Himachal Journey - Day 16

Landed in Delhi in morning.

Freshened up at NDLS metro station, put luggage in cloak room.
Took metro to some station then went to Purani Qila
Then to Connaught place for breakfast.
Then we went to some place for sweets Bangla sweet shop.
Then went to Karim's near Red Fort where few of my friends had lunch. I did not, I had a huge mug of Lassi which bloated my stomach.

Came back to NDLS railway station. Took our belongings and started towards T3 terminal.

My Flight was at 6 40pm and there you go I came to Bangalore at around 9 20 pm.

Cheers, Trip has come to an end!!

Thanks for God, my parents and my teachers, Cheers once again!

Himachal Journey - Day 15

Morning breakfast - Something in Kunga cafe dont remember

Morning visit to St John's Church. Sat near McLeodGanj circle doing nothing for 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Then went for lunch. Started reading a book at Kunga cafe.

Evening strolled around Dalai Lama temple had 2 cups of tea.

Late evening time for our bus to Delhi.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 14

Breakfast - Roadside momos, bun sold at road side. Tibetian kinda breakfast at Kunga Cafe.

Events -

Morning - Visit to Bhagusa Nag temple, did some shopping. came back, went for a shave. Then moved ahead for Dalai Lama temple.

Afternoon / Evening - Moved ahead to Dharamsala, stood in queue for free food. Visited Kangra museum. Then started towards Palampur Baijnath temple. Full evening spent in Baijnath. Came back to McleodGanj around 9 45pm.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 13 Part 2

Second half of the day, was more of travelling. Travelled from Bir to Billing, then hired another taxi to take us from Billing to McLeodGanj.

The route went through Palampur, saw Baijnath Temple, did not visit though.
Even saw Chamunda Devi temple as well.

This drive felt awesome, knowing that we had completed the trek and then were free birds. Sometimes its so much fun wandering like a mad dog, no responsibilities, I wish life was simple.

Reached McLeodGanj around 7 pm and started lookout for rooms. Found a room refreshed, came out for dinner and then day got to close.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 13 Part 1

Final day, finally we were done with the trek.

Day started casually, ended casually. Reached Bir by afternoon. Preparations were on for world paragliding championship over there, so enjoyed few moments there, then it was a taxi ride to Billing where our team members who paraglided just would have landed.

We said goodbye to our guide and horsemen at Bir and then it was our team, thats it.
Trek was over. We had reached civilization, 12 days of wilderness was done!

Wow, as I recollect while I write this, it was an out of earth experience.
Wish I could do the same trek again and again!

Cheers,

Breakfast - Chole Bhature + egg.
Lunch - Apple + 5 star + froot=

Route was pretty straight forward, walking along side a mountain trail all the way to Bir.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 12

Today was one more epic day.
- We were about to reach Rajgunta.
- We were about to get mobile signal after 11 days.
- We were on the last but one day of completing our memorable trek.
- We would meet civilization.

The whole day was wrecked with bad weather.
We had trekked in rain, but never trekked in hail storms. Today was that day to meet our friend hailstorm.

It hit right on our face. We were drenched. Our shoes were wet, gone, saggy dripping, but we had no option but to continue in the rain rather hail storm.

Finally after 2.5 hours of walking in the rain reached a shelter where we could escape rain. Put a fire started drying ourselves, though we were shivering.

Finally after 1 hour of waiting we were ready to go again. Meanwhile finished dinner over there too.

Then in the late evening,weather turned out to be extremely fine, we reached Rajgunta and then it was evening. Got an accomdation instead of staying in tent because we had reached civilization. Tomorrow we would be completing the trek, 12 day of wilderness thus coming to a close.

We got mobile coverage and called up homes got data as well checked stuffs.

Cheers,

Breakfast - Poha + Egg Burji + Omlette + black tea

Lunch - Chapati wrapped with vegetables + frooti + apple + egg + 5 star.

Evening  - Tea + chocolate cream biscuits

Dinner - chowmen + fried rice + pasta + cake - success party.

Himachal Journey - Day 11

We had to cross Thamsar pass today. Early morning few people who had started from BaraBhangal yesterday came around the kitchen tent too. They were fed and given tea breakfast and then they proceeded with their journey.

