THE SECRETS OF ISHBAR

Views of Harmukh

There are many views of Haramukh:
every point in Kashmir
shows a different face. 

We went to Wangat
near the ruins of the ancient temple
we camped in the clump of walnut trees,
by a babbling brook,
and readied for the mile-high climb. 

Before the morning mist had melted
we took the vertical sheep track
around wild rose and fern
resting at each step
until hours later we came by the birch trees.
At the end of the climb
Haramukh rose to the left
dressed in ice
and we marched to the Gangabal lake
pilgrimage to forefathers.