Mountains are Calling - Part2
Mountains are Calling - Part2
30th October 2021 - 13th November 2021
It had been more than 2 years since we had gone on a trip to the mountains. Hence we planned for this trip to the mountains. Read about how we planned for the Trip here.
On 29th October 2021 we travelled from Gurgaon to Noida, so as to spend the night at Noida and start for Haldwani on 30 October 2021. The journey from Gurgaon to Noida became an ordeal in itself.
We had put in the destination on maps. Maps directed us on an alternate path, other than the usual path we used to take, as at this pint of time the alternate path was the fastest. The way was via Gwal Pahari. We were on the correct path, but due to a confusion in judging the directed path, we took a wrong turn and it somehow took us to the Agra Highway.
After a long time and after paying the Highway toll, when we enquired, the guy on the toll booth told us that we were on the wrong path and now we had to exit the High Way and back track. As we exited the highway the diversion was Jam packed. It took us around 20-30 minutes to take a U-Turn and be on the return path.
Now once again following the Maps we were moving in circle, probably we were not able to apprehend what the map was directing us to do. After two rounds we resorted to ask the auto drivers for the way and followed it. Later I also followed a bus towards Noida for some time.
The Maps now suggested that we had to take a U-Turn. This time we first enquired with people on the road before taking the turn. On their confirmation we took the turn. The way lead us to a very narrow market. We had to cross the crowded market and then a very narrow bridge full of traffic to finally arrive at the correct route. It was dark by now and we had been driving for 3-3.5 hours.
We thought that now instead of again getting lost, we should reach a place near to the destination, stop there to enquire and then move. All this time we were in constant touch with our relatives. They suggested us to reach a point and wait there. They would come at that point and then guide us through. We waited at the suggested point and then were escorted by our relatives to finally reach at their place in 4-4.5 hours. We finally realized that we should have taken the path that we knew as it is very easy to get lost in Delhi. You take a wrong turn or miss a turn and you are lost.
Anyway we spent the night at Noida with a plan to start towards Haldwani early morning. The plan was to cook some food and carry it with us for the journey.
Now once again following the Maps we were moving in circle, probably we were not able to apprehend what the map was directing us to do. After two rounds we resorted to ask the auto drivers for the way and followed it. Later I also followed a bus towards Noida for some time.
The Maps now suggested that we had to take a U-Turn. This time we first enquired with people on the road before taking the turn. On their confirmation we took the turn. The way lead us to a very narrow market. We had to cross the crowded market and then a very narrow bridge full of traffic to finally arrive at the correct route. It was dark by now and we had been driving for 3-3.5 hours.
We thought that now instead of again getting lost, we should reach a place near to the destination, stop there to enquire and then move. All this time we were in constant touch with our relatives. They suggested us to reach a point and wait there. They would come at that point and then guide us through. We waited at the suggested point and then were escorted by our relatives to finally reach at their place in 4-4.5 hours. We finally realized that we should have taken the path that we knew as it is very easy to get lost in Delhi. You take a wrong turn or miss a turn and you are lost.
Anyway we spent the night at Noida with a plan to start towards Haldwani early morning. The plan was to cook some food and carry it with us for the journey.
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On 30th, the third family also arrived at Noida. We just finished breakfast and were about to leave but the kid with the third family got sick.. The kid was given medication and left to sleep. When the kid was hale and hearty again we placed our luggage on the overhead carriers on the cars. Tied and secured them so that they don't fall. We left the place at around 10 am.
As soon as we left the place and had just driven for 10-15 minutes we were gain stuck in a big traffic Jam. The police arrived after sometime and finally cleared the Jam.
Now we were on the Highway. I was following our relative's car. It was a smooth drive. We crossed the Ganges at Garh Mukteshwar.
After driving for some more time we halted at a place and had our lunch. It was fun chit-chatting and enjoying home cooked delicious food.
After driving for some more time we crossed Moradabad and then later took a diversion towards Rampur. On this route we enjoyed some fresh Guavas. They were one of the best Guavas that I had ever tasted. We moved ahead to cross Bilaspur and moved towards diversion for Pant Nagar. Again took a sharp left turn to onboard the Rudrapur-Haldwani route via the Tanda Forest Range.
Tanda forest area is so green and is such a delight to the eyes. We cruised through lush green forest to finally enter Haldwani. Haldwani is a big town now and has all the amenities of the Metro City.
By the time we reached Haldwani it was already dark. We halted our vehicles a the the third family's home, took out our luggage and relaxed a bit.
We enquired with people in Haldwani and with drivers who plied between Haldwani and Pithoragarh. We were told that the Tanakpur was broken and there were huge Jams on the Almora Highway route.
Henceforth it was decided that we would go via the Pahar Pani route. Pahar Pani route is the most picturesque and the narrowest.
Initially the plan was to keep one car at Haldwani and go in the other car. But people at Haldwani advised us that we should take two cars as the route till Pithoragarh was a long hilly route and stuffing everyone along with the luggage in one car will make the journey a bit uncomfortable and risky.
After a lot of deliberation among ourselves it was decided that we should go in two cars. I also showed confidence and suggested that I can drive in through the mountains. Though I had not driven a car in the mountains but I had done a lot of driving in the plains. I was confident that I can drive through.
Just to be cautious it was decided that I will follow our relative's car on the route. They being expert mountain drivers will lead, so that it becomes easier for me to drive. It was also decided that we would leave early as we wanted to cover as much route as possible in day light. We enjoyed many trekking tales over snacks, then ended the day with some delicious food and went to bed. Little did I know then that a sublime experience was waiting for me the next day. An experience that I would cherish all my life.
Just to be cautious it was decided that I will follow our relative's car on the route. They being expert mountain drivers will lead, so that it becomes easier for me to drive. It was also decided that we would leave early as we wanted to cover as much route as possible in day light. We enjoyed many trekking tales over snacks, then ended the day with some delicious food and went to bed. Little did I know then that a sublime experience was waiting for me the next day. An experience that I would cherish all my life.
Continue Reading : Mountains are Calling - Part3...
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