We had other company around 30 horses carrying ration from Barabhangal to Bir. So today we were not alone after all.

Breakfast - Porridge + Pancake + Black Tea

Lunch - Egg + Kichdi + Frooti + diary milk + Apple.

We continued on the rocky trail and somewhere we met the villagers of BaraBhangal. We finished the rocky trail and then reached snow. Pass crossing was slow and around 12 30 we were at top of Thamsar pass.

Descended the pass and finished lunch near a lake.

Finally with more walk we reached around campsite around 5pm. It was getting late, foggy and managed to reach the campsite before dark.

Dinner - Rice + Roti + Black Tea + Plain Dal

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 10

- Today we were starting from BaraBhangal village.
- Our dream of spending one idle day doing nothing at BaraBhangal was not possible.
- We had a tough path ahead today and the day was long.

Breakfast - Methi Parota + corn flakes + tea

We said bye to all of the villagers and then started. Crossed a bridge and boy then there was one huge climb all the way parallel to the waterfall. It was a tough day. Sun was hitting very hard. Meanwhile the food and other rations had come down and one of the horseman was riding on the horse instead of walking.

Lunch was alongside a waterfall consisting of,

Salted Potato + apple + 5 star + frooti + Egg.

We started again along the rocky path. It was a tough climb. Completely exposed to sunlight along a quarry of stones we made our way thorough it.

Finally reached evening campsite around 4pm.

This was another day to remember,

- We stole wood stocked up by the shepard and lit a campfire. First one at 13k Feet.
- Guide and horseman were very happy since weather god's had permitted us to come this far.

Dinner - Masoor dal + Rice + roti + tuna fish + vegatables (Potato+ cauliflower+ carrot)
Sweet- custard.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 9 Part b

BaraBhangal village was an awesome place. The moment we entered, we were greeted by a farmer, who was cultivating Rajma. After 8 days, what a fun in meeting people civilization.

- BaraBhangal is a village closed for 6 months of the year, due to the too much of snowfall it recieves.
- People stay and grow crops during 6 months and next move to Bir/Billing.
- The school too functions 6 months over here, 6 months in Bir.
- We had a chance to roam around the village.
- Pluck apples, Yes we were in Himachal Pradesh after all :)-

Once we reached our campsite, we were greeted by a gentleman who turned out to be a government doctor stationed for this village. Since half the team had not yet reached, me and horsemen got up to pitch the tents

Almost after 1 hour rest of the guys who had lost their way arrived. We had freshened up then, quickly it turned dark. Few people had gone to make a telephone call home since there was a satellite phone available. But that was operating on a solar battery which too out of charge!

Then it was dinner time. Next morning I got to take a walk around BaraBhangal, the temple over there, small shops over there etc etc. Then it was time to packup. Big day ahead of us, since we had to start since weather was getting bad, villagers had advised us, not to stay a day more!

Cheers,

A video which I took in BaraBhangal village. 

Himachal Journey - Day 9 Part a

I remember this day way too well. It was an epic day. The reasons being,

- We were reaching BaraBhangal village
- After 8 days of wandering all alone in the hills we would hit civilization.
- Team members felt they could get hot water for bath.
- Guide thought we could refill our supplies of potato + korn + rajma for next leg of the trek.
- Meet people greet people wander around Barabhangal
- Satellite phone.
- Possible bear sightings.
- A day where lots happened.
- Our planned stay at BaraBhangal was cut short by our utilizing the spare day in betwen, now we had no option but to move ahead.

Breakfast - Carrot + Meti parota + omlette + oat meal porridge + black tea.

Day started with a great hope and ended in a brilliant way. Somewhere in the middle we reached a water fall for lunch and then our team decided to split, one team which would go fast and reach the village quick and the other one, would go slow at their own pace.

Lunch at the waterfall - Mashed potato + egg + apple + frooti + diary milk.

The guide told the quicker team to follow the horses, instead they ran ahead in front of the horses and lost their path. Where they had to climb they descended into the valley.

And as a result, we reached Barabhangal village before the quicker team which lost their way. In the middle the horsmen had a sighting of bear and believe me, we four guys of the team were all alone. Luckily we did not sight any bear over there.

