Himalayas, The dream place for every1, is now a past n everlasting memories into the deepest chambers of the heart. Commencing from the heavy purchase from Woodlands, my best companion all the way, and all those essentials from wet wipes to edibles, gathered at central on Friday morning...Staring from here wit a set of unknown ppl from all branches of Maveric and from different states as Gurgaon, Mumbai and Chennai...started wit a small 'hi' in Rajdhani....within 5 minutes after settling al baggage, started chatting as if al were old school frenz...
Jolly chat abt projects( that was the final time v remembered speakin abt dose...),cards, chatting abt how the trip is gonna be, how are v gonna play in snow n al dose stuffs...reached Gurgaon guest from Nijammudin station...started very soon for shopping to Gurgaon city Central...finished al essentials buying...al set for d trip, imagining al James Bond movies in which he ll drive car in blind white snow and al Tamil movies in which hero ll throw white snow stuff on d heroine...met our organizers Ashutosh Ji, Rajesh Ji, Ravi Ji and Abhilash Ji...dey looked like normal co-passengers in train(not really they are...)...
Took Shatabdi exp to Haridwar...from dere a cab was arranged to Uttarkashi...in between had lunch...plucked apples directly from trees and had as much as v can(it was one of ma dreams which I usually had...)...reached Uttarkashi guest house where v met DP,a hardcore trekker, and a friend of our trek gurus...then started to Gangotri...on the way, i lost my signal(dis was d final place which v got network till v returned)...
That night v were asked to summon at the huge verandah beside our rooms. He said a story about eagle and chicken. And portrayed the moral to us in a simple and powerful was by giving us a card which contained the picture of both the birds. We roared ‘We are not Chicken; we are Eagles’. Then a task was assigned. We were given 5 papers, 6 straws and a cello tape and were asked to prepare a prototype, which must b dropped from 70 feet above wit an egg inside. The condition is that the egg must not break. We were given 15 mins to depict a picture of the prototype, a primary and a secondary model. After v finished design, v were given 45 mins for the prototype preparation.
V were amidst our preparation while Ravi Bhaiya was sittin inside our room n watching the method and the conversation happening inside. Likewise Abhilash Bhaiya was dere in the other team’s room. While v we finished our prototype, Rajesh Ji came inside our room n asked to show the model. All of a sudden he took his pen pricked one of the balloons in our prototype. V were about to scold him. He said ‘it happens’ n went to other room n did the same thing dere also. Then immediately v discussed some other means of making it. Meanwhile I criticized Manjunath’s idea and passed comments and then v stated some other design. Again Rajesh Ji came in. This time v were alert. We prevented him from proceeding further. He said that ‘u can’t do this. Give me 3 straws back n then continue wit yo design. Then v cursed him as far as possible, without knowing his on wat intention he has done that and wat v learnt from the act he did.
Finally, we were on the launch pad. Vishnu went to drop our prototype and Srinath went for dropping theirs. We dropped it first. It reached the ground and the egg came out of the design. V ran n took it to c whether it was damaged. It was not. V shouted like anything and all the passers-by peeped in to c wat was happening. Then it was their turn. They dropped it and they egg din break and also din come out of the design…It was explained later by Rajesh Ji about the reason of giving this test. And explained his justification for his activity of hindering our proceeding as ‘I am nature now.U can’t go against or fight wit nature for causing a devastating problem while going on the mountains. Here mountains decide everything and v hav no chance of goin against them. ‘ Those tasks were activities for concentration and leadership training...
The next day,12th morning,v started our 1st step for the trek...on the very 1st day, walked al the way at a stretch for 9 Kms to Chidwasa(3100 Mtrs above MSL)...on the way,v had activities to do...our team of 14 was divided into 2 halves named as Maveric White and Maveric Blue... our organizers did a task of planting 7 white and 7 blue flags al d way which v must pick up while the trek...v were murmuring to ourselves why the hell are these tasks, how ll v enjoy the nature if these tasks are to b finished n al stuffs... but al our thoughts were smashed by their criteria...this task was to increase concentration and to reduce tiredness...moreover this was to increase leadership qualities...v were given Walkie Talkies to communicate 1ce each n every flag was found...v took 6 hours and finally finished day1 n reached at Chidwasa base camp...there v were not allowed to take rest...as soon as v reached, v were asked to put our tents...v were very happy that this s jus a simple walk n not a trek...
When v reached dere, our organizers had already planned something for us...there was a 75 feet high rock which was another 75 feet above the base camp site...v were asked to climb dere...the route was very hard as v made our own route... they were saying something called 'Raffling'...v thot it was some simple task...but actually d task was to come down the rock using a style, which was so called as 'Raffling'...when v heard that, something came into our mouths from the bottom of our belly...many slips near the edge, forgetting even the very known language there at that hanging position...finally most of us did the task giving a sigh of relief and started thinking whether al our days ll b filled with adventures...then tea, camp fire, dinner, strategy discussion...all were bore at that point of time, since the walk was almost flat and v gained an altitude of just 300mts only...
Next day to Bhojwasa(3400 Mtrs above MSL)...this was only a 5 km walk...this was also simple and v covered it with 1.5 hrs...then a task was assigned to the co-team Mav Blue for preparing dinner for that night...they prepared a good pongal and a gravy, or else even that night v must hav had that roti...then started our next day's trail to Tapovan via Gaumukh(3700 Mtrs above MSL)...since our past 2 days were almost flat, v thot that the same ll continue...since I was in more enthu I walked upfront in a sprinting speed. While I was half way, Ashu Ji intimated in walkie-talkie that within 300 mtrs, there ll b a rock fall area and to b careful n wait till others join. I din take it too seriously.
