Some journeys are planned. And some begin with a promise. For Mieko Catlett, the journey from Japan to Bageshwar in Uttarakhand was about keeping a promise she had made to her late husband, Robert Catlett. After his death, she came back to the Himalayan town carrying his ashes. To fulfill his final wish, to have his ashes immersed in the sacred Saryu River. Her story has left social media emotional.An emotional journey connected to BageshwarThis is not an ordinary travel story but a deeply personal journey. It has brought attention to Bageshwar, a small temple town in the Kumaon region in Uttrakhand. The town is known for its mountain scenery and also holds the spiritual importance of the rivers flowing through it.As per the account of Mieko’s journey, Robert was born in the United States. He was a Japanese English professor and the couple met at a spiritual retreat in 2005. In 2007, they travelled to India and explored several parts of the country, including Bageshwar. The couple got married in 2009 and settled in Japan.More about Bageshwar
Bageshwar, Uttarakhand
During their trip to India, Robert fell in love with the Himalayan town. Bageshwar, a quiet Himalayan town, is absolutely different from India’s prominent pilgrimage destinations. The place is surrounded by the Bhileshwar and Nileshwar mountains and set at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers.The Uttarakhand Tourism Department describes it as a temple town with rich scenic surroundings and a gateway to several high-altitude trekking routes. For Robert, this place made a lasting impression.In 2022, Robert died following a prolonged illness. But his connection with Bageshwar was more than death and life. Years later, Mieko made the long journey back to the place that had meant so much to her husband. She carried his ashes to Bageshwar and, as per reports, she performed traditional Hindu rituals near the Saman Temple before immersing his ashes in the Saryu.For Mieko, it was the final chapter of a journey that had begun with a meeting at a spiritual retreat nearly two decades earlier.Why is Bageshwar considered sacred?
Mieko and Robert Catlett (Facebook)
For travellers interested in India’s spiritual geography, Bageshwar offers a fascinating combination of mythology, temples and Himalayan scenery. The town’s religious identity is closely linked to the Saryu-Gomti confluence.The most important shrine here is the Bagnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Uttarakhand Tourism describes the present temple as a 14th-century structure located at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti.According to local tradition, the site is connected with sage Markandeya and a legend in which Shiva appeared in the form of a tiger, or bagh.Places to visit in and aroundSome prominent places to explore around the town include:Gauri Udiyar: A cave temple about 8 km awayChandika Temple: Just a kilometre from BageshwarVijaypur: A scenic town around 30 km away known for panoramic Himalayan viewsPandusthal: A stunning Himalayan town around 25 km from the town, offering a trekking experience.How to reach BageshwarBy air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is about 206 km drive.By train: Kathgodam in Nainital is the nearest railhead.By road: Bageshwar is connected by motorable roads with Almora, Kausani, Nainital, Haldwani and other parts of Uttarakhand. Buses and private taxis are available from nearby towns. From Delhi, Bageshwar is just 470 km drive.Best time to visit
Mieko and Robert Catlett in India (Facebook)
Uttarakhand Tourism recommends September to June as the best period to visit Bageshwar. The town experiences winter conditions and can receive snowfall, while the monsoon season can make travel through Himalayan roads more challenging.Travellers should also check weather and road conditions before setting out, particularly during the monsoon, when heavy rain can affect road connectivity in the hills.For those interested in the town’s spiritual traditions, the annual Uttarayani fair at the Saryu-Gomti confluence is another important time to experience Bageshwar. Held around Makar Sankranti, it draws visitors and pilgrims from across the region.However, Mieko’s journey was an emotional one. So next time when you visit the place, remember the story of a loving wife who travelled from Japan to Uttarakhand to fulfill her dead husband’s wish.
