To my fellow adventurers, welcome to the tale of a transformative journey, one that not only challenged my physical limits but also reshaped my spiritual perspective. Mihir this side!!!
This journey also made me realise the importance and presence of God. So, recently, I embarked on an unforgettable trek to Roopkund with two of my friends.
Exploring the Trail: Journey from Mumbai to Roopkund
We started our journey from Mumbai, travelling to Delhi by train. From Delhi, we took another train to Kathgodam, the last station on that route. Upon reaching Kathgodam, we boarded a bus that took us to our base village, Lohajung. Also, this bus journey covered a distance of 250 kilometres and took about 12 hours.
The trek itself was challenging but incredibly rewarding, filled with breathtaking views and memorable experiences.
The Secret to Himalayan Climbing:
As this was my second Himalayan trek, decide to follow a basic trekking principle. No sitting; put baby steps ahead, but keep walking continuously. This way, I could save my energy and complete the trek effectively. Also, it might sound weird, but following this principle always kept me ahead of the group, faster than anyone else.
Lost in the Fog, Saved by a Friend:
One day, trekking to Ali Bugyal camp (super high up at 11,000 feet! ), I kept walking and ended up ahead of the group. When I finally turned back, a thick fog had rolled in, and I couldn’t see anyone.
Suddenly, a friendly local dog named Kaalu appeared! Every time I stopped to check for the others, Kaalu would stop too. Also, he stayed by my side, keeping me company on the lonely trek.
As we walked, I finally saw our campsite. Kaalu helped me reach the camp safely and then suddenly disappeared mysteriously.
It felt like a guardian angel, showing up just when I needed him and disappearing after his job was done. It was a truly amazing experience.
No, no, the story doesn’t end here!!!
Mountain High, Danger Deep: A Guide’s Bravery
While we were trekking from our third campsite called ‘Patharnauchani’ to our highest camp called ‘Bhagwabasa’, which is about 14,029 feet above sea level, we heard about another group that had gone from ‘Bhagwabasa’ to the summit.
They managed to reach the top successfully, but on their way back, a girl in their group slipped on the snow and started sliding towards the valley. When the guide saw this, he quickly jumped to try to save her. Also, he managed to push the girl to a safer spot, but sadly, he couldn’t save himself.
Moreover, he fell into a deep crevasse that was about 30 feet deep with his head down. It’s known that in such a position, a person can only survive for about 10 minutes, and unfortunately, he passed away soon after.
Likewise, the path back to our campsite went through where this accident happened, and we saw the guide’s body wrapped in a sleeping bag. As soon as they were out of sight, it started raining heavily, but this wasn’t just any rain.
In that area, people believe that when something tragic like this occurs, it’s a sign of impurity, and the rain is seen as a way of purifying the area, like a message from God. The rain continued for the next 50 hours, and because it was raining so heavily, we had to cancel our plan to reach the summit. Walking on snow during heavy rain is very difficult and risky.
Wrong Turn: Finding My Way Back
Sadly, we had to go back to our old camp.Also, it was pouring rain, strong winds were blowing, and fog enveloped everything. Moreover, My poncho got tangle in the wind, forcing me to halt. While I struggled, some of our group moved forward, leaving those who helped me behind.
Determined, I decided to continue alone, chasing after the group ahead. With no one in sight, I faced a maze of trials, unsure which to follow. Relying on faith, I picked a path, hoping it would lead somewhere, if not to our intended destination.
Knowing we needed to take a sharp left to reach camp, I strained to find the right way through the fog and rain. Just as the group ahead prepared to turn left, I caught up with them, relieved to finally reunite.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Those moments changed how I saw my life, making me realise the power and presence of God.
Best time to travel for the Roopkund Trek:
While Roopkund is accessible during the summer months, the monsoon season offers a unique perspective with its verdant landscapes and mystical ambience. Plan your journey between June and September for optimal trekking conditions.
Since we were trekking in July, the monsoon season in India, we experienced heavy rains throughout the trek. Sometimes it rains while we were trekking, and sometimes it rained after we reached the campsite. The monsoon also brought heavy fog along the way, adding to the adventure.
Necessary things to pack:
- 2 trek pants.
- 4 full-sleeve t-shirts or shirts.
- Poncho.
- Sun cap.
- Balaclava and Fleece (from Decathlon).
- An additional winter jacket for nighttime.
- Thermals (for night use).
- UV-protected sunglasses.
- High ankle trekking shoes.
- Bottles for carrying water and snacks.
Top Travel Hacks You Need to Know:
- Embrace the challenges of the trek with a resilient mindset and adequate physical conditioning.
- Also, maintain a steady pace and conserve energy to endure the journey’s demands.
- Moreover, bring a raincoat and inform family or friends about your trek plans.
- Likewise, never hike alone in the Himalayas.
The budget for the journey was Rs. 10,500 (per person). During our travels, we dined at authentic restaurants, indulging in a variety of dishes, including fries, soup, coffee, salad, and pancakes. Also, each dish typically costs us around Rs. 250.
Embark on your own adventure to Roopkund and discover the secrets of the Himalayas. Likewise, every step is a revelation, and every moment is divine.Love travelling? Visit Sowl https://sowl.in/stories/ to find inspiring travel stories that will make you want to explore the world.
