Trekking Himalayas, Climbing Himalayas, Traveling In Himalayas: Adventure Outdoor Himalayas

A Image From Himalaya - Kinnaur

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:50:29 GMT

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A Image From Himalaya - Kinnaur
Glimpses from Kinnaur- A tribal Himachal Pradesh region which is till embedded somewhere between modern and traditional India.

A Image From Himalaya - Kinnaur

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:42:21 GMT

Glimpses from Kinnaur- A tribal Himachal Pradesh region which is till embedded somewhere between modern and traditional India.

Talking about Talking about Siachen trek despite Pakistan protest

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:06:52 GMT

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Talking about Siachen trek despite Pakistan protest

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Siachen trek despite Pakistan protest
Notwithstanding Pakistan’s vociferous protests, the Indian Army will organise a civilian mountaineering and trekking expedition to the Siachen Glacier for the second year in a row in October-November this year.
Even before the planned Siachen trekking kicks off, the Indian Army will take out its own expedition to the glacial heights of Khatling on the Indo-Tibetan border in Uttarakhand later this month.
“The Siachen trekking expedition this year is in its planning stage and we are determined to take civilian mountaineers to the glacier this year. Khatling expedition by the Army’s 15 Mechanised Infantry Regiment will take place from June 25 to July 7,” a source in the Army headquarters said. Both the expeditions are meant to show to the international audience that Indian troops hold both the Siachen and Khatling glacial heights and that neither Pakistan nor China were anywhere near the two glaciers.
Amidst reports of frequent intrusions by China’s Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) into the Indian territory along the Indo-Tibetan border, the Khatling expedition would leave imprints of the Army team’s visit to the glacier.
“The imprints could be anything from an Indian-made shoe or a copy of an Indian newspaper adequately sealed in a plastic folder to ensure it does not get wet or damaged in the snowy terrain. This would enable India to assert Khatling Glacier is its territory and counter any future threat of a Chinese claim,” a source said.
The civilian Siachen expedition last September had run into a controversy after Pakistan lodged a strong protest, calling it “incongruous” to ongoing peace efforts between the two countries.
Though the Army halted the trip immediately after the protest, it went ahead with the trekking expedition after a go-ahead was given by the UPA government.

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Talking about Siachen trek despite Pakistan protest

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:32:01 GMT

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Siachen trek despite Pakistan protest
Notwithstanding Pakistan’s vociferous protests, the Indian Army will organise a civilian mountaineering and trekking expedition to the Siachen Glacier for the second year in a row in October-November this year.
Even before the planned Siachen trekking kicks off, the Indian Army will take out its own expedition to the glacial heights of Khatling on the Indo-Tibetan border in Uttarakhand later this month.
“The Siachen trekking expedition this year is in its planning stage and we are determined to take civilian mountaineers to the glacier this year. Khatling expedition by the Army’s 15 Mechanised Infantry Regiment will take place from June 25 to July 7,” a source in the Army headquarters said. Both the expeditions are meant to show to the international audience that Indian troops hold both the Siachen and Khatling glacial heights and that neither Pakistan nor China were anywhere near the two glaciers.
Amidst reports of frequent intrusions by China’s Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) into the Indian territory along the Indo-Tibetan border, the Khatling expedition would leave imprints of the Army team’s visit to the glacier.
“The imprints could be anything from an Indian-made shoe or a copy of an Indian newspaper adequately sealed in a plastic folder to ensure it does not get wet or damaged in the snowy terrain. This would enable India to assert Khatling Glacier is its territory and counter any future threat of a Chinese claim,” a source said.
The civilian Siachen expedition last September had run into a controversy after Pakistan lodged a strong protest, calling it “incongruous” to ongoing peace efforts between the two countries.
Though the Army halted the trip immediately after the protest, it went ahead with the trekking expedition after a go-ahead was given by the UPA government.

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Video clips - himadventures

Tue, 27 May 2008 14:56:18 GMT

COASTAL TREKKING INDIA

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:29:50 GMT

Coastal trekking is not as popular in India as it should be. Not very takers for walking along with the huge coastal line India offers. No one has explored much in this erena except trekking in Goa which is reduced to walking from one beach to another but a serious route has yet to be established.

I suggest to hardcore trekkers to explore this scenic land starting from North Goa to South Goa. North Goa does not have plam trees and most of the time you will be walking under Sun- so start early if you do not like a Sun tanned skin.

