A group of 28 IIM Ahmedabad
students set out on a journey of self-realization and social awakening. We call
this course “Shodh Yatra”. We went on a trek to the beautiful mountains of the
Churah valley in Himachal Pradesh. Well that’s an irony!! Mountains of the
valley. Our journey was - Full of unexpected experiences
and events. But amidst all of that we got a taste of the vastness of nature,
the beauty that resides in the landscape of our country and the tremendous love
and care that people from the region had in stock for us.
We reached Pathankot on the first day and took a mini bus to Bhanjraru, our base station. The next morning, we started our picturesque journey towards Devikothi, which is called the Jewel of the Churah valley. The day we started the journey, we had no idea what the next few days had in store for us and nor did I know that I would not forget this day all my life because of what was going to happen.
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| All set to conquer the mountains |
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| Heading towards the clouds |
We were at 5,800 feet and had set out to reach Devikothi which was at 9,000 ft above sea level. Devikothi has an ancient Chamunda devi temple. It is one of the finest wooden temples with intricate carvings. The more we climbed the more beautiful the surroundings looked. On our way, we stopped the locals served us food in their traditional thali (made of leaves) and we ate it in their style (using our hands and not spoons). Their hospitality added a luscious taste to the food.
Apart from unparalleled beauty, serenity and warmth, what this part of India has in abundance is free flowing extremely pure and soothing water. Ever tried drinking water from a waterfall? Ever thought you could trek without having to carry the load of tonnes of water with you to prevent you from fainting? If no, then you have definitely not been to this part of the country.
Then came the experience which was going to ingrain this day in my memory. A land slide had happened and that mountain was left with unstable rocks which could fall at the slightest wind. However, that mountain was a shortcut to where we wanted to reach. Though it was extremely risky and could have costed us our lives, a few of us decided to take the plunge. A local guide accompanied each one of us to ensure that we don't tumble down from the cliff. At every step, it felt as if that life was going to end and I would never return back to my parents. I slipped thrice from the top and the guide managed to save me. The adrenalin rush, the thrill and the pride of crossing that mountain was unparalleled. It was a death defying experience. An experience that made this trip a life time memory.
From Devikothi, we headed towards Bairagarh. The second and the third day took us through scenic and panoramic meadows. The natural beauty of the place provides it with a peculiar serenity and calmness. We visited schools and talked to children and the locals around.
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| Painted beauty!! |
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| Historic feels |
We headed towards the Mangli village. Mangli is the last village in Himachal Pradesh. The locals told us that Jammu was just on the other side of the range of mountains we saw there.
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| The sunshine |
People and Culture
We also visited some schools that came in the way and were amazed at the inquisitiveness and learning aptitude of the children there. We keep talking about the "Beti Padho" slogan in the country. I think, this is one region that has taken the slogan very seriously. Saw a positive sex ratio in a school for the first time in my life. Didn't have it even in my high profile urban school!!
The locals at Mangli village taught us Ghurehi dance, which is their local dance form at a festival that was being celebrated in the village on the day we reached. We also listened to their local melodies.
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| Ghurehi dance |
We got immense love and warmth from the people in the region. They made us stay in their homes and treated us with their local delicacies. We got the chance to taste unprocessed pure honey and enjoyed their famous sarson ka saag and Makki di roti.
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| Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti |
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| Honey from the Honey Comb |
This is my native place in Himachal Pradesh, though I live in Jammu. Fairly good coverage of your visit with photographs. Don't mind, but you have to work on your language. All the best!
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