tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48035736907480963392024-03-14T10:43:42.389+05:30Himalayan HermitsTravel Stories, Music, Photography, Medicine, Wanderlust through the eyes of a Himalayan Hermit.. Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-7484444575479649722019-11-15T10:48:00.001+05:302019-11-15T10:49:15.097+05:30Vote for Varuna Raina for Arctic - Fjällräven Polar 2020<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #212120; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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Please vote for me and share the link in your social circles :)<br />
<a href="https://polar.fjallraven.com/contestant/?id=7164" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #680f03; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>https://polar.fjallraven.com/contestant/?id=7164</b></a><br />
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My true home has always been in wilderness and mountains. I'm chasing my dream to participate in Fjällräven Polar 2020 for the 2nd time. It’s a 300km journey on sled dogs in the Arctic wilderness. </div>
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<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As a doctor, animal lover and explorer I’m looking forward to sing of the arctic glories and capture the expedition in my memories as we sled on this journey of a lifetime and immerse myself in the vast expanse of sheer nothingness of Arctic.</em></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #212120; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Born in the lap of Himalayas in India, I used to hike with my dad as a child. And one day, we had to move to city life. I would always crawl up with my pet dog trying to adjust to the new place and The bond we formed back then has lingered on.</em></div>
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<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Years later when I saw the movie “8 below”, I could feel the kinship between humans and the dogs in that arctic zone. I truly want to experience being there and feel That intense trust and faith in each other.</em></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #212120; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s my innermost desire to be there and just enjoy and immerse myself in the vast expanse of sheer nothingness of the Arctic. And I will feel my fullest when I’m there…Please do vote for me for Fjällräven Polar 2020.</em></div>
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<b>Information about Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar</b><br />
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This part of the blog is about <b><span style="color: #990000;">Kailash Parikrama</span> or <span style="color: #990000;">Kora</span></b>,which can be covered in 3 days and covers a distance of around 52 kms and is gateway to the valley of Gods. It involves passing<br />
<b>Drolma La</b> at an altitude of 18,500 feet, which is highest pass on the Kailash Kora and represents the most challenging and rewarding point of the Kora. The crossing over this pass represents a transition from the former life to a new one.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Northface of Mount Kailash</b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Mount Kailash</span></b> is located in the western part of Tibet known as Ngari at an altitude of 6,638 meters. Mount Kailash is believed to be the most sacred for these religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon and Jainism.<br />
<b>Hindus</b> say that Kailash is the throne of <b>Lord Shiva</b>. According to Hinduism, Shiva resides at the summit of the legendary mountain named Kailash, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his consort, Parvati. For the Hindus, Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru, spritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic 'world pillar' 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. This mountain is believed to have four faces as per Hindu Puranas. Each face symbolizes one particular gem – ruby, gold, crystal and lapis lazuli. This one has four distinct faces, almost aligned with the four directions.<br />
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The east face is said to be made of crystal and is associated with the Brahmaputra River. The west face is said to be made of ruby and is associated with the Sutlej River. The south face is said to be made of lapis lazuli and is associated with the Karnali River. The stunning north face of Kailash is said to be made of gold and associated with Indus river.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Westface of Mount Kailash</b></td></tr>
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Many claim that Kailash is the gate to <b>Shambhala </b>or <b>Shangrila </b>"place of silence and peace”, is a mythical paradise spoken of in ancient texts, including the Kalachakra Tantra. According to legend, it is a land where only the pure of heart can live, a place where love and wisdom reigns and where people are immune to suffering, want or old age. The land where no name of suffering can be heard. They caution that only part of the journey is physical; arrival depends on knowing certain mantras and other spiritual techniques.<br />
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To Tibetans, it is known as <b>Khang Rinpoche</b> (Precious Jewel of Snow). According to the Tantric Buddhism, Kailash is the residence of the Buddha Demchok, also known as <b>Chakrasamvara</b>, who represents supreme bliss. There are numerous sites in the region associated with Guru Padmasambhava who has practiced Tantra in holy site around Tibet and finally established Buddhism as the main religion of Tibet in the 8th century.<br />
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All around Mount Kailash there are signs of a legendary contest for control that involved Milarepa who spent several years here meditating in a cave, and Naro Bönchung, the Bön master. According to Buddhists, Milarepa was victorious in all the various challenges, but despite this Naro Bönchung still argued for a final contest, a straightforward race to the top of the mountain. Mounting his magic drum, Naro Bönchung immediately set out to fly to the summit. Unperturbed by the progress made by his rival, Milarepa rose from his bed at dawn and was carried by a ray of light directly to the summit. Shocked by this feat, Naro Bönchung tumbled off his drum, which skittered down the south face of the mountain, gouging the long slash marking Mt Kailash to this day. Gracious in victory, Milarepa decreed that Bön followers could continue to make their customary anticlockwise circuits of Mt Kailash, and awarded them Bönri as their own holy mountain. That is why Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pilgrims make a clockwise circuit of Mount Kailash and BonPo circumambulate Mount Kailash in the opposite direction.<br />
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Orthodox Tibetans do 3 or 13 rounds of the Kailash and the Manasarovar and some of the more pious pilgrims do the sashtanga-danda-pradak-shina (prostration-circuit) of Manasarovar in about 28 days and of Kailash in 15 days. Several Tibetans do the parikrama of Kailash in a single day which is called ningkor. It is believed that one parikrama of the Kailash Peak washes away sins of one life, 10 circuits wash away the sins of one kalpa, and 108 parikramas secure nirvana in this very life. But personally I do not think merely doing it as a ritual or some exercise will bear the merit. I met guides who had done 100s of parikramas but were as conniving as anyone of us. The thought process, the devotion and being aware and receptive will bring the change.<br />
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2014 was the Year of the Horse. Going around Mount Kailash (Kora) once during horse year is karmically equivalent to 13 Kora hence making it the most holy year for the parikrama. Horse year comes once in every twelve years meaning thousands of pilgrims will embark on Mount Kailash yatra and pay their homage.<br />
<b>Bons </b>explain Kailash as the mountain of Swastik; the central force of the universe.<br />
<b>Jains</b> refer to Kailash as "Astapada", the holy land where Rishabhdeva attained his spiritual realization.<br />
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Though Manasarovar has been associated with origin of four rivers, no river originally originates from it. All have radius of 40-50 kms within range of Kailash Manasarovar. Indus Langchen Kambab (Elephant river), The Indus, called the Senge Tsangpo or Lion River in Tibetan, arises from the Lion Spring (Senge Kabab), 45 km north of Mount Kailash. Sutlej is designated as the Langchen Tsangpo, or Elephant River, in Tibetan mythology. In Tibetan mythology, the Brahmaputra is referred to as the Tamchok Tsangpo, or Horse River. The Karnali is Mapcha Tsangpo or Peacock River.<br />
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<b style="text-align: left;">August 6, 2016 (Day 16) - Darchen to Deraphuk (Day 1 of Parikrama)</b><br />
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<b>Day 1 of Parikrama</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Today was the first day of Parikrama. It was from Darchen to <b>Deraphuk</b>. We left around 10.15 am from hotel in Darchen to Deraphuk. Total distance is 19 kms and first 7 kms was covered by bus. I didn't take the kitchen staff as porter as they will leave you midway to cook meals. Instead, I decided to go with Nigam porter, which is randomly allotted through a lottery system. The porters on Tibetan side will not carry backpacks heavier than 6 to 7 kgs so make sure that your backpack doesn't weigh more than that. Since the main luggage stays at Darchen and you will get it only after completing parikrama, do make sure that you have eatables, important medicines and sufficient warm clothes. I couldn't carry my tripod due to weight restriction. In hindsight, I regret not carrying it myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beginning of Kailash Parikrama</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Me and my porter</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>West Face of Mount Kailash</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>On Way to Charan Sparsh</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lottery system for allocation of porters</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Starting point of Parikrama</b></td></tr>
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Bus left us at point where parikrama starts. Lottery system and random allocation of porter is done here. I got my lady porter by 11.30 am and her young son accompanied her. Apart from Tashi dalek, all our communication was in sign language and smiles. She was strong and cooperative unlike many male porters who wouldn't accompany corresponding yatris. All she would say is chalo but she could understand what I wanted and her son was smart and quick with taking my pictures on phone. From the starting point of parikrama one can see the Yam Dwar and south face of Mount Kailash but since it was overcast we couldn't see the south face of Mount Kailash.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Yam Dwar</b></td></tr>
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Yam Dwar is situated in Tarboche, which is approximately 30 minutes drive from Darchen. The exact meaning of the Yam Dwar in Hindi is “the gateway to the God of Death”. It is the initial point of circumambulation of Mount Kailash. It is also known as Chorten Kang Ngyi, which means two legged Stupa in Tibet. It is said that, once you have reached here, you are in Kailash and equivalent to have performed the Parikrama. Yama is the deity who brings mortal souls to their onward journey. Symbolically, the Kailash region is likened to the divine world, separate from Earth. To enter this region, one must abandon the mortal self and hence pass through the Yama Dwar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>At Yam Dwar</b></td></tr>
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Tarboche is also site of the popular <b>Saga Dawa</b> festival organised every year in late spring. Just next to it is a sky burial site where, as per tradition of the last ritual, the mortal remains of eighty-four Buddhist saints were fed to the birds of prey. Kora starts at Tarboche. In May in full moon, Sagar Dawa festival takes place. Near Tarboche is first of the four prostration places (Chakstal Gang). From the starting point of parikrama, one can see the Yam Dwar and south face of Mount Kailash also called Dakshina Murthi Shiva but since it was overcast we could not see the south face of Mount Kailash. Little later we entered the Lha Chu valley. Tarboche flag pole (4750m), which is another hour's walk. Tarboche flagpole, is one of the most important aspect of Tibetan spirituality. On “Saga Dawa” Tarboche, which is an impressive and capturing annual festival of Mount Kailash, this giant flagpole which has numerous prayer flags on it is brought down and replaced. This ritual is performed every year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar to celebrate Sakyamuni's enlightenment.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Beyond Tarboche, the valley narrows down at an area called Sershong. After passing through a series of ruined Chörtens and a number of long mani (prayer) walls, the trail reaches a small bridge across the Lha-chu. The bridge is directly below Chuku Monastery. Chuku Monastery (4820m), founded in the 13th century by Götsangpa Gompo Pel, a Kagyupa-order master, is perched high on the hillside, a steep 15-minute hike above the valley. From the Chuku bridge, it's about 3 hrs walk to Deraphuk Monastery. One can see North Face of Mount Kaialsh from Diraphuk Monastary. Three lesser mountains are arrayed in front of Mount Kailash: Chana Dorje (Vajrapani) to the west, Jampelyang (Manjushri) to the east and Chenresig (Avalokiteshvara) in the centre.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>North Face of Mount Kailash as seen from Deraphuk</b></td></tr>
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Due to my ongoing illness, my health was not in great shape and I was breathing heavily although the first day is not that tough. I was amongst the last to reach Deraphuk by 4 pm. Most of the people were on ponies and few were on foot. Along the way, we got glimpses of rivulets, magnificent rocks with inscriptions of Buddhist mantras on them. I saw glimpse of West face of mount Kailash shrouded in clouds and then the first clear view of North face of Mount Kailash and I couldn't control my tears and bowed down in deep gratitude. Deraphuk literally means Cave of the female Yak horns". It gives the closest view of Mount Kailash (North face).<br />
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As I reached Deraphuk, I saw few people going further towards Charan Sparsh as we had got permission for it. Since I was too tired and exhausted, I sat near our hut with tea and Parle G. As I kept gazing at Mount Kailash, I felt a strong bolt of energy running through me and at that moment I knew I had to gather strength and reach Charan Sparsh. I told myself that this was a pilgrimage, a homage to my father and how could I leave it mid way. I was already late and clouds were looming above. Deraphuk is at an altitude of around 16700 feet and Charan sparsh goes upto 17800 feet covering distance of around 3 to 4 kms over uneven boulders and rocks. Some people gave up in the middle but I persisted. ONe thinks that one has reached Kailash but you still haven't. As you see Kailash more closer, you feel invigorated. I was dehydrated and exhausted but when I finally reached, I could not control my emotions. I wailed and wailed. Touching Mount Kailash was a defining moment of the Yatra. I could feel my father's spirit smiling from up above. I felt papa was there putting his hand on my head and blessing me. I took water from there, did some pooja and came back to Deraphuk. Basic accommodation is provided at Deraphuk. It was cold and windy. We didn't get permission to go to Ashthapad.<br />
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<b>Charan Sparsh</b></div>
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As I was tired, I retired to bed after having dinner only to be woken up at 8pm by impending medical emergency. One of our young female yatris was feeling unwell. She was not feeling well since morning but didn't tell. She was having symptoms of HACE (High altitude cerebral edema), which is life threatening. She was drowsy, nauseous and had projectile vomiting and couldn't walk in straight line without falling. Her oxygen saturation was around 65-70. My worst fears came true. So I had to go into doctor mode and treat her and make her descend down to Taklakot to save her life. Thanks to our liaison officer, our medical kit was not with us. It felt so exasperating. I thankfully had dexona injection with me. I gave her oxygen, injection and other medicines. Someone had portable oxygen and we gave her some puffs. I told my LO that we immediately need to descend her to lower altitude. It was raining outside and permission needs to be taken from MEA to facilitate the evacuation, which takes time. All the yatris were around her giving her support and courage.<br />
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Another problem was our guide who said there is no need for evacuation and that is when little knowledge becomes dangerous.I put my foot forward that she needs to be evacuated otherwise she might not survive. Her situation was becoming worse and her drowsiness was increasing. Finally she was evacuated. Thankfully we were on our first day of parikrama and it was possible to evacuate her by car. She descended from 16500 feet to around 12000 feet, which was also not safe but she couldn't go beyond Taklakot. Her situation dramatically improved and I thanked Lord Shiva and my dad for giving me strength and opportunity to help someone.I was so tired and worn out and was thinking tomorrow is the toughest day and how will I do it. It was already 10.30 pm and we had to leave by 6.30 am tomorrow covering 24 kms and Dolma la at around 18500 feet.<br />
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Half an hour after I slept, I was woken up again and informed that another young male yatri was not responding. Another medical emergency. Another young guy had symptoms of HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), low saturation, cough with frothy sputum .After whatever medicines were available, I took a call that both needed to be evacuated. Our Liaison officer made a Call to MEA and thankfully there was a dirt road from there to Taklakot. It was raining heavily and our guide was full of tantrums unwillingly to arrange a vehicle. After much chaos, a vehicle was arranged and both were descended to lower altitudes along with the portable oxygen. It was so exhausting and it was already 1 am. Tomorrow was a long day of crossing Drolma La covering around 25 kms. I prayed to Lord Shiva to give me strength for the coming day. Finally I dozed off. I woke at 3 am to pee and was bedazzled by the sight of milky way adorning north face of Mount Kailash. At that moment I was transfixed and rued why I didn't have my tripod on me. Also I was extremely tired of happenings of night and went back to sleep for the long day ahead.<br />
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<b>Next part of blog will be about day 2 and 3 of Kailash Parikrama.</b></div>
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<b>Tips:</b><br />
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<li>Never take kitchen staff as your porter even if they speak Hindi because they will abandon you mid-way and move on to reach the campsite towards end to cook food, which would leave you without your luggage and supplies towards the end.</li>
<li>Most of the porters assigned are Tibetan who speak neither Hindi or English, so most of the communication is done in sign language. Make sure your luggage does not exceed 6-7 kgs at the most and tell them to walk with you.</li>
<li>Take plastic bottles to carry Manasarovar jal and jal from Kailash. Take M-Seal and tape/adhesive with you to secure the bottle cap.</li>
<li>Female porters are more kind and considerate and would walk along with you. Don't forget to tip your porters adequately as they help you in such adverse conditions.</li>
<li>Always keep your common medical bag with you. </li>
<li>Hydrate adequately and carry Diamox and portable oxygen, if required. </li>
<li>For your parikrama lasting 3 days, do not forget to carry energy bars, medicines, warm clothes, rain gear in your day pack.</li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">To be continued..</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2018/01/vipassana-meditation-retreat-course-my.html" target="_blank">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</a></span></b></i></div>
