Kedarnath Door Opening Ceremony 2015 – Part 3

 I wake up early in cold morning for trek. Today I have to trek tough 16 km. Labors and remain catastrophe marks and River Mandakini is again my company. This area was badly damage in 2013 fled flesh. Old root is history now and new root is in opposite direction. Labors are amusing to see me walking alone and some wants me to take their pictures.  Public toilets and drinking water has arranged here. After walking almost 4 km I get a small teashop. Still it’s very cold and sun is nowhere. I ask to shopkeeper about this season – Hoping tourist will come now. Last year only few tourists came. Conditions were also in mess but this year conditions are much better. He says making tea  - my shop was also damaged which I reestablish again. When I came here first time, I was stunned thrilled and scared to see dead bodies all over. He then asks about myself and says - you are the only girl whom I am looking going upside alone…

After short break, I move again. Birds’ sounds are echoing in this wilderness. Huge waterfalls are suddenly existing on the way which is refreshing mood. After crossing a band magnificent view of Himalayan peaks Meru-Sumeru surprised me. I stop for a while and glair Himalaya and its hugeness. I reach Rambada after 2-3 hours walk which was dangerously vanished in 2013 fled flesh. Snow is all over in Rambara and gang of labors clearing snow welcomes me. I cross narrow road between snow. Leader of labors tell me that he is here from one month and has been clear tons of snow. He shows me few glaciers, which slipped and shift onto road…

From Rambada trek become steep up with snow all around. I cross one steep ascend and meet another gang of labor clearing snow. They invite me to have tea. I am tired so I accept invitation. They offer lukewarm water and black tea. This gang is working since 3 months. Raj Bahdur says - When I came here, area was dump under the snow. We worked hard to clear snow but unfortunately whole day we cleared snow and in night, it became snow again. Now weather is much better though still lots of snow. I ask him about Monal bird, which found in this region. He screams and says – I saw this bird often on land. We call it Monali. I can show you right now if you come with me. I follow him and for my surprise, he shows me Monal, a big blue bright bird. I sight Moanl first time here…

After this surprise treat I move off. Snow is increasing in every step and I have to walk between huge snow walls. Luckily, temperature is good for walking. I can see Pink and white Rhododendron tress on the way. When I reached Lincholi, one more stoppage, some government officers stop me to check my Biometric Card. They also ask me the same questions, which I have answered many times before. They tell me I am the only female who is going to Kedar…

After Lincholi 7 km. strenuous trek remain. Steep ascend and with both side towering snow walls. If in any case walls shift a bit I will press below the tons of snow. Where its not possible to clear snow they made stairs on snow which gives feel like going to touch the sky. Stunning scenario is only factor, which is keeping all problems easy. Deep blue-sky, small clouds, lovely view of Himalaya, snow is all over like film story. But in this extreme conditions labors are working hard without any basic facilities. They don’t have good shoes. They don’t have good clothes. They don’t have good equipment too but they have big smile on their faces which is making me smile too. For me they are the real heroes…

By the time I reach Kedarnath it was cold, cloudy, windy and snowing. I went to Tent site and book tent. I dumps sack and went to temple, which is 1 km.  All including debris of buildings divested by fled flesh is under the snow sheet. Huge machines and thousands of workers, working hard to make this place energetic. Officers’ quarters and other public facilities all are available here. I saw temple from far away. Once temple was invisible because of shops and other buildings covered it from front but now view is clear – Labor working here tells me from behind. He again says - Behind the temple, there was a complete town but fled flesh washed away everything. Now people should aware of their limits otherwise nature won’t wait to teach them another lesson. I shake my head in agreeing position and move near to temple…

Temple is decorating with flowers and garlands for tomorrow s’ big day. Surrounding of temple is still cover under snow. Weather turns horrifically so workers working here call me in there shelter for tea. I went inside sit there with glass of tea. Workers are still working in this awful weather. Their cloths have been wet but without any complaints, they are working nonstop. Keep them active they are making fun with each other and enjoying these harsh conditions. Due to snow and cold winds temperature drop quickly. Worker tells me – Don’t worry madam! Sky will get clear by the evening and morning sun would be sharp like today. I trust on him afterall he is working here since last three months. I enjoy their company and learn how to stay happy in weird conditions. After spending lovely moments with them, I back to my tent. I am alone in this 100 or more tent’s colony but they provide light through solar power so not scary. Around 7 P.M. I went for dinner. Kitchen team serves delicious food with delightful manner. I am delighted. Around 8 P.M. snow stops and sky get clear as that guy told me…

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