Wanted to write a blog on the Trekking Trip that I went for… my thoughts and experiences. With this, will be starting to look at all my travel experiences over the years, would like to write about the memories so beautiful.
I had this desire to go for a Trekking trip from many years when I used to send my kids for these Trekking expeditions. During my school days, I used to part of such trekking expeditions which was conducted from School and around my house with friends. It used to be like deciding to climb hills which was right behind the company housing where my father used to work. Enjoy couple of hours eating snacks and cooking a meal as the gang would consist of elder kids also. From school it was usually pitching tents and staying overnight by the water tank in the Company side of the mountains and returning the next day. Beautiful memories of childhood of trekking trails and adventures not far away from home.
When I was sent a leaflet about this trekking trip from Roobaroo Walks, HIMALAYAN CULTURAL TRAIL, A trail to explore the Darma Valley, which is behind the Panchachuli Range on eastern border of Kumaon, Uttarakhand with Nepal and Tibet. 2 things attracted my attention, one it was a Himalayan Trek and second, it was a Geological Trek. I could not think of any more reasons for not trying it out and a timing was perfect to take a break. Had no idea of the difficulty of the terrain, but was confident that I could manage.
Firstly, I have never been toward Northern Part of India, that too directly going towards Himalayas was little overwhelming feeling and I did not want to think much about it, just left it to ‘Dekhajayega’ sort…, When the D’day came for me to go to the Airport… I finally believed that I am going and had to contain my excitement lest I would be not focusing on things that had to be planned.
Travel to the destination. Flight was from Bangalore – Jaipur – Pantnagar. Met 4 of them at airport, Suman, Rupa, Rupa and her daughter Tasha, who were part of the group travelling from Bangalore for the Trek. Reached Pantnagar around 2.30pm. Airtport was like old times… no conveyer belt for luggage, it was delivered at the waiting area to be picked up by us. A vehicle was waiting to take us to Mukteshwar. Our camp destination, it was a 4 hour drive with a lunch and chai break in between.
We set of to reach Mukteshwar, which is our first base camp. Reliving the moments is so beautiful. The drive was very beautiful through the mountains… crossing one mountain after another. Stopped for lunch briefly, then resumed the drive. It was 7 pm, almost dark when reached the base camp.. called Camp Purple. I liked the name.. Camp Purple. We got down the jeep and took view of the beautiful place we were staying. A beautiful sight to eyes as Sun had set and the lingering evening sky about to turn to night.
We were shown to our tents, a cobbled walk way and had two beds, very apprehensive at first as there was not lights in the tent, had to do with lantern and torch. Back to basics. Suman and I were sharing the tent. Nice to get a roomie… it was a long time sharing a space other than family. Freshened up and met for a Chai and introduction session. Heartwarming to get to know everyone… the team lead… Samir from Deep Dive India and Anupam from Roobaroo Walks, and other trekkers who were there from different parts of India.
With discussion on next day’s plans, warm dinner served, the evening sky from the camp and the camp site was magical, waiting for next day to unfurl, wanted to rest up. Next day… Walk towards Sunrise point… to wake up by 4.30am.
