Travelogue - Bhadraj Himalayas

Bhadraj Trek; Elevation 2187 mtrs. Location: Lower Shivalik range. 

On Sunday 18th October while the weather chart showed the day to be Sunny with a High UV index of 7; A group of 10 Enthusiasts most of which were newcomers persuaded me for this trek, Bhadraj ji for me becomes the second time since last year. 

Around this time of year, though late this season, the morning chills have started showing their magic however the craze and enthusiasm keeps you moving. Waking up at 4 AM and ascending at 5:30AM while it was still dark, we started from Mussoorie diversion towards Hathi Paon on Dehradun-Mussoorie Road on our bikes, after 15kms, turning left travelling 1KM from Hathi Paon bend the first ray of Sunlight over the mountains welcomed the new dawn.

Sunchasers that we have become. 

Follow the road to reach Cloud's End ; this place is synonymous to it's name. The maddening world seems to end here and a mystical journey starts , though the Roads will not let you soar higher and often the frequent jerks and shocks will keep you GROUNDED (pun intended). Steep downwards inclination is as dreaded as the thought of climbing it back may be. The road condition is traumatic but that is what trekking is all about.

You may be exhausted reaching the nearest village Dudhli ; hereon the on-foot Journey starts upwards. Dudhli is at an Elevation of 1790 mtrs while Bhadraj ji is at 400mtrs above it which needs to be covered via a 4 Kms route. The Roads are mostly Kachha Pakka trek with some places at flat patches which may give you momentary relief from the exhaustive journey. Abundance of Rhododendron and Himalayan oak keeps the trek cool and the winds cutting through Oak leaves imitates a waterfall nearby. 

The top was scenic , the sky was clear hence some of the snow laden peaks of Himalayas, the lower peaks of Shiwalik, Valley of Dehradun and Himachal peaks were well visible. 

Mahipal Singh wouldn't settle for less so he persuaded all the fellows to move ahead towards the other side of the temple which became another treat for the eyes and test for the legs however every step was worth the pain, River Yamuna was serpenting on the other side of valley. Descending 2 more kms and back from a new route was awesome. 

On the way back had fantastic lemon tea courtesy Deepa and Prateek Panwar and Aaloo Pranthas with mango pickle and parantha along with maggi soaked in local flavours.

Descended and reached Dehradun by 4:00 PM lasting our 12 hours trail.