5 And most delightfully surprising is the fact that Nanda Devi stands upclose and larger than life, just beyond reach. But local wisdom says it may take yet another day or so for the snow to move across to Auli. The Shiv temple at the spot where Adi Shankaracharya is said to have established a Shiv Ling. All through the long drive, I turn this way and that, unable to look away, as the jagged slopes soften and turn Christmas card perfect in the snowfall.The meadow that stretches for many kilometres into the wild, is dotted with rock outcrops that invite you to climb them. in a few days, the leaf crumbles, but it nestles in a plastic box, a memento from a century old living entity. Immediately below, the land is barren, treeless — ready for snow.Reluctantly, we pack the car, hauling our bags in, our eyes still transfixed by the drama being played out on the mountains opposite.  As I watch the last few leaves twirling in the breeze, one detaches itself to land at my feet. Oak, rhodrendron and the snow make for a colourful picture. Strangely, I discover, this venerable tree is neither a banyan not peepul, but a mulberry tree. No snow. Legend has it that visiting the temple in winter is as good as visiting the actual shrine in summer, and we walk out energised by the darshans within.We are a group in search of snow. And yes, the sky holds a few black clouds. Nor is Nanda Devi anywhere in sight.

But the Gods inside are housed with much ceremony, and in regal splendour. And that comes with the possibility of being locked in, as driving down the winding road to Joshimath without snow chains on the tyres might be risky. And more is sure to follow despite the sunny spell. Emboldened by our expedition of the previous day, we repeat the route, and going faster with practice,  have enough time on hand to venture far into the unknown. After much changing of gears and a couple of false turns, we have, as Aunty Google would put it, ‘arrived at our destination’. The sound of rain on the roof is music; it portends snow. And the Gods descend to Joshimath to ensure their safety and that of those who offer daily worship to them. Time is running out. Nothing.  Come morning, we look eagerly out of the window. As morning comes, we can see the snow.  The exact age of the tree that now inspires endless selfies is unknown, but if this is the tree under  which Adi Shankaracharya meditated, as the board near it proclaims, it is at least a few centuries old. And this is the last chance of experiencing snow fall.  And then there is Nanda Devi.The last chair lift returns to the hotel at 4 pm, and resisting the tempation to explore further, we join the other tourists and turn back. The receptionist promises us snow, if it should rain.We do not stop till we get there. I pick it up, and carry it safely nestled in my dupatta. And snowfall happens every year! And who knows, we may yet meet a snowstorm en route!The writer is the Consulting Editor, Harper Collins Publishers India and Executive Director, EncyclomediaPhoto credit: Sathya Saran. Already, the clerk at reception tells us with the air of who has hosted a royal visitor, that there has been heavy snowfall just a week ago. As evening falls and we repair to the warmth of our room, the weather turns. There is just enough light left to discern the narrow road that starts on a sharp curve and climbs steeply up towards Auli.Barren and rough, the meadow has a wild beautyThe sun, not snow, wakes us the third morning. And no other snowcapped peak either.A short drive later, even as the wind whisks around us briskly, we climb a series of steps and a slope to visit the Kalpavruksh.  Well, almost.The Shankaracharya Mutt Joshimath is also sacred in its own right, for it was here that the interpid traveller and spiritual leader, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have launched his mission of reviving Hinduism in  632 AD. Gnarled and knotted, bent and yet spreading its branches skywards, this tree has seen the centuries roll. The stars twinkle mischeviously back at us. Rush out to climb the slope and look into the distance.  Auli has little else to offer. And the sky is filled with clouds. Through the night, our trips to the window show nothing but a murky, starless sky. "You have to climb up to the meadow, and then she is right there," a fellow tourist helpfully tells us.

