A trek for which we waited for 6 months , was turned out to be a lifetime experience for all of us! We walked in the lush green Himalayan ridges for hours , scaled the heights where breathing itself is difficult, relaxed watching Himalayan peaks in the golden light, experienced the high drama of light and clouds, more than that we enjoyed the pure nature away from all daily life routines ! Our team was also the highlight as it had the right mixture such as doctor, photographer, techies , pilot , accountant and businessmen ! Together we worked as team and we had fun as a family.
Nandkund Lake
The location
Plan A was Sunderdunga valley and plan B was Nandkund lake trek. The extended monsoons in India started causing havoc in Uttarakhand as well just two weeks before the trek. Though Kumaon Himalayas were not much affected but the news left few of our team members and their family members left concerned. I did my research , contacted local people to ensure the trek is possible and there are not much problems in the area we were going . But we changed our trek destination to plan B , in case of heavy rain high points are much safer than valley .
The preparation
I made a very detailed documentation on preparation shared it to all. I also wanted the team to be tested out as we cannot have a very weak or very over confident participant in the mountains . So we did a short trek to Savanadurga and found out every one is perfectly fit and full of energy!
Ok , a special note here. To trek in Himalayas we need a good will power than fitness. After all we are just trekking in the mountains not doing any technical mountaineering right ? But yeah, having a good fitness boosts a strong will power.
The ’TREK’
Bangalore > Delhi – flight
Delhi > Kathgodam – train
Kathgodam >Baradi – TT
Bharadi-Gogina – Bolero
Day 1 – trek starts
Day 8 trek ends
Then started a journey which no one will forget for rest of their lives ! I am bit shy on going with a larger groups but this group was fantastic. We trekked for 8 days in pure nature with no power, no network , but personal conversations . Everyone came out of their comfort zone and behaved like a pro ! Mohan Singh Danu who is my close friend and a great guide did a great job in hosting us well and made sure everything went as planned . Rest of the things I should explain along with some Panoramas and detail photos I took during the trek.
We walked in to a field after walking slowly through the dense forests on a narrow path . Sky was just getting ready to open up for a grand show in the evening
Third day we were almost on the ridges with mesmerizing views all around ! Skies opened up, showed us the best colors of Himalayas !
5 days of effort to reach this spot was completely forgotten after watching this view !
Left is Maktoli and nandadevi ranges and on the right side is Panchchuli ranges of peaks. All in one frame. But Note that this is a panorama covering almost 180 degrees of views!!
The closing session of the day left us awestruck !!
Next day was the toughest trek which had walking on rocky glacier zone , breathing hearts out , sliding through wet slippery grass land, getting wet in the afternoon slow rain etc. The entire day was spent like a Hollywood movie with lot of action!
This!
Just when we thought clouds are going to spoil the show the landscape would show sometime and brought some smiles on our faces !
And the holy lake finally showed up but covered in clouds! But the adventure we did will never be forgotten!
Rains showered heavy that night but the next morning was crystal ! we started descending down to continue to see the glory of Himalayas !
We were at closing day of the trek after walking down a very tough terrain accompanied with a heavy rain and slippery track. We reached Namik village to see this comfortable view from our guest house rooms eating hot pakodas !
What a trek!
Credits : I thank everyone who participated in this. its been a great travel with you all and great learning! I thank you for trusting me at every decisions. This trek I would rate one of the best trek/workshop led by me.
I would also thank the ones who did not make it.
Finally I have to thank Mohan, the legendary Balwanthji and his team for such a nice host and guiding us step by step. We cannot even imagine this trek without these wonderful souls!
Except the cover page photo and below photo all are shot in my dearest iPhone 7
Here is the team
