Getting Ready For It...
The trek was only in plan when I started the workout, daily walking & jogging and most important is to have a proper diet. More than physical strength, your mental endurance is very important for such treks. And after almost a month's hard work that day arrived when we left for the most awaited trek.
We arrived at our hotel in Dehradun, while check-in the hotel manager said "Ma'am, Sankri ko jane ka raasta band hai, agge aap ja nahi paoge. 3 din se lagataar barf gir rahi hai, Electricity poles are broken and waters pipes are frozen. You won't be able to even reach Sankri. It's better you roam around and go back to Mumbai" and then.....Me and Kinjal saw each other and decided that we have to complete this trek. Boss ab to trek complete karke hi laut ke aana hai.
Pic1: While checking out from the Hotel Kolam, Dehradun
And here we started
To begin with the drive from Dehradun to Sankri, the route is mesmerizing with huge mountains, rivers and beautiful scenery. The trip started over a plate of Garma Garam Parathas at Dhanolti. Where people barely knew each other but little did they know that they will certainly foster a bond in the coming days. Especially the final four (Anjil, Kinjal, Ram and myself)
It is truly said that “make your life full of experience, money will come and go”. We lived up to every single day of our trek.
Pic2: At Juda Ka Talab
Pic3: Bridge while climbing
From playing in the snow to telling ghost stories at night. From sharing cutlery sets to sharing delicious cooked food. From pulling Sharma Ji's leg to helping & supporting Sharma Ji. From witnessing mesmerizing Juda ka Talab to cherishing astonishing views of Himalaya (HarkiDun, Kala Naag, SwargRohini). From pitching tents over the snow to sleeping inside the sleeping bags. From motivating each other during the climb to making fun of each other during the rest time. From bonfire to dancing to the tune and gazing at stars in the clear sky. From eating Maggi and eggs to offering biscuits to dogs. From difficult summit climb to sliding down from the snow-covered peak.
Everything was challenging. Climbing in waist-deep snow, the high altitude, freezing temperatures (-12 degrees) and The Snow.
Pic 4: Trekmates...
Pic 5: When the water in the bottle also turned into ice…
The Scene of Achievement
The feeling after standing on the top peak is just pure joy and happiness. It was a great feeling of accomplishment. The view offers a spectacular panorama of the region, other lesser-known peaks, valleys and villages.
The experience of spending a few days on snow is one of the best takeaways from this trek. It's an experience which just takes your heart right away and keeps you excited throughout.
Pic 6: The best view comes after the hardest climb
Standing there I decided to never go on a winter trek again, especially during such heavy snowfall time. where the temperature falls super low. My body was sore and could not sleep the whole night but today on contrary I can not wait for my next winter trek. This was a fantastic trek and I would strongly recommend it!
I will come back with my next trek experience very soon!! Good Bye !!!
Pooja Vichare Shetye
Mumbai