As Abhilash was busy in taking the picturesque snaps and the wild Ibex moving forward, I took the lead n walked before. At one point wen I was climbing a steep slant, suddenly a landslide along with rocks sliding downwards happened. I din know how to react. Then I ran back in the direction I came and stood behind a rock which can hid me...None ll believe this, but my heart would have been pouncing @ 200 beats per second at that time. Then after that toil has settled, I walked towards that spot, cleared the way which was filled by rocks n sand with my stick n woodlands...than started walking forward...
On the way v noticed 3 big boulders which mentioned 'Gaumukh was here in', along with years. V were astonished on seeing that. Nearly Gaumukh has moved 5kms in the past 50 years...Then v took a dip at Gaumukh, the place of origination of the sacred Ganges. Most of us experienced the bone-piercing chilled-water dip there.
Then v started our trail towards Tapovan (4100 Mtrs above MSL). When v were about to reach Tapovan, v saw a steep climb wit uneven rocks n boulders .I was literally thinking 'thank God, v are not gonna climb dis, and our path would b simple which was moving towards my left'. As soon as Ashu Ji n Rajesh Ji, they also took some rest. Then Rajesh Ji started climbing the steep uphill. I was startled on seeing that.
'Is that what we gonna climb?'...No other go. They are not gonna leave us anyhow... So v stepped on each rock very cautiously. In between the trek, Ashu Ji said that 'u ll b experiencing the toughest ever trail at one point'. V thot that this wud b that part and enquired him. He said affirmatively wit a smile...rocks stumbling down, unable to balance, shoes slipping and lunch in between...Myself n Vinoth(often called as Puli), din wish to take lunch and hence had apple. Then v both started together. Another 50 mtrs climb...that was also hard and that took half an hour for us since v can’t walk in group, and one must follow the other en-route. Finally v reached up to see a meadow up there....None could explain the sigh of relief v made as soon as v saw that plain meadow...
On d way our Team lead Kannan’s shoe got damaged. He was very much fond of d shoe, since its age was 12. So he came a little late. Srikanth had a pair of shoes extra and so he gave it to him for his use. Totally the climb was only 200 mtrs...but that took nearly 2 and a half hour for us to compete with. As soon as we reached v were given the task of putting tents mercilessly (till the end v din know the reason for makin us put the tents, is to relax our muscles, and if v lie down or take rest or sleep immediately after a hard walk, our muscles wit get compressed n there ll be a problem on the next day's walk).
That night was our team, Mav-White's task to prepare dinner. V went to Rana Ji, our chief Cook, to discuss our recipe and get the ingredients. V planned to prepare Sambhar n Rasam, typical south-Indian dish for that night…We started our preparation wit sambhar. Potato was our choice of side-dish. That day ended wit a campfire again officially. But our KFC guys (Puli, ArunSid, Sayed, Vinay, Manju, Srinath and Myself) made a meet at Puli's tent and had a chat for an hour...Every day our meet ll b dere for d chat...Without partiality b/w the designation dere, we spoke like close buddies...
The next day morning v woke up at 7 and peeped out of our tents and was stunned. We were not able to see even the nearby tents...Snow and mist covered the whole environment waited till 10, but snow din vanish out. Our Organizers decided to stay dere for acclimatization. We became very happy after hearing that news. V thot that the whole day we ll b allowed to sleep. As soon as v finished our bfast, v were asked to gather. Our Organizers said that we hav a two tasks today. And those tasks will start in an hour. We were startled on hearing this. Rock-climbing task n treasure hunt. No other go. V hav to do that.
In the meantime Puli, Srinath, Vinay and I went to meet a Baba Ji who stayed nearby our camping area. He was just of age 25.He was a Mouna-Baba, who never speaks. We asked some questions about his sage-life. He made actions and our Technical Expert Vinoth, translated his actions to us. We were amazed when he understood English. Then v took snaps wit him and returned back.
By that time we were asked to summon again. We were taken beside a big rock. We were shocked whether v ll b asked to do raffling again. But v were asked to do a task, tedious than that. We hav to climb that rock without any equipment. For Safety purpose, Vinoth held a rope from the top of the rock. In case if we stumble in between, we can catch hold of the rope for support, but v shud not climb holding that rope. Usman did not even use d rope and he did twice. V were standing aside so that v can watch ppl doin that task. Most of us did d task. Points were given for those team-wise. I gave up twice and stood back. Then I made it.
Before we were about to give a sigh of relief, another task was planned. We were asked to climb up the other side of the rock, without the rope support. Many did, But I cud not do it. I tried twice. Ashu Ji said that no more chances ll b given since it was time. But I felt ashamed for that. Rajesh Ji gave me hints to do that. Then I said that I don’t need points, but I wanna do that task. I did it in my second attempt…Then we had our lunch at our campsite.