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-43176115113433221312018-01-09T20:36:00.002+05:302018-05-30T16:37:41.077+05:30Vipassana Meditation Retreat Course - My 10 days of Experience in Silence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Four years back when my sister did her 10-day Vipassana course, I looked at her with disdain and thought how could she waste her 10 days doing nothing but meditating. I told her if I ever were to get these many days, I would rather go on a trek than spend time on Vipassana in silence and isolation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast forward to <b>November 2017</b>, I have now completed my 10-day Vipassana course and I can’t help but chuckle at the idea of saying ‘no’ to anything else in life. </span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For those of you who don’t know what this is; it’s 10 days of meditation close to 11 hours a day, and one is not allowed to speak, make eye contact, read, write, listen to music, sing, exercise, or indulge in any form of entertainment (no phones,book,diary etc). Women and men are segregated and first meditation begins at 4.30 in morning! </span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am sure many of you will be like..no way! I too was few years back until I decided to go. Hope my experience will give you an insight and information about Vipassana Meditation Course.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Reaching the centre</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I left the Vipassana center at Dharamkot (Dharamshala, India) on the morning of Nov. 12th, <a href="http://gdhar.com/" target="_blank">Gautam</a> (my husband) was walking up the mountain trail to receive me. His eyes lit up as he came closer to welcome me back in the real world and as we walked back to where he was staying, I felt as if I was shuttling between 2 worlds. Back in the balcony of our room overlooking the valley and McLeod Ganj, we sipped hot tea and he asked me about my last 11 days. And so it began..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to my avid love for mountains, I always wanted to do Vipassana at the Dharamkot center. Since I had already done my Buddhism course at Tushita Center at Dharamkot last year in 2016, I knew the area. Since the course gets booked in advance, I remember staying awake until 12 one night in early September to reserve my seat in the course. In fact, I had registered for the course last year also, which I couldn’t attend somehow. That’s why everyone expected me to bail this year as well. But little did I know what lay ahead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 10-day Course is an introductory course to Vipassana Meditation, which is 10 full days of meditation ending the morning of the 11th day by 7:30 am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vipassana </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">means to see things as they really are. An insight into the true nature of reality. It is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre;">Why I went for Vipassana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Somewhere in life, all of us lose touch with reality and become robotic beings going about our daily lives. I know I did. Anger, happiness, joy, sadness all sit huddled next to each other and we are always ready to react quickly at the slightest of things in life. It’s as if you lose touch with your real self. That’s how it came to pass for me as I found myself at the crossroads of my life with overwhelming emotions, anger, and I realized that something had to change in my life. Although I had taken a few other meditation courses, I had always been intrigued by Vipassana. It seemed more like a challenge that I wanted to face. I knew that it was unlike mountaineering and had its own challenges. Merely sitting for hours at a stretch and meditating was something that had been alien to me. But before I signed up, I knew I could do it. I would be able to last 11 days of intense meditation, silence and come out with a better understanding of myself. At the end of the course, by digging into my psyche, I was able to realize that joy that we feel in our daily lives is impermanent. True happiness waits further away along the shores of our soul’s realm. It could never be purchased, but only be experienced through self inquiry and awareness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Day 0</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">: </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The overnight bus from Delhi got me into McLeod Ganj early morning around 6 am. Upon reaching, I caught a ride on a rickshaw to Dharamkot where I had breakfast and tea. After whiling away some time, I entered the Vipassana center around 11 am where men and women were segregated. We were then led to our meditation rooms, which seemed more like a cell with only a bed and a table. After putting away my luggage, I wandered around Dharamkot and returned back to the Center at 2 pm for registration and to check in any belongings that were not allowed inside the center. I said goodbye to my phone, food items, diary, books etc. for the next 11 days. For me personally, food was going to be the biggest challenge considering the limited meal options available during the course. The volunteers who help organize the course seemed friendly and so did the other female course mates with whom I interacted. The meditation room, which would be my home for next 11 days made me slightly claustrophobic at first. In evening, we were briefed on rules and regulations and on the principle of noble silence. All who attend Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to abstain from killing any being;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to abstain from stealing;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to abstain from all sexual activity;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to abstain from telling lies;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to abstain from all intoxicants.</span></li>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7308dcee-db66-9683-214c-5ac3a53e58d2"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The foundation of the practice is </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sīla </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">— moral conduct. Sīla provides a basis for the development of </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">samādhi </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">— concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">paññā </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">— the wisdom of insight. Noble silence was to be strictly followed and no interaction with anyone was allowed. After 8 pm, the noble silence began and we were to observe it for the entire duration of the course. After having khichdi for dinner, we all retired to our rooms. From 4.30 am the next day, the meditation regime would begin.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daily Schedule</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre;">Day 1-10</span></b><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7308dcee-db67-2555-e0ef-3ff6e3f1d997"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was to be our daily schedule from day 1-10. The toughest thing was to get up at 4 in the morning. You can’t escape the loud gong, which is rung and after that all sevaks (volunteers) come at your doorstep and keep ringing the bell until you wake up. First morning meditation happens from 4.30 to 6.30 am. Designated places in the meditation hall are allotted to all students with males and females segregated. Dharamkot Vipassana Center is surrounded by pine and Deodar (Cedar) trees and sun intermittently shines flirtatiously through the leaves. Since it was early November and beginning of winter, there was slight nip in the air and we would reach the meditation hall bundled in our warm shawls.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lunch is served at 11 am and consists of Rice, Roti, vegetables, daal mildly spiced without onion and garlic. There is no dinner, but puffed rice and tea are given at 5 pm. For old meditators, only lemon water is provided at 5 pm. I thought I wouldn’t be able to manage without regular meals, but as the course progressed, I realized that I did not need that much food. During rarely available free time, I would watch the monkeys create havoc, Sun playing hide and seek, listen to rustling leaves and heaving winds. Since it was chilly in November, we were in our woolens. Laundry facility is also available at nominal charge. If you have any special food requirements, it is not provided. One lady in our batch was pregnant and adequate meals were provided for her. All our meditation and other sessions was started with the sound of the gong, which directed our day instead of our watches. By 9.30 pm, everyone was in their bed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first three days of meditation are Anapana Meditation, which means mindfulness of breathing followed by observing sensations around and below the nose area. From 6.30 am until 8 am, I had free time. During this time, I would have breakfast followed by shower. Breakfast used to be wholesome with tea, cereal, fruits, etc. We were supposed to wash our utensils after each meal. It was quite striking to see such a large group of people (meditators) dining together without a word or gesture being exchanged with anyone. Vipassana meditation is free for all and in the end you may make a donation. I earnestly appreciated the selfless service of volunteers during the course. </span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7308dcee-db67-e33b-add9-fed4d99d2873"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On some days, the long hours of meditation really become tedious. I wish there was Yoga or some sort of physical exercise available for our aching bodies from long hours of sitting and meditation. I used to really look forward to <a href="https://www.dhamma.org/en/about/goenka" target="_blank">SN Goenka</a>’s teaching in evenings as it was a welcome detour from long hours of meditation. I used to listen to discourses in English as I found it hard to follow the ones in Hindi. Goenka Ji’s discourses are always focused on having realization through direct experience and not at intellectual level.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7308dcee-db68-2259-c713-6560a272f360"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the first three days of the course</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, I had zillion thoughts buzzing through my head refusing to go, but the best thing was to watch your thoughts come and go and concentrate on your breath. Around 10-12 hours of meditation happens each day and at times, it becomes very hard to sit in the same posture for extended periods of time. Each minute feels like an hour. Chairs and backrests are provided for people who need them. Personally, I wanted to run away and leave the course on the third day as the long hours of meditation seem to never end and the endless thoughts frustrate you. In hindsight, I’m glad that I endeavored to persevere and successfully finished the course. Around 6-7 female students left the course midway. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On day 4, I started reading the labels on my shampoo bottles and collecting pebbles. I had read instructions and details outside meditation hall a million times. My mind begged for intellectual stimulation. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From fourth day onwards, one is taught Vipassana meditation, in which one experiences and observes bodily sensations, both good and bad and merely observes them without having aversion or craving. It focuses on maintaining an equanimous state of mind and observing life unfold as a detached self. It puts great emphasis on having an inner discourse devoid of rituals and mantras. It talks about having deep compassion for all beings and understanding the nature of misery, which is attachment. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anicca </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or impermanence means that everything shall pass and nothing remains forever. By watching our gross and subtle sensations come and go, we delve deeper into the phenomenon of anicca and can incorporate it in our daily lives. During long hours of meditation, my whole life flashed in front of me. I relived all moments of anger, tears, frustration, loss, happiness, hidden fears, aspirations, and dreams. And yet as I finished my course, I found this deep sense of calmness, that indescribable happiness, that quiet mind and overflowing joy and abundance. Vipassana starts with observing sensations in each body part and as you progress, you do multiple body scans and observe different sensations as detached self with equanimous state of mind.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdrBMm5TO10/WlTKnwge4uI/AAAAAAAC8Io/KFAdjL9MjGU9Dasa2b2kaKtCJ64thaCXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20171101_101840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1213" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdrBMm5TO10/WlTKnwge4uI/AAAAAAAC8Io/KFAdjL9MjGU9Dasa2b2kaKtCJ64thaCXQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20171101_101840.jpg" width="242" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Day 11 : Metta day</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7308dcee-db68-73e5-28d6-5c18abb52c9f"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is last day of meditation and the day to meet and greet. Morning meditation happens as usual followed by Metta meditation from 9-10.15 am and after that the noble silence ends. Joyful faces are all around, chatting and sharing their experiences. We got all our stuff back except for mobile phones which we received at 4 pm. I was ecstatic to get back my diary and write about my experiences. One can make voluntary donation of whatever amount one wants or feels. Then special lunch is served followed by meditation and metta chanting “sabka mangal ho”, a prayer for wellness of all beings. At the end of meditation, I was all in tears and left the place with more compassion, awareness and peace, realizing that bitterness towards people, situations would only make me bitter and embracing life without judgement will help me grow as a person. We all chatted till late night and we were full of contentment our faces were brimming with the radiance of inner joy. I slept with sheer joy and gratitude.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fellow meditators</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />On morning of </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">day 12, </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">I left to face the real world and seeing my husband waiting at gate smiling made me realize how his absence made me aware of his everlasting presence. Because without his support and encouragement, I would have pushed it to some other year. We sat on a bench in solitude and I shared my experiences with him after which we went to our favourite cafe in Mcleod Ganj to savour some hot tea and homemade bread.</span> </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are slaves of our mind and like a computer program, our reactions are preset.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vipassana taught me to observe as detached self and with equanimous state and then how so ever will I react will not be an unconscious predetermined response. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happiness is not outside. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is no end to craving and the real journey is within. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Helped me in quieting my inner turbulence and anger.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No one else could do it for me. I had to make efforts. Not to forget the body aches and numbness. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This too shall pass, the bad and the good.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enjoy every moment in the fact that it is ephemeral. Love without attachments and clinging.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could sit through traffic and honking without excessive cursing. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take what works for you.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>What did not work for me</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is no emphasis on posture or breathing.</span></li>
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<li>We are asked to stop taking all non prescription medicine and stop any previous spiritual practices during the course.</li>
<li>I felt drowsy, bored and lethargic due to long hours of meditation.</li>
<li>The course did not include any physical yoga.</li>
<li>Not allowing assimilation of other practices, rituals or mantras.</li>
<li>Teachers are not equipped enough to clear doubts.</li>
<li>After sometime, lectures become tedious and repetitive with over emphasis on the fact that Vipassana is the best technique. </li>
<li>Ending of course was too abrupt. Not a word from teacher on course completion. Only relying on Goenka’s lectures.</li>
<li>Not exactly non-sectarian as claimed during the course. There is a lot of Buddhist influence in techniques. </li>
<li>I didn't like complete segregation of men and women.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Leaving the Centre after completing course</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Before leaving the centre</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Love</b></td></tr>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7308dcee-db69-dac1-61cb-078b2e004a85"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After all these days of meditation, I realized that sitting silently and doing nothing is not quite easy as it might seem. I would invest time in adjusting my pillow’s position to make it comfortable. Yet, as mind quietened towards the end, I enjoyed it and no longer waited for it to end. I sobbed, cried and deep catharsis took place inside me during the course and I realized the art of living. It is not easy because for the first time, you come face to face with reality and are witness to bitter truths of your life, which you always evaded.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be well and thanks for reading. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Link: </span><a href="https://www.dhamma.org/en/schedules/schsikhara" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">Himachal Vipassana Centre</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Videos:</span></b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-37075439398017845042017-11-28T20:33:00.003+05:302018-06-28T19:36:26.501+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 10)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="text-align: left;">August 4, 2016 (Day 14) - Rest day at Taklakot</b><br />
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I woke up early in the morning all weary and tired from loose motions since the previous night. I was devoid of energy and medicines were more or less not working. In none of my treks, had I been this sick. I looked at the beautiful morning and found strength in sunshine. After having covered so many miles from Dharchula, I wasn't going to give up at this stage. I had barely eaten anything apart from bananas and ORS. Being a doctor myself, I was able to judge my condition, but despite that the fighter in me did not want to give up. A lot of fellow Yatris also came forward to motivate me. I was crying in a corner thinking about my father and asking him to give me courage to complete the yatra on foot, which would be a homage to him. Perhaps it was destined for me to go through this suffering as part of a cleansing process before proceeding further towards the sacred land of Kailash. I called my husband and my mother who all encouraged and prayed for me. My situation did not improve the entire day, however, by night time my loose motions were contained and I felt better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>First view of South face of Mount Kailash from Darchen after clouds cleared</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hotel at Darchen</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Streets of Darchen</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Moment at Rakshastaal</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beautiful landscape</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>As we waited for darshan of Mount Kailash</b></td></tr>
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You need to pay China Visa fees on this day, which was USD $901 for us. Different committees like food, luggage, medical, bhajan were formed. I obviously was in the medical committee. Little did I know, I would be treating case of HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) in coming days of Kailash Parikrama.<br />
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Everyone suggested that I take a pony for my Kailash parikrama but I was adamant to go on foot, so I refused. I slept with a prayer on my lips and harnessing my inner Chi in order to complete my Kailash parikrama on foot.<br />
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<b>Tips:</b><br />
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<li>Do not drink the local water and buy Bottled water instead. I had loose motions after drinking the local water. </li>
<li>Keep your torch and headlamp handy.</li>
<li>Carry light baggage because after crossing Lipulekh pass, you need to carry your luggage until you board the bus to Taklakot.</li>
<li>Always keep your medicine bag with you preferably on pony of liaison officer. </li>
<li>As China time is 2.30 hrs ahead of IST, you may want to adjust your watch.</li>
<li>Drink adequate water and do not take AMS lightly.</li>
<li>There is patchy WiFi available at Taklakot, so you may call your friends and family using WhatsApp or other services. </li>
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<b style="text-align: left;">August 5, 2016 (Day 15) - Taklakot to Darchen via Rakshastaal and Lake Manasarovar</b><br />
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Got up at 5am in the morning and thankfully had no loose motions at night. I awoke feeling weak and exhausted as we were already at the altitude of around 13500 ft. Had 2 bananas for breakfast and someone came and put bhasm (holy ash) on my forehead. At that moment, I knew that divine masters were with me and I would be able to complete my Kailash parikrama on foot. We all sang the Om Managalam bhajan and left in bus at 10.30 am CST (China time) and reached Darchen at 1.30 pm. In bus, I was all exhausted and had little energy to even take out my camera. Darchen is at the altitude of around 15000 ft. It started to rain midway and upon reaching Darchen it felt as if rain gods would never leave us. The landscape was breathtakingly beautiful, dry, barren and enthralling. The cloud patterns, azure blue sky, wild horses and expansive landscapes. At that point, you really wish that time would stand still so you could continue gazing. Enrote I saw Rakshastaal and I was spellbound. It was huge and had little islands in between in hue of vibrant blue. We stopped here for 20 mins. It was bright and sunny as we roamed around.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>First View of Rakshastaal from Bus</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><b>Rakshastaal </b>means "lake of the demon". It is also known as Ravana Tal, as it is considered to be the place of severe penance by Ravana. In Buddhism, Lake Manasarovar, which is round like the sun, and Rakshastal, shaped as a crescent, are respectively regarded as "brightness" and "darkness". There are four islands in Rakshastal, named Topserma (Dose), Dola (the two biggest), Lachato (Nadzhado), and Dosharba. The islands are used by local people as winter pastures for their yaks. Rakshastaal covers a total area of 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi), at an altitude of 4,575 metres (15,010 ft).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rakshastaal</b></td></tr>
