Kheda Tal - The Mountain Lake

Khedatal

This is the name of a lake we trekked from Gujjar Hut . It was our second day at the Gujjar Hut Camp. After a grueling training in snow craft in the first half, we had just finished our lunch and were thinking that the instructors had let us free for the evening.

Normally any type of movement is resisted by the tired body, However the name Kheda Tal which indicates a lake ,generated a strange curiosity in all of us.

How could we have in our wildest dreams imagined a mountain lake among the infinite stretches of snow. The rope instructors told us put on our windproof jackets and trousers . Moreover every one had put on the “Koflach” the heavy snow and ice shoes along with gaiters since snow was knee deep along the route.

The trek to Kheda tal began with crossing an icy cold stream . The only way to cross the stream was to move on the logs juxtaposed on each other . The logs had icicle formation on them and we could also see layers of ice on the steam's stones.

After a slight climb, what we saw was a play grounds of snow. Notthing except snow was visible . The walk was very easy compared to what we had done the day earlier while moving from the Tela Camp to the Gujjar Hut.

There was not a single soul in sight for wherever the eyes could go. The lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 11000 feet. It is surrounded by forrest on all the sides.

We could see the silhouette of Mount Jaon Lee (21,700 ft) and Drapadi Ka Danda ( 19,600 ft) which was reflected in the crystal clear waters of the lake.

The instructors warned us not to go near the waters as the periphery of the lake had turned marshy. There , we had a lecture on the flora available in that area. Varieties of rhododendrons with stunted growth as well as a plant with aromatic leaves were also common.

The junipers were every where and had turned into a busy appearance because of the extremly cold climate and the high altitude.

We were told that the local population uses the leaves of the local plants as an incense stick during worship of the gods.

I also plucked a few leaves of wild looking plant, rubbed it on my palm . The fragrance of the leaves was aromatic. I kept some of the leaves in my pocket so I could show it to my daughter Cherry and wife Meenakshi at Bomaby.

We were told that an annual fair is held at Kheda Tal where the local population comes to worship the mountain gods.