Amidst all the chaos of work, career and ambitions we often lose track of the real adventures of life. In such a state we push hard to keep up, but fail to stand out. Being humans it’s very natural to feel down at times, but to reinforce ourselves is the hardest task, that is what I feel. Months back I was in the very same situation, running blindly in some stupid, aimless race, until I heard the call from the WILD.
I remember receiving an email from Soma Ma’am which I had initially overlooked, but later I went through it .The letter contained a little description about this trek to Kheerganga. A small conversation with Ma’am and a little research about the place and my mind was set +to join the team . I was waiting. So were the other members. Finally our wait ended on 30th September, 2017, the day we boarded the train. None of us had any idea of what was awaiting us up there in Kheerganga, and for me it turned out to be much more than just an adventurous trek.
This trek has taught me plenty, from how to negotiate on steep and slippery slopes to how to walk long, really long distances. From getting estranged from the team in the trail, to keeping calm, retracing steps and reuniting with the team . This trek has made me experience the thrills of watching the moonlit ranges and bonding with new people, new personalities and socializing with the locals. It was an extremely heart touching experience which made me fall in love with the wild! Forever. I remember getting goosebumps all over my body as I peeked through my tent doors in the wee hours of the morning and watched the snow capped peaks around the valley catch the first rays of the sun. I remember the sound of the gushing river Parvati feeling like divine music to my tired ears and my tired soul. I still remember how good the hot chocolate tasted when I reached the lush green slopes of Kheerganga valley after the 15 km walk. I had this huge adrenaline rush that complemented my heartbeats in an ecstatic way! We ended the trek in a more thrilling way. We rafted down the confluence of Parvati and Beas River from Bhuntar.
The trek to Kheerganga was much more than just the mountains, nature and an escape from the busy schedule. This experience was like a conversation with my inner self, an undoubtedly blissful feeling to be out there in the wild looking out for the passion in ourselves and a big thanks to SOMA’S CAMPS for this amazing experience. And not to forget our very own Soma Ma’am who has been leading such treks with immense dedication and passion. She has inspired many young souls like myself and there are not enough words to appreciate her effort!