Shimla - Beyond Imagination
Winters in Shimla were just sunny days, town was full with tourists arriving to welcome New Year - 2018 and snowfall.
And our team was planning for a new task this time - Igloo construction.
Stacking camping equipment, outdoor setup into our little car, and roared 80 km further east to Giri Ganga.
The stunning mountain drive passing through one of the best Himalayan countryside and in past few decades, the region had earned its name as a major apple growing belts of India.
Rich in their traditions, proud of their culture and ever hard working some villages here evolved as richest village in entire Asia continent.
An isolated mountain paradise tucked right below the imposing meadow of Kuppar peak (3225 m) is the sanctuary of Giri Ganga.
And a solitary clearing, by the bank of River Giri Ganga initiates its long journey into Bay of Bengal, and soulful place which had allured us since many year for now.
The drive from Kharapatthar (mountain pass) bifurcates to its right, on a gravel road through an old mixed alpine coniferous forest for 06 km to reach Giri Ganga.
It went adventurous at the end of day and due to heavy snow on the road, we pitched just 03 km short of our destination, Giri Ganga.
The following morning after breakfast we carried the entire load to the camp and since then we pitched till end of February 2018.
And these two months were spend constructing Igloo and offering alpine camping experience to outdoor lovers.
The skill of Igloo construction is an time consuming effort and our plan led us make an Igloo with a diameter of 12 feet at ground and same height.
Our used equipment comprised of pair mittens, hand saw, a plastic crate used for transporting bread, a water bucket and jug.
Tirelessly working for about 40 days our efforts bore results and an Igloo or someone said Eskimo House to it.
Snow deficient winters proved hard for survival of Igloo and continuing snow pasting prolonged its life to end of February.
Since we also wanted to observe the liquidation process of Igloo so we spent pleasant warm days of Last February.
The entire stay at Giri Ganga turned a great learning with Igloo construction, Winter survival techniques, united effort, learning music and more importantly living close to the Nature at its best.