Reached BaraBhangal village and there you go, 65% of the trek done!

On reaching campsite we had Tea + Parle G biscuits

Dinner - Rice + Dal + vegetables + roti + jamoon + Soya Chunks

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 8

This day I remember very well, at the end of this day, we reached an awesome campsite and it is where our chef cooked rotis in the open making around 45 rotis in 30 minutes without oil. mind you!

Breakfast - Corn Flakes + aloo Parotha + corn flakes + omlette

Day started with a walk around rocky zone plus a climb. the it was few rock fall zones. We could see the forest cover now, 2 days of snow rock was over, we had a huge climb in front of us.

In between a climb found sometime to finish lunch.

Packed lunch was - Mexican wrap with vegetables + egg + frooti + apple + diary milk!

Finally through a series of inclines we managed to cross a waterfall where we refilled, then it was all out climb to our campsite. One of the bestest campsite during all of our treks.

Dinner - Roti + Rice + moong channa dal + black tea + vegetables (potato + tomato).

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 7

Day 7 appears to be vague in my memory. I do not recollect the events visually. I do not remember how the campsite looks like. I wonder how come that happened.

But I do remember by the pictures and the food prepared.

So I gotta write about only few things!

Cheers,

Breakfast - Poha + custard + egg burgi + tea

Lunch - Boiled potato + apple + frooti + diary milk

Dinner - Rice + Roti + Vegetables (potato/tomato/cauliflower) + rajma dal.

Reaching campsite - Tea + Biscuits.

Himachal Journey - Day 6

Yesterday had a big impact on our mindset.
- We had lost couple of team members owing to altitude sickness.
- We had climbed most part of the hill and were 45 minutes away from crossing the pass, yet we came back.
- Our spare day, which was  reserved for spending in BaraBhangal was exhausted and we now were seeing 12 continuous days of trek instead.
- Once we crossed this pass, there was a point of no return.

But we were quite  optimistic. With God's grace we were planning to cross through.

Breakfast - Corn Flakes with Musli + onion parotha + black tea

The day was long, we started the day with the climb and reached the top where it was ice ice and more ice. Another 2 hours we were almost near the pass crossing.

And then it happened, we reached the top of Kaliheni pass. Our second pass crossing in a 12 day trek, this one too at 14750 feet. Now we had a snow field, lake, a glacier which we had to cross, then we had to make way along the quarry full of stones.

In between took pictures next to the lake and then sat opposite to the lake finished lunch and then started again.

Lunch was - vegetable roll + boiled egg + munch + apple + frooti

Final part of the journey was very very tough. Full of descent on rocks and the campsite was way too long. We made it, it was around 4 45 pm. A very long day.

It would have been worrisome if we had tried this yesterday, because, seriously it was very long.

Dinner - Chowmen + fried rice + pasta + custard sweet + tea

Soup was tomato + garlic soup.

Heavy dinner owing to the success in crossing the pass, though at a second attempt.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 5

Today we had to cross Kaliheni pass. It was another high altitude pass and believe me it would be tough. We had a path laid out with stones on top of that, we had a lot of distance to cover. So it would be one of the tough tough days.

Breakfast was oat meal porridge + pancake + black tea

Once we start on the rocky path we reach a mountain trail where in we start the climb. Each one of us was walking at our own speed and me and few others were almost through to the top. We were only around 45 minutes from crossing the peak.

Few others were behind and all of a sudden we had a signal from the guide telling us to stop. We had crossed much distance in the tough tough mountain climb and here we were asked to stop.

After around 20 minutes time of waiting guide asked us to come back. We were camping on the mountain itself an inclined place. The reason being, one of the trekkers was having altitude sickness and as a result, we would not be crossing the pass today instead camping.

So today's climb was mostly 2.5 hours only. And then came back to the place where guide was and started helping him pitch the tents. This day we encountered a fresh snowfall. We were kind of upset that the other team member was not well. The views were fantastic.

Time was 12 30 and we had a long day to cover. Sitting here and there seeing mountains is what we all did on this day. And all of a sudden in the evening, the team member felt even more worse. So that person along with one more team member and a guide withdrew from the trek and returned back to Manali leaving us with only 9 team members. We felt sad, but at high altitude, we cannot take chances

Packed lunch was Biryani rice + banana + egg + frooti + dairy milk.