Same situation is in Kerala - not much takers for coastal trekking which could have been a boon for looking deep into village lives of people living at coast.

Kedarnath- Badrinath, new route by Tapin Pandit,58 kms only

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:02:19 GMT

Tapan Pandit, a teacher from kolkatta has discovered a new route of only 58kms by trek between KEDARNATH and BADRINATH. Old route was 186 kms and was not easy where new route is short and goes through moraine, bushes but can be enjoyed by trekkers.

Caution is required from wild animals, reptiles and mountain hazards.

A myth that in old times, a single pandit used to perform rituals in both temples gave him clue to find possibility of a route which he finds ultimately.

Tapan Pandit - a experienced trekker spend lot of time in reseach on google earth. Thanks to google earth which provides him a topographical view of this route and rest required was dedication and belief in himsel.

His students helps him in this crusade. A humble soul- trekked al this length with his students and wife USHA PANDIT.

Couple along with a student managed this tough trek without much difficulty through NEELKANTH region.

ROUTE: Kedarnath - Chopta- Mana-Badrinath

Talking about Medicines which help in AMS

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:09:16 GMT

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Medicines which help in AMS
here is always a debate on use of medicines in AMS. I would suggest that attitude should me to avoid factors of AMS.

1. Work high and sleep low: This is one of the oldest formula but as climbing is becoming more and more expesnive- people are trying to play with human body. But if you work high and sleep at low altitude-you can always have safe and tension free time in mountains.

2. Drinking Water:Afterall it is water which plays important role when you start your jounrey and then walking from mountain base village. If you can concentrate on your water input and urine output-you can always avoid having AMS. In colder and high places- drink warm water as much as posible-this also helps in having less pressure on heart and kidneys.

3. Diazepam /Alprazolam: These are good muscle relaxant besides giving you good start of sleep. Should not be regularly used and should not be overdozed.

4. Disprin/Aspirin: are first medicine of choice when headaches are there. They also make blood THIN to pass through small cappilaries. This medicine is FIRST AID in heart attacks and chest pains also. But creates GESTITIS-so should not bemixed with any alcohoal beavarge-can cause severe vommitting.

5. Diclofenic Sodium: In India-popular brand is VOVRAN-S and VOVARAN-M
Both are good muscle relaxant.

6. USE OF GARLIC: This is oldest but most effective than having any medicine. GARLIC chewing creates bad odor but helps in controlling blood pressure and thus AMS.

WHAT TO DO IF AMS IS FOUND: Should always retreat from mountains. Never stay high-this could be fatal.

COMBIFLAM: This is INDIAN TRADEMARK which is good and safe as it works both as analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory.
GUM PAINT: This is most helpful and reduces use of sleeping pills as pain of gums is common in climbing [ Cold water from streams and glaciers can cause ]. Gum paint acts like local anesthesia and climber do not feel pain.

Medicines which help in AMS

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:00:02 GMT

here is always a debate on use of medicines in AMS. I would suggest that attitude should me to avoid factors of AMS.

1. Work high and sleep low: This is one of the oldest formula but as climbing is becoming more and more expesnive- people are trying to play with human body. But if you work high and sleep at low altitude-you can always have safe and tension free time in mountains.

2. Drinking Water:Afterall it is water which plays important role when you start your jounrey and then walking from mountain base village. If you can concentrate on your water input and urine output-you can always avoid having AMS. In colder and high places- drink warm water as much as posible-this also helps in having less pressure on heart and kidneys.

3. Diazepam /Alprazolam: These are good muscle relaxant besides giving you good start of sleep. Should not be regularly used and should not be overdozed.

4. Disprin/Aspirin: are first medicine of choice when headaches are there. They also make blood THIN to pass through small cappilaries. This medicine is FIRST AID in heart attacks and chest pains also. But creates GESTITIS-so should not bemixed with any alcohoal beavarge-can cause severe vommitting.

5. Diclofenic Sodium: In India-popular brand is VOVRAN-S and VOVARAN-M
Both are good muscle relaxant.

6. USE OF GARLIC: This is oldest but most effective than having any medicine. GARLIC chewing creates bad odor but helps in controlling blood pressure and thus AMS.

WHAT TO DO IF AMS IS FOUND: Should always retreat from mountains. Never stay high-this could be fatal.

