Adventures are for the adventurous

गौरव नौड़ियाल ने लंबे समय तक कई नामी मीडिया हाउसेज के लिए काम किया है। खबरों की दुनिया में गोते लगाने के बाद फिलहाल गौरव फिल्में लिख रहे हैं। गौरव अखबार, रेडियो, टीवी और न्यूज वेबसाइट्स में काम करने का लंबा अनुभव रखते हैं।

After bidding goodbye to the job in Delhi, on November 4, 2018, we packed our bags and left for Dehradun. Our actual journey was destined to begin from here. Journey to the mountains. For this most awaited journey, we neither prepared many route maps nor did we had very useful bike equipment. Before starting off the journey bikers usually carry a few but very important items with them, such as extras tubes, filters, spark plugs, clutch wires, and tools to open tires if needed. Unfortunately, we had nothing.

We were so eager about our journey that we left it all on time. This was truly an irresponsible act, which I probably will not repeat in the future ever... and the reasons behind not making any route maps were that we didn't want to follow the fixed paths. Or maybe I'm too lazy regarding the preparations. But, I am more convinced about the former one.

Yes, we did carry the essentials (as much we knew) for ourselves during the trip, which included the right clothes (yes, you read it right. It is a very important rule to follow if you are planning a bike trip, especially in winters), some dry fruits, pain killers and of course a camera (it should be in your must-have list). Though the bike ride from Delhi to Dehradun was not that dangerous, but amidst mountains even for a slight clutch wire, we may have to stay stuck all day. It took us nine hours to reach Dehradun. Since we had stopped at many places in between wherever we wanted to, to unwind ourselves.. to stretch our legs as we were in no hurry.

In the next few months of our travel, we spent 64 days in Himalayan towns, villages, and cities. During this time we also climbed up to the snow-covered peaks, crossed dozens of rivers, enjoyed the views of various waterfalls, and drank the water of the springs. Altogether, it has been a wonderful journey, a lifetime experience, a treasure that we will cherish throughout our lives.

After arriving in Dehradun, it was decided that we would start the riding later, before that both of us would leave on the trek of Har Ki Dun. As a result, my bike had to slow down for a while. Initially, Sheetal felt that this trek should not affect our further journey and our budget, but then later we agreed to do this trek first. It was also thought that lest due to this trek we might not get battered already, but on the other hand, the idea of leaving this mind-blowing opportunity was enough to upset us.

We were completely sunken in the avidity of doing this beautiful trek. After two days, ie on 7 November, was Diwali and we had made sure that this time we will be celebrating an Eco-friendly Diwali under the shade of stars, amid Mother Nature. This was the idea. Far from the crowds and clamor of the city.

Well, we also had three other companions on this trek, who arrived to join us for the same from Delhi. Now we had become five in total. The next day, on 6 November at 4 am in the morning, with sleepy eyes we all were ready to kick start our journey. From Dehradun, we decided to leave by car. It was cold in the morning, but the interesting thing starts from here only.

Actually, our driver ‘Parijat’ had no experience of driving in the mountains plus he wasn't in the practice also for long. He used to drive occasionally only. Before us, was the journey of the dangerous mountains of Uttarkashi and the steering was in parijat's hands. To be honest, I was pretty much nervous. Especially whenever a truck or bus was seen coming on the narrow mountain roads. On one side there were deep trenches and in front was the sloping road, on which Parijat was driving like an expert. Slowly, this fear of mine also kept going.