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Our next stop was Lake Manasarovar. My first glance at Manasarovar transported me to another world and all my illness vanished after washing my face with the holy water. Suddenly the weather deteriorated and our buses took us back to Darchen. We would later spend 2 nights on banks of Mansarovar at Qugu after completing our Kailash parikrama. Finally, we reached Darchen and my room mate was Vaijyanti Aunty. The south face of Mount Kailash is visible from Darchen, but due to cloudy conditions, we couldn't have that glimpse upon reaching. Soon clouds gave way to clear skies and we had our first darshan of the south face of Mount Kailash. That moment can not be described in words, but only experienced.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>First view of Lake Mansarovar</b><br />
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Later in the day, there were arguments and more arguments between guides, yatris and our liaison officer. Our guide was extremely rude and he was forcing that the kitchen staff be taken as porters for the parikrama. All your luggage stays at Darchen until parikrama is finished and you are only allowed to take luggage up to 6 kgs with you. Porters would refuse to carry any excess baggage. Hence, I had to leave my tripod behind at Darchen. We had to pay our guide to pay our porters. Since my bag exceeded 6 kgs, I carried camera and some other supplies with myself and gave some rest to my porter. Tomorrow, our Kailash Parikrama would start and I hope my preparation and determination would carry me forward and help me complete it. </div>
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<b>Tips:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Never take kitchen staff as your porter even if they speak Hindi because they will abandon you mid-way and move on to reach the campsite towards end to cook food, which would leave you without your luggage and supplies towards the end.</li>
<li>Most of the porters assigned are Tibetan who speak neither Hindi or English, so most of the communication is done in sign language. Make sure your luggage does not exceed 6-7 kgs at the most and tell them to walk with you.</li>
<li>Take plastic bottles to carry Manasarovar jal and take M-Seal and tape/adhesive with you to secure the bottle cap.</li>
<li>Female porters are more kind and considerate and would walk along with you.Dont forget to tip your porters adequately as they help you in such adverse conditions.</li>
<li>For your parikrama lasting 3 days, do not forget to carry energy bars, medicines, warm clothes, rain gear in your day pack.</li>
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<b>Next part of blog will be about Kailash Parikrama.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">To be continued..</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/08/navidhang-taklakot-lipulekhpass.html" target="_blank">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</a></span></b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: normal;"><i style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;"><b style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2018/06/kailash-parikrama-kora.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b></i></b></i></div>
Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-39411411554292953982017-08-19T17:17:00.001+05:302018-06-28T19:35:43.904+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 9)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="text-align: left;">August 3, 2016 (Day 12) - <b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Navidhang </span></b>to Taklakot via Lipulekh Pass</b><br />
<b style="text-align: left;">(around 13 kms trek+15 kms by bus)</b><br />
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I got up at 12.30 am and by 2 am we were all supposed to move towards Lipulekh pass. Those who were going on foot had to leave earlier. I had cornflakes and started moving. ITBP staff accompanies till Lipulekh pass. Most of the people were on ponies excluding me and four others. It was extremely cold and windy. I dressed adequately, put on my headlamp over my Ladakhi cap and started walking with my porter in total darkness. Trekking in darkness is focused till where light goes. You see no path, no mountains. It surely was a different perspective. Soon people who were on ponies overtook me and I was only chanting Shiva's name and moving on. It was extremely cold and as we moved ahead, it started snowing followed by a blizzard. Those who were on ponies halted at a shelter but those walking had to continue as one had to reach Lipulekh pass by 7 am where Chinese army checks passport as we cross over to Tibet. So I had no option but to keep moving. Chinese Standard Time is 2.30 hrs ahead of Indian standard time and so we had to start early to reach by 7 am IST.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>On way to Lipulekh Pass</b></td></tr>
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As we continued going up, snow flakes and breathlessness made me halt after some time. But slowly and steadily I kept moving. Bad weather only compounded a tough day. In retrospect, I can say that reaching Lipulekh Pass is the toughest day if you are on foot and especially if compounded by bad weather. Lipulekh pass is a high altitude pass at elevation of around 16,700 ft. Soon, darkness gave way to light and still I had an hour long journey to cover to reach Lipulekh pass. If all this was not enough, one lady from our batch developed severe hypothermia and her saturation dropped. Oxygen, which ITBP was carrying was given. She had already been taking the medicine, Diamox. It was really challenging to tend to another yatri when you yourself are struggling, but lord Shiva gave me courage. I foolishly gave my gloves also to her in addition to her own gloves and I cannot explain how cold seeped into my body. But I kept walking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Just before reaching Lipulekh Pass</b></td></tr>
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Soon she felt better and was put on pony again to cross over to Lipulekh Pass. The biggest mistake our liaison officer did was to put medicine bag in common luggage in spite of telling him not to do so. What is the use of that if we cannot use it in times of emergency. Our liaison officer was rude and uncooperative on many occasions. My clothes were wet and I was tired and hungry. I crossed Lipulekh pass by 7 am to the other side. As weather was tumultuous, our passports were not checked there and we were asked to descend quickly. At this moment, you have to bid adieu to your Indian porter and cross over to Tibet on your own while carrying your backpack till the bus or car, which can be around 3-4 kms until you board and proceed to Taklakot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>At Hotel Pulan at Taklakot</b></td></tr>
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Finally you start the journey into the land of Gods. I felt sorry for my porter who had traveled innumerable times till Lipulekh Pass but didn't have money to visit Kailash. So near yet so far..<br />
Since I was the last to reach as I was attending a medical emergency, I had to walk only 1 km and was dumped in the back of a car. I was literally shivering and Rishabh gave me chocolates and helped me. I realized it was foolish of me to give my gloves as my fingers were all blue. And then you are in alien land and you see your country just across the mountain and promising to come back soon. As soon as car started moving, majestic snow clad mountains came in view and it was hard to take our eyes off them. Soon bad weather gave way to clear skies and bright Sun came out, which was a boon. After covering a certain distance, our passport was checked and we were taken to Chinese quarantine checking center. Our baggage was screened and passports were collected. Some people were asked to open their bags. After sometime, we reached Pulan hotel at Taklakot. We all were starving. Photography is restricted in Taklakot. We had a basic room. I had a bath and lunch afterward. Later on, I just roamed around in Taklakot. Food committee of our batch had to reassess rations and make purchases. Since I was in medical committee, I had to be present in case of any medical emergency.<br />
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The good thing is that there is WiFi and we were able to connect and share photos with family and friends. The sun does not set here until 10pm. Our guide on Tibet side was Mr Guru who was extremely annoying and rude. He wouldn't listen to anything without shouting. Chinese visa fees was collected and next day, the money for porter/pony was to be given.<br />
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<b>Problems with Yatra:</b><br />
If you think everything will be pleasant and exciting in your yatra, here is my personal experience that proves otherwise. People argue too much with constant bickering over food, simple things, etc. In the evening when I used to return back to my room, all I would hear was people speaking in their regional language and discussing mundane things such as vegetable rates. I found this quite offsetting. Another instance happened when one of the yatris had a narrow escape and most of the people were quick to pass judgment that he had come with a desire to trek and was not devoted to the yatra, hence the mishap. I found this bizarre. The key is to maintain your equanimous state of mind. Having said that, there were some great people who helped me at every step and especially when I fell sick at Taklakot. I will continue that incident in the next part...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>From my hotel window at Taklakot. Still bright at 9 pm!</b></td></tr>
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<b>Tips:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Keep your torch and headlamp handy.</li>
<li>Carry light baggage because after crossing Lipulekh pass, you need to carry your luggage until you board the bus to Taklakot.</li>
<li>Be helpful and cooperative with each other and motivate each other as it's the toughest day of the yatra.</li>
<li>Always carry adequate chocolates, candy and dry fruit because you won't get any food until you reach Taklakot in evening.</li>
<li>Always keep your medicine bag with you preferably on pony of liaison officer. </li>
<li>As China time is 2.30 hrs ahead of IST, you may want to adjust your watch.</li>
<li>drink adequate water and donot take AMS lightly.</li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b><i>To be continued..</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/07/budhi-ganji-kalapani-omparvat.html" target="_blank">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/11/lake-manasarovar-rakshastaal.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b></div>
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-7685154538729767742017-07-11T10:05:00.000+05:302018-06-28T19:35:22.734+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 8)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">July 31, 2016 (Day 9) - Budhi to Gunji (17-18 kms)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I started at 5.30 am from Budhi and reached Chialekh at 8 am after a very stiff climb in rain. In Chialekh we had breakfast and our passports were checked there. Chialekh was all engulfed in fog and we missed seeing Mount Annapurna and beautiful flowers around. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Chialekh</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From Chialekh we had to pass through muddy way all the way to the sinking village of Garbiyang, which had quaint houses having carved doors and newel posts. En-route you can see the confluence of Kali and Tinker rivers with Tinker river hurling into Nepal. We waited for Army load carrier which was supposed to ferry us to Gunji but we had to wait 2 and half hours for one yatri. The route to Adi Kailash yatra is common until Gunji. The pilgrims for Adi Kailash take turn toward Jollingkong. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lunch at Sitti</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Garbiyang</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Does anyone know which plant this is from which Chutney is made</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Gunji</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The road from Garbiyang to Gunji is 12 kms but trek route is around 7-8 kms. Finally after a bumpy ride and being stuffed like cattle, we reached Gunji at 12.30 pm. En-route we had lunch and lip smacking chutney at the village, Sitti. I forgot name of local leaves it is made from. By afternoon we reached Gunji and were received by ITBP officials. Hot tea and halwa was served on arrival. We cleaned our mud soaked clothes and shoes and finally got our luggage. Removed my tripod and tried some long exposure photography. There is an ITBP post at Gunji. Evening was studded with bhajans and friendly banter with Rishabh and Chandrakanth. Tomorrow would be a halt at Gunji and medical tests would be conducted. Those unable to clear it won't be allowed to proceed further. Everyone was tensed. I guess Rishabh and I were quite relaxed. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Xt6Y48lXwU/WWRIiU-dfHI/AAAAAAAAw-c/AXJyvx7fJnQzvMrCsQkYohNrvpmm7JfugCLcBGAs/s1600/_DSC4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Xt6Y48lXwU/WWRIiU-dfHI/AAAAAAAAw-c/AXJyvx7fJnQzvMrCsQkYohNrvpmm7JfugCLcBGAs/s400/_DSC4863.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Gunji</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Bhajans at Gunji</b> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Food being prepared at Gunji</span></b></td></tr>
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<b>Prakash (our guide) reciting a poem</b></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aug 1, 2016 (Day 10 - Halt day at Gunji)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today was a halt day at Gunji. ITBP medical team conducted medical tests for all yatris and those unable to clear would not be allowed to carry on with the yatra. Got up early in the morning, had bath and did Yoga. It's a foggy day. Hope weather clears tomorrow so that we are able to see Om Parvat at Navidhang. Personally, I was not worried about medical tests and was allaying the anxiety of others by cheering them up. One female yatri from our batch could not proceed further as her Blood Pressure was in excess of 200 mmhg systolic. ITBP staff is extremely helpful. Tomorrow we shall leave from Gunji to Navidhang. Few ITBP personnel accompanied us until Lipulekh pass. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Liaison Officer getting medical tests done</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNX6CnENcak/WWRIng1TdyI/AAAAAAAAw_Q/boJq3tt88k4_SG3DhT-8VU2Jj9HdLvj9wCLcBGAs/s1600/_DSC4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNX6CnENcak/WWRIng1TdyI/AAAAAAAAw_Q/boJq3tt88k4_SG3DhT-8VU2Jj9HdLvj9wCLcBGAs/s400/_DSC4959.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Planting trees at Gunji</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tips:</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can get pony at Gunji if you haven't taken one already. Four people in our batch opted for Pony at Gunji</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't be anxious about medical tests. Do some meditation or Yoga in the morning. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Continue with your antihypertensive medication if already on one. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your health is paramount. You can always come back for Yatra.</span></li>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aug 2, 2016 (Day 11) Gunji To Navidhang (19-20 kms)</span></b><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started from Gunji at 5.45 am amidst rains and reached Kalapani by 8 am. En-route I saw Vyas Gufa. Kalapani is a mesmerizing place and is said to be the origin of river, Kali. I had breakfast of sumptuous Aloo Parathas and sang bhajans. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Breakfast at Kalapani</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At Kalapani you have to get your passport checked and stamped and must get it done on your way back as well. After that is a gradual uphill climb until Navidhang. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFYmPG7KvfM/WWRHLy9vnCI/AAAAAAAAw9s/mfuKwXDchs8fcHpzlgXHFxbUmjzYeND0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20160802_091625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="449" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eFYmPG7KvfM/WWRHLy9vnCI/AAAAAAAAw9s/mfuKwXDchs8fcHpzlgXHFxbUmjzYeND0ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20160802_091625.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I reached Navidhang at 12.30 pm. It's from the camp at Navidhang, yatris can view Om Parvat, which has pattern of snow, which resembles a naturally formed Om. Since it was a cloudy day, I could not see Om Parvat. Navidhang was extremely cold and windy. I woke up at night hoping that clouds might have cleared and I would get darshan of Om Parvat, but I was not fortunate. Tomorrow we cross over from Navidhang to Tibet via Lipulekh pass at night. Slept early for a tough day ahead. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Way to Kalapani</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5mQS5OMwBg/WWRHKLgNphI/AAAAAAAAw9c/uRnfUHy0SqolItANWhq0CMx6ObTcmPAcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20160802_054718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5mQS5OMwBg/WWRHKLgNphI/AAAAAAAAw9c/uRnfUHy0SqolItANWhq0CMx6ObTcmPAcACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20160802_054718.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">from Gunji to Navidhang</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wTlxgfcPb4/WWRHLLY-OTI/AAAAAAAAw9k/IboFFYSiezQeymBotkF74gRvvme0ibabACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20160802_080909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="799" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0wTlxgfcPb4/WWRHLLY-OTI/AAAAAAAAw9k/IboFFYSiezQeymBotkF74gRvvme0ibabACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20160802_080909.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Kalapani</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Vyas Gufa</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Om Parvat hidden amidst clouds</b><b><br /></b></span></td></tr>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget to get your passport stamped at Kalapani on your journey to and fro.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since Navidhang is extremely cold and windy, don't forget to cover your head and wear adequate woolens. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep your passport and currency, etc in your money belt. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since tomorrow is a long day and you will get food really late in the day, do keep some biscuits or dry fruit with you. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b><i>To be continued..</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/04/kali-river-malpatragedy.html" target="_blank">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/08/navidhang-taklakot-lipulekhpass.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b></div>
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-26121435130341366822017-04-30T20:32:00.000+05:302018-06-28T19:34:58.345+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 7)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="text-align: left;">July 30, 2016 (Day 8) - Gala to Budhi (around 20-22 kms)</b></div>
<b><br /></b>I got up in the morning and after having bournvita milk started my day at 5.30 am. I reached campsite by 3 pm. It takes 10 to 12 hours to reach Budhi from Gala. Last person from our batch reached by 5.30 pm. It was drizzling and I had my breakfast at 8 am. It is one of the longest days and also most beautiful. After starting from Gala, after 2 kms, one has to descend 4444 steps till the base of ferocious river Kali. Going down 4444 steps and narrow patches around river Kali has to be done on foot by all yatris.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Descending 4,444 steps</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Along ferocious Kali River</b></td></tr>
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After reaching base of river Kali I reached breakfast point. I had aloo nutree and pooris and ventured ahead with my porter. It was raining like crazy. One has to cross numerous waterfalls whose flow increases in rainy season and thankfully my porter was carrying an umbrella. It is not a bad idea to carry an umbrella during rainy season. Poncho also comes handy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Numerous waterfalls</b><br />
