encountered during the trek.
We decided to cross the region over this knife ridge and that was a terrible decision.One side of this ridge(R) is the glacier zone and to the left is the valley...
We reached Chakratirtha at about 12 noon to snack on our supply of dry foods, hoping to continue upto Satopanth Tal, but some members reached after 1 p.m., so we decided to camp at Chakratirtha. The valley at 15,000 feet has a large grassland and we basked in the afternoon sun, here.
camp at Chakratirtha.here the great Yogi,Nar and Great Warrior breathed his last...
Surrounded by lofty snow peaks, Chakratirtha, a well shaped circular green meadow, around 2 kms in length and 1.5 kms in breath, was a relief amidst the harsh environment. A small rivulet of about three feet wide divided the meadow in two halves. We witnessed terrifying avalanches off Mt. Satopanth (23206 feet) & Mt. Parvati and heard the gigantic sounds of glaciers breaking. Quite suddenly the sun vanished and it was entirely white, far in the distance. The snowfall which started at about 3 p.m. did not last long.
Sunset on Balakun.. Balakun Peak is located at the distance of 16 km from Badrinath. Balakun is situated north west to Badrinath. Balakun is situated between Bhagirathi Kharak glacier and Satopanth glacier.The peak is situated north east of Nilkanth peak. The Alaknanda river originates from below this peak by the melting of these two glaciers at an altitude of 3641 mts. The two glaciers rise from the eastern slopes of Chaukhamba (7140 mts) peak and wrapped around the Balakun peak..
At Chakrateertha, The Great yogi and The Great Warrior Arjun Breathed his last..At Chakrateerth only it is said that Arjun did penance for Lord Shiva before the Mahabharat war to have the great Pashupatastra...
We witnessed terrifying avalanches off Mt. Satopanth (23206 feet) & Mt. Parvati and heard the gigantic sounds of glaciers breaking. Quite suddenly the sun vanished and it was entirely white, far in the distance. The snowfall which started at about 3 p.m. did not last long. It is mount satopanth at sunset.
Next day morning clouds removed from the sky and weather became so beautiful.Balakun was bright,Parvati peak was also visible.
Stunning Balakun(20040 feet)-After sunrise,Balakun.
Parvati Peak visible
We were now about to start our last climb towards the holy Satopanth Lake surrounded by lofty mountain from .Chakratirtha to Satopant Tal. It was Ekadasi, when it is believed that Lord Narayana Himself bathes in these sacred waters.An unknown power was dragging us towards the holy lake and we were walking in solitude,silence as no body wanted to ruin the Divine silence created by Nature.....We Walked Towards That Unseen,Divine Power.
In the morning darkness still enveloped us till quite suddenly the first rays of sunlight bathed the tip of Mt. Chaukhamba. Then started the fantastic colour changes on the snow. Initially pink, the colurs turned to shades of vermillion, red, orange, ochre and yellow until the sunlight shed its radiance on the entire region.
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