The last part, then, of this ‘not quite a travelogue’ series. Starts with our descent back to where we started, i.e. Sepi, and all the way home to Bengaluru. I had fun putting these tankas together over the past ten days or so. It was a nice way to remember the moments from the trek, and hopefully, it’s something that will take me back to those moments when I look back a few years down the line.
So, with that, here’s the final set of verses.
*****
Last day of the trek,
going downhill, l linger
on flowers, leaves, barks
I paid scant attention to
during my struggle uphill.
After a short walk to Sandakphu from Aal (about a km), we had a long and steep descent the rest of the way to Timbure, where we were to stay the night. We would go all the way down from nearly 12,000 feet to 6600 feet. Going downhill is tough on your knees and joints and I would feel that later, but at least, you are not out of breath and you can take your time.
*****
Free flowing water
in streams that emerge out of
a mountain's warm heart,
cold to the touch, holier
than all the Gods we worship.
One of the things we missed in this trek was the absence of a lake along the way, but there were a few streams gurgling down the hills that we could step our toes into. We had stopped at one on the first day of our trek, and then, we saw another lovely stream as we nearly reached our tea house.
*****
Fresh Tibetan bread
for breakfast before we leave,
its simplicity
savoured slowly, one last high
to remember afterwards.
This was the first time I had tried Tibetan bread. A bit like Mangalore bun, but a touch lighter and without the sweetness. Served with potato-onion gravy, I liked it a lot.
*****
A short season to
make a little more, shorter
still for young farmers,
too many queuing up now
as registered nature guides.
One of our guides, Milan, walked with me for a brief section as we neared Timbure. Chatting with him, I learnt that the guides had to be registered with the SNJP guides association (the local association). Earlier, he would be on these treks roughly twice a month, but these days, with many more aspirants, he would only get a chance once in two months.
*****
Rhododendron wine
to take back home, for this high
to linger longer.
Got myself a locally brewed bottle as we were returning to NJP from Sepi. Rhododendron trees had dotted the way for large sections of the trek, particularly on the last day. The flowering season having just begun, only a few trees had started blooming. It must be quite a sight when all the trees are in full bloom. Worth being there just for that.
*****
A few hours to kill,
we leave the airport to get
a Bengali meal,
so authentic, I promise
myself, “no, never again”.
Our return to Bengaluru was via Kolkata. We had a five hour layover there before our flight, and we stepped out of the airport for lunch at this place called Bhojohori Manna. I am sure those who love Bengali food would like it. I am not one of them.
*****
Wet wipes, so useful
behind cold mountain bushes
when the night is dark
shrivel in this summer heat,
become laptop screen cleaners.
I was amazed to find the wet wipes dry out completely in just the second day after I returned to Bengaluru. The last few are still at my desk waiting to be used. 🙂