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After breakfast, I reached Malpa. Malpa is a village in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, which is known for the <i>Malpa Tragedy</i> of August 1998 in which massive landslides wiped away the entire village of Malpa in Kali Valley. A total of 221 people died, including 60 pilgrims traveling to Kailash Manasarovar. It is very painful to imagine what those pilgrims and villagers must have gone through on that fateful night. </div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Singing bhajans at Malpa</b></div>
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<b>Lunch at Malpa</b></div>
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<b>Location of Malpa Tragedy</b></div>
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Had lunch at 10 am at Malpa. Rain stopped for a while at Malpa and we all sang bhajans. We kept walking and rain and gorgeous waterfalls along ferocious Kali were our companions. On the other side of river Kali were green mountains of Nepal. There were few landslides on way. Fog,clouds and Sun kept playing peek a boo.</div>
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<b>Mountains will never fail to inspire you and teach you lessons</b></div>
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<b>Tips:</b></div>
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<li>Never run while crossing waterfalls as you might slip.</li>
<li>Never lean on railing side while crossing narrow patch enroute river Kali</li>
<li>An umbrella during rainy season is not a bad idea</li>
<li>Always walk towards mountain side</li>
<li>Whenever ponies cross, stop towards mountain side and let them pass</li>
<li>Those using pony, be careful to get down slowly and hold on the reins tightly. Many people fall and twist ankles, which you must avoid. </li>
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<b>Prakash (Guide)</b></div>
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Next stop was Lamari and we were served tea and snacks by ITBP. KMVN guest house is perched on top and absolutely beautiful. Towards last 2 kms, I had severe shooting pain in my ankle and with grit and determination was able to reach campsite. Budhi campsite was spectacular. Myraid flowers, fog and quaint village. I was finally able to talk with my mother, but couldn't reach my husband and missed him. I hoped that my legs would be better the next day and recovered for another long day.</div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Feeling happy at Budhi campsite</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Stretching after a long trek</b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Budhi village</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Happy go lucky dog</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Beautiful campsite of Budhi</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lost in the beauty of Budhi</b></div>
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<b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/07/budhi-ganji-kalapani-omparvat.html" target="_blank">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/07/budhi-ganji-kalapani-omparvat.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b><br />
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<i>To be continued..</i><br />
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-46323538052666898432017-04-04T22:54:00.001+05:302018-06-28T19:34:01.775+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 6) - Tribute to my Father<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This part of my </span>travelogue<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is about the reason why I undertook this yatra. It is about relationship of a father, the Mountain Goat and his daughter, two kindred spirits...</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Isn't it unfair of God to bereft me of love and warmth of my dad...The brightest star of my constellation has faded away into oblivion..but yet I know little sparks will still fly as I yearn for him...that longing only increases with each passing day..pain hurts but it elevates also..opening horizons to intangible, unseen and indescribable. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Why Kailash yatra.</b>..because I could not find closure, because tears would glide past my face and knowing the </span>inevitable <span style="font-family: inherit;">truth, I found myself abandoned and clueless because my father left us after fighting sickness and disease. I have always known him as a man of indomitable will and courage and when I saw life leaving his body, it made me numb. What made it more painful was that I was a Doctor and a Daughter. And when I would be overwhelmed as daughter, the doctor in me would tell me to hold on. Hospitals are not a great place to be in and when it's your own father swinging between life and death and you're witness to it, it makes you weak. Your colleagues, your friends...no one understands your pain. If you are vulnerable, you're doomed. I was everything I was not supposed to be. And then on April 2, 2015, he left amidst chanting of mantras and recitation of his favorite poem, <b>Invictus</b>, which used to lift my morale whenever I used to feel low</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Under the bludgeonings of chance </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My head is bloody, but unbowed. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am the master of my fate, </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am the captain of my soul. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We both shared love for mountains, books, literature and traversing un-chartered paths. He gave me strength whenever I faltered and he was someone who taught me real meaning of life. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Man who was free as a cloud, limitless as sky and who always taught us do what your heart tells you..</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1b47ebfb-39c6-2de1-dd27-5bbb6cb28dd4"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br /></span>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1b47ebfb-39c6-2de1-dd27-5bbb6cb28dd4"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">People will never understand your quest but as long as you do, nothing else matters. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mountains will have no meaning without you. Who shall guide me in my treks and be exalted as I finish them..</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Way to Mani Mahesh Yatra</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When he left, I could not continue to work in hospital and left it to find answers, some peace and closure. I knew mountains would be the only place where I could meet him, for he resided there. So, whenever I wish that he holds me and talks to me, I head to mountains. He wanted his ashes to be put in Gangbal lake in Kashmir where he used to trek often in his youth. But that wasn't enough. Gnawing pain just wouldn't go. I always wanted to do Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, but never had time. Now time had to wait as this yatra was my final journey to let my father free and allow him to soar in celestial realms and look at my life with renewed zeal and enthusiasm. And trudge on path, he envisioned for me and not care for what world may say and let not failures deter me. As he would say "one fall doesn't make one a fiasco."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1b47ebfb-39c0-68c0-680e-5f71839fece7"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You weren't just a father. You were a force, mountain goat, ardent book lover whose soul was passionate and who gave me </span>strength<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to follow what I wanted. He lived his life as a wanderer who had mountains as his home, books as his friends, and dreams to behold. </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You live in both me and my sister, Dad..and mountains connect us in astral realms beyond the confines of human mind..we shall keep coming back to them to hug you or just hold your hand to guide us...life has become jaded, barren...but you are our eternal spring, the guiding force, our master our guide...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Giving ice axe in my hand, you empowered me.You gave me confidence that I could be anything I wanted to be, you made me fall in love with mountains..</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1b47ebfb-39c5-88cf-cf58-7939025469d1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br /></span>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1b47ebfb-39c5-88cf-cf58-7939025469d1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And when now I have more bones and years on me; I miss you holding my arm and egging me on, I miss you like elusive Yeti whose story you would tell us and how one day we would go in snow covered mountains to search for one..</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1b47ebfb-39c5-88cf-cf58-7939025469d1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You infused my childhood with nature and not gadgets and your absence makes me acutely aware of your everlasting presence.</span></span></span></div>
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<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To be continued..</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/03/dharchula-sirkha-pangu.html" target="_blank">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/04/kali-river-malpatragedy.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b></div>
Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-89133373680975422412017-03-01T23:14:00.001+05:302018-06-28T19:33:00.136+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 5)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>July 28, 2016 (Day 6) - Dharchula to Sirkha via Pangu (around 7-9 kms)</b><br />
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Today I started my journey on foot and trekked from Dharchula to Sirkha, which is about 7-9 kms. Woke at 4 am and it was drizzling outside, little did I know that rain would be my constant companion. Prakash was our guide on Indian side who was very well adept and strict so that we left each day by 5 am. Narinder was my porter who was highly efficient but shy and would rarely talk. Many different people make up the batch but people whom I most connected with were Rishabh (our youngest Kailashi), Chander, Chandrakanth, Kapil, Vaijanti aunty (my room mate), Goel uncle, Anil (Domex was his moniker as he would call Diamox as Domex and that became a joke throughout the yatra) etc. The liaison officer for our batch was Balaji Majumdar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crossing over to Nepal from Dharchula</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of yatra at Pangu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rishabh and me..soul brother :)</td></tr>
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Rain God welcomed us so not sure when we would leave. After breakfast we were told since our luggage would arrive by 11am, we would start our yatra by 12pm as some people had shoes in common luggage. So, I took off my shoes and started penning down my experiences about the yatra. Dharchula is the last town in Uttarakhand and yatra starts from here. We were not able to go via Narayan Ashram due to landslides and would go via Pangu. Crossed over to Nepal via bridge. I hadn't taken any pony and would be doing the entire yatra on foot. It was about finding that inner strength, hidden energy that we never explore and mental ruggedness. So, finally we left at 12pm from Dharchula by jeep and reached by 9pm at Pangu. Met my porter at Pangu.<br />
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Started our trek by 2pm and reached Sirkha by 5pm covering around 6-7 kms. It was cloudy all through the trek and rained towards the end. Mountains were engulfed by blanket of clouds and looked very scenic. All through the path of the yatra, we had children welcoming us with Om Namah Shivay.Reached KMVN guesthouse at Sirkha and were served juice and tea which was welcome after trekking in rain.We were served sumptuous dinner and we retired to bed after singing Bhajans.<br />
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Ujjwala from our batch had a twisted ankle and everyone chipped in to help her. I had been wearing same clothes since 4 days and hoped to get our luggage at Gala. Called my mother and husband and shared my experiences for the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sirkha campsite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My porter Narinder</td></tr>
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Before starting the yatra everyday - all of us would sing Om Managalam bhajan and that would be our anthem throughout the yatra. My another constant companion was my stick, which supported me like an anchor.One can drop extra luggage at Dharchula.<br />
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<b>July 29, 2016 (Day 7) - Sirkha to Gala (around 14 kms)</b><br />
Started at 5.30am and arrived by 12pm. It rained whole day and made path slippery. Got up at 3.30am..bed tea was served at 4am and we left at 5.30am after having Bournvita milk. I was motivated to complete yatra on foot.Enroute we had breakfast of chana and pooris. Last 2 hours it rained heavily but we did not stop. I just kept moving..no pain or breathing problems..just enjoying all vistas, fog and clouds. Got my luggage finally and had a hot shower, changed my clothes and had lunch. We might not get our luggage tomorrow so it's advisable to carry all essentials in backpack you carry. If road is in good condition, jeep goes till Gala.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Vaijanti aunty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clouds and thoughts</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bring some colours...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chai ki chuski</td></tr>
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Tomorrow will be the toughest day from Gala to Buddhi around 22-25 kms.<br />
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<i>To be continued..</i><br />
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<b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/02/kailashyatra-delhi-to-almora-dharchula.html" target="_blank">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/04/kailashyatra-tributetomyfather.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b></div>
Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-77217802591584960082017-02-20T19:54:00.000+05:302018-06-28T19:32:26.751+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 4)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">PART 4</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">July 26, 2016 (Day 4) - Delhi to Almora</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today was the beginning of my Kailash Manasarovar yatra. We left Gujrati samaj at 6 am in Volvo bus and after pooja ceremony, we reached Ghaziabad at around 10 am due to heavy traffic on way. In Ghaziabad, there was breakfast and felicitation of all yatris. We left Ghaziabad in an hour and reached Kathgodam by 6 pm. Lunch and spectacular welcome bhajans by local children mesmerised us all. At Kathgodam, we left the Volvo bus and shifted to a smaller (non AC) bus. We reached Almora by 10 pm and stayed in KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) guest house. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Welcome by ITBP and local artists at Mirthi</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Group Photo</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bhajans at Kathgodam</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">Accommodation was for three people in one room. I stayed with Ujjawala and Vaijyanti who were both from Bombay. On the following day (Jul 27), we traveled from Almora to Dharchula. After a nice dinner, we all retired to our rooms as we had a long day ahead of us. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">July 27, 2016 (Day 5) - Almora to Dharchula</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We got up at 4 am in the morning and after tea, left for Dharchula by 5.30 am. It was a cloudy day with drizzling rain. We had a yummy breakfast of Aloo Parathas and Cucumber raita amidst breeze and clouds at Dhaulchina at 7am. We crossed Berinag by 11 am and reached Didihaat by 1.30 pm for lunch. In addition to tasty lunch, awesome bhaang chutney was served and I couldn’t resist taking another serving. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Almora to Dharchula</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Breakfast at Dhaulchina</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">After Didihaat, our next stop was Mirthi, where we reached around 3 pm to a spectacular welcome by local artists and ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police Force). All of us sang and danced along. A group photograph was taken and snacks were served. We thanked ITBP and left Mirthi by 4 pm and reached Dharchula by 6 pm. We retired to our rooms soonafter. By evening, porters and ponies were allocated. I chose not to take a pony and I did not take a Nigam porter. I took porter referred by someone and he was the best I could get. If you need porter reference, feel free to message me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;">As evening set in, it again started to Drizzle and beautiful clouds adorned the skies. Little did i know that rain would be my constant companion in coming days..</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WiFi is available in Dharchula where we stayed in common lobby area.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">STD Phone is also available at Rs 5 per minute. No mobile carrier works here other than local SIM and sometimes BSNL. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We did not get our luggage and received it directly at Gala. So, be sure to pack essentials in your backpack (toiletries, change of clothes, snacks, flip flops, etc). </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dharchula is the last stop where you can buy small essential items (medicines, raincoat, etc) before the yatra begins.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>To be continued..</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;">IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; white-space: normal;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/02/kailash-manasarovar-yatra-medicaltests.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</span></b></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/03/dharchula-sirkha-pangu.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b></div>
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-4310636600351764872017-02-12T21:53:00.002+05:302018-06-28T19:32:00.961+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass (PART 3)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Part 3</b></span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-7efc6839-3319-cd3a-7ada-07ddf3a878d6" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today was the first day of my Kailash Yatra. For next three days there would be medical tests, briefing by MEA,formation of different Committees and other stuff. There were 48 yatris in my batch, oldest being Gyanaprakasham ji at 69 years and youngest Rishabh at 25 years. Our Liaison Officer was Balaji Majumdar. I also met all my fellow batchmates. Our liaison officer had already formed a whatsapp group beforehand, so it was easy to communicate. There were 6 females in our batch including me. People from diverse backgrounds come for yatra from length and breadth of country. Some people had already done yatra and were ready to help others who needed some information.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>July 23, 2016 (Day 1)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One has to report to DHLI located at </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Panchkuian Road</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on an empty stomach in morning. The nearest metro station is Jhandewalan on blue line. For those who are staying at Gujarati Samaj would have pick and drop facility. Payment for medical tests has to be submitted and a form has to be filled. At another counter chinese visa fees and passport is to be submitted. After completing formalities, medical tests including X-ray, blood tests, TMT (treadmill testing), PFT (Pulmonary function test), etc. are done. The hospital staff is extremely cordial and helpful. On the same day, we met our liaison officer at hospital. I cleared all my tests, however, 4-5 people could not clear their medical tests and thus were not allowed to be part of the yatra.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Never be stressed out about tests, continue with your medication and have faith in the scheme of things. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Garland on my hair :)</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">July 24, 2016 (Day 2)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, results were announced of our medical tests at ITBP hospital (Delhi) and most of the people were anxious whether they would clear the test and be allowed to proceed with the yatra. We bid adieu to people who could not clear their tests and continue, but they only had good wishes for our yatra. There were many lectures during the day including basic life support system (which I could conveniently skip) and different committees were formed. As expected, I was part of the medical committee and bhajan committee. Sang some bhajans and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Om managalam omkar managalam </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">became our yatra anthem. So many enthusiastic people come and distribute supplies needed for yatra. After that we left for home. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Owei0a4bkQY/WKCKVYDlbJI/AAAAAAAAos4/TwreZyepiAQS5zL55txJDwa3f6ZdsVdRwCEw/s1600/IMG_20160725_113457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Owei0a4bkQY/WKCKVYDlbJI/AAAAAAAAos4/TwreZyepiAQS5zL55txJDwa3f6ZdsVdRwCEw/s320/IMG_20160725_113457.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>MEA briefing</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apuKfLZR6go/WKCKboG57gI/AAAAAAAAotA/Ajoa4AbwqCwVU4ipSQa3pbwt3l5VT5AQgCEw/s1600/IMG_20160725_113735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apuKfLZR6go/WKCKboG57gI/AAAAAAAAotA/Ajoa4AbwqCwVU4ipSQa3pbwt3l5VT5AQgCEw/s320/IMG_20160725_113735.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>With fellow yatris</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">July 25, 2016 (Day 3)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today there was MEA briefing. Indemnity bond and other documents are to be submitted today. DIG (ITBP), who has climbed Everest twice gave some lectures. So, tomorrow would be the beginning of my yatra. For people living in Delhi - they can either stay at Gujrati samaj or come directly to Gujrati samaj by 4-5am. I stayed at the AC dormitory (co-ed) at Gujrati samaj that night and it was adorned with Bhajans and Rs 4,000 were given to each participant. Ram Kidambi who was a fellow yatri said that real yatra is starting this very moment..so enjoy every moment and even what bothers you would stop being bothersome anymore. Rs 35000 subsidy is given by Delhi government to residents of Delhi before beginning of Yatra. Some other states also give subsidy for the yatra, so it’s best to check with authorities. One thing I was sure of that I would not take a pony and do the entire yatra on foot. It was my way of reaching out to my father. Before leaving home for Gujarati samaj, Gautam and I said goodbye and he wished me best of luck for the yatra. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This yatra would have been incomplete without blessings of my master, Yogiraj Swami Amar Jyoti, my dear-most father, mother, my soulmate Gautam, sister and other well wishers. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To be continued..</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHr2avftrDc/WKCL3c8PtRI/AAAAAAAAotU/KQoc8up1ii0KaooV4tKJxMFIa0CFLm8VgCLcB/s1600/_DSC5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHr2avftrDc/WKCL3c8PtRI/AAAAAAAAotU/KQoc8up1ii0KaooV4tKJxMFIa0CFLm8VgCLcB/s320/_DSC5305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>At Charan Sparsh, North face of Kailash</b></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; white-space: normal;">IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><br /></b></span></span>
