Next morning we woke up early. Our plan was to trek upto Keling Temple and return back to Kugti and head to Hadsar and reach Dalhousie by evening. Caretaker offered us nice sabzi-roti breakfast with chai and started walking towards Keling village. The trail is pretty straight forward and always stays to the left. If one gets down towards the stream and crosses it, could head to Manimahesh lake.
Unfortunately, since we had no guide no idea of peaks we saw. It was while we were on the trail, we met two people heading towards Keling temple. They overtook us and stayed in sight for quite some time. Soon a gorgeous Dog joined us and started escorting us to our trek to Keling temple.
Keling temple is located at a height higher than Kugti village. The rather gently climbing trail now starts climbing very steeply, with switchbacks to reach Keling temple. At this point I left Hriday and the two men, behind, exactly where the trail starts climbing. I hit my rhythm, and dint find it suitable to stop for a breather. It took me about 20 mins to cover this very steap climb to Keling temple. There was no one at the temple, just me and the Dog. After a while I managed to sight Hriday resting at a point, and the two men half way of the climb. Soon one of them arrived claiming to be the Pundit (preist) of the temple. In a while Hriday arrive. We took a breather and took some shots. The dog had to get its reward for keeping us company, so fed him a packet of biscuit.
Soaking in the morning view..
the hamlet called Kugti
waterfall on the way
last view of Kugti village
one can take this bridge and head towards Manimahesh lake
our friend, our guide and our protecor
looking towards Manimahesh lake ridge
the portion where steep ascent begins
i absolutely love this shot
approaching keling temple
look down at the steep switchbacks
the lonely Keling Temple waiting for its caretaker
Doggie gets his reward,,
thats Hriday feeding the boy
Pandit Ji
want more mate!
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