Vinitha Rajagopal
Home away from home …
On the chilly morning of 11th Jan 2024 Google said “You have reached your destination “.
We looked around and found nothing that could be our destination. Lost and cold we looked around, only to realize that we needed to look not just straight but a bit higher.
About 100m high we found a beautiful building between the breath-taking landscapes. Then, began our first trek, a steep climb along the rock, this was a teaser of the trek that was waiting for us the next few days. It was not easy climb and mind constantly muttering “ Is it really worth climbing “ … With lots and lots of panting we reach on top and we get a warm welcome from the host. The host who seemed to have fully understood why we were trying to catch breath after the short climb, the assurance gave the first comfort for frantic breathing. As we walked into the building behind stood the majestic Himalayas, like it was the next host to welcome us, that look brought the breathing to relaxed mode. We were then shown our rooms and as we entered there were well-arranged warm looking blankets, easily forcing us to just stuck in and cuddle. But, to my surprise within seconds I had forgotten the steep climb and I was ready to explore more.
Later, when the whole pack arrived, we ran from pole to pillar for hot water, for tea, for food.. we were 19 and they were 2 to begin with.. But everything just magically fell in place, in an hour or so we were relishing hot Poori’s and Baji. The day went by, evening bought in more warm surprises. Dining room was warmed up with a heater that used wood, so different from the city. The smell of smoke in the cold was mesmerizing. Day ahead was a big milestone so we all went to sleep, under the blanket with our warm sock and jackets. As the night fell silence was at its best!
The same evening, we went out for an acclimatization walk to the enchanting Tosh Village and it was in schedule. The walk is through the tar-mark and it took almost two hours for us to reach the village by foot. The more commercialized village is given us a glimpse of the authentic Himalayan structures and culture. We have seen temple and other common places and we had even a tea break at a beautiful café overlooking the Parvathy valley. That was an amazing experience for everyone.
Next morning, we started to feel that the hotel that we came to previous night was our new home, we walked into the kitchen asking for water, repeated customized tea (black tea, masala tea, sugarless tea..). Mr. Lalit and team, the host, just like family never complained on our random requests but ensured every request was addressed and with amazing taste.
After yet another yummy breakfast we started our trek to Kheer Ganga, to our surprise the host who made us yummy breakfast was along with us on the trail, guiding us, motivating us… we saw a different side of the same person and worth mentioning all roles that they played was with smile and positive energy.
At Kheer ganga we knew there was tent waiting for us but didn’t know how it would be, after a tiring walk when we reached there, we were Aww stricken… there was campfire welcoming, comfortable swings that help soak into relaxation. The host never stopped surprising us, they had trekked along with us 14 km and while we were sinking in the accomplishment of climb, they had tea ready for us. Words can’t express the gratitude when you get nice hot tea right on time after a tiring trek…
We continued around the campfire sharing our life’s moments and there came a dinner, authentic home cooked dal, chawal and roti. Couldn’t ask for more … with happy belly while we stared cuddling into our beds we got many blankets at our disposal. One of the host came in to check in if we were had enough to keep us warm, I remembered my mom then, who did the same during winter days. Getting such love miles away from home is overwhelming.
Following morning after enjoying the hot springs from Kheer Ganga we were welcomed with Kheer at breakfast. My mouth still remembers the taste. Followed by paratha to give us energy to return back. Once we were done licking our plates and fingers, we bid goodbye to Kheer Ganga and the lovely campsite to returned back to Kalga, which we constantly stared referring it as our home..
We got back late evening and all of us was had the immense feeling of being with Himalayas. We all gathered at the warm dining hall, shared our thoughts. The dinning room then turned into a play area and dance floor. I must emphasize, none of random change in our plans impacted the host they ensured we were served with food and tea at the right time. We really didn’t get chance to feel hungry and complain
On the day we had to return there was a birthday in our team and it is Mr. Sudheesh, an engineer working with EB, Kerala, the birthday boy, though we all wanted to get a cake there was no way we could order one. So, we kept it light, wished and promised a party at a later time. That morning we went to a nearby plateau called Katla, (The common field for the villagers using for various purposes) as usual we had the host guiding us and reach the nice location. We clicked pictures, sat with nature and even had camp fire when sun was shining bright. The twist of the morning was that none of us any clue on what was waiting for us back in the hotel. When we reached there was cake – Brownie, so chocolatey and warm because it was made in the same kitchen. We wanted to attack it, but that was for the birthday so we waited patiently for the cake cutting. Once it was cut it took hardly few mins for us to pounce on it and finish it.
Then came our morning breakfast, to our surprise we got an authentic South Indian dish all the way up north- Idli Sambhar. This I have seen only happens in family, where you ensure you cook at least one meal that the guest favorite and go out of the way to make memorable days more memorable.
We had to finally bid farewell but wait ! the host didn’t just give us the bill and send us off, they came all along with us till the bus, helped us board and then bid Good Bye. Along the way they carried our bags and gave us tips on trekking, talked about Kasol.
I have stayed at many hotels and resorts, there were few where the hotel looked like home but very rare that the host turns into family. Thank you to Infinity Snowline! You guys are amazing!
( Mrs. Vinitha Rajagopal , a resident of Banglore, working with Volvo. She had her ever first Himalayan experience with Globetrekkers at this winter of 2024)
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