We were served soup 2 times, once garlic soup with noodles and other time corn soup.

Dinner - Roti + Soya Bean + vegetable + tomato + potato + dal + rice.

Cheers,

Pictures include.

Himachal Journey - Day 4

With one high altitude pass crossing done and two more pending, we were looking for more. The trek was getting better each day and we were having the time of our lives.

Woke up early around 6:30 am, were served tea at our tents itself. Before we reached campsite yesterday, we had descended quite a bit and today we had to make ascends yet again.

We were surrounded by multiple small streams of water and as a result, had no time in finding water, for freshening up. As usual no chance to take bath.

Breakfast was bread + egg omlette + corn flakes + milk powder tea
Packed lunch was - Potato + vegetable curry + cheese + apple + 5 star chocolate + frooti energy drink.

Started around 9 30 am. Passed through many shepard tents who had a stock of over 200-300 sheep along with them and few dogs also. Found couple of streams on the way to refill water as well.

Finally we had to cross one more stream and then it was ascend into a mountain. It was again a day of terrific climb, with around 2 hours spent climbing. Found first glacier on the way, where in we had few snacks and refreshments of our packed lunch. Then one more climb came and we were fully exhausted climbing.

Finally got to walk on a ridge where the horses and horsemen caught up with us and crossed us. Finished the lunch sitting on the ridge and then it was one more climb on to a different mountain altogether.

One done with climbing we got to move around flat terrain finally. Meanwhile the horsemen had reached campsite and pitched tents, so we too quickly made way to our campsite. The view from the campsite was nothing short of heaven.

Few pictures from the day

Snacks were fried pakoda comprising of onion and potato at (14k feet)
Prior to dinner mushroom soup,
Dinner comprising of kheer with dry fruits + roti + dal + rice + vegetables sabji + black tea.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 3

Woke up early on Day 3, probably, it was around 6 30 am. Freshened up and as usual no chance to take bath. This was our second day of the trek and believe me, we were supposed to cross a high altitude pass today.

Khanperi pass is at about 14500+ feet this time. Breakfast was ready and guide insisted we leave by around 9 am.

Breakfast was Bread + Omlette + oat meal porridge + Cheese + Jam + Honey.

We quickly packed and started with the day. The day began with a climb and the climb went on till noon almost 3 hours of climb climb and more climb. Then we took a break finished lunch and then made one more attempt to reach the top.

It was incredible, pass crossing on the second day itself that too 14500+ feet. It was a boon. Rested for 20 minutes at the top where it was very windy. Nice views throughout, it was nothing short of excellent. Worth every inch of effort every drop of sweat drained while I trained.

Then we crossed a the pass a small path between two mountains and then there was a steep descend all the way to the campsite which took almost 2 more hours. Finally at around 4pm reached campsite Riyali Taj.

Evening, were served with garlic soup, plus tea and biscuits late into the evening. One of our team members was having altitude related sickness and as a result, mood was a bit somber in the camp.
Dinner was Roti + Rice + Dal + Beans + Potato.

Some pictures from the day include.

Himachal Journey - Day 2 - Part 2

Seeking blessings from God, we started our trek. We all had been given plastic containers containing packed lunch. Initial trek was through medium climb, where in we met few people who had come for a day's trek. When they heard our side of the story that we would be crossing 3 high altitude passes over a 12 day trek and reaching Dharamshala, they were in awe.

So were we, it was so much fun thinking, where we started and where we would end, all by crossing mountains, awesome!

Soon, it started to drizzle and we had to take out our rain gear. The last bit of kit I wish to remove from my bag is the rain gear, because its literally a pain, to wear it across myself, my bag. But once done, it gets second to none in protecting from rain.

With slight drizzle we climbed and climbed. Soon the drizzle stopped and sun was out. It was a nice relief. We took a small break for lunch and left soon after. Reached campsite by around 3 30pm, though we started close to 10 30 am.

Packed lunch comprised of a boiled egg, a 5 star energy bar, Frooti energy drink plus banana and couple of rotis!

