Embraced by the pristine surroundings of the mountainous terrain, our journey at
Kedarnath Temple took an unexpected turn. Taking charge of our bags at the temple’s footsteps, we soon faced a technological hiccup—Dhanush’s Android phone had run out of charge. The quest for a charging point began in this remote landscape, where most establishments had closed their doors, and the mountain stood still, adorned only by a few emerging structures and bridges. As Pradeep and Dhanush scoured the area for a solution, I clung to our luggage, contemplating our next move. A call to the saffron-clad man, eagerly awaiting our arrival since the previous day, was in order. On the chilly mountain with temperatures hovering
around 5 degrees, our predicament was met with a warm voice on the other end. The saffron man directed us to rendezvous not near the temple but around its vicinity, towards the mountain foot. Amidst a backdrop of construction sites, we discovered him near the helipad, donned in his saffron outfit. With a sense of urgency, he led us to a shelter—a humble hut shielded by tin sheets. Here, a carefully arranged assortment awaited us—boxes, quilts, a gas stove, beds,
food grains, oil, and cooking essentials—all neatly organized in this mountain refuge. The unexpected warmth of this makeshift haven and the diligent preparations by the saffron man set the stage for the next chapter of our mountain sojourn. As we settled into the place designated by the saffron man, curiosity led us to inquire about his accommodations. To our surprise, he casually mentioned being nearby, assuring us that the provided shelter was well-equipped for our needs. Despite the basic setup, a few adjustments were required—some wires to pull for the lights to come alive. As Pradeep tried to conceal his frustration, both Dhanush and he maintained their composure, patiently observing the unfolding scenario. The saffron man, seemingly unfazed, proceeded to provide a brief tour of our temporary abode. Amidst the rugged mountainous setting, he nonchalantly invited us to make ourselves at home, assuring that everything we
needed was at our disposal. As we expressed our concerns about cooking facilities, the saffron man chuckled and effortlessly unearthed essentials from one of the boxes. Tea powder and salt emerged, setting the stage for a humble yet comforting mountain meal. The atmosphere, though initially tense, gradually eased into a sense of shared camaraderie. Little did we know that this mountain shelter would become the backdrop for unexpected tales and cherished
moments during our stay in Kedarnath. The unfolding events in Kedarnath were taking an unexpected turn. Anticipating a shared meal or at least an inquiry about our hunger, the saffron man surprised us with his indifferent attitude. As time slipped away, our stomachs began to grumble, and the prospect of finding a meal seemed elusive. To escape the chaotic situation in the hut, I proposed setting up the tent—a haven that provided a bit of solace. As Pradeep and Dhanush sought refuge in the cozy confines of the tent, I took on the task of organizing the hut. The contrast between the two spaces couldn’t have been starker. The tent offered a sense of peace, while the hut was filled with an air of uncertainty. Despite the fatigue and the biting cold, we managed to prepare a steaming cup of tea.
Drawing water from the nearby stream, we found solace in the warmth of the tea, a small reprieve amidst the challenges that awaited us. Pradeep, sensing an unfavourable shift in the saffron man’s demeanour, decided to maintain some distance and avoid unnecessary instructions. The saffron man, seemingly unconcerned about our basic needs, was more focused on initiating us into his planned tasks. However, his approach, resembling that of a taskmaster rather than a host, left Pradeep discontented. The unfolding narrative in Kedarnath was
turning out to be a mix of unexpected challenges and a test of resilience. Little did we know that this was just the beginning of a unique journey on the mountainous terrain. Pradeep and Dhanush, feeling the pangs of hunger, retired to the tent after a meager tea, hoping for a fresh start the next day. Sensing the need for extra warmth, I tossed in more quilts as the temperature dropped, preparing for a chilly night ahead. As darkness enveloped the mountain, tranquillity settled in. The saffron man vanished into the construction site, leaving us alone in the tin hut. I settled in between the boxes, cocooned myself in quilts, and tucked into my sleeping bag, familiar with the challenges of sleeping in the open. Around 1 am, an unexpected ordeal struck me. A sudden surge of heat, akin to a heavy
hangover, gripped my body. Navigating between nausea and discomfort, I stumbled out of the hut in search of relief. Struggling to remove my jacket, I resorted to pulling down my pants, seeking solace in the icy snow. The cold against my spine provided respite from the overwhelming heat, offering a bizarre but effective remedy. After enduring this unusual episode for half an hour, my system cooled down, and I returned to the hut, eventually drifting into a peaceful sleep. The next morning, as the sun illuminated the mountainous landscape, I awoke feeling fine. The mystery of that night’s turmoil remained a secret, a peculiar chapter in our unfolding adventure in the sacred land of Kedarnath.