Page 63 - Udaan 2019-2021 Final

We rested and ate biscuits and

nuts. Soon it started to rain and

though we wanted to stay for
longer, we had to return. The

trail was now slippery and we

took longer to walk back. By
the time we reached

Ghangaria, I was exhausted

and hungry.

Next morning, we decided to

visit Hemkund Sahib on
ponies. I was excited to ride a

pony! The path to Hemkund

Sahib was paved but very

steep. As we climbed, we saw
the beautiful valley below and

the surrounding tall mountains.

My pony was very gentle and I patted it often. We also saw Brahma Kamal, a big,

white and rare Lotus. Hemkund is a big lake, fed by melting snow coming down the

mountains, and is the source of Laxman Ganga. I touched the ice-cold water of the
Kund, and was surprised to see Sikh uncles taking a dip in the lake! After paying a

visit to the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and Laxman Mandir, we ate hot Khichdi at the

Langar and returned to Ghangaria.

The next day was pleasant and our return trek was equally enjoyable but a little more

tiring. We spent the night at Govindghat and left for Haridwar to catch the train to

Sealdah. It was a special trip with many happy memories. I was thrilled that the

places in my General Knowledge book were no longer only pictures; they were now
very beautiful memories! I hope to visit again.

Inset and background illustration by Rajasi Laha, Class 5