Once reaching the campsite we were provided with tea and biscuits. Our tents were laid and then we took a break for sometime. Climbed a nearby peak and then it was sunset time. All in all a glorious way to start a 12 day Himalayan trek. We met couple of shepards who were busy butchering mutton and smoking Hukka!

It was bear territory and we were warned not to roam far from the camp!

Cheers,

A picture from day 1 campsite goes like this! 

Himachal Journey - Day 2 - Part 1

Okay, there you go, actual trek day starts. We woke up early, got ready took bath, our last one in the next 11 days. Few others were ahead of us in getting ready and had already gotten down to finish breakfast.

Few others checked into Hotel Chauhan just opposite to our lodge in Vashisht. Ate like crazy, aloo parothas X 2, bread sandwiches, plus tea.

Then went ahead for the indemnity form signing, plus emergency details etc etc. Two vehicles were arranged, to drop us to Hidimba temple from where our actual trek starts.

So started towards Manali Hidimba temple. Over there, our guide was waiting for us, along with horsemen X 2, plus 10 horses, plus an additional two guys for help!

They were loading the rations on to the horses. Luckily, in this trek though few of them called it an expedition of 12 days, we had the company of horses to carry rations. Without whom our trek would not have been that enjoyable.

No horses meaning, porters carrying luggage and rations and thus lesser porters equals lesser rations and less food across days. But this one was otherwise!

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 1 - Part 2

I was peacefully asleep after 14 hour bus journey, thought it was a volvo, it was really a pain. I recommend one to fly to Chandigarh or Amritsar instead!

All of a sudden, I was woken up by our trek leader who told us not to sleep instead to get acclimatized by keeping awake. We chose to do a small hike around the waterfalls within the Vashist area itself, while others had left towars Manali market for late lunch and shopping!

I'm re-iterating, it feels so good to be relieved of the day to day responsibilities and wander around like a mad cap seeing nature, greeting people, plucking apples, yes please it is Himachal! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Manali/Vashisht though it was only a day and mind you, we had to start the 12 day trek (or rather expedition) tomorrow!

Evening brought in another surprise. We had our guide changed, he was supposed to join us today, but due to a unforseen circumstance, we had to get a new guide. It appeared we had to spend one more day in Manali, but luckily we found a new guide!

Finished dinner at a local restaurant and boy it was fun! Vashisht area got less crowded and it felt nice. With lanes empty, shops closed off, we were all for ourselves,

It was time to go to bed.

Cheers,

Himachal Journey - Day 1 - Part 1

At around 10pm we reached Manali, but not before stopping at Kullu for a while. So now we could tell officially we were in Himachal! Awesome place, having been to Uttarakhand, Sikkim. Kashmir, I could feel it resembled them in one way or the other.

What made me happy was the fact that, I was away from the concrete jungle amidst flowing rivers, mountains. Yep, the feeling just gets to you.

We had booked our stay in Vashisht area of Manali, so we had to travel around 5 kilometers away from the main Manali market. We took two auto rickshaws and landed at Vashisht area of Manali.

Got our rooms allocated. Since it was off-season literally zero crowd at the Hotel Dharmaa in Vashisht.

After dropping our luggage. started casual conversation with others and few others decided to go out for breakfast. Since me and other two guys were not interested in food, we rather chose to sit down in the hotel campus watching the hills and flowing rivers.

There were foreigners all around but only a limited few. It felt nice where we could totally forget about work!

So we three people sat there, then ordered sandwiches and tea. I drank 2 cups of tea and ate 2 sandwiches. Felt nice. Started chatting with the owner of the Hotel Dharma.

He was a lad in his youth, who had completed his education in Chandigarh and had come back over here. Spoke to him about employement opportunities for the chef, helpers, whether they tend to abruptly end their service and return to their places. He insisted, he pays them well, and looks after them well,so attrition rate was not that high.

He mentioned about the curse of the sage Vashishst (the sage who meditated in this place). The curse was that, one who visits Vashisht once, will keep on visiting this place again and again. I hope I get there again.

Spoke to him about Brighu lake trek which was 3-4 days thing. Also spoke about agriculture few other things. Then retired to the room and slept off. Meanwhile others had too completed their breakfast and were resting in their rooms. Mind you the sun was present!