Trekking in the Himalayas has always been an exciting experience- adventure never ends here rather every step opens up new vistas for the dare devils. It was for the third consecutive year that our group came to India. and this time we decided to explore the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal.

With a picture-perfect beauty replete with high mountain valleys, brooks and lakes and a profusion of wild flowers, Garhwal was a real treat for our eyes. In fact, anyone with an eye for the sublime beauty of nature will fall for Garhwal.

Of the various trekking courses in Garhwal, we set out to explore the Harkidun- Tons Valley- Ruinsara Tal, and Dodi Tal - Darwa Top - Yamunotri courses.

The former was a two days trip from Delhi to the roadhead at Sankri and two trek days to the Harkidun. The meadows, teeming with a variety of flowers, are linked with two routes to Ruinsara Tal on the edge of the Tons glacier coming off Bandarpunch peak. As we moved past the meadows we were filled with an unprecedented sense of joy. Our weary souls were put to rest by the riot of colours.

The other one starts from Uttarkashi. We reached the roadhead at the Kalyani trout hatchery and then embarked upon a 6 km hike to Agora village. A five-hour trek day led us to Dodi Tal. The next day we crossed the Darwa Top at an altitude of 4,115 m and descended to Hanuman Chatti for an exciting two day trek to Yamunotri (14 km). We decided to move further to Saptrishi Kund (10 km) which is the true source of the Yamuna.

As we marched ahead in search of adventure, the sight of flowers blooming in profusion and uncountable number of butterflies sitting here and there infused us with fresh vigour- the exhaustion was never felt.