We wake to the sounds of the mountain village coming to life, the distant bells of grazing livestock, the morning activities of villagers beginning their day, and the calls of Himalayan birds in the surrounding forests. After a nourishing breakfast, we begin our trek to Dayara, starting with a steady climb through ancient forests of cedar, pine, and oak. The trail offers occasional glimpses of the surrounding valleys through breaks in the canopy, building anticipation for the spectacular views that await us at the meadow. After approximately three hours of walking, we emerge from the forest to the breathtaking sight of Dayara Bugyal, a vast rolling expanse of green that seems to flow between the forest and the towering peaks. We set up our camp quickly, giving us ample time to absorb the serene beauty of this special place. As evening approaches, we witness the magical alpenglow as the setting sun paints the surrounding peaks in shades of orange and pink. After a warm dinner prepared by our camp team, we might sit outside our tents under a canopy of brilliant stars, the mountains standing as silent sentinels in the moonlit night.

Morning at Dayara offers a spectacle worth waking early for, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the flower-strewn meadow and the surrounding peaks. After capturing this magical moment and enjoying breakfast, we begin our relatively short but spectacular trek to Litham. The trail climbs gently through the remainder of the meadow before descending slightly to cross a glacial stream. The path then climbs again, offering increasingly dramatic views of the Dhauladhar range's eastern aspects, peaks that remain hidden from more frequented trails. After approximately three to four hours of walking, we arrive at Litham, a stunning campsite situated at the confluence of two glacial streams with their characteristic milky waters. We set up camp with the spectacular rock walls of the valley surrounding us, their colors changing dramatically as the evening light washes over them. The cooler temperatures at this elevation remind us that we are truly in the high Himalayas now, surrounded by the majestic silence of the mountains.

We begin this pivotal day with an early start after a substantial breakfast, carrying only daypacks with essential items for our trek to Chandranahan Lake. The trail follows the river upstream, passing through a landscape that grows increasingly dramatic with every step. The initial section is relatively gentle, crossing several streams before beginning a steeper ascent over moraine fields. The final approach involves careful scrambling over rocks, with the sound of waterfalls growing louder as we approach the lake. Then, suddenly, Chandranahan appears: a series of seven cascading pools with the main lake cradled in a dramatic cirque of rock and ice. We spend substantial time at the lake, eating our packed lunch while absorbing the magnificent scenery, exploring the shoreline with its ancient shepherd cairns, and witnessing the waterfalls that cascade from hanging glaciers into the lake. The return journey to Litham follows the same path but offers new perspectives as we descend with the valley spread before us. Arriving back at camp in the late afternoon, we have time to rest and reflect on the day's profound experiences before another nourishing camp dinner and a well-earned night's sleep.

We wake to our final morning in the high camps, enjoying breakfast with the spectacular rock walls of Litham surrounding us. Today's trek is all about descent, following a different route that reveals new vistas of the valley and allows us to experience the landscape's changing character. The trail descends steadily through beautiful alpine terrain, with the vegetation gradually changing as we lose elevation. After approximately three to four hours of walking, we reach Simar Thatch, a beautiful meadow where the forest begins to reclaim the landscape and the air grows thicker with oxygen. This intimate camping spot, smaller than Dayara but equally beautiful, provides a perfect setting for our final night in the wilderness. We set up camp and have a leisurely afternoon to explore the surrounding area, perhaps taking a short walk to a viewpoint or simply relaxing and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. Our final camp dinner is a time for sharing stories and reflecting on the journey we've completed together.

Our final morning in the mountains begins at a leisurely pace, with time to enjoy a last breakfast in the meadow and perhaps take a short walk to imprint the beauty of Simar Thatch in our memories. We then begin our descent to Janglik, the downhill journey feeling significantly easier as we follow the well-defined trail through increasingly dense forests. The familiar landmarks of our ascent now signal our return to civilization. Upon reaching Janglik, we bid farewell to our local support team and board our waiting vehicle for the return drive to Shimla. The transition from wilderness to civilization happens gradually during the eight-hour journey, with the mountain views slowly receding as we descend toward the bustling town. Arriving in Shimla in the evening, we carry with us not just photographs but lasting memories of a journey to a hidden Himalayan sanctuary, a place where the moon's reflection truly does dance on glacial waters, and where ancient trails lead to landscapes of unforgettable beauty.