Yukta Sharma
The Dawn of Adventure
The cold season did nothing to dampen our spirits. Promptly at 7 AM, all 12 of us gathered at the warm embrace of 109 Restaurant for a hearty breakfast. The Garlic Butter Bread set the perfect tone for the day, filling our stomachs and fueling our excitement for the journey ahead.
Fully equipped with fruits, snacks, and medical supplies, our organizing team had left no stone unturned in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. Our chariot for the day, an office bus, whisked us away to the Sundarijal entry point, marking the beginning of our adventure.
As we approached the ticket counter, the officers, perhaps amused by our diverse group, jokingly inquired if we had any foreigners among us. With a mischievous grin, Rudra Dai pointed to Pragya saying ‘we have one Chinese’, who promptly responded with a playful laugh, “I am a child!” The camaraderie was already building, setting the stage for a day filled with laughter and shared experiences.
The Story !
The trail unfolded with Rudra Dai and Shankar Dai leading the way, their infectious energy propelling the entire group upwards. The dense forest and the company of various bird species added a touch of magic to our hike.
The village of Mulkharka, perched at an altitude of 1895 meters, marked a pivotal point in our journey. Our HR, Ruchita, faced initial struggles due to the unfamiliar terrain, being on her first hike. However, with the unwavering support of the team, especially Rudra Dai who arranged wooden sticks from the village, she not only recovered but emerged as one of the front-runners, leading us with newfound strength.
Amidst the uphill climb, Shishir Dai attempted Tarzan-esque tree swinging, creating moments of hilarity that made the physical exertion forgettable. The stories of Sudina Didi, Shankar Dai and Rudra Dai made our tough way easier.
As we conquered the uphills and ventured into sideways forests, we paused for a well-deserved snack break. Kopila’s freshly prepared popcorn and Binita’s flavorful spicy achar accompanied by crisp cucumber provided the perfect rejuvenation for the next leg of our journey.
The journey was not without its challenges, and as the trail extended, Sudhir Dai and Pawan Dai found themselves lagging. Limited phone network notwithstanding, we managed to convey our encouragement for them to continue slowly, assuring them that we would meet on the path after reaching Chisapani. After an additional hour of trekking, we finally set foot in Chisapani, greeted by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas. The view, coupled with the sense of accomplishment, made the endeavor truly worthwhile. Surprisingly, Sudhir Dai and Pawan Dai arrived only 15 minutes behind us, dispelling any concerns and reinforcing the strength of our collective spirit.
The Destination: Chisapani
After an additional hour of trekking, we finally set foot in Chisapani, greeted by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas. The view, coupled with the sense of accomplishment, made the endeavor truly worthwhile. Surprisingly, Sudhir Dai and Pawan Dai arrived only 15 minutes behind us, dispelling any concerns and reinforcing the strength of our collective spirit.
In the village of Chisapani, a strangely slanted house stood atop a hill. Questioning its structural integrity, we were met with a unique response: it was an attraction in itself, surviving the test of time and weather after earthquake.
A steaming pot of noodles and a cup of tea in Chisapani village replenished our energy, offering a delightful break before we commenced our descent. With the sun setting and the clock ticking, we knew the return journey awaited.
The descent brought with it a mix of exhaustion and contentment. The energetic quartet of Kopila, Rudra Dai, Binita, and Anurag Dai reached Sundarijal by 6:30 PM, followed by me, who battled cramps to make it back, then Pragya and Sudhir dai and finally the rest of the team, returned in their own time, each with stories to tell and memories etched in their hearts. Everyone reached our vehicle by almost 8 PM. Then headed to 109 Restaurant for the warm meal awaiting for us.
In the end, it wasn’t just about reaching Chisapani; it was about the laughter shared, the challenges faced together, and the unspoken understanding that we are a team, in and out of the office. Here’s to more adventures, more camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of our incredible team!
