By Charita Negi 
There’s something about the Himalayas that keeps pulling me back — the sheer beauty, the crisp mountain air, and the quiet that settles into your soul with every step. This time, my heart led me to the Buran Ghati trek from June 10 to June 16, 2024 — a journey I had heard whispers about but never imagined would leave such an indelible mark on me.
The adventure began on June 10, 2024, in Janglik, a charming little village that felt like it belonged to another era. As I walked through its narrow lanes, lined with wooden houses and terraced fields, I was transported to a simpler time. The villagers went about their day with a quiet grace, and their warm smiles made me feel like I was part of their world, even if just for a while. Life here moved at its own pace — slow, steady, and deeply connected to nature.
As we set off from Janglik the next day, the trail led us through dense pine and oak forests where the scent of pine needles filled the air. The path was soft underfoot, and the only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional bird song. The forest felt alive, and I couldn’t help but pause to take it all in. Each step felt like peeling away the layers of city life and sinking deeper into the wilderness.
On June 12, we reached Dayara Meadows, and I was spellbound. Vast stretches of green stretched as far as the eye could see, with wildflowers adding bursts of color to the landscape. The snow-capped peaks stood majestically in the distance, and for a moment, time seemed to pause. Our campsite was set up right in the heart of this paradise, and waking up to the first rays of sunlight gently warming the meadows was something I’ll never forget. It felt as though the mountains were waking up with me, quietly reminding me to cherish this rare moment of stillness.
The next leg of the journey took us to Litham on June 13, where the sound of cascading waterfalls echoed through the valley. The sight of Chandranahan Lake, a pristine glacial lake nestled amidst rugged terrain, left me speechless. Sitting by the water, watching the mountains reflect on the still surface, I felt a connection that was hard to put into words. It was as if the silence of the lake held centuries of stories, and for a fleeting moment, I was part of that timeless narrative.
On June 14, we faced the most exhilarating part of the trek — crossing Buran Pass. The climb was steep, and every step pushed my limits, but with each breath, I felt a growing sense of determination. Reaching the top was overwhelming. The panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and snow-laden peaks took my breath away, making every moment of the climb worth it. Standing there, I felt on top of the world, quite literally. But the real thrill came during the descent — a snow slide that sent us gliding down the slopes in bursts of laughter and adrenaline. It was pure, unfiltered joy, a moment that took me back to childhood when fun was spontaneous and boundless.
The trail eventually led us down to Barua village on June 16, where the warmth of the locals and the charm of village life provided the perfect conclusion to this unforgettable journey. Sitting in the village, sipping on a hot cup of tea, I let the last rays of sunlight soak in as I reflected on everything the trek had given me. The mountains, the trails, and the people had left an imprint on my heart. The Buran Ghati trek wasn’t just an adventure — it was an experience that reconnected me to something bigger than myself, something timeless and pure.