It is an unusual view of the mountain, seen this time from a never before angle, and it needs getting used to.  In recent years, the tree has had to be protected from worshippers who touch, pluck leaves of pieces of bark off it, and a wire fencing surrounds it safely away from human contact. We climb up towards the meadow; the slope is deceptively easy on the eye, but not so on thighs and knees that are protesting at the sudden strain they are being put to. Should it snow, we could possibly extend our trip and take up a short four day course in skiing. It comes like a curtain, moving over the mountains opposite. Down below a lake shivers in the cold breeze. A pundit chants mantras for our welfare and hands out prasad.  Well, I tell myself, there will be a next time. It is an awesome sight, and we watch transfixed. And ahead of us the climb to the Auli Bugyal stretches, its gentle slopes inviting us. Three years in a row we have managed to see the mountain, either in all her majesty, or at least catch sight of her sister peaks, and Auli promises us the closest glimpse. A gift from a tree to a tree lover, worth preserving indeed. Adi Shankaracharya also established a Shivaling here, and a temple to Shiva now stands under the shade of the tree. The news of impending snowfall has spread, and we can hear cars driving in, till late into the night.The Kalpavruksh tree. Tonight, we tell ourselves, it will snow. And ask of each other whether the cloud will move to dust us with white too. We take a quick look at the monastery said to be started by one of Adi Shankaracharyas disciples in the 8 th century,  but the visit leaves us strangely unmoved. Evidence of the recent snowfall lingers, in the shady patches under the oak trees, and in strips of gleaming white in the hollows formed by the undulating slopes. So, come December, we take the long road from Rishikesh, and drive through crowded villages, and deserted hillsides, and look down steep slopes at the river that rushes downslope, away from where we are going, eager to reach Auli. As we turn back, the wind rises into a sharp song and seems armed with knives that threaten to cut through our jackets. Bare in winter it grows lush as spring comes byIt takes two hours to walk to the edge of the climb, and the meadow stretches out as a flat land with outcroppings of rocks, all the way ahead as far as eye can see. We sleep fitfully, knowing that we are to depart the next morning. Unlike in many temples, he does .404"PITCH FULL-CHISEL not expect or demand money in return. But Nanda Devi and the unknown have a magnetism that will not be ignored. For there are steps yet to be climbed and luggage to be carried up, to a room that is comfortable and snug, thank God, for in late December, Auli is preparing for snow. Night is waiting to take over from a fleeting dusk as we reach Joshimath.  But the sky holds its secret, and we drive down to Joshimath to take in the sights the town has to offer. Contrary to a publicity pamphlet that claims the tree is eternally in bloom, bare branches stare back at me as I walk around the 21. The temple they are housed in is unpretentious, almost plain.  The road to the Badrinath shrine closes in early winter. Bare till yesterday, they wear a dusting of white.We drag on extra sweaters and smile at the sky in anticipation. Basic skiing lessons are available for tourists, before the real season begins and the professional skiers take over. 1200 years to be exact. But the majesty of the country’s highest peak cannot be ignored.  So, after a hearty breakfast of puri and potatoes in the crowded common room of the GMVN Ski Resort, we take the chair lift that deposits us in ten quick minutes up a slope that the more intrepid take a few hours to climb. We climb the rocky hills, and look down on the landscape we have left behind that seems a mix of desert and forest. Children scream and jump about, throwing fistfuls at each other.

Aveer offers men a stylish range of rings, bracelets, chains, ear studs in gold, platinum and diamonds starting at Rs.Tanishq has recently announced the launch of Aveer, an exclusive range of jewellery for men.Speaking about the launch of this exciting new category for the brand, Deepika Tewari, Associate Vice President – Marketing, Jewellery Division, Titan Company Limited said, "In recent times, we have witnessed the development of a huge market for men’s jewellery which convinced us that it is the right time we venture into this segment and cater to Indian men who are open to wearing simple, suave jewellery pieces on a daily basis. Our jewellery is aesthetically designed, and lends itself to various occasions, prompting users to wear it often and not just lock it away for special occasions."His warmth and charm are what stand out and attract people to his aura.

Tanishq created Aveer to cater to all men who are looking for traditional, contemporary, elegant and unique designs to complement their image."Since its commencement, Tanishq has pioneered several path-breaking initiatives in the retail jewellery industry with its chainsaw chain manufacturers transparent business practices, exemplary work ethics, environment-friendly operations, and innovations such as the Karatmeter. We look forward to the same success with Aveer for men. 20,000 available at Tanishq stores across the country.While jewellery is rarely seen as a male domain, today, men are more confident about expressing their style and are keen to make a statement with the way they accessorize."The statement goes on to add his personality exudes confidence that permeates his surroundings. One can see these traits clearly in the Aveer line, with designs that vary from simple classic lines exuding understated elegance, to bold unique creations that perfectly reflect the persona of the wearer," the statement reads. With Aveer, men’s jewellery is not limited to the conventional engagement rings and cufflinks anymore.. Tanishq, since its inception 20 years ago, has created jewellery according to the changes in society and people’s mindset.

This is the third differentiated sub-brand from Tanishq, after the legacy built by Mia and the wedding sub-brand Rivaah.According to a statement issued by the brand, the Tanishq man can be described as "candid, charismatic and courageous. They are willing to spend more on an accessory that reflects their true style and personality. Today, Tanishq epitomises consumer trust, purity of gold, quality assurance, strong design aesthetics, and an unwavering commitment to bringing the best-in-class products to its customers.