Kedarkantha- A Solivagant & His Odyssey

By Rahul V

Solitude is a powerful word. It helps you connect with your deepest desires, and brings you pleasant times. Little did I know that my first solo trek would fill me with such positivity and optimism. It would give me experiences to cherish for a lifetime.

It was a humid, summer morning in May 2022. I was preoccupied with work and had just taken a break from gazing at my laptop. I observed a canvas painting on the wall. A proud mountaineer stood tall at the summit in his mountaineering stripes and rugged rucksack. 

His smile and gaze encompassed the journey of a traveller who had completed his journey. I was swayed by many emotions. The cool air, the pristine scenery all around and the absolute bliss of staying away from the hustle of city life. It is these moments that the solivagant within me always pined for.

Then it was that very evening that I decided awaken the nomad within me. Although audacious, I had mentally embarked on my journey of fulfilment. Very passionately, I zeroed in on the best autumn treks possible.

Behold the wondrous pictures of Kedarkantha in autumn. With hues of red and yellow, I would also witness majestic snowfall and pleasant weather. Lady luck had to bestow me with blessings though. Shopping for all the trek gear from Decathlon, I was waiting with bated breath for D-day to arrive.

Four months later, in the majestic autumn month of October, I set out on my odyssey. Indulging the wanderer within me, I could hear my heart pounding. The nights were filled with the tranquil flow of the pond nearby. As I lay on my sleeping bag in my tent, I wondered how the starry sky would seem.

When I stepped out for dinner, it was a sight to behold. The starry sky above and the chilly, yet pleasant breeze below.

The summit climb was the day I was glad I had lived for. The mountains and its precipice. The majestic snowfall and the ever calm yet studious gaze of the Lord Shiva idol from the temple. 

Finally, I made it to the temple, making a wish to keep coming back for more such solivagant treasures.

By Rahul V