I love mountains but I had never trekked. Being an asthma patient , I was never sure of being able to do this. But this time on my trip to Mcleodganj-Dharamshala in November, I was determined to go on a trek. The popular ones in this area are the Triund Trek and the Kareri Lake Trek.
However, I wanted to go on an easier than the easiest trek and still enjoy the mountains. On researching thoroughly, I found that there was an easy option to fulfill my dreams - The trek to the Guna Mata Temple. This was a totally offbeat one - unknown to the tourists and it was only I and my husband along with our guide who were trekking on this route on that particular day.
The Beginning...
The starting point of the trek was about two kilometers from Naddi Village at a river side. There was bridge to cross the river which lead to a small café with painted red walls. There was deep silence all around only to be broken by the gushing of the water of the river and the chirping of the birds. Being an offbeat location , there was absolutely no crowd at all.
The trail began with series of steep stone steps leading us to a small table land with a few houses and a gate leading to the temple. we took numerous small stops to catch our breath only to lose it again at the beauty of the mountains. The sky was a clear blue and the air cool and fresh. Ferns and flowers and trees and grass lined the trail. Our guide pointed out the rhododendrons and the bear fruits trees.
The Trail and the Tales...
Our guide shared many anecdotes of this place - of river swelling up and wiping out villages , of jams and jellies made of rhododendrons and much more. The trail from the gate changed from rocky steps to a dusty narrow trail. There was the mountain wall on one side and an endless gorge on the other. Occasionally villagers crossed us who were going to the temple to prepare for an upcoming festival. They carried loads on their backs and yet moved at a triple speed than us.
The final patch of the trail was through the woods. Tall pines, deodars and other trees formed a canopy over the trail. Bells were hung on a tree branch , indicating that we were almost near our destination.
The Abode of Guna Mata...
After walking for about two and half hours we reached the Guna Mata Temple. We had travelled about four kilometers by then. There was serenity all around. Red flags fluttered everywhere and there was an aura of divinity. The view of the Dhauladhar ranges seemed magnificent.
At the Guna Mata Temple area there were basic rooms available for pilgrims and tourists. People wishing to spend a night in the area can book them on reaching the spot. As informed by our guide , the temple sees a huge footfall during the Navaratris when people from far and near villages come to offer their prayers.
After spending more than an hour at the area we decided to come back. No, we did not feel like returning. The majestic mountains had mesmerized us so much that we wanted to stay there forever. Promising to ourselves that we would return again to answer to the calls of the mountains, we started our return journey back to Naddi village. The hike down was easier and we reached the bridge on the river in about an hour.
This easier than the easiest trek was an awesome experience and now I am feeling confident about going on another trek soon. So anyone who wants to experience a trek for the first time but not feeling confident about it must come to Guna Mata Temple.
Where to start the trek?
The trek starts from the Naddi Village. It is a very offbeat trail and only the locals know about it. You can enquire about the temple at any shop at Naddi village and they shall provide you the directions. However, our cab driver arranged for a guide and also accompanied us on our way to the temple.
Dharamshala Driver Mob. No.:9816975206
Do you need a Guide?
No, you don't need a guide actually.
The trail is quite an easy one and you can cover the distance on your own. However, having a guide has its own benefits. A guide accompanying you shall tell you local tales and point out to you the Himalayan trees and flowers and fruits on the way and also be your photographer. It is always enriching to have the company of a local on any trip.
How much did this trip cost me?
We paid a total of Rs. 3000/- for this trip. The cab which dropped us to the bridge at the beginning of the trek and drove us back from Naddi Village to the Main Market area cost us Rs. 2000/- for the day. We paid Rs. 1000/- to the guide.
You can watch this entire trip experience at the following link: https://youtu.be/OvlxYSJN_-4
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