KGL Trek - Heaven on Earth

Sharmila Tagore debuted through “Kashmir ki Kalli“ & the song “दीवाना हुआ बादल, सावन की घटा छायी,ये देखके दिल झूमा,ली प्यार ने अंगड़ाई” was hit. I have been watching this song shot in Kashmir valley for years together. I realised I was not only addicted to the melody but also to the colourful picturesque locations in Kashmir valley. My friend Pranali who was my cotrekker during EBC recommended Kashmir Great Lakes trek during our coffee discussion. I decided to go with Yuvashakti and 5 of my friends (Pankaj, Yuvraj, Vivek , Paresh & Shailesh) joined in a batch of 27. 

This was my first trip to the colourful Kashmir that has great potential to stimulate emotions & feelings of love. Bollywood poets used to visit kashmir valley to come up with creative writings. Sahir Ludhianvi who wrote romantic songs focusing on nature loved Kashmir. Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least. First impression is the last impression. Another thing which I observed was Kashmiri girls are good looking with sharp features. I observed them when we were reaching our base camp & during the trek. Accessories associated with it like Hairstyle, glossy makeup, earrings , nose rings, stylish sunglasses , colourful contact lenses & beauty mode in a mobile can help in enhancing beauty. But one should always remember that they come up as toppings. What comes first are “striking features”. Remember the leading actress from Dangal - Fatima Sana Shaikh . The girl has features.

The beauty of KGL lies in the changing landscapes, flowers , open canvas & the glaciers which we see melting with water dripping into the lakes below. The photos barely are able to give justice to the tranquility which we witness. 

KGL is crowded. Apart from Indians, I saw quite a few American & Thai trekkers on the way. One always get to see people on the trail & the 86 kms trail including the additional trails is never empty. It comes with its own share of problems also. We come to KGL to avoid the mindless chatter. One needs quality time to be spent in solitude , introspecting.

I realised that if I wish to have that solitude, I will have to approach the trek in a different way. I activated the machine mode (fast climbing) & reached Nandkul base camp by 9:30 am while the other trekkers arrived at 2 pm. The weather window was on my side and in bright sunlight I was able to see the sacred Harmukh mountain & Nandkul lake in its pristine form. 

I met a German man who was trekking with his Israeli girlfriend. Forgeiners have a different way of approaching a trek. They were into fishing & offered me to try it myself. Nandkul lake is the prettiest of all & it stood to the testimony which reputed bloggers have shared. 

There can’t be a trek without campfire & the horsemen invited me to join. We had quite a few jovial chats. The men were proud of their horses. The campfire overlooking the Harmukh mountain was another iceing on the cake. 

I trekked alongwith Mayur, Shailesh & Manjiri. They walk fast & are good climbers. Manjiri is into trekking for more than 30 yrs. She has done Mount Everest Base Camp 5 times & comes with enormous amounts of knowledge. Her trekking stories were inspiring and most importantly motivating. I will certainly do “El camino the Santiago compestella” one day. 

Ben Franklin said most men die at the age of 25 and aren't buried until they are 75. The Himalayas always encourage one to do things outside the box, come out of the comfort zone, and bring in a new perspective. I thank the mountains who had been grateful by giving us a window which helped us in completing the trek. I would also express my gratitude to my wife Purva and my parents. This trek and overall adventure would not have been so great without the company of my co trekkers. Special thanks to Yuvashakti.

I recollect the wisdom of ancient poets who said - “अगर धरती पर स्वर्ग कहीं है, तो बस यहीं है, यहीं है, यहीं है।”