<a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/02/kailash-manasarovar-yatra-eligibility-preparation.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</span></b></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/02/kailashyatra-delhi-to-almora-dharchula.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b></div>
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-29944623551984965522017-02-07T21:49:00.003+05:302018-06-28T19:31:33.242+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2016 via Lipulekh Pass - PART 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSTKtt95bLI/WJnxR4ZsdHI/AAAAAAAAon4/Ipp1cYUipREI1MC4pIQVXtTk59aIzcKGACPcB/s1600/bags22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSTKtt95bLI/WJnxR4ZsdHI/AAAAAAAAon4/Ipp1cYUipREI1MC4pIQVXtTk59aIzcKGACPcB/s320/bags22.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<b>Continuing my Kailash Manasarovar Yatra..In this section, I will share some general information regarding the Yatra, eligibility, how & what to pack, etc. Never put your medicine bag along with the common luggage. Always keep it with you.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Eligibility criteria:</b><br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Must be citizen of India.</li>
<li>Possess an Indian passport valid for minimum 6 months as on 1st September of the current year.</li>
<li>Age should be minimum 18 and maximum 70 years as on 01 January of the current year.</li>
<li>Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less. Although it is not a strictly enforced parameter, but you need to be in good physical condition.</li>
<li>Physically fit and medically healthy for undertaking the Yatra for religious purpose.</li>
<li>Foreign nationals are not eligible to apply; OCI card holders are, thus, not eligible.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Applicants may carefully note the following conditions before applying for the Yatra.<br />
<br />
<b>Selection process:</b><br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Draw of lots: Yatris will be selected and assigned to different routes and batches by the Ministry of External Affairs through a fair computer-generated, random, gender-balanced selection process. At the application stage, a group of four persons may give the option to travel together in the same batch. Efforts will be made to accommodate such requests as far as possible, subject to eligibility conditions of each applicant. Application should be completed on-line for each applicant.</li>
<li>Intimation: Selected applicants would be informed through automated messages to their registered email id/mobile number after the computerized draw of lots. Status updates may also be accessed through IVRS helpline 011-24300655</li>
<li>A route and batch once allocated to a Yatri through the computerized process will normally not be changed. Yatris may register on-line for change of batch to be considered on first come basis, subject to availability in a preferred batch or route. This option can be used only once. Selected and confirmed applicants would be given preference.</li>
<li>After the computerized draw of lots, each selected applicant will be required to confirm participation by crediting the non-refundable Confirmation Amount detailed in 'Fees and Expenditure for Yatris' into designated bank account of (KMVN) or, the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) before the cut-off date.</li>
<li>If payment is not received by KMVN / STDC by the cut-off date, such Yatri will be automatically removed from the selected list to wait list for the batch, and request from other Yatris would be considered.</li>
<li>Yatris confirmed in a batch may be required to re-confirm their participation in the batch before their arrival in Delhi for the Yatra. The reconfirmation has to be done online at the website. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of their name from the list for the batch.</li>
<li>Confirmed Yatri must report on the scheduled date & time at Delhi Heart & Lung Institute (DHLI) according to the itinerary for the batch.</li>
<li>Important Documents Selected and confirmed Yatris must ensure to bring following documents with them when they arrive in New Delhi for the Yatra.</li>
<ol>
<li>Ordinary Indian passport,valid for at least six months as on 01 September of the current year.</li>
<li>Photograph - color, passport size (6 copies).</li>
<li>Indemnity Bond executed on a non-judicial stamp paper of Rs.100, or as applicable locally, and authenticated by a First Class Magistrate, or Notary Public.</li>
<li>Undertaking for evacuation by helicopter in case of emergency.</li>
<li>Consent Form for cremation of mortal remains on Chinese side in case of death there.</li>
</ol>
</ol>
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<li><b>Packing Tips:</b> In addition to what’s mentioned in the brochure, I would suggest the following:</li>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><ol>
<li>If you’re going on Yatra during Monsoon season, it’s not a bad idea to carry an umbrella.</li>
<li>Common luggage should be properly packed in polythene sheets because of waterfalls and possible rain that your luggage will be exposed to.</li>
<li>A good quality belt pouch to carry passport (original and photocopy), emergency telephone numbers, medical reports, currency, IDs and important documents. Each should be kept in a separate ziplock.</li>
<li>Carry at least 2 permanent markers to mark your bags for identification. </li>
<li>If you’re staying at Gujrat Samaj (Delhi), big fertilizer bags will be given for sealing your bags (no need to worry about bringing your own).</li>
<li>A string to secure your sunglasses</li>
<li>An extra nylon rope</li>
<li>Backpack that your porter will be carrying (in case off-loaded) should contain some eatables, water, sunscreen, toiletries, hat, wet-wipes, poncho, essential medicines, flashlight, camera, etc and one extra set of spare clothes because sometimes you won’t get to see your luggage at day-end. </li>
<li>Extra luggage can be deposited at Dharchula and Navidhang.</li>
<li>Don’t forget M-Seal to secure your bottles (to carry Manasarovar water).</li>
<li><b>Medicines</b>: In addition to brochure mentioned medicines, consider carrying:</li>
<ol>
<li>Dexona tablets/injection (useful in cases of cerebral edema)</li>
<li>Diamox</li>
<li>ORS</li>
<li>Broad spectrum antibiotic</li>
<li>Ankle and knee support bandages</li>
<li>Vicks</li>
<li>Crepe bandage</li>
<li>Nifedipine (useful in cases of Pulmonary edema, take only when advised by a Doctor)<br /><b><span style="color: blue;">Always carry your medicine bag with you and do not pack it with common luggage. </span></b></li>
</ol>
</ol>
</ol>
<div>
<div>
<b>Currency Exchange</b>: I used UrbanClap to find locally based agents who will home deliver required currency at good rates, which are more convenient and provide better rates than brand names like Thomas Cook etc.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pDpClwhF6s/WJnwitVlL2I/AAAAAAAAonw/QgyB5pVNy2oxhbhRAI6VVH9INWQs4OkiwCPcB/s320/bagss.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This is how bag looks after packing</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pDpClwhF6s/WJnwitVlL2I/AAAAAAAAonw/QgyB5pVNy2oxhbhRAI6VVH9INWQs4OkiwCPcB/s1600/bagss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a></div>
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<i>To be continued..</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/02/kailash-manasarovar-yatra-2016-beginning.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to read previous part of Yatra</span></b></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/02/kailash-manasarovar-yatra-medicaltests.html" target="_blank">Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-7474583527056938652017-02-06T21:32:00.003+05:302018-06-28T19:29:44.856+05:30Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2016 via Lipulekh Pass - The Beginning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">PART 1</span></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a travelogue about my Experience and Information on Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, which I took through Government of India (organized by <span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://kmy.gov.in/kmy/noticeboard.do?lang=en_US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-decoration: none; white-space: normal;">MEA</a>)</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>via Lipulekh Pass route. KMY is organized by </span><a href="http://kmy.gov.in/kmy/noticeboard.do?lang=en_US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MEA</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> between June to September with max of 60 pilgrims per batch. Pilgrims wishing to undertake this Yatra must hold a valid Indian passport and be between the age of 18-70 and medically fit. Another government approved route is through Nathula pass (starts from Sikkim). Few private operators also offer customized packages through Nepal route.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b> <br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The idea of this blog is to acquaint people who wish to undertake the Yatra in future with relevant information, which is not adequately available on the web. And also to share my journey to the realm of Shiva and experiences I had. The purpose of my journal is to share my experiences and more importantly information that is not available online.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY PRE-REQUISITE:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make sure your passport has at least <b>6 months </b>term left from the day of your travel else you will not be able to apply. Here's how to determine this: take the <b>end date</b> of the last batch (sometime in September, but see the exact date on <a href="http://kmy.gov.in/kmy/noticeboard.do?lang=en_US">KMY website</a> and then add 6 months to it. If your passport expires before that, you must renew your passport to be eligible to apply. </span></span></div>
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</b> <br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">May 5, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I received a mail and SMS about my confirmation of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for which one has to register through their website (</span><a href="http://kmy.gov.in/kmy/noticeboard.do?lang=en_US" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KMY.gov.in</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). I was allotted batch #12 and days of my yatra were July 23 - Aug 16. I was a solo traveler on Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and all other co-travelers were unknown to me back then. This yatra was a homage to my father who was a mountain goat and would tell us that mountains are the best place to seek God’s attention. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Journey to Kailash Manasarovar was to find that inner silence, inner quietude, the mandala. I had to deposit Rs 5000 by May 13th to confirm my attendance for the yatra. Afterwards, I received a confirmation in a few days. The journey for a solo traveler would unfold in days to come..</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Physical preparation for the Yatra</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since this yatra is long and arduous and covers more than 250 kms, one needs to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually fit. Especially if you wish to take this journey on foot without hiring a pony. My preparation started with cycling 20-30 kms a day alternating with 8kms walk, yoga and trekking in between. Immensely helpful was my uncle, Mr Rajinder Raina who already has done Kailash Manasarovar Yatra around 18 times. His valuable guidance really helped me in planning my yatra.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are a couch potato with poor physical fitness, it’s imperative that you build your stamina. Even if you plan to take pony, it’s critical to be fit and be ready to trek through regions where ponies can’t go. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medical tips</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since I’m a Doctor, there are a few things, which I would like to bring to your notice. Never underestimate mountains and altitude. In my batch, we had multiple cases of high altitude, cerebral edema and pulmonary edema, who were managed by grace of Shiva. So, let’s look at certain pointers before you undertake the yatra:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stop smoking by all means. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Start walking each day and consider Yoga and pranayama. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Continue taking your anti hypertensive medicine (if taking currently). Do not stop on day of your medical tests as it will lead to very high blood pressure during the test, which will be aggravated by stress of not getting selected. Take your medicine very early morning with a sip of water.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re diabetic, do not forget to bring your glucometer with you to monitor your blood sugar levels. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s advisable to get knee caps and ankle support. You might need them in case you inadvertently twist your ankle during long hikes through the extremely rugged Himalayan regions. One lady in our batch twisted her ankle, but with her grit and determination and ankle support, she completed her Yatra successfully.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For people older than 50 yrs of age, it’s advisable to carry calcium and multivitamin supplements. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s personal choice to get tetanus vaccination done prior to yatra If you have not had vaccination done in more than six months. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Always make others in your batch aware of your allergies and any medical condition you have.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Never taken acute mountain sickness lightly. Keep yourself hydrated with proper intake of water and never ignore even slightest symptoms of AMS, which include headache, nausea, etc</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wrap your toe fingers and friction points in your feet with Doctor’s tape. You will thank me for this as it will help you minimize blisters. Additionally use, medicated dusting powder.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get a good sunscreen of SPF 50 or above, lipbalm and good quality sunglasses.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consider taking medical insurance through </span><a href="https://www.insubuy.com/kailash-mansarovar-yatra-travel-insurance/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Insubuy</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which is the only company globally that offers this service. Normal insurance carriers do not offer insurance for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't forget to carry medicines as mentioned in the brochure and always keep medical bag handy.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep warm as the weather can deteriorate anytime and hypothermia can set in, as happened with one of my fellow yatris during our trek from Navidhang to Lipulekh pass. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t be taxed about medical tests at Gunji. Stress increases blood pressure. Have faith in scheme of things. Hope you find these tip useful.</span></div>
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<i>To be continued..</i></div>
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<b>IMPORTANT ADVICE:</b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">We should be blessed that we are chosen for this yatra and it is our responsibility to not litter and keep Devbhoomi clean. Carry your plastic wraps that you use with you and dispose them later. Try to clean the trail. Tell your porter not to litter. Gutka and chips packets lie everywhere. Particularly distressing was to see shores of Manasarovar littered with used underwear packets, ghee packets, used sanitary napkins etc. It was distressing and abominable. A place, which is so pious to us must be respected by all of us and deserves a conscious effort by all yatris to lead a cleaning drive as and when possible. Don't forget to do your bit, even if others are not doing it.</span> </b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://vagrantspaces.blogspot.com/2017/02/kailash-manasarovar-yatra-eligibility-preparation.html" target="_blank"> Click here to read next part of Yatra</a></b></span></div>
Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-42937265729972574522013-09-02T20:47:00.002+05:302013-09-02T20:51:26.061+05:30Some pictures from kashmir great lakes trek<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-2581143325551566202013-07-25T18:14:00.001+05:302013-08-01T12:46:39.051+05:30Trek To Remember..Kashmir Great Lakes Trek<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;">“What we get from this adventure is just
sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and
make money.”</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> George Leigh Mallory</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>There were some desires which I had as a child and
which I was not sure would ever fructify. But as they say no desire remains unfulfilled.
Thanks to <a href="http://www.indiahikes.in/" rel="" target="_blank">Indiahikes </a>I was able to do Kashmir Great Lakes Trek which was not a
trek but a spiritual odyssey and a journey about rediscovering myself.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> Kashmir has been
integral part of my being. In every mountain, in every valley, my soul resides.
I had to leave Kashmir due to militancy in 1990 and I was a little child and
went into oblivion and put a lid on all that my heart desired. Stories were
only thing which were told and through stories I lived elusive dream not quite
sure if I could redeem them one day. My father being an avid mountaineer, I was
always fortunate to hear stories of his adventures and various peaks he
climbed. One that always fascinated me was 50 Miles 50 Lakes. It was always
trip in fantasy world. Looking at those pictures I always thought will I be
able to experience the magic which my father had eons ago. And trust me it
never looked like the reality till I stumbled on Indiahikes website and saw
that they are conducting Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. I couldn’t believe it. It
seemed surrealistic. I booked for 7<sup>th</sup> July trek which coincided with
my sister’s birthday who also was supposed to go with me but due to some
official work had to cancel. Now looking in retrospect, I see it as a blessing
because my experience as a solo trekker has been exceptional and soul
nourishing too.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Excerpts from trek diary:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have tried to retain it the
way my mind and heart felt back then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I reached Srinagar after 13
hours bone denting ride, thanks to Amarnath yatra. I met Anand who was a fellow
trekker who was also going by road but Anand was sleeping for like 12 hours so I
was literally on my own ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY1: Srinagar to Sonmarg</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I reached TRC and first people
I met were Vaidehi and Mich who would be my future best buddies and tent mates
too. Vaidehi looked all ready to go for trek with her camera dangling around
her neck looked all excited. Mich was an extraordinary women, calm composed and
one with great determination carrying her back pack and two trekking poles.
