Soul Searching at Mukteshwar

 

Link to video Himalayan Peaks as seen from Mukteshwar

We spent time this December (3rd-6th December 2021) in a property that charges for it's location and it's courteous staff. From one's bed lying down, one could see the Himalayan peaks Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Mrigthuni, Maiktoli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Sunanda and Nand Kot.

This property is not located in Mukteshwar but in Saliyakot where one can see the Himalayan peaks from the bed as one wakes up and looks out of the window resting on one's pillow. The shorter route is via Bhimtal and Dhanachuli. In one's map one should not write Mukteshwar but just Justa Mukteshwar to avoid longer route. The rooms at such a height were spacious and well decorated with originals.

They value environment and that could be seen in the statues that decorated the place. They have statues of Vayu, Agni, Buddha, Ganesha, horn of Nandi and Shiva. The tree trunks could be seen inside the rooms and balconies for they have preserved trees.

They have a non functional hot water swimming pool, jacuzzi and a non functional spa and yoga area which they plan to make them functional in due course. The buffet was not well laid but they compensated with their friendly behaviour and authentic Kumaoni dishes and other tasty selected dishes under the guidance of their cook Ashwini.

The best were the guided activity tours that they provide, where Ramesh their guide took us on a trek through villages to a river, a waterfall and helped us spot birds, identify flora and fauna and interact with the locals as we walked on the trails created by the feet of local people as they walk uphill and downhill for their daily needs. Outsise the houses at the entrance each house has the name plate of the daughter of the house with the slogan beti bachaao, beti padhaao. All had received both doses of Covid vaccination and were simple and friendly. There were trees of pear, plum, walnut, chestnut which had shed their leaves and would again turn green and bear fruits in summers. The villagers grew pumpkin and cabbage too in their farms.

The property had wonderful sit-outs overlooking Himalayan peaks and valleys all around. The walls were decorated with originals and had choicest of paintings that created an aura all around.

Before planning one's visit one should check the weather and see to it that one succeeds in making the trip on a clear bright and sunny day.

Near by places to visit are; KMVN Guest House from where one can spot Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Chaukhamba , Neelkanth, Kamet, Rajrambha, Panchchuli and mountains of Nepal in addition to the peaks named above, so it provides a 270 degree view which is a sight to behold. The bookings for this guest house can only be done online. A new guest house is coming up behind the old one across the road. Jim Cobett had stayed in the old guest house when he had come here for Mukteshwar's man eater and he was immensely impressed by the beauty of the place. The garden in front of the guest house which was oncevery beautiful is in shambles because of the construction work going on there.

One can also visit Bhalu Fall which is situated deep inside the jungle where previously one had to trek and it was called so because it was inhabited by bears as they came here to drink water from the stream. It has a proper track laid down as of now for the tourists. It is a beautiful fall and is 40 ft deep at the point where water falls from a height. There are tents too there which can be rented and a few maggi points.

Chauli ki jali which is a rock jutting out from the mountain is situated near an old Shiva temple located amongst pine trees on a hill top with a winding parikrama path all around amongst the pine trees which takes one to Chauli ki Jali. An interesting story revolves round this rock which has a circular jali(a hole) in its centre. One goes to this place to see the beautiful sunset.

Situated 74 km from Justa is Jageshwar Temple which is a collection of 124 temples which were made from 7th to 14th century by Katyuri dynasty. These temples are surrouded by a thick forest of Devdaar or Cedar trees. A must visit and a full day is required if one is staying at Justa.

On the way, at Shahar Phatak one has a beautiful view of the mountain peaks.

A 3N and 4D  tour was appropriate for the place and this itinerary. It was a thoroughly soul satisfying tour.