After lunch, our task 3 was ready…the treasure hunt. Again the flags were taken and while v were doing the rock climbing task, al those were planted in the vast meadow nearby and our task was to locate al those flags within a span of 2 hours. We started our hunt after discussing our strategy team-wise. V did surfing all around. V al said in unison that for staying here v wud hav gone trekking itself and that wud hav been better and so…
White came up wit 5 flags n blue wit 4. Along wit dis another task of collecting fire-woods was combined wit dis. Finally points were given for d tasks. After returning v played wit a ball made of tissue papers...Meanwhile, Rajesh Ji was conducting one-one discussion with each n every1 member and made assessments daily at EOD…Then all those which v collected for campfire were burnt. And that became the cremation for the 12 year old shoe of Kannan.
The next day morning had clear skies and hence v started off early without any idea how our trail will be. As soon as we reached the end of the meadow, there was a steep down trail similar to the upward trail v made, but on a different route. Dis was more terrific than the previous one. It was very steep wit unstable rocks and fine gravel which made us to skid. Ashu Ji n Rajesh started before us. Srinath also joined wit them. Ashu Ji n Srinath reached the ground while Rajesh Ji was standing amidst, guiding us…
V were asked to maintain good distance with whom v follow, since the rocks were unstable and were falling down continuously.But Arun Sid, wit al his course brain din follow that and unfotunately he waqs above me. He kept on rolled rocks with his feet to gain balance out of which two big rocks were abt to fall on me and one rock on Puli. Somehow v managed to get down amidst his killer-attempt...
In between there was a hinder (al those we crossed were hinders but this was a typical one). There was a small cut upward. We need to climb up a little and then move downwards. That part, where this partition was dere, was made of Ice. Hard Ice. It was very slippery. Then Vinoth Bhai stood dere and made a grip like thing with the Ice-Axe he had. Even then it was slippery. At that time he made a thing. He kept his leg on that hold and then he asked me to keep my leg on his and gave hand for me to cross. I was flabbergasted on seeing this (This was not the 1ly event which made us admire Vinoth Bhai, But a series of events were dere on daily basis). Then he stood dere to help al members to cross that danger-spot. Then v al gathered at the meadow down-hill. Started walking again…
We were heading towards Nandanvan (4600 Mtrs above MSL). As soon as v started walkin, v crossed a Rock-Fall zone. Continuously rocks were breaking and were falling from at least a height of 200-300 mtrs. We were walkin beneath those happenings. We were crossing the main lacier by that time. It comprised of nearly 4 ups and down pattern. While I was crossing the 2nd one, I stepped on a stone and the stone above it rolled and fell on my leg and my ankle was struck in between those rocks. I shouted in pain. Quickly, PrudhviRaj, who was following me, came and pushed the rock aside and helped me out of the eerie situation. Then v walked more carefully than before.
Finally v crossed al those elevations which was fully made of Hard-Ice. The glacier was full of crevasses which were at least some 200 ft. deep. We were very much frightened while v were on them. Finally v completed the glacier crossing and reached a meadow. Frankly speaking, v were not allowed to conclude that ‘this was d hardest trail in d trek at any point of time coz each day was more worse than the previous one, and that previous trail or task appeared mush easier, compared to the current situation dere. Then again v made an upward climb. After crossing al those hard trail in the glacier, nothing looked harder. V reached Nandanvan and took rest dere and made our camp.
Our organizers had planned a day’s rest for the purpose of acclimatization there at Nandanvan. There v took good rest with the pity of our Organizers. That day evening v had a gaming event. We were provided a Radium ball, and bisected PVC pipes… We could not guess wat they were doing. Then Rajesh Ji explained the activity. We need to pass the ball from one person to the other nearby person via the pipes without touching it and without trying to balance it in between and make d ball to fall in a basin kept some 100 mtrs aside, forming a chain of members, without dropping the ball down. That was really competitive. V were given 15 mins and were asked to challenge how many can v drop exactly. We challenged wit 3 and they challenged wit 2… We started wit a raising spirit and did complete our target, amidst dropping many times in b/w. Unfortunately our co-team was not able to make it. And Rajesh Ji made a comment that v hav made a Guinness record by playing this game at the highest altitude possible.
That day night I had my one-one discussion wit Rajesh Ji. He asked me many questions. V spoke as if v were frenz for long time. V discussed al things in diff genres that happened in my life; happiest, saddest, proudest moments and al dose possible. After that again our KFC meet happened. Suddenly it started heavy downpour. We were expecting negative temperatures that night as said by Ashu Ji. But rain spoiled that.
Next day morning v were able to c the more picturesque vies of Mt.Shivling, Mt.Bhrigupanth, Mt.Kedar Dome, Mt.Bhagirathi 1, 2 and 3, Kirthi Glacier and Vasuki Parvat. V were very happy that v don need to carry many things for that day’s walk towards Vasuki Taal (5100 Mtrs above MSL) since v ll return to the same base camp at Nandanvan for lunch. Chandru was not well and hence he dropped further proceeding. In between, Kannan had ankle sprain and he also returned. Rajesh Ji din come since he had some other work. Srikanth returned mid-way as he cud not cope-up with.
So the rest of the ppl continued further. Puli, Arun Sid, Manjunath and myself formed a gang and walked slowly, chatting and hearing songs in mobile. Had snacks in between-Almonds n cashew sponsored by Puli. While v were on the way v saw Ashu Ji and Srinath returning towards us. V asked the reason and Ashu Ji replied that the climate is changing abrupt and hence v can’t proceed further so that v must return. We al were shocked by the news.