After formal introduction, we met other fellow trekkers. I met Anand who looked
in better shape, Deepen whom we would tease so much in coming days, Jasmine and
Naman brother sis duo with whom I would have in coming days so much fun. Anurag(mamu;P)
and Neera another brother sis duo who were seasoned trekkers, Bhawna and
Khurram(The Mafia guy;P), Tanuj and Chamara from Srilanka,group of three
friends from Mumbai who remained more or less with each other, Vainik and Chris
and Tanya from Denmark. And not to forget Mr sloth Roopesh who could sleep
anytime anywhere. I was also the Team Doctor for the trek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I boarded Tata sumo which was
to drop us to Sonmarg our first campsite, all excited and raring to go. Our
campsite was at Shitkari on top of a hillock. I met Vikrant, Josh and Saranbir
our trek leaders who gave us formal introduction about the trek. The best thing about Indiahikes is the concept
of green trails, preserving the ecosystem and not spread litter around and
carry garbage which we found on way in our garbage bags.I felt so thrilled
looking at mountains and general aura was mesmerizing. Snow clad mountains,
overflowing river, chirping of birds and garam chai; it was beginning of bliss.
My tent mates were Mich and Vaidehi. All fellow trekkers were excited and were
seen soaking in bliss which surrounded them. At night sky looked overcast and
it started to drizzle. We all hoped weather to clear for coming days and I can
tell you for rest of the days it was such a great weather on trek, clear azure
blue sky, pristine lakes, reflections in lake and nature in it’s magnificence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> whole team </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY2: Sonmarg to Nichnai</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We were supposed to
leave for Nichnai at 8 am but due to rains managed to leave only at 9am when
rains stopped. It was fun packing our tents. So we started at 9 am in the
morning and reached Nichnai by 2.30 pm. After group photograph we left for Nichnai.
We reached Shekdur where we filled our bottles and singing songs and chatting
along with Naman reached Nichnai. I
wanted to reach Nichnai early as I wanted to learn how to pitch tents which
thanks to our trek leaders I learned. For rest of the days I was part of
sweeper gang as I walked leisurely soaking in beauty of nature, absorbing the
aura and since I love photography clicking pictures was mandatory. We all
stopped by river to have our packed lunch which was much needed. Weather had
started to clear up and it was bright Sunshine. Finally reached Nichnai base
camp where hot tea and pakoras awaited us. Rest of the day was spend in leisure
chatting ,basking in Sun. I still couldn’t believe that I was finally on trek
that I had envisioned. It was sky full of stars at night and such a treat to
watch the Starry nights. Next morning was the beginning of dreams I envisioned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> on way to Nichnai</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> altitude surely gives perspective..datz me;)</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY3: Nichnai to Vishansar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We started from Nichnai
towards Vishansar base camp. We left Nichnai at 8.15 am and reached Vishansar
base camp at 3 pm. Our journey to Vishansar started with river crossing in
freezing waters and it really was chilly. We could see our camp at Nichnai on
other side. After a climb, panorama changed drastically as we crossed the
Nichnai Pass. Snow clad mountains, overcast sky, melting glaciers, ferocious
streams. Jasmine felt quite cold at Nichnai pass and had to be stuffed with
whatever jackets, mufflers we had. As soon as we crossed Nichnai pass, it was
walk through flower beds, wild flowers who owed nothing to nobody.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was carpet of flowers. It
reminded me of movie Sound of Music and
the song, The Hills Are Alive With Sound Of Music. I hated walking on flower
bed for I did not want to crush them but as someone rightly said; “ Forgiveness
is the fragrance violet sheds on the heel which crushed it”. I would stop after
every few steps soaking in the beauty and clicking pictures. We sweepers (term
for people last in trail) walked and enjoyed. For us journey mattered. But the
award for consistent sweepers goes to three friends from Mumbai who held the
sweeper banner high till the end;) I kept asking our team leader when will I
see Vishansar. I reached base camp but
that was not our camp but of earlier batch of Indiahikes. People over there
were very warm and they showed me way towards my Camp at Vishansar. By that
time Vaidehi and Saranbir also had reached there so we didn’t leave before
eating mouthful of aloo paranthas;) Again a river crossing followed and still
Vishansar lake was not in sight, it was behind the small mountain which had to
be crossed. We reached base camp and found everyone basking in Sun or taking a
nap. Vishansar continued to elude me as they say “Hidden is more beautiful than
apparent” so may be I had to wait more. I couldn’t wait. Wasn’t this the moment
I was waiting for? And I wanted to be alone in this moment, in silence and in
peace. Thankfully none wanted to go as
tomorrow we had free day exploring the lakes. I had my lunch quickly and left
for lake, climbing each step till I got the first glimpses of the lake, green
pristine, crystal clear lake not affected by time or vagaries, lying there in
calm solitude. And I thought emerald was only green! I started trembling and
tears welled in my eyes, tears of joy as they say could fill the lake with
happiness. It was a deeply emotional moment for me. I had never thought I could
be there and feel the same way my father must had felt. I realized my life was
mountains and if I drop the parenphelias I associate myself with, My soul lay
bare there in all it’s nakedness. I walked around whole lake as if some lost traveler
is reconnecting with it’s roots. It was almost sunset when I realized other
trekkers had come. I asked someone to click my picture on the same rock which
my father had. It was a immensely gratifying day. A day I would not forget at
least in this lifetime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Vishansar lake one end</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY4:Exploring Vishansar and Kishansar lakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was about exploring Vishansar
and Kishansar lakes. Since I had seen Vishansar I headed to Kishansar lake.It
was a different experience altogether. Kishansar Iake is a lake of
reflection.You meet your soul,your essence in the clear waters of Kishansar. It bares your soul and you are naked without a façade. Reaching there I realized
what life was and what it meant. How foolish I was all my life chasing things
and goals which never mattered. What hurts me is the fact that why I took so long
to realize that. I am peaceful now, at peace with myself and giving my life for
things which define me and matter to me.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Coming back from
Kishansar, Khurram introduced Mafia and trust me for rest of the days mafia
addiction engulfed all;)Deepen’s logic, Chamara the perpetual mafia, Jasmine
the good citizen..hahahaha. I had found amazing company in Vaidehi,Jasmine,Mich
my amazing trio!!Anand,Me,Vaidehi,Deepen,Naman,Jasmine wouldnot sleep till 12am
and would laugh laugh and laugh and would do all bakr bakr;) and I am sure
everyone wanted to seal our mouths with fevicol. Anurag(mamu) was equally entertaining. My
symphathies with Vikrant who had to bear the brunt of our laughter;)</span></div>
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wild flowers<br />
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green trails<br />
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saranbir defying gravity<br />
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our tend..me,mich and vaidehi<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> anand posing at kishansar lake;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY5:Vishansar to Gadsar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We left for Gadsar at 7am in
the morning and reached by 1pm. After crossing Kishansar lake which was
engulfed in fog, mighty Gadsar pass waited for us. It was a steep ascend, Sun
was blazing. Finally view from Gadsar pass was worth dying for. One could see
both Vishansar and Kishensar lakes. It was a magical moment. After crossing
Gadsar Pass, a slide through the glacier awaited. Mine was the funniest.I twirled,
twisted and did acrobatics in full 360 degrees till I landed with head first;)
After crossing glacier walk through beautiful valley follows. Zillion of wild
flowers and riot of colors. Next is descent and long walk till Gadsar camp site.
Gadsar also called Yamsar according to Kashmiri mythology is a lake of monsters.
Finally reached Gadsar camp site. Gadsar lake is also very serene and peaks
high and above bath in engulfed lake.I sat amongst wild flowers and flowing grass and kept gazing
at lake and Friedrich Nietzsche Thus Spoke
Zarathustra to give me company . Sun
rays shone in lake like mini diamonds.I dont know what else is bliss. Let this moment last forever. Mid afternoon nap in mountains and a raindrop hits my face and I realize whole nature is around me and I feel a lost child who has come back home to where she belonged. It was a balmy evening at Gadsar which
felt so invigorating to senses.Every blade of grass leads a dignified life. Each flower is happy to bloom. What more is to life than this moment?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Thanks to Mich, was able to see moon for first
time during trek, a crescent hiding behind mountains. I was soaking in every
moment of my trek. I couldn’t had asked for more.</span></div>
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Climbing up the Gadsar pass<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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at Gadsar pass<br />
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Jaminez smooth slide<br />
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<br />
My turbulent fall<br />
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one soul in three bodies:)<br />
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Gadsar lake<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> scribbling my thoughts at Gadsar lake</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY6:Gadsar to Satsar</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Trek from Gadsar to Satsar.
Long long long walk through valley of flowers. We have to cross Gadsar army
camp in way. They were very warm and cordial with us. Jasmine got a French plait
done by Tanya and I stud it with wild flowers. A lone tree you meet on trail.
Trek to Satsar is long and tiring too.What keeps your spirits up is the
beautiful meadow and wild flowers which are so captivating that you feel like
staying there only.Finally we reached
Satsar camp site.I was tired at the end of this day and I had stopped at so
many places clicking pictures. Also I started feeling saddened that trek was
about to end. I took a midday nap to freshen me up as normally I would never
rest but keep on exploring. Satsar lakes area was collection of 7 small lakes. I
could spot five lakes. Next day was trek to Nundkol and Gangbal and climbing up
the Zaij Pass.</span></div>
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Bakr bakr gang;))<br />
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Finally a moon at night at gadsar<br />
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French plait studded with wild flowers<br />
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<br />
Satsar <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> 4 leaf clover..so am i lucky???</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY7: Satsar to Nundkol and
Gangbal</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We started early morning.First
there was river crossing and then boulders, boulders and boulders of all shapes
and sizes and then climbing up the zaij pass to have view of majestic Harmukh
and Nundkol and Gangabal lakes. Ah! The view was majestic. My all tiredness
vanished. I couldn’t believe I was seeing mount Harmukh called in kashmiri
mythology as abode of lord Shiva. It was Deepen’s birthday also and he got
birthday bumps at 13500 feet;) After ascent ,steep descent followed and we
could see ourselves inching close towards lakes. Both lakes looked magical and
pure. While everyone else moved towards camp site at Nundkol lake, I proceeded towards
Gangbal lake. That walk towards Gangbal with all tired body and hungry soul was
nevertheless enriching. As they say save the best for the last.So was Gangbal.
I cant say how I felt. Mount Harmukh overlooking Gangbal, I felt a strange serenity
,silence which had eluded me. I sat on rocks and washed my face in rejuvenating
waters of Gangbal. It is the same lake which had ashes of my Grandparents and
Forefathers and I know my ashes too will have to be immersed in Gangabal when I
die because that is only place where I shall find solace. Last year when my
Grandmother died, my uncle came to Gangbal to immerse her ashes in Gangbal as
it was my grandmother’s wish. I could feel a strange connect with demons and
Gods, Ying and yang of life which existed. I sang bhajan in kashmiri which is
about Harmukh and devotee waiting at Harmukh for lord Shiva. I really missed my
family at that time for the first time on whole trek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I sat for few hours at hill
overlooking both lakes.Gangabal reminded me of centuries of requiem showing
exultation with garland of many peaks and Nundkol getting wary of not annoying
Shiva.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I came back to camp site in
evening having witnessed Godliness in Wilderness. I melted in the melee but I
knew one part of me stayed at Gangabal forever. Tonight was the last night of
our trek.We had camp fire in evening,celebrated Deepen birthday, sang songs and
soaked in the jamboree.</span></div>
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Deepen bday bumps at zaij pass<br />
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team at zaij pass<br />
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me at gangabal lake<br />
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Night at nundkol<br />
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trek completion certificates<br />
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our trek leaders<br />
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happiness<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> day of descents</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">DAY8: Gangabal to Naranag</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was the last day of the
trek. Day of Descents.Our knees were rattling and through Birch and Pine
forests we reached Naranag.I never
wanted the trek to end but endings are necessary for new beginnings. I came as
a solo trekker but was carrying truck full of memories, many friends, connected
with nature (thanks to Saranbir for that) and tantalizing memories of
mysterious lakes which will envelope my mind and soul for time till I visit
them again.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My heartfelt thanks to our
Trek leaders, supporting staff, fellow trekkers, weather and especially to
<a href="http://www.indiahikes.in/" target="_blank">Indiahikes</a> who gave wings to my dreams.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My journey wouldn’t have been
as amazing if not for you all…Mich, Vaidehi, Jasmine, Anand, Naman, Deepen, Roopesh:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">PS: All photographs are copyright protected. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">More pictures at</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Varuna raina Photovisions</span></div>
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-35209806314875437582013-06-29T17:55:00.002+05:302013-06-29T18:39:04.631+05:30Mysterious Roopkund..Hidden is more beautiful than obvious<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</span><span style="background-color: #444444;">"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wan<span style="background-color: white;"></span>ted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"> Henry David Thoreau</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: white;"> <span style="background-color: #666666;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="color: white;">These lines from Walden Pond by Thoreau have always summed up my zest for life,for my need to be in mountains and to live as close to mountains as i could.As you shall be with me on my journey to Roopkund which I couldn't reach due to inclement weather conditions and massive landslides at Uttrakhand, I realized nature doesn't reveal itself that easily.I saw fury of nature and and left with a promise that I shall return.This trip was enriching for I met so many amazing people.I came as a solo trekker on this trip but had three amazing friends at end of it.I received more than I could give..</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #666666;"><span style="color: white;">pure undiluted love,vistas of nature and break from the monotony and cacophony into realms which were magical.I wrote a diary on trek with each days account and it somehow speaks how my mind and heart felt back then:)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">14th and 15th June: </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">I booked my trek with Trek The Himalayas for 15th June2013.On night of 14th i left for Kathgodam via bus (never travel with Kalpana Travels). Bus promised to leave at 9.30 pm but it didn't leave before 12.10am.So it was massive chaos at Anand Vihar ISBT.Thank God I had my sister for company.So finally my bus left for Kathgodam and I was thrilled and skeptical too.Due to landslides on the way my bus reached Kathgodam at around 8 am.I alighted at Kathgodam Railway station where we all trekkers had to meet.I boarded the bus which was to take us to Lohagunj from Kathgodam.There were around 8 people who introduced themselves as Banglore group.I sat on the last seat not quite sure how journey of 12 hours would be. Bangalore group starting chit chatting in their regional language and to be honest,I started feeling bored.Finally a girl gets into a bus,says a hello and sits on seat before mine.After 4 minutes she introduces herself..Hi,I am Toolika and i am from Lucknow.I heave a sigh of relief.We both click instantly.We shared love for mountains among varied others.The girl was nothing short of extraordinary.She had climbed Mount Everest alone with two sherpas in summer of 2012 and had developed frostbite in her feet but she continued climbing.So our journey passed singing and hearing stories of her extraordinary mettle. We had our breakfast of aloo ka paranthas and roamed in orchids and delicious gulab jamuns.We reached lohajung at 10 pm at night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">on way to lohajung</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"> For me it was a I bone breaking bus ride first from Delhi to Kathgodam and then to Lohagunj.It was raining heavily.Toolika and me get into quaint little room.We met our fellow trekkers there.We had dinner with rajma,rice,pumpkin and chappatis.We meet our team leader Prakash who briefs us about the trip.W e have hot cup of tea to end the bludgeoning road trip. It was a foggy and dreamy day.Rain drenched soul,foggy realms and cool wind in my hair and lush greenery all around.No sun in sight,but in that rainy day i could see my free liberated soul.This trek was special in many ways mainly because we never knew what would happen next.So it was adventure in real sense.This was not sort of trip where Sun is shining and everything goes as per plan.It was different.Plans were laid bare.We were living life moment to moment,enjoying every bit of it,dangling in uncertainties and going on trails which people seldom followed.</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-enG-8dP2I/Uc7FPPcEXiI/AAAAAAAABss/2tBmOGAO0p0/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-enG-8dP2I/Uc7FPPcEXiI/AAAAAAAABss/2tBmOGAO0p0/s320/IMG_2191.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
foggy realms<br />
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Toolika enjoying gulab jamuns<br />
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on way to didina in rain<br />
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<span style="color: white;">16th June</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">I got up early in morning and it is still raining,raining and nothing else.Torrential rains and complete white out. We all kept staring at sky hoping that rain would stop but it just didn't relent.We were supposed to leave for Didina at 8.30 am but it didnt happen due to rains.Finally our team leader Prakash said that we will leave at 11.45 am for Didina in spite of the rains.We were happy that at least our journey had started but were skeptical about our onward journey if rains continued.Thus began our rainy journey and failure of all rainproof stuff.Some important things i wish to share..always carry a backpack cover,put your stuff in polythene bags in rucksack,carry extra polythene,don't buy ponchos from lohajung,they are useless.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: white;">I was drenched to core,my Quechehua shoes all wet(who said they are rainproof??all sham!!),and nasty poncho adding to my woes.Only Good thing were backpack covers and intelligent packing of clothes so my clothes in rucksack were not wet.It was walk through mud,slush,rains and landslides.12 km walk and we reached Didina at around 5 pm,really exhausted from steep climb and rain induced chaos and soggy clothes.We quickly shifted into our makeshift rooms and it was a cluster of rain drenched clothes hanging and dripping water.Rain hadn't stopped for even 1 second and we were all soggy.We changed into dry clothes and quickly ate food.I ate like a glutton.We had juice make from flowers of Baransh,a local flower.We kept sitting in the room,ordered maggi and kept discussing what to do next if weather doesnot clear.We had discussions with team leader and he said that we would stay in Didina if rains continued the next day and our trek would be aborted.That was the last thing we wanted to hear.It was the beginning of dangling good news and bad news which followed us till we would be back..In Hindi jargon as Kabhi Khushi Khabhi Gham.It reminded me of Zen way of life..Ying and Yang! We were unaware of situation in rest of Uttrakhand and were really annoyed that trek should not had been started if weather was bad.I had dinner with heavy heart and hoped that it would clear in morning.</span></span></span><br />
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Our home away from home at didina<br />
