When Adventure met Faith Part - V (Rudarnath/ Panchganga to Ansuiya / Mandal )

Today we had to start as soon as possible as we had to cover almost 18 kms till Mandal via Ansuya temple. Today’s punch line was “Utha kamandal pahunch Mandal” .

We got up at 5.30 AM and planned to have our breakfast at Hansa  bugyal which is around 06 kms from Panchganga. We started our journey around 07.00 AM. First one km is steep high till Naula Pass  which is situated at a height of 3760 mtrs above the sea level. There is a small temple with small  bells and colourful flags . From here one can see the beautiful peaks of Himalayas and this is the best place  to click pictures .

After  crossing Naula pass rest of the journey was steep down which is more dangerous and tough as whole night it was raining and trek was narrow and slippery.

The climate was good and there was no sign of rain. Soon we crossed zig zag trek of  beautiful bugyal and entered into jungle. 

After walking for 03 kms we reached Dhanpal bugyal where we took a halt  and then continued our journey towards Hansa Bugyal  which is further 02 kms from Dhanpal bugyal. 

As it was raining whole night the trek was quite slippery to walk so we had a tough time to walk on  those wet leaves so we were  keeping each step carefully. By 9.30 AM we were at Hansa Bugyal but to our surprise the hotel where we had to take our breakfast was closed.  

Next hope for some refreshment was Kanda Bugyal which is located at  03 km from Hansa Bugyal. Finally we reached Kanda bugyal around 12.00 PM. Two of our friends had already reached there and ordered  lunch for us. By the time food was getting ready we had our tea. 

It was too cold outside so we decided to sit inside the kitchen near the  fire where we felt warmth.  Meanwhile we enquired about the route to  “Atri muni cave” from Hotel guy. 

We had chappati made from local flour (Kodha / mandwa) , rice and dal. As we were about to start our further journey it started raining. We were compelled to wait there till the rain stopped. 

Finally we started our journey at 01.30 PM for Atri Muni Cave which is around 2.5 kms from Kanda Bugyal.

Once again after walking  02 kms we had to cross  a  jungle to continue our journey and again it started raining. We were feeling too cold so we started walking fast and reached Amrit Ganga.

 

To reach Atri muni cave we had to cross the temporary made wooden bridge, original was damaged during 2013 tragedy. 

Soon we reached Atri muni cave ,and  it was still raining. For Atri muni one has to take left turn 1.5  kms before  Ansuya temple and then take left  down hills for 500 mtrs for your desired destination Atri muni.

Here Rishi Atri Muni meditated here, there is water fall above the cave. People climb up to 12-15 feet high with the help iron chain and do parikarma inside the cave. 

After that we moved out of Atri Muni cave and  reached Ansuya temple which is 1.5 kms from Atri muni cave and 05 kms from Mandal. By the time it stopped raining.  From here,  there is a well laid stone path till Mandal.

Soon we reached Ansuya temple which is situated at the height of 2160 mtrs above the  sea level, Ansuiya was wife of Rishi Atri and  this temple is considered as a very sacred place for hindus and has some special significance for the unfortunate childless couples.

 

There is another temple of Dattatreya who was son of Rishi Atri and Ansuiya.  After visting Ansuiya and Dattatreya temple we had our tea at the near by shop. After that we continued our journey.

From Ansuya Temple , Mandal is around 05 kms and  path is well stone paved. There are many sheds with benches for taking rest and shelter while raining. Initial 03 kms is downwards journey till you cross the bridge and after that last 02 kms is almost plain. 

Last one km route is  through the village  saroli and finally we reached Mandal around 6.00 PM which is situated at a height of 1900 mtrs above from the sea level. 

Mandal is a small town and base camp for Ansuya Temple. We took hotel just opposite to the gate from where trek starts for Ansuya Temple. 

We had bath after 04 days , felt very refreshed and checked our mobiles for messages and missed calls . Everyone was busy with their mobiles after 04 days.  Around 9.00 PM we were downstairs  for dinner and soon went to bed. 

Next day two of our friends planned to visit Tungnath and Chandershila peak ,  one wants to spend some time with his friends at Srinagar before leaving for Delhi.  I too planned to visit Dehradun where my family was enjoying summer vacation before leaving for  Delhi/ Gurgaon and one was from Sringar only. 

Our unforgettable journey got over here,  soon will take you to some other destination.

Till then happy Ghumakkari…….....