The mountains are calling…and I must go!

(But Not Without My Fur-Child)

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The travel tales of an adventure-seeker who loves mountains and furry tails! Read on to find out how Niharika finds peace amidst the mighty mountains and travels with her beloved furry companion.
– by Niharika Dalal

The travel tales of an adventure-seeker who loves mountains and furry tails! Read on to find out how Niharika finds peace amidst the mighty mountains and travels with her beloved furry companion.

At three in the morning, I woke up to a quiet house. The suitcases were packed, and all that remained was to pack her highness Theia’s (my two-year-old Golden Retriever) stuff toy, Doggo. Doggo is her Golden Retriever.

That morning, we were leaving Gurgaon for Leh. We were going to be away from home for 20 days and 10 days without my husband (Sam), who would join us later in Leh to attend the Outback Festival.

Gurgaon at Five a.m. in September can be a daunting place. We turned on the GPS to find our friend Sam’s place. Only to realize that our off-roading had already begun. With rain water creating mini lakes right Infront of his condo. It was the perfect start to what was going to be an adventurous journey. We planned to arrive in Leh in three days to allow for better acclimatization. Traveling with a pet is always a challenge. I also wanted to be there to participate in the Ladakh Marathon, which is a mesmerizing story in itself (maybe for some other time).

The silence of mountains, the happiness of Theia 

One morning after training, I decided to take Theia to Thiksey Monastery. I had seen mountain dogs in and around the monastery on previous visits. But I wasn’t sure if they allowed pets in the monastery. Sam also decided to join us, and the three of us loaded back into the truck.

It takes about 45 minutes to get from Sakara to Thiksey. Minor traffic jams can occur on the Leh-Manali highway. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Thiksey Monastery welcomes pets and charges no entry fee. Humans aren’t so lucky.

I always wanted to bring our late dog Rio to visit Thiksey. When Rio passed away, my husband and I went to Thiksey to pray for him. At the very least, our younger child would have the opportunity to visit it in person.

Dogs, like mountains, remind us to remain grounded 

Monks have a strong affinity towards animals, and I think most of them particularly have a special connection and fondness for dogs. A monk even offered to walk her. But my spoilt child refuses to let anyone but her mother and father hold her leash. I believe she sensed the monk’s disappointment and jumped up to kiss him. During the excitement, she dropped his phone. Thankfully, nothing broke, and even the monk laughed.

Dogs are permitted in the monastery, but not in the main temple. So, we stood outside the Buddha temple, asking for blessings. It was a beautiful moment. Buddhist hymns, Lamajis (monks), and stunning views of the Stok Range and the Indus River.

Count your blessing

Over the next few days, Theia and I would go on numerous such drives, and our hotel would feel like home. We both enjoy a set schedule and every day after training, I would plan an adventure for her.

One such day, we drove to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. I visited the Gurudwara in 2023 and developed a spiritual connection to it. I wanted Babaji to bless my little furball. I knew we wouldn’t be allowed inside the Gurudwara. But we would pray just outside its wall, and that would suffice. We parked opposite the Gurudwara’s wall. I had been standing outside the Gurudwara’s wall with Theia for about ten minutes when one of the army personnel noticed us. I told him we were traveling as a mother-daughter duo, and I was in Leh for the marathon. By then, a few other soldiers had joined him. Theia, as she is, jumped all over them. Kiss here, paw five there.

They offered to care for Theia if I wanted to go inside and pray. But I knew Theia would feel anxious without me. So, I politely declined their generous offer. I walked up and down the Gurudwara’s wall, soaking in the magical atmosphere. After five minutes, one Army man approached us with two pouches of Kada Prashad. As surprised as I was, it was heartwarming to witness such kindness, and I know how grateful I was in that moment.

Memories for a lifetime 

One of the best decisions I made during my trip was bringing my Golden Retriever, Theia, to Hemis Monastery. When unsure where to leave her, a monk offered to watch her. Theia happily sat beside him, charming visitors who began calling her the “monastery dog” or “monk dog.” Even the head monk found her presence amusing, petting her as he passed by. Theia enjoyed her unexpected role as a “Lama-dog.”

I could write a book with stories from this trip. The most crucial one, though, is taking my kid on a trip. A journey of mother-daughter bonding. Before our journey together, Theia and I had already formed a strong bond. Following twenty days spent as a mother-daughter team searching for adventure after adventure. We are now joined at the hip. Who needs the other more, I’m not sure.

May we live to tell many tales and gather as many stories as we can together. Amen!

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