Gangotri III

Diary for 11th October

Was woken up at an unearthly hour of 0530 by the screams and shouts from my neighbouring room, where their family and friends seem to have gathered. We also share a balcony. One guess on language !! Crazy people. It is cold outside. And, dark. Posing will not improve quality of picture. And, MOST important - breakfast is only at 0800.


Had heard about a place called Neelong Valley halfway up to Gangotri. Was told it needed clearance from the District Magistrate or the DFO. Decided that since I had neither, would just try my luck. Found the check post without a problem. Learnt from the old forest guy there that it actually required two passes to get into the valley. One was the Forest Office, and the other a Inner Line Permit. Spent some time talking to the guy, hoping he would wilt under my charm. No such luck. Did get to know that the place had Bear, Ibex and Snow Leopards. They come down when the snows hit these mountains - meaning in the next month or so.



Decided on the way up that I would walk part of the way on the trek route to Gaumukh Glacier, which is 20 odd kilometres away. Did a couple when I came across this board, which made me change my mind on going further. Guys were serious on knowing who went up those paths, so close to the border areas.







Spent some time near the temple, waiting for the crowds to thin. Went in after a while.


Then decided to pick up some samosas and jilebis for lunch. Did that. Then found a shop further down, just taking the samosas out of the oil. So bought some more. Gave first set to three sanitation guys sitting on a wall. 

Drove out till I found a nice parking spot. Managed to finish two samosas. And, some of the jilebi. Gave the remaining samosa and jilebi to a driver washing his bolero at the next bend.

Was stopped by a few gun wielding sardar troopers. As I slowed down, they seemed to realise that it was a private vehicle, so got an embarrassed grin. Drove on.

Tomorrow I drive south. 

This should be the end of the snow clad mountains, unless I see some from Mussourie. It will start snowing here by the end of this month. The whole place shuts down end October.

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