On my last day in Dwarahat I spent much of my time riding my motorcycle through the serpentine roads of the surrounding mountains, enjoying the refreshing air and friendly people. These roads will challenge the best of riders. You never know what’s around the next hairpin corner, whether it’s an oncoming bus or a large black cow standing in the middle of the road.

After meditation and a pleasant breakfast at the ashram, I headed out to meet the uncle of the guy, Rohit, who rented me the motorcycle in Rishikesh. When Rohit learned I would be in Dwarahat, he told me I must go visit his uncle, so I did. Although he spoke little English, his uncle invited me into his house, offered me a place to stay for as long as I wanted, tried numerous times to feed me lunch and finally settled on just giving me tea. I had a wonderful time sitting with him, his sister, and I believe his wife, but I don’t know since they didn’t speak any English. We spent a lot of time pantomiming and smiling at one another. We had a lot of fun!

I then went to explore some of the more remote temples scattered throughout this sacred land. Anyone who has been to the Himalayas will tell you there is something special about these mountains, how the silence resonates deep inside your being. There are so many historical sites to be found in the remote villages and towns. The people are so friendly and eager to offer hospitality. When I went in search of Vimandeshwar Temple, I expected to find a well-visited complex, but instead was the only person venturing onto the time-worn temple grounds.

I asked a passing teenager if he spoke English, and then inquired if I could enter the temple. There didn’t seem to be anyone around. As I took off my shoes, however, a man appeared, and he walked me around and pointed out different shrines, speaking Hindi. There was definitely a cobra theme here, symbolizing divine power, protection, and spiritual energy. My new companion pointed out a shrine to Lord Shiva. I nodded my head and afterwards invited him for tea so I could get change and give him a tip.

I chatted with my tour guide and the man who made us tea, using gestures and broken English to spin my tale. They understood all and laughed at my jokes. Everyone is so humble and unassuming here, yet so sincere and honest (except maybe for laughing at my jokes). People work hard but let nothing wear them down; their smiles warm your heart.

What made my visit here so spectacular, besides the visits to Babaji’s Cave and Dunagiri Temple, were the people at the YSS Dwarahat Ashram, as well as the fellow devotees I met there, especially Nanjun, Karola, and Isabel. I will forever remember our daily meditations and energization exercises, our excursions, and the kindness they shared. I came a stranger and leave with a much larger family, Thank you!