The Road Less Travelled
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
On our last day in Kashmir, we were en route to Sonamarg from Srinagar via NH1 for a day trip and I must say the drive to Sonamarg is absolutely breathtaking with the snow-capped mountains set against a spectacular blue sky and the Sindh River flowing through the valley. Our eyes were glued to the view outside the window throughout the drive.
Our cab couldn’t go beyond Gagangir, which is about 13 km before Sonamarg, as the road ahead was closed because of an avalanche that had happened a day before. Our driver suggested we take a pony ride or a taxi from there to go up to the glacier and indulge in some snow activities.
However, captivated by the ethereal landscape around us we decided to wander off and explore the place on our own. This (below photograph) was our view the whole time we were treading.
Isn’t it just incredible? I never knew anything like this really existed before I saw it with my own eyes.
As we looked around, we asked a man passing by if there was a way to the Sindh river, he politely showed us the way and affirmed — “aap aaram se jaiye, koi pareshani nahi hai” and we followed the footsteps going downhill, moving towards the sound of gushing water.
After a 5 min walk down the road, we reached what looked like a compound of someone’s house.
Just when we were about to turn back in confusion, we saw some children approaching us. We inquired about the river again and they pointed towards the very same compound. The road to the river actually went through their home. They led us, half running half giggling all the way to the riverside.
We were awestruck when we reached there, it was a sight to behold.
What a delight it was to hang out with the kids. We chit-chatted, played in the snow, and got zillion photos clicked together. Then they dropped us back to the main road and kept waving goodbye to us until we were out of sight.
After all, love and warmth can be found in the most unexpected places of all.
All photos are clicked by me and are copyrighted. © 2021 Shrutika Chandra. All rights reserved.
