Mystical Adventure Journey - India 2007: 2007

A Journey to India's most ancient & sacred places

Join us as we take you for a tour of our mystical adventure journey where our ultimate destination is Shiva's abode - the amazing Himalayas. We'll start with a quick visit to Mumbai; on to Haridwar and Rishikesh; a stop over in Rudraprayag before climbing 12,000 feet to Vishnu's holy temple in Badrinath via Joshimath and Auli; and finally to the most sacred of sacred temples in India - Kedarnath, home of one the 12 Shiva Lingams and 15,000 feet up in the Himalayas. Fasten your seat belts ......

Our First Stop - Mumbia

On to Rishikesh and Haridwar - all aboard the New Delhi Express train!

Is it really only 6:oo in the morning :))

Rudraprayag

We stayed at the Monal Resort in Rudraprayag and while there Susan went on a hike and found a bridge where she spotted what looked like might be temple steps leading to the river.

After learning that it actually was a temple we all decided to try to find our way to it. It was an adventure through jungly brush and past a tiny village where a sweet man directed us to the walkway which lead to the
temple below and the cool rushing river.
AHHHH! Finally we get to feel the blessing of the sacred waters!

We were slighly surprised by this holy man and a friendly boy who were watching us from the steps above. They assured us that it was okay for us to be there (at least that's what how we interpreted their motions).

Back at the resort, Dom introduces a new friend..... I was surprised that I could get her to stand that close for the picture!

Auli

Ok, now if we can just manage to squeeze through a little traffic jam, we can probably make it to Auli........

After the exciting and scenic drive to Joshimath, the 20 minute ride in the cable car (tram) lifted us into the clouds where we had our first big view of the welcoming Himalayas.

Before we arrived at the Cliff Top Ski Lodge, a very excited traveler spotted a pair of Griffin Vultures on the ground. He said that they are the largest bird in India.

The people of India are humble and devoted.
Their love for the Hindu Lords was evident everywhere.
This little temple was a short walk up the ski slope from the lodge.

The first morning at Auli was like Christmas as the light revealed the magnificent peaks
around us, free from the clouds that had shrouded them the day before.

Joshimath

Badrinath - Om Namo Narayanaya

Kedarnath - a peak experience for all!

Our dear guide Rajiv gave us the option of a Helicopter ride to Kedarnath. We had to give up the 14km trek by foot or pony but decided it would be another kind of adventure.

It was amazing to see the countryside from this vantage point.

We met three beautiful women from Mumbai, also on the pilgrimage to the sacred temple. They were so curious about our journey and it was very sweet to hear about theirs. We had hot tea together and laughed about life and little things.

Visiting the the temple at Kedarnath was an experience beyond words. Within the ancient brick walls were the sounds of chanting priests and prayerful pilgrims all around us.
We were privledged to be therel and were generously welcomed to participate in the prayers and rituals.

Dom bought a Damru (drum) and this holy man was so excited that she knew how to play it.
They played them together all evening with the crowd chanting at the evening aarti which is a nightly gathering with singing and fire ritual. He said he had his Damru for thirty years and offered to make Dom one but we had to leave very early in the morning so she thanked him anyway. It was very sweet.