Tapovan Trek-Part-II by Bibhuti

(Tapoban trek 2nd. Part ) Snowfall continued for half an hour or so. Prasanna was picturing it. So I also, for a few minutes, as snowflakes were entering into tent if the door was even slightly open. When I peeped outside through a smile gap, I was so excited to see a herd of Himalayan wild goats (ghurals) , so big and stout, were roaming very near our tents. I sadly remembered my trek to Rupkund , near Trisul Parbat in 1998, where I could see one such Ghural from a very long distance. For the then famous guide of Rupkund area, Rup Sing, was regularly killing the ghurals with his gun and feeding the trekkers, and earning a lot. Luckily, Gangotri area has been declared as a National Park and very strict rules are enforced, for which ghurals are roaming around so fearlessly. Sky was still cloudy, and so we restricted ourselves near our tents, though snowfall had ceased. We gathered inside the warmth of kitchen tent, discussed our success, with a plate hot Khichodi in our hands. Next morning, we arose late, though sky was clear and deep blue , tents were covered with snowflakes, and little movement dislodged the flakes and getting inside tents. After tea, we went to see Maunibaba's Ashram. Baba stays here round the year, meets visitors and communicates with writing. Some spiritual discussion, photo session, and we came back to prepare for the descend.