Himalayas - Tungnath Trek

Starting at the base with a beautiful blend of snow and land… but as we climbed higher the land receded and only snow covered mountains could be seen, dotted by a few coniferous trees and shrubs with thick leaves drooping down to let the snow off.

The highest Shiva Temple in the world, and the endless height made us feel we might never get there -12,000 feet! The oxygen dropping was evident, but thanks to the diaphragmatic breathing, I could make it up with my little Gauranga, who made endless snow balls on the way.

As soon as we reached, the sight of the closed gates of the temple was indeed a fascinating one. Ancient rough edged grey rocks, adorned with ice like soft cream – the Lords residing there had gone on holiday to Omkareshwar, but certainly some power was still there.

After a brief relaxation session with the group, we started our trek down. And how can I say trek down? It was a skiing on the buttocks! An absolute joy, glory, fun and laughter… slide after slide after slide. Our local guide navigated us through untraversed routes, the paths of which we created.

Until one of our troop members had something close to a frost bite. After some healing he was back on his toes. Another fellow member who was almost about to slide further down and we pulled him up with the shouts of Jai Jagannath! - Adventure to its true form with reverence, fun, laughter and amazing mind body health breaking patterns and pumping out dopamine, serotonin and vitality.

It was amazing to know that a Himalayan herb was being researched in that spot by the Botany department – known as Himalayan Viagra. It costs over 20 lakhs per kilo and is supposed to cure any disease ever.

At the base, I met a simple Babaji who chose to stay there and worship in the temple at the base only to await the arrival of the Lord of his heart, Tungnath Baba to stop there for a night and go up upon his return after winter.