 Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 1: Tawi Trekkers J&K, the pioneering trekking club of Jammu & Kashmir, celebrated National Unity Day and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the “Iron Man of India,” by organizing a 12km trek from Sagoon (5km from Surinsar towards Mansar) to Purmandal.
Led by Shilpa Charak, an international sport climber and a trained mountaineer, 13 club members, including its President Ram Khajuria, Senior sports journalist Sanjeev Sharma, Vice President of the Mountaineering Association of J&K Sumit Khajuria, and junior members Prerna Charak, Vikas Singh, Arun Deep Singh, Kashish Bharti, Vinay, Jeevika Verma, Vageesh Sharma, Niharika Singh, and Ankush Singh, participated in this exploratory trek that spanned a full day.
The trekkers embarked on their journey, enjoying a gentle ascent of 2km through pine forests, leading them to the serene village of Bral. This small and tranquil village with a population of less than 100 people provided panoramic views of Sagoon village against the backdrop of the sacred Trikuta hills.
The trek continued with a pleasant descent of 2km, taking the trekkers to the sacred Bral Mata temple, a serene place that houses an image of Goddess Bral and naturally formed Shivlingams. The temple is located in an exceptionally picturesque spot, enveloping the trekkers with its divine atmosphere.
The journey extended through calm and cool dense forests, offering breathtaking views of deep ravines, and led to the sprawling village of Padal, consisting of about forty-five houses and a primary school with just two rooms, accommodating 21 students and two teachers. A comfortable trek of about 1km through sesame fields in the village provided a refreshing experience.
During the trek, the trekkers learned from a young girl that she had been trekking 10km (to and fro) daily for the past seven years to attend her school at Purmandal. This revelation served as a valuable learning experience for the trekkers during their 12km exploratory trek.
From Padal, a descent of about 2km brought them to the bed of the holy Devak, which was followed by a 3km exhilarating journey to Purmandal. The trekkers crisscrossed the shallow waters of the holy Devika, which flowed peacefully amidst the serene surroundings of the sandy walls of the Shivalik hills rising high on both sides.
The trek served as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and celebrated National Unity Day by fostering unity, camaraderie, and a connection to the natural beauty of the region. |