V argued a lot wit Ashu Ji that v wish to go there and reach Vasuki Taal, but he said in negation. Amidst our conversation, 2 men came towards us from Vasuki Parvat. They said that they are out of resources and no food was available with them. They said that they were camping at Vasuki Parvat. Adding to that, they said in conformance to wat Ashu Ji was saying about the climatic drift. Also they said that v need to go via the rope crawling on it to reach Vasuki Taal. And hence, due to bad fortune and damn luck, v had to return back by 4935 mtrs above MSL. There v took a snap wit our Maveric Himalayan Expedition Emblem picturing that v hav reached our target…
Then v started walkin back to our camp at Nandanvan. On d way Puli, Arun Sid and myself heard songs n had a nice chat… Then v reached our base camp and took rest for the day leaving a sigh of relief as v completed our great quest. Then on the next day morning, we started towards Chidwasa at a single stretch for about 14 Kms. As it was downward trek, it was planned so. We did walk with less tiredness. V took a different route and not the same route which v travelled earlier. V took the direct short route to Gaumukh without going via Tapovan.
At Gaumukh v filled in out Pet bottles wit ‘Dhuniya mein Sabse Shudh Paani’, The Ganges, from its point of origination. Then v steered towards Chidwasa which was our day’s target. V were even ready to do raffling any no of times if required, since v had crossed innumerous hurdles practically much more harder than those tasks. Ashu Ji usually says ‘Gaand Hilatha’ which v literally felt on each and every day of our trek. But v were not given any task. We took complete rest.
V started off to Gangotri the next day. That trail, which appeared hard while v started, was like a cake-walk for us. We reached Gangotri and went to a Hotel first n has Mineral water first….. The moment v had that can’t ever b explained. V drunk and ate food cooked with Ganga water, yet the feel of that Aquafina made a special feel. V had Coke and other beverages and had Samosas as if v came from some other planet and v have not seen those before.
The hot sun drifted us and made us sweat after a long time since v were experiencing a maximum temperature of 15 degrees and a minimum was 4 to 5 degree Celsius… v reached our guest house and laid down on the bed. Every day night sleep inside the tent, inside the sleeping bag, which was our best companion, was not required any more. No more woolen socks were required and my Woodlands felt so happy after cursing me a lot for straining him more. After a long gap, v wore our sandals. V all saw our bare foot after a long gap. Looking pale and requiring water, it looked too pity. V missed our Diamox a lot, which is the tablet, which I must distribute, as a Team – Medic, every night, to ll the team members, which helped a lot to prevent us from Dehydration problem. V all may forget anything, but not Rana Ji and his team for their Rotis, Chaval(Rice), Sabji, Dhal(Mandwari), Papad, Aloo parata, Maggi, Tea, Cornflakes, Puri and Hot water, where without any 1 of these v wud hav suffered a lot in hunger n appetite.
All these factors which were explained before may be substituted by some other person or some other things, but the one who drive out the trek with his whole effort, who helped out with his maximum efficiency to make us proceed, who was being as a source of inspiration for all of us, who strained him a lot for us to get a good exposure in the trek, who kept his feet to give grip and support for all who were struck in b/w and the one who knows each n every route in the great, merciless, enchanting Himalayas, none other than our Technical expert, Vinoth… ‘Thanks’ is not the word to repay him. If he was not there v were not sure that the team wud hav reached home alive, safely without any injuries…
We stayed in Gangotri that night. We were called for the final camp-fire. There Rajesh Ji n Ashu Ji summoned l the events n gave a gist of al. They asked us comments, hardest trail and many discussions were held. Then Rajesh said that based on each of our qualities, effort, helping tendency, decision making abilities, leadership and all those which they observed for the past 12 days while they were with us, we were chosen certain nick-names. I was astonished how cud they care abt each individual, note down their plus and minus, their effort. I was given a nick-name, ‘THE RED-BULL’…Then v went to bed and slept nice after a long time, in cushion bed…
The next morning, we set-off to UttarKashi in cab. Had a nice chat on the way. We bought apples from Harsheel and had stomach-full. We reached DP’s guest-house at UttarKashi and settled dere. Went to Kashi Temple nearby and then to the market to hav Burger (the best I hav ever had). Spent a lot on snacks n ate as much as possible. Then there was a party that night in which v danced and sung from all known languages. Had Chicken and Mutton after a long time dere in guest house.
I had a chance of having a chat wit DP. He shared many info regarding trekking and abt the treks he has made before. That inspired me more. The next day v said gud-bye to DP and started back to Haridwar in Cab. From Haridwar v took d Shatabdi Exp and reached Delhi that night. There v reluctantly bid gud-bye to our Organizers and promised to meet soon.
Then v travelled to our rooms and settled there that night. Next day v went to Rajiv Chowk for shopping… Went in search of Saravana Bhavan dere in Delhi and reached dere finally to c a huge crowd waiting for lunch. Even there v got the 1st preference amidst al dose crowd waiting dere after Arun Sid went n spoke wit d waiter in Tamil. Had Full thali meals as much as possible and then started our room. Then for that night v ordered from Kareems, the most famous shop in Delhi and Sayed bought it. V had it and started in the cab booked by Sanjeev. We must not forget the welcome party given by Mr. Sanjeev in Gurgaon, where v stayed while v 1st came to Delhi. It was an awesome party dere where they hosted in the best ever way possible. The train journey back was filled up with al memories of all those chill-moments, the picturesque breathtaking view of different peaks and nevertheless our Organizers’ effort to make it out of us...