COMBIFLAM: This is INDIAN TRADEMARK which is good and safe as it works both as analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory.
GUM PAINT: This is most helpful and reduces use of sleeping pills as pain of gums is common in climbing [ Cold water from streams and glaciers can cause ]. Gum paint acts like local anesthesia and climber do not feel pain.

Packing list for trekking in himalayas

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:53:03 GMT

This section deserves your attention. You will need to bring clothing and equipment that can be used in a wide spectrum of weather conditions. Within the same 24 hour period, it can be freezing cold in the morning, sunny and warm with blue skies during the day, raining or snowing by late afternoon and back to freezing cold at night. You must balance being properly clothed and equipped with your weight allowance and your budget. Along with the information on this page, we encourage you to contact your agency or with any questions as you get ready for your trip and / or before you consider making an expensive gear purchase.

Remember: The layering of clothing is considered an outdoor art form.

Men's Clothing & Equipment Pack List:

Head.
-Sun hat, scarf and/or bandanna
-Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
-Sunglasses with UV protection

Torso.
-T-shirts x 2 quick-drying synthetic
-Light & expedition weight thermals
-Fleece jacket or pullover
-Waterproof shell jacket
-Down vest and/or jacket

Hands.
-Lightweight gloves x 2
-Heavyweight gloves or mittens

Lower body.
-Underwear x 4
-Hiking shorts (2)
-Lightweight hiking long pants
-Light & expedition weight thermals
-Fleece or wool pants
-Waterproof shell pants

Feet.
-Thin, lightweight inner sock liners (2)
-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (3)
-Worn in hiking boots and spare laces
-Camp shoes
-Gaiters

Accessories.
-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees F
-Headlamp w/ spare bulbs and batteries
-Duffle bag and small lock
-Basic First Aid Kit
-Large plastic bags - to keep items dry
-Daypack (approx. 2500 to 3000 c.i.)
-Thermarest sleeping pad
-One liter water bottles x 2
-Toiletries
-Small wash towel
-Trekking poles (optional)

Women's Clothing & Equipment Pack List:

Head.
-Sun hat, scarf and/or bandanna
-Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
-Sunglasses with UV protection

Torso.
-T-shirts x 2 quick-drying synthetic
-Light & expedition weight thermals
-Fleece jacket or pullover
-Waterproof shell jacket
-Down vest and/or jacket

Hands.
-Lightweight gloves x 2
-Heavyweight gloves or mittens

Lower body.
-Underwear x 4
-Hiking shorts (2)
-Lightweight hiking long pants
-Light & expedition weight thermals
-Fleece or wool pants
-Waterproof shell pants

Feet.
-Thin, lightweight inner sock liners (2)
-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (3)
-Worn in hiking boots and spare laces
-Camp shoes
-Gaiters

Accessories.
-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees F
-Headlamp w/ spare bulbs and batteries
-Duffle bag and small lock
-Basic First Aid Kit
-Large plastic bags - to keep items dry
-Daypack (approx. 2500 to 3000 c.i.)
-Thermarest sleeping pad
-One liter water bottles x 2
-Toiletries
-Small wash towel
-Trekking poles (optional)

RESCUE COMPLETED- RUSSIAN EXPEDITION LIFTED

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:44:49 GMT

Rescue work has been completed as RUSSIN expedition has been air-lifted by Indian Air Force helisopter from ARWA TAL and expeditions had been called -off and safely return to base camps like HARSIL and PITHORGARH due on extreme weather conditions in UTTARAKHAND -resulting in heavy snow-fall and blizzards.

Inquiries from all over the world had been coming for well-being of over 100 trekkers and thier support staff being stranded in high reaches of himalayas of UTTARAKHAND.

Although being considered best season to climb and trek in UTTARAKHAND- changing weather forces many to see life-and-death drama in high clouds.

From Badrinath to Gangotri there is a high altitude trekking route. There has been a lot of snowing along that route in the past few days. And since it (the snowfall) has occurred before time, a lot of trekkers were stranded.

"No permission is being given to trekkers at present either for Uttarkashi or Chamoli," Kumar said, adding that "No other group is stranded as of now."

A team of German and Indian trekkers that was scheduled to take the same route as the Russian group has returned from the base camp after the snowfall.

Earlier rescue efforts were hampered as helicopters were snowed in and ground rescue teams could not reach the region, which lies at an altitude of between 18,000 and 21,000 feet (5,486 and 6,401 metres).

With more and more inquiries regarding well-being of trekkers and rescue work in himalayas coming to our office-please use 91 9915160121 phone for further information.

