We begin our day after breakfast with a rugged jeep ride to Dhatmeer, navigating a road too challenging for regular vehicles. The trail commences at an ancient oak tree wrapped in generations of prayer flags where we can add our own for good fortune. The path leads us through mixed forests of deodar and rhododendron, with the morning light filtering through the canopy in dramatic shafts. By midday, we reach Dev Thach clearing where we break for lunch while watching for the iridescent Himalayan monals that often forage in the surrounding undergrowth. The afternoon's gradual ascent brings us to Pauni Garaat by early evening where we pitch our tents strategically near the stone shepherd huts that provide natural wind protection. After settling in, we locate the spring 200 meters east of camp which offers the purest water in the valley. As darkness falls, the exceptionally clear mountain air transforms the sky into a celestial map perfect for practicing traditional star navigation techniques.

We depart post breakfast after consulting with local shepherds about weather conditions. The trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows that in summer months blaze with wildflowers, including the rare Brahma Kamal. The morning's highlight arrives at Kalkatiyadhar Ridge where we're rewarded with our first complete view of Swargarohini's magnificent face, its glaciers gleaming in the sunlight. The final approach to Boslo follows the musical glacial stream whose constant murmur helps mask the high-altitude tinnitus. Upon arrival, we establish camp and conduct important health checks, ensuring our oxygen saturation levels have stabilized between 85-88% before settling in for the night with our heads slightly elevated to minimize altitude discomfort.

This summit day demands an exceptionally early  start to capitalize on stable morning weather conditions. We trek by headlamp light through the silent valley, reaching the Har Ki Dun floor just as dawn begins to illuminate the Swargarohini glaciers in ethereal pink tones. The ascent to Marinda Lake proves challenging with the final 200 meters requiring careful navigation across loose scree slopes. Upon reaching the lake's stunning turquoise waters we perform the traditional clockwise circumambulation before adding our stones to the ceremonial cairn that symbolizes safe passage. The profound silence at this altitude invites five minutes of meditation, allowing us to absorb the unique energy of this sacred space. Our descent begins thereafter, with possible glissading on snow patches if conditions permit, returning us to Boslo by early afternoon with memories that will last a lifetime.

We commence our return journey after breakfast, the morning light now revealing landscape details missed during our ascent. Experienced trekkers might opt for the shepherd's trail west of the main path which offers superior views despite requiring some scrambling. The descent feels noticeably easier as our bodies have adapted to the altitude, and we make good time reaching Pauni Garaat by early afternoon. Returning to our previous campsite creates a comforting sense of familiarity, almost like coming home. As evening falls, we gather around the camp sharing our experiences thus far. 

We bid farewell to Pauni Garaat after breakfast, ensuring we leave no trace beyond our gratitude for the mountain's hospitality. The descent to Dhatmeer feels surprisingly swift, our legs now conditioned to the terrain. At Dhatmeer, we enjoy our final mountain tea at Golu's makeshift stall, a humble establishment that nonetheless serves the most revitalizing brew in the valley. The jeep transport returns us to Sankri where the simple luxury of a hot bucket bath at our homestay feels like supreme indulgence after five days in the wilderness. Dinner features local chutney made from herbs accompanied by mandua rotis from native millet, providing a authentic taste of Garhwali cuisine.

Our final day begins at early to maximize our chances of avoiding Mussoorie's weekend traffic. The return journey allows for reflection on our experiences as the landscape gradually transforms from rugged mountains to the lush foothills surrounding Dehradun. Lunch occurs near Kempty Falls, a tourist-heavy location but with reliably good food options. The journey concludes in Dehradun where you can get souvenirs like rhododendron honey from local vendors, a sweet final memory of our time in the mountains that captured our hearts and challenged our spirits.