Sigh! I breathed heavily once again and wiped the beads of sweat off my face. My bag-pack was getting heavier by the minute. Lack of preparation for high altitude was evident. Oblivious to all the noise around me, I was lost battling my own thoughts on how I ended up here in the first place. Here I was at the base of Kuari Pass trail, backpacking my way to reach the Pangarchulla Peak.
It all started when I decided to go on my first Himalayan trek. Two months and a lot of researching later began the soul searching journey from Bangalore – Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Auli – Kuari Pass – Pangarchulla Peak. 30 people from different parts of the country from different backgrounds gathered together to be part of the mystic Himalayas.
Kuari pass is an above moderate trek when coupled with Pangarchulla peak. It offers breathtaking views of the highest peaks of the Garhwal region including Nanda Devi peak with the right amount of challenge for trekkers, making it a well rounded trail. The vista changes from green to snowy pristine white during Spring offering a treat to the eyes.
Kuari Pass
Enroute to Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla peak, each step was a delight. The pristine blue sky seemed fictitious after being used to the gloomy city skies. And the surrounding snowcapped mountains seemed so majestic and mysterious alluring with it’s tales and enigmas locked within it’s magnificent stature. And the sky full of scintillating stars forging a magical setup.
In the mountains, it is really living in the moment. You don’t know what treasures and surprises the mountains are going to unfold or what whims of nature you are going to be a part of. All you have to do is take one step at a time and keep moving forward. I was soaked up in the tranquility of my surroundings. It’s inevitable to forget all the mess and madness going on in the outside world and you just live one moment at a time. Himalayas is a whole different world in itself. You realize that you could get used to this simple living. There is a certain charm in the wilderness that makes you beg for more.
Wilderness is definitely not a luxury but a necessity of human spirit.
Pangarchulla Peak
Till Kuari pass, the trek was fairly easy but it was about to get challenging because of the snow trail on the way to Pangarchulla peak. Equipped with gaiters and walking sticks, we charged ahead. The guides were making way for us with zig zag trails all throughout the ascents. The intensity of the heat was very high due to light reflecting on snow. Dehydrated, we filled our bottles with ice which was readily available and drank out of the melted water.
I ended up with a burnt face, chapped lips, severe cold resulting in running nose and of course exhaustion which was definitely a small price to pay for the incredible experience. And I knew right then that I’ll always come back to the mountains.