Talking about Five dead trekkers bodies in Uttarakhand Himalayas

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 05:05:09 GMT

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Five dead trekkers bodies in Uttarakhand Himalayas
Search and rescue operation had been called-off due to bad weather after more than 50 member team of search and rescue from ITBP and police faced bad weather at altitude of 15,000 ft in Uttarakhand.

An army expidition reported 5 dead bodies of trekkers which are supposed to be Europeans. No identity had been fixed yet as it was possible to bring only ONE DEAD BODY down.

Body of a women which had been brought by ITBP and Uttarakhand police was frozen and forensic tests will be performed on it.

THIS IS TO NOTE THAT MANY TREKKERS AND CLIMBERS GOES MISSING IN HIMALAYAS AND IT IS ONLY AFTER MONTHS AND YEARS THAT PEOPLE COMES TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR FATE. A EYEWITNESS HAD CLAIMED THAT THESE BODIES COULD BE ANYWHERE FROM 5-8 YEARS OLD.

Talking about Adventure And Outdoor Gear In India

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:19:47 GMT

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Adventure And Outdoor Gear In India
India is not making any quality gear and perhaps reason behind this could be that not much people are into adventure sports or outdoor life.

I have yet to see MOVING HOUSES/ CARAVANS in Himalayas or anywhere in India. Adventure sports equipment which is being made in India is strictly restricted to sleepings bags and tents.

Still, some websites are there which are making good money by online business but material they supply by courier is little OLD / SALE STUFF.

Adventure And Outdoor Gear In India

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:07:21 GMT

India is not making any quality gear and perhaps reason behind this could be that not much people are into adventure sports or outdoor life.

I have yet to see MOVING HOUSES/ CARAVANS in Himalayas or anywhere in India. Adventure sports equipment which is being made in India is strictly restricted to sleepings bags and tents.

Still, some websites are there which are making good money by online business but material they supply by courier is little OLD / SALE STUFF.

BIRD WATCHING IN PUNJAB-HARI KE WETLANDS

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:44:41 GMT

Harike Lake and Wetland is situated in the districts of Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Amritsar in the state of Punjab. A barrage built in 1953 on the confluence of rivers Sutluj and Beas near Harike town resulted in the creation of Harike lake. Over the course of time, this wetland system, the largest in north India, emerged as a fine waterfowl habitat. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1982 and a Ramsar Site in 1990. In 1992 the sanctuary area was enlarged to 86 sq km. Harike lake constitutes the main reservoir which is the deeper portion of the wetland adjoining the barrage, while the marshy islands and shores together with the extensive wetlands stretching beyond the reservoir area, comprise the rest of the wetland.

The lake is triangular in shape, with its apex in the west, a bund, called the Dhussi Bund forming one side, a canal the second and a major road the third. The Harike barrage connects Amritsar city with Ferozepur, Faridkot and Bhatinda by a national highway. Of the present sanctuary area, 73 sq km constitutes a wetland enclosing shallow, marshy tracts that serve as perfect feeding and wading habitat for waterfowl. Tree covered earthen mounds have been constructed in the marsh area, to increase nesting sites for the birds.

Harike is a vital staging post and the winter home of a enormous concentration of migratory waterfowl that rivals only Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur. Over 20,000 ducks have been recorded here during the peak migratory season. A number of globally threatened species have also been recorded in Harike. During the winter, about 200 species of birds visit the lake, including migratory as well as resident. From 1980-1985, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) carried out research and a bird ringing program there. Harike was also the subject of a 1994 publication by WWF-India as part of their series on Ramsar Sites of India.

In addition to the common birds, other important species that can be seen here are Cotton Pygmy Goose, Tufted Duck, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Watercock, Pallas's Gull, Brown-headed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Indian Skimmer, White-winged Tern, White-rumped Vulture, Hen Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Hobby, Horned Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, White-browed Fantail, Brown Shrike, Common Woodshrike, White-tailed Stonechat, White-crowned Penduline Tit, Rufous-vented Prinia, Striated Grassbird, Cetti's Bush Warbler and the Sulphur-bellied Warbler.

Some 7 species of turtle and 26 species of fish have been recorded in Harike. The mammals found at Harike include the Smooth Indian Otter, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Indian Wild Boar and the Common Mongoose. The rare and endangered Testudine Turtle and Smooth Indian Otter are listed in the IUCN Redlist of Threatened Animals. Harike attracts large populations of avifauna, in particular the diving ducks. It is a vital source of water for the people of Punjab. The main species of fish fauna present is Hilsa. The livelihood of nearby villagers depends to some extent upon the lake's fish resources.