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<span style="color: white;">17th June:</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Morning of June 17th.My mood is all low as rains are continuing without stopping so we might not be able to go any further if rains continued even tomorrow and our trek would be cancelled.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">What did i learn? Nature doesn't reveal itself so easily. Nothing is above nature.We are tiny specks in grand plan of universe.We have to bow before nature.Humility,patience,understanding comes and HOPE is that four lettered word which is the most important thing we live for...To see a sunny day!But all said and done whatever has to happen will happen.So the whole day is spend in Didina village in most exhilarating manner amidst continuous rains.We all laughed,sang songs,played dumb charades. Bangalore group came up with quirky pictures like Dayavan the humble man,howrah bridge par latki chudail,saleem langde ko mat maro etc...I was really amazed at their filmi sense.It was a laughter riot.Interspersed with that we had pakoras and chai and intermittent glimpses of clear weather in which we all would do some photography.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">That night after we had our dinner Santanu came running and said sky is clearing, I can see moon and I saw three stars.Everyone was thrilled.We never had viewed sky with such keenness and love before.</span><br />
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Kaveri<br />
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oak forests<br />
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ali bugyal<br />
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madness maddened people...<br />
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defying gravity<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rohit in his elements</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silkworm farm</td></tr>
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Sight of moon and two stars<br />
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<span style="color: white;">I heard people saying saw one more star,two more...and with a hope we all slept that tomorrow we could continue our journey.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">I had never valued moon,stars and clear sky so much before.Isn't that what life teaches us..valuing things which we don't consider important or we choose to carelessly ignore.</span><br />
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didina in rain<br />
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beauty of didina<br />
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girl power<br />
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The fellow trekkers at Didina<br />
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<span style="color: white;">18th June (day4):</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">We wake up to a clear sky with no rains so we are happy but it soon turns cloudy and starts to drizzle.We have our breakfast and leave for ali bugyal at 8.45 am.It is steep climb till we reach magnificent Bugyals.We eat boiled egg,potatoes and nutrela. which are absolutely delicious.Sight of bugyals verdant green is a feast for eyes.All my fatigue just vanished away.We were told as for always that we would go to Bhagwawasa tomorrow if weather permits.Meanwhile sleeping bags at Bhagwawasa camp are all wet so really don't know what is in store for us.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">At the end of day 4,I had found three amazing friends Toolika,Priyanka and Rohit who were little more bohemian than rest.Our group was named the M square..madness maddened group.We roamed in Bugyals as if we owned them.We slept hoping that tomorrow weather would be fine.</span><br />
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ali bugyal<br />
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me and priyanka at Ali bugyal<br />
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ali bugyal<br />
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<span style="color: white;">19thJune (day5) :</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">We wake up to slight drizzle and cloudy weather.I whole night keep peeping though small window in that hut to see that whether weather had cleared or not until I slept.We have our morning breakfast and we are told that we are going Bhagwawasa and we all are so thrilled.Amazing feeling and we are told to pack our bags. As soon as we pack there is another twist in story,we are told we cant go as all tents have uprooted and weather is bad.My heart sank and i felt like puppet in hands of weather. Felt shattered that we were not going Roopkund.It seems that Roopkund was not yet ready to reveal its mystique yet and we still will have to toil mebbe at re trek next year which TTH promised.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: white;">So,our Roopkund plans got shelved and we moved to Bedni bugyal from ali bugyal.Bedni Kund had clear pristine look and is invigorating to senses.This splendid greenery never moved me this much before.We came back from bedni to ali bugyal and moved back to didina from there which was clearer and brighter than what we left.It isnt easy to come back without completing what you intended to but we have to bow before natures will.and we didn't let it spoil our next few days.Our downride from Bugyal to Didina was fun filled with Prakash our team leader singing husn pahadon ka from ram teri ganga meli which had become viral on our trek and everyone humming it on their way.Prakash had nice voice and he would sing very soulfully but he never allowed me to record it for reasons best known to him.Since road was slippery we would count falls each trekker had and called them grand bugyal falls.We reached didina at 7pm after leaving ali bugyal at 3pm.No Roopkund this time for reasons i cant fathom.Weather was brighter but may be this wasnt our time.As they say Man proposes,God disposes.</span></span><br />
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Bedni kund<br />
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bidding others bye bye...<br />
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me and kaveri:)<br />
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masti time<br />
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campfire at didina<br />
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mahavir,amar singh ji,prakash and rohit<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prakash..our team leader</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">20th June (day6):</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">We all get up in morning to go from didina to lohajung and from there trek till dewal as road connecting had massive landslides and was all washed away.We 4 friends decide that we are not going lohajung today as days in our trek are not complete yet.So we four (me,toolika,rohit and priyanka) stayed at didina and while rest all left for lohajung.We bid them adieu.So one more day at didina and it already feels home.Prancing around is kaveri,amazing girl full of nerve and verve,always smiling with carefree abandon and as pure as snow.She was exactly how nature intended children to be.I stayed back at village as i had blisters in my food while rest three went with kaveri exploring village.I sit in quiet solitude with my diary,cup of tea and soulful rafi music..Dil ka bavar kare pukar..</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">What could be more blissful..silence,dancing clouds.chirping birds,Sun playing hide and seek,Green terrains,Women working in fields with a smile,men lazying around,Smiling Kaveri and eternal satisfaction in faces of people.Here people were so kind and jovial and i already had formed bond with them.I discussed local issues with them,difficulties they faced and getting to know the fact that I am Doctor so many people came to me with their ailments.I was happy that i could help.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: white;">I remembered the day when leeches attacked me and i started screaming and everyone was laughing as they said doctors suck patients blood and leeches suck doctors blood...Poor corollary i must say;P</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;">With rest all trekkers having left,there is an eerie silence,music of parting and bliss.I dnt think i want to go back yet.I am happy oblivious of day,date,time,free of facebook,emails,phone,internet.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Isn't simplicity the best and prized possession.We have made our lives so complicated that we have forgotten to enjoy simple things which life offers.I feel blissfully happy.Scum of my mind has washed away.I can see life with afresh perspective where i have to be selfish to pursue happiness relentlessly.We enjoy local life in village,eat local vegetables and Kaveri takes us to silkform farm and little streams and rivulets.We all kept hoping that night shouldn't descend but it did.We had campfire and amazing dinner by Amar Singh jee.He was amazing cook and hard taskmaster at least for Priyanka for she never used to get up early.That black dog Kallu sitting and guarding didina village.Tomorrow all the way to Lohajung and back.Hope roads are cleared so that we can go by bus.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">21st June:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: white;">Finally we start our journey from didina to lohajung at 9 am and reach lohajung at 1pm.It wasnt easy bidding farewell to didina.It was emotional farewell.We promised them that we would be back again.When we went to kiss Kaveri she just ran away..She said jana hain to ja and ran into her room hiding her face benath acloth.She was amazing.She was attached to us a day before and yet was so detached.She was meant to be happy at all costs and that happiness didnt depend on people or things which was such a great lesson.It was she who had given us so many important life lessons.Since i love Photography and it was treat to click Kaveri for she was never short of poses.Finally left didina and on arrival at lohajung met Prakash and warm sunshine welcomed us.We had bath after 7 days and ate food.While on our way back from didina to lohajung,Toolika said that if we pick up stone we will have to come back again to that place according to local myth.We all readily picked stone for we all wanted to come back to Roopkund which eluded us.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;">At 4pm,sitting and overlooking the vale,Toolika and Rohit go for last trek to Arjan Top and me and priyanka soak in Sun reflecting at amazing time we had and that we were yet not ready to go home.So when Rohit and Toolika returned we all made a plan of going to Nanital and Jjim corbett park to spread the wings of madness further.People were rushing towards plains and i was in search of Mountains for i always felt i would prefer to die in mountains than anywhere else. So on the morning of 22nd June we left for lohajung but not before Prakash gave us box full of Rasgullas for we always pestered him to give us gulab jamuns.That was not yet the final surprise in offing.There were many more which i shall write some other time.</span><br />
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bye bye lohajung<br />
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<span style="color: white;">As Toolika said;"Purpose of this trip was not to reach somewhere but to meet people and blend in the aura" and that is what happened.I was head to toe dipping in sweet memories,amazing times,uncertainties,vagaries of weather and was carrying bountiful of amazing friends with whom i shall come back to unravel mystery of MYSTERIOUS ROOPKUND...</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Adios!!</span><br />
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“All that is gold does not glitter,</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Not all those who wander are lost;</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">The old that is strong does not wither,<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Deep roots are not reached by the frost"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">J. R. R .Tolkien</span><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien"><br /></a>
<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/656983.J_R_R_Tolkien">For some pictures of Roopkund trek u can go to</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"> https://www.facebook.com/varunaraina</span><br />
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-90628212131292938332013-01-11T23:00:00.000+05:302013-01-11T23:00:28.498+05:30Truth be Damned!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Truth be damned!!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">His mistake was that he said that he was boyfriend of the girl who was bleeding </span><span style="font-size: small;">due to injury to her vagina during copulation.Two adult individuals having consensual sex.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">H</span>is other mistake was that he got her into hospital in Jammu where medieval mindset still prevails and where some doctors are not only indifferent but regressive too.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The couple was from somewhere in South India and had come for visit to Jammu. Little did they know that a truthful admission will make their life a nightmare...Away from home and already reeling under tension,our system and doctors did nothing more than adding to their problems.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">As soon as he confessed about it,all eyes were fixed on girl and looking at her with disdain and soon it became a gossip of the ward.It was shameful and condescending.Gynaecology people informed CMO who called police and registered a case against the guy.Guy was taken to police station,his mobile and credit cards were held and was left emotional and mentally battered as poor girl was left alone to the mercy of GOD<span style="font-size: small;"> in an alien place with h<span style="font-size: small;">er</span> only support being whisked away.How traumatizing it must <span style="font-size: small;">b</span>e fo<span style="font-size: small;">r her.</span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This incident deeply disturbed me.Rather than helping them,more problems were created for them.I cant make a sense why police was informed when two people were having consensual sex.It is <span style="font-size: small;">harassment</span> of worst possible nature.Rather that taking a ill devised route,Girl's parents should had been informed.This incident somehow again shows our insensitivity and our callousness which will not change.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">So many times,women from far off places who come for delivery <span style="font-size: small;">who </span>already determine<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>sex of child,no one takes an action then,no one seems to speak up.When birth of male child is glorified in maternity ward,no one seems to care.When women delivers a male child,doctor asks her whether she wants to go for ligation and not when she delivers a female child.It smacks of our cold indifference,our attitude towards our work and our empathy if left.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone needs a masala story to thrive on,some juicy gossip,some tantalizing incident but somewhere we forget to bridge a gap between excess and savagery.</span></i></span></div>
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Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-45616057836475720132012-01-24T00:58:00.002+05:302012-01-24T19:45:46.453+05:30DNR...Do Not Resuscitate??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Death be not proud, though some have called thee</i></span></strong></div>
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> Mighty and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">dreadful</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">, for, thou art not </span>soe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">,</span></i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill mee.</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.... "</i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">It was his third cardiac arrest somewhere in October.His pupils were dilated and non reacting.His </span>GCS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">bordering</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> on 4 to 5,all hinting towards poor neurological recovery and a vegetative state.There was </span>unspelt<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> understanding in doctors...</span>DNR<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> ; because there was no hope.And that is exactly when divine interference intervened and left us all baffled .</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> There</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> is life in death and death in life and whatever medicine rules say,somewhere it falters,because something intangible,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> inscrutable</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> is beyond medical full stop and there stands wonder,hope and miracle!!!</span></i></span></strong><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">Meet </span>Parvinder<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">,a Sikh boy of 12 years,relegated to bed 5 in ICU for last six months,on ventilator and his file showing diagnosis as </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span>GUILLIAN<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> BARRE SYNDROME WITH RESPIRATORY </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">PARALYSIS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> WITH MULTIPLE CARDIAC ARRESTS.</span></strong></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">It was on </span><span class="Apple-style-span">July<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> the four he was admitted in ICU as a case of </span></span>GBS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">.</span>Immunoglobulins<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> were started </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">immediately</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> but there was not much improvement.He had to suffer in coming days,a rare and unforgiving complication of </span>GBS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">..Respiratory Paralysis.His respiratory muscles were involved and he could not breathe on his own.He was </span>intubated<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> and put on ventilator in month of July.With coming days his situation only worsened with evanescent hopes of his recovery.</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Then one day he had Cardiac arrest.Frantic attempts were made to resuscitate him,CPR,ADRENALINE,ATROPINE,DEFIB...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>His heart responded,his pulse came back,may be his time on earth wasn't done yet.There was more to his fragile essence and being.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Trials to wean him from ventilator were given but of no avail.His weakness showed no improvement unlike other cases where there is almost complete recovery.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>As days passed,our hopes dimmed and his parents resolve only strengthened to see him on road to recovery.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Medicine at times becomes too scientific and mechanical and absurd and looks with disdain at anything beyond its anticipated course of response...There lies the naivety...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>His parents would day in and day out take care of their child,dress him,feed him and sing gurbani into his ears.</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">Any time during night,his father would be looking at his </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">child</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> face and whispering sweet nothings in his ear.He never gave himself reason to believe that his son wont be alright.</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>As doctors were less sure of recovery of Parvinder,his parents resolve only increased manifold.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Then one day he got second cardiac arrest.He was again resuscitated but this time his GCS was bordering on 5 or 6 with dilated non reacting pupils.The road to recovery looked like a dark abyss.</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">His third cardiac arrest was when i was on ICU duty.I so vividly remember it.It was 1 am in morning.I was checking with some patient when nurse tells me that his ECG is not coming and there is no pulse.I rush madly towards his bed and start CPR..i yell at sister to get adrenaline,atropine and call senior doctor on duty.He gets his pulse,goes into Ventricular tachycardia,shock given and one time his fragile and dangling life comes forth.Doctors explained to his parents that his prognosis is very bad and he may not survive.His parents being </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">illiterate</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> nodded there heads but there hearts refused to believe that non reacting pupils could defeat their purpose of getting their child back to life...</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">There was a hush hush silence and unspoken pact of not to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">resuscitate</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> him aggressively next time..</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>That is when things stated to change for good..</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">His parents </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">hard-work</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> started to pay,prayers were heard and medicine had to bow before supreme intelligence of almighty and undefined realms of consciousness and splendid unfolding of mystique of universe...</span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">He started moving his limbs,started to generate breaths,tolerated breathing trials,was weaned from ventilator gradually,his </span>tracheostomy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> closed,no </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">oxygen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> support,spontaneous breathing,started responding to verbal commands,</span>GCS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> improved...</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>One fine day would tell his name,his schools name and would say GOOD MORNING to our HOD on rounds...</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">His story encompasses 6 months and there is so much to write and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">there</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> few words cant do justice to it but the idea is to write to understand, </span></i></span><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">Are we the ones who can </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">decide</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> with full surety that this person </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">cannot</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> come back to life?</span></i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Is DNR redundant?</i></span></strong></div>
