The call of the mountains – part 5
Aditi Ghosh
Now we are in Sangla. It is a scenic hill village in the Baspa Valley full of apple orchards, lush green meadows and a magnificent backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan Mountains. And the Baspa river with its clear emerald green water flowing unabatingly in the valley. What else could you ask for, to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul? It seems God had created everything with utmost care and panache. I was wondering if Yashraj films tried to explore this part of India, they would not have gone so far to Switzerland to shoot for the famous movie DDLJ.
Almost all the houses/hotels had an apple garden and we could see trees loaded with red, pink and golden apples everywhere our eyes could go. We are enjoying fresh Kinnaur apples and apple dishes for breakfast and lunch seating in the apple garden overviewing the Himalayas- what else we can ask for? It is just a fairy tale for us. This is apple harvest time and the place is bustling with apple plucking, sorting, packaging and transportation. We also could not resist picking a pack of famous Kinnaur apples.
Sangla is also famous for its handicrafts (woollen shawl, stole, dress, Himachali cap, wood carvings). Kamru fort is a perfect place for a glimpse into the artistic legacy of the past. Now converted into a temple, it is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kamakhya Devi. We need to wear a Himachali cap to enter the temple- they provided it at the entrance. Bairing Nag temple is also a living example of the Kinnauri craftsmanship inspired by Buddhist style and has beautiful wooden carvings. A little down the path beside the temple, there we cross a small bridge over the Baspa river with fluttering prayer flags added to its beauty. We sat in the valley spellbound as the river gushing and bubbling by, over its rocky bed magnified the tranquillity.
To reach Kamru fort, I had to trek for half an hour through steep village roads winding through the Kamru village. Lazy Rajesh denied joining me. While walking up, I met a middle-aged lady and she started a nice conversation about where I came from if I was travelling alone and when I arrived Sangla, etc. When she heard I arrived here yesterday, she was so sorry and said you should have visited the temple/fort yesterday, we organized a beautiful cultural event there for the wedding of a family member. It felt like I am the family member who missed the function. This small incident made me fall in love with Sangla and its people, and I understood it’s not only the beauty of the place that attracts strangers into this land of God but also the golden hearts of its people.
The writer is a globe traveller
