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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