Check out the cool-looking(actually not) but terrifying pics of d trek @ the following link...
http://s1173.photobucket.com/albums/r583/MavericSystems/Himalayan%20Challenge%20-%20Sep%202012/?albumview=slideshow
Jolly chat abt projects( that was the final time v remembered speakin abt dose...),cards, chatting abt how the trip is gonna be, how are v gonna play in snow n al dose stuffs...reached Gurgaon guest from Nijammudin station...started very soon for shopping to Gurgaon city Central...finished al essentials buying...al set for d trip, imagining al James Bond movies in which he ll drive car in blind white snow and al Tamil movies in which hero ll throw white snow stuff on d heroine...met our organizers Ashutosh Ji, Rajesh Ji, Ravi Ji and Abhilash Ji...dey looked like normal co-passengers in train(not really they are...)...
Took Shatabdi exp to Haridwar...from dere a cab was arranged to Uttarkashi...in between had lunch...plucked apples directly from trees and had as much as v can(it was one of ma dreams which I usually had...)...reached Uttarkashi guest house where v met DP,a hardcore trekker, and a friend of our trek gurus...then started to Gangotri...on the way, i lost my signal(dis was d final place which v got network till v returned)...
That night v were asked to summon at the huge verandah beside our rooms. He said a story about eagle and chicken. And portrayed the moral to us in a simple and powerful was by giving us a card which contained the picture of both the birds. We roared ‘We are not Chicken; we are Eagles’. Then a task was assigned. We were given 5 papers, 6 straws and a cello tape and were asked to prepare a prototype, which must b dropped from 70 feet above wit an egg inside. The condition is that the egg must not break. We were given 15 mins to depict a picture of the prototype, a primary and a secondary model. After v finished design, v were given 45 mins for the prototype preparation.
V were amidst our preparation while Ravi Bhaiya was sittin inside our room n watching the method and the conversation happening inside. Likewise Abhilash Bhaiya was dere in the other team’s room. While v we finished our prototype, Rajesh Ji came inside our room n asked to show the model. All of a sudden he took his pen pricked one of the balloons in our prototype. V were about to scold him. He said ‘it happens’ n went to other room n did the same thing dere also. Then immediately v discussed some other means of making it. Meanwhile I criticized Manjunath’s idea and passed comments and then v stated some other design. Again Rajesh Ji came in. This time v were alert. We prevented him from proceeding further. He said that ‘u can’t do this. Give me 3 straws back n then continue wit yo design. Then v cursed him as far as possible, without knowing his on wat intention he has done that and wat v learnt from the act he did.
Finally, we were on the launch pad. Vishnu went to drop our prototype and Srinath went for dropping theirs. We dropped it first. It reached the ground and the egg came out of the design. V ran n took it to c whether it was damaged. It was not. V shouted like anything and all the passers-by peeped in to c wat was happening. Then it was their turn. They dropped it and they egg din break and also din come out of the design…It was explained later by Rajesh Ji about the reason of giving this test. And explained his justification for his activity of hindering our proceeding as ‘I am nature now.U can’t go against or fight wit nature for causing a devastating problem while going on the mountains. Here mountains decide everything and v hav no chance of goin against them. ‘ Those tasks were activities for concentration and leadership training...
The next day,12th morning,v started our 1st step for the trek...on the very 1st day, walked al the way at a stretch for 9 Kms to Chidwasa(3100 Mtrs above MSL)...on the way,v had activities to do...our team of 14 was divided into 2 halves named as Maveric White and Maveric Blue... our organizers did a task of planting 7 white and 7 blue flags al d way which v must pick up while the trek...v were murmuring to ourselves why the hell are these tasks, how ll v enjoy the nature if these tasks are to b finished n al stuffs... but al our thoughts were smashed by their criteria...this task was to increase concentration and to reduce tiredness...moreover this was to increase leadership qualities...v were given Walkie Talkies to communicate 1ce each n every flag was found...v took 6 hours and finally finished day1 n reached at Chidwasa base camp...there v were not allowed to take rest...as soon as v reached, v were asked to put our tents...v were very happy that this s jus a simple walk n not a trek...
When v reached dere, our organizers had already planned something for us...there was a 75 feet high rock which was another 75 feet above the base camp site...v were asked to climb dere...the route was very hard as v made our own route... they were saying something called 'Raffling'...v thot it was some simple task...but actually d task was to come down the rock using a style, which was so called as 'Raffling'...when v heard that, something came into our mouths from the bottom of our belly...many slips near the edge, forgetting even the very known language there at that hanging position...finally most of us did the task giving a sigh of relief and started thinking whether al our days ll b filled with adventures...then tea, camp fire, dinner, strategy discussion...all were bore at that point of time, since the walk was almost flat and v gained an altitude of just 300mts only...
Next day to Bhojwasa(3400 Mtrs above MSL)...this was only a 5 km walk...this was also simple and v covered it with 1.5 hrs...then a task was assigned to the co-team Mav Blue for preparing dinner for that night...they prepared a good pongal and a gravy, or else even that night v must hav had that roti...then started our next day's trail to Tapovan via Gaumukh(3700 Mtrs above MSL)...since our past 2 days were almost flat, v thot that the same ll continue...since I was in more enthu I walked upfront in a sprinting speed. While I was half way, Ashu Ji intimated in walkie-talkie that within 300 mtrs, there ll b a rock fall area and to b careful n wait till others join. I din take it too seriously.
