Hello, I’m Chhavi, and that is my story in regards to the unforgettable trek I did with my father to Dodital in December 2025. I’m scripting this for my mom, so she will reside by means of our journey (and doubtless panic a bit).

Departure Chaos and Prepare Drama 🚆

We left dwelling on sixteenth December 2025, full of pleasure (and barely unrealistic expectations). First, we took the metro after which headed to Anand Vihar Railway Station to catch the Vande Bharat Specific.

Narrator’s observe: The practice appeared shiny and quick… till we realized the doorways have been locked as a result of they have been nonetheless cleansing. An ideal metaphor for all times, shiny on the skin, gradual on the within.

After just a few hours of ready, we lastly boarded. First cease: Haridwar. I attempted to learn a e book, nevertheless it didn’t work. My consideration span clearly prefers music and chaos over literature.

Bus vs. Jeep: The Everlasting Dilemma 🚌🛻

We reached Haridwar at evening. On the native bus stand, we requested in regards to the subsequent bus to Uttarkashi. “7:00 a.m.,” stated the individual, confidently. However the Jeep state of affairs was one other story: Jeeps don’t go away till utterly full, which meant we couldn’t depend on them.

Our answer? Test right into a lodge and eat dinner, as a result of apparently, that fixes every thing. Dinner was paneer, roti, and rasgullas (I had one, my father had one… we’re health-conscious like that). I slept on the mattress, my father on the floor, and I saved the blanket all to myself.

Narrator’s observe: Sure, I’m responsible. Fatherly forgiveness is seemingly infinite.

The Historic Bus to Uttarkashi 🚌💀

Subsequent morning, we woke at 6:00 a.m. and took a pickup to the bus stand. The bus ready for us was historical, presumably older than my grandfather.

As soon as it began shifting, the hilly terrain turned the trip right into a rollercoaster of terror. Each sharp flip had me clutching the seat, pondering: That is it. That is how I die, falling right into a bus aisle at 6 a.m.

By 2:00 p.m., we reached Uttarkashi, walked to our lodge, checked in, had lunch, and I attempted to learn whereas my father went for a stroll. Night: tea, native market exploration, dinner, repeat.

Enter Tanu: Accomplice in Crime ☕🫂

The following day, my father’s pal introduced alongside Tanu, a lady becoming a member of our trek. We clicked immediately, hours of chatting, laughing, and planning mischief adopted.

Later, we went looking for socks and snacks (she insisted, I reluctantly complied), tried to look at a Hindi film that made zero sense, had dinner, and survived one other evening within the freezing chilly sleeping bag.

Narrator’s observe: Sharing one blanket in freezing mountains = assured colds and grudges.

Jeep Trip to the Trek: Squeezed Like Sardines 🚙

The Jeep trip to our trekking begin level was packed and lengthy. I used to be squeezed between Tanu, our information, and the prepare dinner. It felt like a endless episode of a survival present, however ultimately, we arrived.

We unloaded gear onto mules and started the trek. Tea breaks and laughter saved us going, however the chilly river close to Dewaria was pure torture. Even dipping my ft felt like a near-death expertise.

Dodital Lake: Chilly, Frozen, Magical ❄️🏔️

After climbing for hours, we reached Dodital Lake. The frozen lake was breathtaking. I collapsed on a mat, refusing to maneuver till I had Maggi and tea. After gathering power, I explored the lake with Tanu.

At one level, I slipped on ice sporting crocs (dangerous concept, don’t do that at dwelling). I barely saved myself by grabbing a department. Tanu got here to assist, and we have been quickly stranded. Narrator’s observe: Dodital: 1, Chhavi: 0

The Handkerchief Saga 🧣

Bear in mind the department I grabbed? I misplaced my handkerchief there. On our approach again down, we returned to that icy spot. Tanu braved the ice to retrieve her clutch, and I used a trekking pole to get well my misplaced handkerchief. Victory finally!

Downhill Chaos and Closing Days 🥾

Descending was tough. My sport sneakers have been no match for the slim, steep trails. I survived by sheer luck and Tanu’s ethical assist.

After extra tea, fire talks, dinner, and hours of storytelling, we lastly left for Uttarkashi, then Haridwar, and eventually dwelling at 10:00 p.m.

Narrator’s observe: I survived Jeeps, buses, icy rivers, freezing nights, and trekking chaos. If that doesn’t make me a hero, I don’t know what does.

Classes Realized

Pack correct trekking sneakers. Crocs are for the seashore, not frozen rivers.

Ice is gorgeous… till it tries to kill you.

Jeeps are tiny, buses are terrifying, however recollections are priceless.

Sharing a blanket in freezing mountains is non-compulsory, however harmful.

Dodital was freezing, exhausting, humorous, terrifying, and magical. From misplaced handkerchiefs to slipping on ice, each second is etched in my reminiscence endlessly. And Tanu? She turned an already unimaginable journey into one thing legendary.

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PPS. I wrote this submit with ChatGPT