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">What would have happened if we </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">hadn't</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> resuscitated </span>parvinder<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> every time?</span></i></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There is divinity beyond the medicine...</i></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Few months passed and with hard work of his parents,doctors,ICU staff..D day arrived</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">On 4th January,he was finally </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">discharged</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> from ICU after experiencing life,death and everything in between in these 6 months..</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>On morning rounds he said to HOD,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"MUJHE GHAR JANA HAIN.AAPNE TO ICU KO MERA GHAR BANA DIYA.MUJHE MERE BHAI SE MILNA HAIN..MUJHE SCHOOL JANA HAIN...He said, "THANK YOU SO MUCH ..naahe THANK YOU VERY MUCH</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There was a smile, a deep smile of satisfaction,of witnessing a miracle,of unalloyed happiness on everyone's face..</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>HOD told him; ghar jakar chalega naa?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He responded,main to dance karungaa..</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I AM A DISCO DANCER"</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>everyone burst into laughter,with eyes in awe,and gazing in wonder at life which snatched itself from clutches of death...</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">And so </span>parvinder<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> left ICU on morning of 21 JANUARY,almost everyone came to bid him adieu,his bed mates,other doctors in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">department</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">,nursing staff and rest.....</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And there was an emptiness after he left,but a deep rooted happiness entrenched everywhere...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He left and taught us two things</i></span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Never give up on life...</i></span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;">There is nothing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">beyond</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.5em;"> God's will.....</span></i></span></strong></span></div>
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</div> Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-82334806242700463062011-12-14T20:43:00.004+05:302011-12-14T20:44:14.124+05:30Where thou i find thee...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAv8q75fsSo/TH6ey39azNI/AAAAAAAABIE/OWb8oEA6gBc/s1600/lonely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAv8q75fsSo/TH6ey39azNI/AAAAAAAABIE/OWb8oEA6gBc/s320/lonely.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Is it in dreams,or in gentle winter flakes,i shall find thee...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>do you look for me too as i tenderly search for you...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>will we meet in this lifetime?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>will we know that one sitting silently in corner was meant to be..</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>beyond the loftiest mountains,liberating yourself free...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in the tandem disarray,you come to me and say,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>come to love,you lovelorn,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and fitfully i would cling in your arms,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>my moulds shattered</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>my pain,my desire creeping in your veins</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in those warm handclasps</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>beyond that serenading</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>an evanescent union,fading</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> and dewy leaves left to witness</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>a story never meant to be...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>but we shall have a story after all,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>time bound or limitless,we shall see...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>when your crisp presence hits me,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>would i say..</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>so late you are,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>i waited long and would wait still...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>for we are each others still</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>we meet here or drift in a maze...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>i would write more</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in your anticipation,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>when old lady of love over there says,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>you are just around the corner,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>in these confusing bylanes..</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>she knows us beyond this lifetime for sure</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and our love will niether wilt nor wither....</i></span></div>
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</div> Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-74094720724534879922011-09-17T20:44:00.001+05:302011-09-17T20:47:35.743+05:30Leaf from my life...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
Silent dwelling somewhere,green vistas,folk music,naive people,writing pad, quintessential solitude,empty minds,stroking my hands in flowing stream,watching moss grow on stones,countryside terrains,walking a mad wild dog,running on forest laden untroden paths,i want to liberate my soul,free it from angst i hold,release grudge,grasp my soul and free it...</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
Pain has moved me to shores i was hesitant to visit,but now i shall visit those doors again for they hold a promise,a reason,a lesson,cryptic understanding.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
Narrow human proclivities,actually inhuman,collapse of ethics and conscience,ego maniacal tendencies and grin..that evil grin which pervades their shallow stream of thought.There is no remedy till yet,other than individual awakening of consciousness which only fortunate few will hopefully understand in lifetimes they circulate.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
When we start becoming comfortable with our insensitivity?</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
A retreat in mossy woods,flying insects,mosquito bites, dilapidated huts,half cooked rice,relegated from civilization.. with its potential problems looks more alluring and satisfying that the bizarre world where our opinions of others change as quickly as our breaths,where killing is sacrosanct and killing the killer is the way out,where sick person is at mercy of doctor,where few doctors are doctrined to principle;</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
if other is obedient and cattle,he deserves to be treated,where if you are forthright you are crushed,where your buds are crushed before they can bloom....</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
Ah!god!for some time please,make me forgetful of dark side which life has,and let me be laid in nest of slumber and solitude in far away mountains...</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.5em;">
it is very personal memoir,of how pain transforms,makes you question things you least care about,had much to write,but rest may be in silent chapters of my diary..</div>
</div>
</div>
Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com3Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India32.7266016 74.857025932.6197371 74.6990974 32.8334661 75.0149544tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-3287089310791357952011-07-04T01:32:00.000+05:302011-07-04T01:32:00.326+05:30Ode to Anesthesia:))<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRq-tjzXdrmqiZwxWdQLMN-QFi0egj2X8p6yApfLHaVHBh0yvEW" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRq-tjzXdrmqiZwxWdQLMN-QFi0egj2X8p6yApfLHaVHBh0yvEW" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIjokCPaM_CNenJ_WWwKmU_KwnivEdLUeHVmGSkjJVla-563OS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIjokCPaM_CNenJ_WWwKmU_KwnivEdLUeHVmGSkjJVla-563OS" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Tuned to the beeps,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>knocking down the creeps,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>then waking them up,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>is all Anesthesia stuff.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Eyes on monitors,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>hands on pulse,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>be active in theatre</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>or later regret.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>When we become active,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>we asked to go slow,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>when slowness drives us,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>our life is in mess.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Atra and Scoline,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>our new jargon friends</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>in ECG and flow volume curves,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>our cerebrum melts.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Leaks in circuits,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>bleaks in prospects,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>so indifferent we have become,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>to getting thrashed up.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>You are looked with disdain,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>every time you cross,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>this is earned in quagmire,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>called PG life.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Drug dosages drive us mad,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>so does innumerable questions,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>our brains seem numbed,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>by midazolam infusion.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>The innocent looking monitors,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>looks monstrous,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>when volley of questions strike,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>and we sheepishly swagger our heads.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Such is the life,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>induced to maintained,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>then reversed to life,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>in this organic strife.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Tubes and vaporizers,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>decide our day,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>turning tables and changing fluids,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>are our everyday play.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Everyone wonders what an anesthetist do,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>while we are in theatre,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>we do all the boring stuff,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>which only an anesthetist can do!!</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwtlhzbKToJ2RPowXJQl7VPneoOmcMV_81Y9VhOcniub7gRRjr" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwtlhzbKToJ2RPowXJQl7VPneoOmcMV_81Y9VhOcniub7gRRjr" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ8tPlwwEpAM95I8DiVIlGI9U7PIz4M-08psTPP5fF7YCbE1NfL" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ8tPlwwEpAM95I8DiVIlGI9U7PIz4M-08psTPP5fF7YCbE1NfL" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>the poetess in me roused by diffusion hypoxia of gases;P</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div> Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-15290240136411732482011-01-11T11:35:00.001+05:302011-01-11T11:45:36.092+05:30winter whispers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dsclick.infospace.com/ClickHandler.ashx?ru=http%3a%2f%2fphotomediaworld.com%2fimg%2fphotos%2f4002_Mara%2f110592.jpg&coi=372380&cop=main-title&c=esnips.meta&ap=15&npp=15&p=0&pp=0&pvaid=d28f29e311db4248891c15fda9555e65&ep=15&euip=122.173.164.184&app=1&hash=1423E238EAD5B56E1B8B996258CE3F64" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://dsclick.infospace.com/ClickHandler.ashx?ru=http%3a%2f%2fphotomediaworld.com%2fimg%2fphotos%2f4002_Mara%2f110592.jpg&coi=372380&cop=main-title&c=esnips.meta&ap=15&npp=15&p=0&pp=0&pvaid=d28f29e311db4248891c15fda9555e65&ep=15&euip=122.173.164.184&app=1&hash=1423E238EAD5B56E1B8B996258CE3F64" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> Rolls of tears to guard her<br />
spiralling down her winter frosted cheeks</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>In the dead of freezing night she ran<br />
when she couldn't endure the pain</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
An alone commodity that she is</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>in age of relationships</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
In the lanes of despair she sees</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>suffering meted out</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
Roughened up words</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> massacring all her good deeds</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
Her face covered <br />
and her soul naked</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
Running in empty bazaars<br />
to escape her fate</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
<br />
She finds not a place<br />
to empty her head</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
Cuddled in their frames<br />
dogs abound</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
befriending some good Samaritans<br />
for satiating their appetites</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
She ran across the blizzard<br />
and mild rain</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
and wondering of how delays<br />
ended her hope one day</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
Brash and rude has she become<br />
beneath her silent frame</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
Yet no one sees<br />
nor feels</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> the love beneath her pain</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><br />
Have lost longing<br />
and summers way</i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> She is as cold as winter<br />
which benumbs your soul<br />
and keeps you wanting<br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i> for that eternal summer...</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"If winter comes can spring be far behind"</span></span> </i></span> Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-34875113064561503592010-12-23T16:23:00.005+05:302010-12-23T16:28:20.270+05:30mountain escape<div style="width:420px;padding:0;margin:0;border:none;background:#000 url(http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-00c3-8cb6-49b0/e/24d1328cf5/bg)0 0 no-repeat"><embed width="420" height="272" src="http://images.travelpod.com/bin/tripwow/flash/tripwow.swf" flashvars="xmlPath=http%3A%2F%2Ftripwow.tripadvisor.com%2Ftripwow%2Fta-00c3-8cb6-49b0%2Fapxml%3Fed%3D24d1328cf5%26ref%3D" base="http://images.travelpod.com/bin/tripwow/flash/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="TripWow" wmode="opaque" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed><!-- Use of this widget is subject to the terms stated here: http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/widget_terms.html --><div style="width:420px;padding:0;margin:0;border:none;background:#fff;font-family:verdana,sans-serif;color:#999;text-align:justify;font-size:9px"><a href="http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-00c3-8cb6-49b0" style="color:#c60">Mountain Escape Slideshow</a>: Varuna’s trip from <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g304551-New_Delhi_National_Capital_Territory_of_Delhi-Vacations.html" style="color:#c60">New Delhi</a>, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297602-National_Capital_Territory_of_Delhi-Vacations.html" style="color:#c60">National Capital Territory of Delhi</a>, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293860-India-Vacations.html" style="color:#c60">India</a> to <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297618-Manali_Himachal_Pradesh-Vacations.html" style="color:#c60">Manali</a> was created by <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com" style="color:#c60">TripAdvisor</a>. See another <a href="http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/slideshow/india/manali.html" style="color:#c60">Manali slideshow</a>. Create your own stunning <a href="http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/" style="color:#c60">free slideshow</a> from your travel photos.</div></div> Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-24674364866520185072010-12-21T13:01:00.000+05:302010-12-21T13:01:14.998+05:30silent words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__SzrnlRCUbI/TRBXVNdEcsI/AAAAAAAABgY/23xEfDVCIrQ/s1600/DSCN1585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__SzrnlRCUbI/TRBXVNdEcsI/AAAAAAAABgY/23xEfDVCIrQ/s320/DSCN1585.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all people.<br />
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to all<br />
even to the dull and ignorant;<br />
they too have their story.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Avoid loud and aggressive people, they are vexations to the spirit.<br />
If you compare yourself to others you will become vain and bitter;<br />
there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.<br />
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;<br />
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.<br />
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.<br />
But let not this blind you to the virtue there is;<br />
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Be yourself especially do not feign affection.<br />
Neither be cynical about love;<br />
in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Take kindly the counsel of the years,<br />
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.<br />
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.<br />
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.<br />
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.<br />
Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">You are a child of the universe,<br />
no less than the trees and the stars;<br />
you have the right to be here.<br />
And whether or not it is clear to you,<br />
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Therefore be at peace with God,<br />
whatever you conceive Him to be.<br />
And whatever your labors and aspirations,<br />
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #3333ff; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,<br />
it is still a beautiful world.<br />
Be cheerful.<br />
Strive to be happy.</div> Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803573690748096339.post-25710907422159679882010-07-09T21:33:00.007+05:302010-07-09T23:03:24.615+05:30the cancer ward..<div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When it shall rain,birds will come out of their nests</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">they shall fly,they shall be free...</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">i see rain through my window pane too </span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">can i go back soon?</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The silent muttering into her mother's ear,tightly clasping her hand asking her..</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> "Am i going home today?"</span></b></i></span></p></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__SzrnlRCUbI/TDdIVZWrXgI/AAAAAAAAA6w/h5t6FhJsssk/s1600/sarah.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__SzrnlRCUbI/TDdIVZWrXgI/AAAAAAAAA6w/h5t6FhJsssk/s320/sarah.jpg" border="0" /></span></b></i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></b></i></span></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></span></b></i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">SARAH..</span></b></i></span></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A girl named Sarah from Afghanistan smiling her way fighting with leukemia...She touched my life like no one ever did..she doesn't understand my language and neither do i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hers</span> except for a salaam yet she readily smiles and offers me her hand without a fail whenever she sees me.A curious connection exists between her and me which is impossible to describe in words but in her smiling face and undying spirit i take a refuge.</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Her smile will always play on broken strings of my heart.</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Whenever i shall feel life is overwhelming,i shall remember song of her heart and infectious smile gliding on her face....i shall find a panacea....</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">if you look <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">up to</span> me for answers why should children suffer so much...?why God is so cruel to them...?i probably <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">don't</span> have any answers..</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But understanding,empathy,concern,wisdom,discretion,sensitivity grows from pain only..</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">pain makes you more aware,more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">grateful</span> and gives you life in its yin and yang...</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We cringe,curse,are creatures of ingratitude,greedy,seldom thankful to existence for living throbbing life we get and hundreds other gifts..</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">but something changed in me today for good...to smile more often,to be more grateful for each atom of life,every breath i breathe, every time my heart pumps blood, every time my cells divide,<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">every time</span> i am down in dumps, a SMILE will come from somewhere and lift my spirits up!!!</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">let life never rob child of her smile....</span></span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">god bless...</span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">namaste</span></span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></p></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><br /></div> Dr. Varuna Rainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18123372915899846141noreply@blogger.com13