As Abhilash was busy in taking the picturesque snaps and the wild Ibex moving forward, I took the lead n walked before. At one point wen I was climbing a steep slant, suddenly a landslide along with rocks sliding downwards happened. I din know how to react. Then I ran back in the direction I came and stood behind a rock which can hid me...None ll believe this, but my heart would have been pouncing @ 200 beats per second at that time. Then after that toil has settled, I walked towards that spot, cleared the way which was filled by rocks n sand with my stick n woodlands...than started walking forward...
On the way v noticed 3 big boulders which mentioned 'Gaumukh was here in', along with years. V were astonished on seeing that. Nearly Gaumukh has moved 5kms in the past 50 years...Then v took a dip at Gaumukh, the place of origination of the sacred Ganges. Most of us experienced the bone-piercing chilled-water dip there.
Then v started our trail towards Tapovan (4100 Mtrs above MSL). When v were about to reach Tapovan, v saw a steep climb wit uneven rocks n boulders .I was literally thinking 'thank God, v are not gonna climb dis, and our path would b simple which was moving towards my left'. As soon as Ashu Ji n Rajesh Ji, they also took some rest. Then Rajesh Ji started climbing the steep uphill. I was startled on seeing that.
'Is that what we gonna climb?'...No other go. They are not gonna leave us anyhow... So v stepped on each rock very cautiously. In between the trek, Ashu Ji said that 'u ll b experiencing the toughest ever trail at one point'. V thot that this wud b that part and enquired him. He said affirmatively wit a smile...rocks stumbling down, unable to balance, shoes slipping and lunch in between...Myself n Vinoth(often called as Puli), din wish to take lunch and hence had apple. Then v both started together. Another 50 mtrs climb...that was also hard and that took half an hour for us since v can’t walk in group, and one must follow the other en-route. Finally v reached up to see a meadow up there....None could explain the sigh of relief v made as soon as v saw that plain meadow...
On d way our Team lead Kannan’s shoe got damaged. He was very much fond of d shoe, since its age was 12. So he came a little late. Srikanth had a pair of shoes extra and so he gave it to him for his use. Totally the climb was only 200 mtrs...but that took nearly 2 and a half hour for us to compete with. As soon as we reached v were given the task of putting tents mercilessly (till the end v din know the reason for makin us put the tents, is to relax our muscles, and if v lie down or take rest or sleep immediately after a hard walk, our muscles wit get compressed n there ll be a problem on the next day's walk).
That night was our team, Mav-White's task to prepare dinner. V went to Rana Ji, our chief Cook, to discuss our recipe and get the ingredients. V planned to prepare Sambhar n Rasam, typical south-Indian dish for that night…We started our preparation wit sambhar. Potato was our choice of side-dish. That day ended wit a campfire again officially. But our KFC guys (Puli, ArunSid, Sayed, Vinay, Manju, Srinath and Myself) made a meet at Puli's tent and had a chat for an hour...Every day our meet ll b dere for d chat...Without partiality b/w the designation dere, we spoke like close buddies...
The next day morning v woke up at 7 and peeped out of our tents and was stunned. We were not able to see even the nearby tents...Snow and mist covered the whole environment waited till 10, but snow din vanish out. Our Organizers decided to stay dere for acclimatization. We became very happy after hearing that news. V thot that the whole day we ll b allowed to sleep. As soon as v finished our bfast, v were asked to gather. Our Organizers said that we hav a two tasks today. And those tasks will start in an hour. We were startled on hearing this. Rock-climbing task n treasure hunt. No other go. V hav to do that.
In the meantime Puli, Srinath, Vinay and I went to meet a Baba Ji who stayed nearby our camping area. He was just of age 25.He was a Mouna-Baba, who never speaks. We asked some questions about his sage-life. He made actions and our Technical Expert Vinoth, translated his actions to us. We were amazed when he understood English. Then v took snaps wit him and returned back.
By that time we were asked to summon again. We were taken beside a big rock. We were shocked whether v ll b asked to do raffling again. But v were asked to do a task, tedious than that. We hav to climb that rock without any equipment. For Safety purpose, Vinoth held a rope from the top of the rock. In case if we stumble in between, we can catch hold of the rope for support, but v shud not climb holding that rope. Usman did not even use d rope and he did twice. V were standing aside so that v can watch ppl doin that task. Most of us did d task. Points were given for those team-wise. I gave up twice and stood back. Then I made it.
Before we were about to give a sigh of relief, another task was planned. We were asked to climb up the other side of the rock, without the rope support. Many did, But I cud not do it. I tried twice. Ashu Ji said that no more chances ll b given since it was time. But I felt ashamed for that. Rajesh Ji gave me hints to do that. Then I said that I don’t need points, but I wanna do that task. I did it in my second attempt…Then we had our lunch at our campsite.
After lunch, our task 3 was ready…the treasure hunt. Again the flags were taken and while v were doing the rock climbing task, al those were planted in the vast meadow nearby and our task was to locate al those flags within a span of 2 hours. We started our hunt after discussing our strategy team-wise. V did surfing all around. V al said in unison that for staying here v wud hav gone trekking itself and that wud hav been better and so…
White came up wit 5 flags n blue wit 4. Along wit dis another task of collecting fire-woods was combined wit dis. Finally points were given for d tasks. After returning v played wit a ball made of tissue papers...Meanwhile, Rajesh Ji was conducting one-one discussion with each n every1 member and made assessments daily at EOD…Then all those which v collected for campfire were burnt. And that became the cremation for the 12 year old shoe of Kannan.
