Someone has aptly said that, “Nature connects us to our roots.”
I had only read in our school history books and got hugely fascinated that early humans lived in caves and rock shelters. They chose to stay in natural caves to shelter from the rain, heat, and wind. Challenging life huh!
And I always wondered how did they manage to live in narrow caves, presumably harsh with no sign of civilization till far reaches, until, mountains happily proved me wrong and bestowed me with this wonderful opportunity to spend a day in a serene cave on my way to Indrahar Pass back in 2015!
This was during one of my Himalayan treks with a very small group of trekkers, our local guide and support staff. We were walking uphill in an unforgiving rocky terrain the whole day and here comes the sun wishing us adios for the day. The evening was approaching and we wanted a pad to crash on for the night – a camping site.
Honestly, I was clueless about our next campsite and like from nowhere showed up this amazing Cave. Moolraj, our guide led us to an inviting cave which is my most favourite campsite in the Himalayas till date – Lahesh Cave. It's en route from Triund to Indrahar pass and the mesmerizing Moon peak!!
The moment I saw this miraculous cave, I knew no wealth no luxury may possibly buy me the tranquillity that I was going to enter into in the next few moments. I felt rooted. My abode for the night had three wall-like structures surrounding me with one side fully open forming a natural window to an amazing view of the valley, and a glorious greeting from the sun to wake up to. Much before I started exploring the mountains, I read somewhere that there’s a world out there, and you’ve got to look at both sides of the mountain in your lifetime. I can’t be luckier. Can I?
Lahesh Cave, at the entrance is approx. 4ft in height and towards the other end it tapers down to zero. Although the cave could easily accommodate 10-12 people, I knew it is going to test my sanity as the wonderous cave left us no other option but to crawl and drag ourselves inside, along with our backpack and other gears. It was a uniquely happy experience for all the trekkers.
Mother earth like always took great care of us. We spotted a gorgeous waterfall nearby from where we fetched water for cooking and drinking and used the space near the entrance as a kitchen.
My grandpa always said, “…a mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. So, keep stretching horizons of your experiences and you will grow.
…earth and sky, forests and fields, lakes and rivers, the mighty mountains and the sea, are excellent teachers, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.”
“And Grandpa, I am happy I know you know that I am learning well!”
In our world of mountaineering, there is a popular saying that “Mountains are calling and I
must go.”
And since I am yet to experience the Moon Peak, Lahesh Cave is calling, I must go, again!!