Amongst phytoplankton, the Bacillariophyceae is represented by about 10 species. An extensive growth of Typha elephantina and Phragmites karka is observed along the margins of the lake, in surrounding low lying areas, as well as in the upstream Mand area. Of free floating plants, Azolla, the nitrogen fixing fern, occurs in patches of open water. The tall grasses Saccharum spontaneum and S. bengalenses are common along the higher ground in the wetland area and on slopes and margins of surrounding bunds and dykes. Tamarix diocia is the sole woody plant adapted to an aquatic habitat found in the area; rest of the trees are upland species.

The major threats to this important wetland include; large scale utilization of both surface and ground waters for irrigation, expansion of intensive agriculture resulting in encroachments on the wetland, drainage of agricultural chemicals into the waters, discharge of untreated waste from catchment towns into the rivers which feed the wetland, and deforestation of the lower Shivalik hills, causing soil erosion and silting. The Indian Army in the year 2000, along with other agencies launched and completed a major project to clear water hyacinth, which was almost choking the lake.
SOURCE:http://www.himadventures.net/outdoor_forums/index.php/board,8.0.html

Family outdoor in himalayas.

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 02:59:27 GMT

Roop Kund - A Mystery Lake In High Himalayas

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 17:01:49 GMT

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Talking about Roop Kund - A Mystery Lake In High Himalayas

Roop Kund - A Mystery Lake In High Himalayas

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 16:05:52 GMT

Roop Kund ( Mystery Lake)

Report Submitted By A Climber

This attempt was made in June First Week - This is strongly suggested not to try this route in this season if you are not used to climbing techniques.

HISTORY: RoopKund becomes famous when large number of Human bones was reported. After that explorers and scientists have tried to explain the mystery but it helped in deepening the mystery rather solving it. Two theories have emerged and one is that these bones are of Gen.Zorawar Singh of Kashmir and his men who were coming back after raiding China-Tibet in 17th Century. Second opinion, which is also believed by locals, is that large numbers of people visiting Homkund were trapped in avalanches and snowstorms and got killed. Not even a single man survived to tell the true story.
It is situated in CWM of Trishul and this is again a positive factor for unpredictable change in weather in Himalayas. At 5025 Mtrs. I have very good Idea what and how it could have happened as I myself gone through very tough time there.

PHASE - (1) It was my plan to see Roop Kund solo. Although solo trekking in Himalayas is not advisable but one can not help if he could not find any partner. Specially in a society where scales to judge about good or bad is purely MONEY. But last minute change happened and my younger brother decided to go with me. He had been to high altitude with me. Together we stand on 5242 Mtrs. High Lalanti la in Kunnaur. A dedicated sportsman and now Lectr. of Physical Education at Stamford International college, Hua Hin, Thailand. We started our journey from Punjab and reached Haridwar ,early morning. A long and tough bus journey and we reached Karan Prayag. Next day after changing jeeps, one broke down bus...we reached Mandoli and climbed up for Lohajung. It was 4.0 PM when we were pitching tent…on a open slope...near Forest rest house.

PHASE-(2) We were told that June is not for Roop Kund and it is all snow laden trek and its not open yet but as we have traveled so far and liked the air of the mountain…so we decided that we will give it a try ,otherwise we will camp somewhere and after good rest of seven days...we will descend down) We started from Lohajung at 6.45 Am and reached WAN at 12.0 AM. After lunch and at 1.0 PM we were again out on trail….it was drizzling which very soon become heavy rainfall. We have to take shelter for some time…and we again started the grueling climb of Bhagwa Basa. It was a tough climb and I remember that with heavy rucksack on my shoulders, I was interested in making a halt in between but somehow I kept on walking step by step and we reached Bedni Bugyal at 5.0 PM. It was cool but sunny evening with clouds settled in valley and sharp colors of sky, mountain and green.

PHASE - (3) Next day we started at 7.0AM and it was day of gaining altitude. Soon snow patch started and we were on a steep climb of Kalua Binayak, which we came to know later that nobody could cross before thatin June. Slope was almost in front of our face but soft snow gave ample opportunity for kicking and climbing. Problem lies in anchors as we were having only one Ice axe and our guide happened to be in love with that.Everyone faced trouble in climbing. We reached upper crest of the ridge and looked down…it was dangerously high exposed ridge and we were not having any security. Very soon snowfall started and we decided to create hot coffee under a overhang which was only shelter posing shear fall ...if anybody slipped.