The next day morning had clear skies and hence v started off early without any idea how our trail will be. As soon as we reached the end of the meadow, there was a steep down trail similar to the upward trail v made, but on a different route. Dis was more terrific than the previous one. It was very steep wit unstable rocks and fine gravel which made us to skid. Ashu Ji n Rajesh started before us. Srinath also joined wit them. Ashu Ji n Srinath reached the ground while Rajesh Ji was standing amidst, guiding us…
V were asked to maintain good distance with whom v follow, since the rocks were unstable and were falling down continuously.But Arun Sid, wit al his course brain din follow that and unfotunately he waqs above me. He kept on rolled rocks with his feet to gain balance out of which two big rocks were abt to fall on me and one rock on Puli. Somehow v managed to get down amidst his killer-attempt...
In between there was a hinder (al those we crossed were hinders but this was a typical one). There was a small cut upward. We need to climb up a little and then move downwards. That part, where this partition was dere, was made of Ice. Hard Ice. It was very slippery. Then Vinoth Bhai stood dere and made a grip like thing with the Ice-Axe he had. Even then it was slippery. At that time he made a thing. He kept his leg on that hold and then he asked me to keep my leg on his and gave hand for me to cross. I was flabbergasted on seeing this (This was not the 1ly event which made us admire Vinoth Bhai, But a series of events were dere on daily basis). Then he stood dere to help al members to cross that danger-spot. Then v al gathered at the meadow down-hill. Started walking again…
We were heading towards Nandanvan (4600 Mtrs above MSL). As soon as v started walkin, v crossed a Rock-Fall zone. Continuously rocks were breaking and were falling from at least a height of 200-300 mtrs. We were walkin beneath those happenings. We were crossing the main lacier by that time. It comprised of nearly 4 ups and down pattern. While I was crossing the 2nd one, I stepped on a stone and the stone above it rolled and fell on my leg and my ankle was struck in between those rocks. I shouted in pain. Quickly, PrudhviRaj, who was following me, came and pushed the rock aside and helped me out of the eerie situation. Then v walked more carefully than before.
Finally v crossed al those elevations which was fully made of Hard-Ice. The glacier was full of crevasses which were at least some 200 ft. deep. We were very much frightened while v were on them. Finally v completed the glacier crossing and reached a meadow. Frankly speaking, v were not allowed to conclude that ‘this was d hardest trail in d trek at any point of time coz each day was more worse than the previous one, and that previous trail or task appeared mush easier, compared to the current situation dere. Then again v made an upward climb. After crossing al those hard trail in the glacier, nothing looked harder. V reached Nandanvan and took rest dere and made our camp.
Our organizers had planned a day’s rest for the purpose of acclimatization there at Nandanvan. There v took good rest with the pity of our Organizers. That day evening v had a gaming event. We were provided a Radium ball, and bisected PVC pipes… We could not guess wat they were doing. Then Rajesh Ji explained the activity. We need to pass the ball from one person to the other nearby person via the pipes without touching it and without trying to balance it in between and make d ball to fall in a basin kept some 100 mtrs aside, forming a chain of members, without dropping the ball down. That was really competitive. V were given 15 mins and were asked to challenge how many can v drop exactly. We challenged wit 3 and they challenged wit 2… We started wit a raising spirit and did complete our target, amidst dropping many times in b/w. Unfortunately our co-team was not able to make it. And Rajesh Ji made a comment that v hav made a Guinness record by playing this game at the highest altitude possible.
That day night I had my one-one discussion wit Rajesh Ji. He asked me many questions. V spoke as if v were frenz for long time. V discussed al things in diff genres that happened in my life; happiest, saddest, proudest moments and al dose possible. After that again our KFC meet happened. Suddenly it started heavy downpour. We were expecting negative temperatures that night as said by Ashu Ji. But rain spoiled that.
Next day morning v were able to c the more picturesque vies of Mt.Shivling, Mt.Bhrigupanth, Mt.Kedar Dome, Mt.Bhagirathi 1, 2 and 3, Kirthi Glacier and Vasuki Parvat. V were very happy that v don need to carry many things for that day’s walk towards Vasuki Taal (5100 Mtrs above MSL) since v ll return to the same base camp at Nandanvan for lunch. Chandru was not well and hence he dropped further proceeding. In between, Kannan had ankle sprain and he also returned. Rajesh Ji din come since he had some other work. Srikanth returned mid-way as he cud not cope-up with.
So the rest of the ppl continued further. Puli, Arun Sid, Manjunath and myself formed a gang and walked slowly, chatting and hearing songs in mobile. Had snacks in between-Almonds n cashew sponsored by Puli. While v were on the way v saw Ashu Ji and Srinath returning towards us. V asked the reason and Ashu Ji replied that the climate is changing abrupt and hence v can’t proceed further so that v must return. We al were shocked by the news.
V argued a lot wit Ashu Ji that v wish to go there and reach Vasuki Taal, but he said in negation. Amidst our conversation, 2 men came towards us from Vasuki Parvat. They said that they are out of resources and no food was available with them. They said that they were camping at Vasuki Parvat. Adding to that, they said in conformance to wat Ashu Ji was saying about the climatic drift. Also they said that v need to go via the rope crawling on it to reach Vasuki Taal. And hence, due to bad fortune and damn luck, v had to return back by 4935 mtrs above MSL. There v took a snap wit our Maveric Himalayan Expedition Emblem picturing that v hav reached our target…
Then v started walkin back to our camp at Nandanvan. On d way Puli, Arun Sid and myself heard songs n had a nice chat… Then v reached our base camp and took rest for the day leaving a sigh of relief as v completed our great quest. Then on the next day morning, we started towards Chidwasa at a single stretch for about 14 Kms. As it was downward trek, it was planned so. We did walk with less tiredness. V took a different route and not the same route which v travelled earlier. V took the direct short route to Gaumukh without going via Tapovan.
At Gaumukh v filled in out Pet bottles wit ‘Dhuniya mein Sabse Shudh Paani’, The Ganges, from its point of origination. Then v steered towards Chidwasa which was our day’s target. V were even ready to do raffling any no of times if required, since v had crossed innumerous hurdles practically much more harder than those tasks. Ashu Ji usually says ‘Gaand Hilatha’ which v literally felt on each and every day of our trek. But v were not given any task. We took complete rest.
V started off to Gangotri the next day. That trail, which appeared hard while v started, was like a cake-walk for us. We reached Gangotri and went to a Hotel first n has Mineral water first….. The moment v had that can’t ever b explained. V drunk and ate food cooked with Ganga water, yet the feel of that Aquafina made a special feel. V had Coke and other beverages and had Samosas as if v came from some other planet and v have not seen those before.
The hot sun drifted us and made us sweat after a long time since v were experiencing a maximum temperature of 15 degrees and a minimum was 4 to 5 degree Celsius… v reached our guest house and laid down on the bed. Every day night sleep inside the tent, inside the sleeping bag, which was our best companion, was not required any more. No more woolen socks were required and my Woodlands felt so happy after cursing me a lot for straining him more. After a long gap, v wore our sandals. V all saw our bare foot after a long gap. Looking pale and requiring water, it looked too pity. V missed our Diamox a lot, which is the tablet, which I must distribute, as a Team – Medic, every night, to ll the team members, which helped a lot to prevent us from Dehydration problem. V all may forget anything, but not Rana Ji and his team for their Rotis, Chaval(Rice), Sabji, Dhal(Mandwari), Papad, Aloo parata, Maggi, Tea, Cornflakes, Puri and Hot water, where without any 1 of these v wud hav suffered a lot in hunger n appetite.
All these factors which were explained before may be substituted by some other person or some other things, but the one who drive out the trek with his whole effort, who helped out with his maximum efficiency to make us proceed, who was being as a source of inspiration for all of us, who strained him a lot for us to get a good exposure in the trek, who kept his feet to give grip and support for all who were struck in b/w and the one who knows each n every route in the great, merciless, enchanting Himalayas, none other than our Technical expert, Vinoth… ‘Thanks’ is not the word to repay him. If he was not there v were not sure that the team wud hav reached home alive, safely without any injuries…
We stayed in Gangotri that night. We were called for the final camp-fire. There Rajesh Ji n Ashu Ji summoned l the events n gave a gist of al. They asked us comments, hardest trail and many discussions were held. Then Rajesh said that based on each of our qualities, effort, helping tendency, decision making abilities, leadership and all those which they observed for the past 12 days while they were with us, we were chosen certain nick-names. I was astonished how cud they care abt each individual, note down their plus and minus, their effort. I was given a nick-name, ‘THE RED-BULL’…Then v went to bed and slept nice after a long time, in cushion bed…
The next morning, we set-off to UttarKashi in cab. Had a nice chat on the way. We bought apples from Harsheel and had stomach-full. We reached DP’s guest-house at UttarKashi and settled dere. Went to Kashi Temple nearby and then to the market to hav Burger (the best I hav ever had). Spent a lot on snacks n ate as much as possible. Then there was a party that night in which v danced and sung from all known languages. Had Chicken and Mutton after a long time dere in guest house.
I had a chance of having a chat wit DP. He shared many info regarding trekking and abt the treks he has made before. That inspired me more. The next day v said gud-bye to DP and started back to Haridwar in Cab. From Haridwar v took d Shatabdi Exp and reached Delhi that night. There v reluctantly bid gud-bye to our Organizers and promised to meet soon.
Then v travelled to our rooms and settled there that night. Next day v went to Rajiv Chowk for shopping… Went in search of Saravana Bhavan dere in Delhi and reached dere finally to c a huge crowd waiting for lunch. Even there v got the 1st preference amidst al dose crowd waiting dere after Arun Sid went n spoke wit d waiter in Tamil. Had Full thali meals as much as possible and then started our room. Then for that night v ordered from Kareems, the most famous shop in Delhi and Sayed bought it. V had it and started in the cab booked by Sanjeev. We must not forget the welcome party given by Mr. Sanjeev in Gurgaon, where v stayed while v 1st came to Delhi. It was an awesome party dere where they hosted in the best ever way possible. The train journey back was filled up with al memories of all those chill-moments, the picturesque breathtaking view of different peaks and nevertheless our Organizers’ effort to make it out of us...
Check out the cool-looking(actually not) but terrifying pics of d trek @ the following link...
http://s1173.photobucket.com/albums/r583/MavericSystems/Himalayan%20Challenge%20-%20Sep%202012/?albumview=slideshow