PHASE - (4) We reached Bhagwa Basa but not without tackling with loose surface of snow which cracked under our feats. And many times I have to tell everyone that they should make their own footsteps, as surface is week. But when we reached Bhagwa Basa we were shocked to see that neither there was enough place to pitch tent. Somehow we erected a loose Dome tent and I spent one of the toughest nights I had in Himalayas. Roop Kund was in clouds and doing hide and seeks with us. Bur its sheer appearance was giving a ghostly look, giving a further truth to gory history of its.

PHASE - (5) Next morning was not all good for us due to weather and nothing was visible except white fog. We stayed in our sleeping bags. Around 10.0 AM we started for Roop Kund. Bit excitement, slight tension of negotiating a slope without proper security, I could not manage to gulp down “maggy” we prepared. Soon we were struggling with fresh snow but managed to clear good length. I kept my brother in between the rope. Till now I cannot take myself out from “brother” syndrome although with passage of time he had matured, have a much much better record and capability as compared to me. But I can’t help…so can’t help.

The drama starts very suddenly. A thick cloud overlaps the horizon and snowfall started and very soon,we could not make out outlines of man walking ahead. I remember I have to call peoplel to know where they are . My own green pant was only color, I remember of that time. He was confident and least worried and I decided to push a little bit further. Roop Kund was so near that I was sure that in clear weather it was job of minutes. We kept on step a step job but wind starts and within seconds I understood that crucial time to decided the fate has come. I talked with already “ready to cry” guide and decided defensively. A last look on Roop Kund ...but all was white and I did not even knew which direction it was…the all around me, it was sheer white that it gave a strange type of feeling even today. We were all silent , specially me as it was so hard to see our own footsteps. And by experience I knew that we are just in need of a single mistake. A fall, a slip, wrong direction and it will be end of road for someone. Many times I have to bend down and decided which is our footstep and which is natural texture...ha ha ha ha weather was still the same and wind was putting loose snow in air. Its pressure was felt on our backs and it was giving a slight push also. But we managed to walk somehow…our heads bent …for three hrs. Nobody talk and we felt great relief when we saw faint red color of our tent. Although it was much far than my judgment. Weather cleared like some magical drama and with that new problem comes. We saw marks of a animal trailing our marks. Some animal had followed us. It was a snow fox but before we could take out camera…it disappeared. But what was worrying me was..What if this creature had damaged our tent/ration etc.? I looked back for Roop Kund but it was still under cover of clouds, same fear crept in my spine...the behavior of the mountain was so dramatic that It seems as “someone is not happy” with us being there. But I had decided to stay and try next day.

PHASE-(6) We came back with my feats numb and shooting pain in my thumbnail. Some had decided to give up. It was not time to be here, with limited ration & wrong time to be in the there. I was worried about being struck there, if weather changes again. And this thought was bit horrible for me. We prepared some porridge, coffee and packed our sacks….for down.

But seems to me that mountain wanted to test our last bit of tolerance….it started heavy snowfall and again a thought of “trouble” comes to my mind. But this time I was going to teach everyone about some glissading….ha ha ha..we managed to clear snow patch...although it took sap out of my hungry bones. It was 6.30 when we reached WAN. It was drizzling, barely able to walk…we met horde of people who were told by members of English team that “Indians” have reached. They were watching us through binoculars. I did not come out of my sleeping bag.

Many locals did not believe, especially when they saw our sacks. One person told them in their native language and we came to know that we are first in their memory that had managed to reach there. Five trekking and two mountaineering (English) teams tried but somehow failed and came back. I still think that it is not any medal/achievement for all of us. Through this experience we both have become more mature and respectful about mountain and its power.

Man is nothing against nature. Very delicate, very fragile. Its all luck/chance/dare/bravery ….all are words to express a single truth. If you survived...you are brave and if not….its your calculation +mountain and only mountain decides. We came back and still feel thrill of those days we spent in that mountain.
Hope to be together again!!

Some Good Images: http://www.himadventures.net/pictures/gharwal/gharwal.htm and http://himadventures.net/media-gallery/IMAGES OF UTTARANCHAL: http://www.himadventures.net/pictures/gharwal/gharwal.htm