2017: a year of treks

Apart from the typical touristy/personal trips to places like Coorg, Chennai, and Mysore, it was an eventful year for me, of treks - long and short.

Velliangiri hills - [March 11-12]

This chain of 7 hills situated on the outskirts of Coimbatore (near Isha Yoga Foundation) holds spiritual significance in Hindu religion. At the summit, there is swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Shiva in a cave - also known as Southern Kailash. Although trekking/hiking is involved, it is better referred as a pilgrimage. The plan was made from casual conversation among a group of friends. Full moon nights during summer are the best time for this yatra, as it is a 6 hour hike one way. We undertook the pilgrimage bare foot (along with most other pilgrims) as the hills are considered sacred. Combination of darkness and uneven terrain posed different type of challenges. The view of shining lights of Coimbatore city and cool breeze make up for the challenging climb through the seven hills. Some local beverages like sukku kaapi and kambu koozhu are must-haves from the many shops that dot the trail. Having started from the base around midnight, we reached the summit by sunrise. After darshan we had some biscuits to energize ourselves for the descent. Descent is as tough, and gets increasingly challenging as Sun warms up. Overall the yatra took us 13 hours, last couple of hours being grueling to say the least. Ultimately, one needs devotion to propel them when physical and mental capabilities start giving up. One of my most challenging and memorable treks till date, including the enjoyable body aches on the next day!

Near the summit of Velliangiri at the break of dawn

Kabbaladurga - [March 26]

This rocky hillock (monolith) near Kanakapura with rugged surface and sparse vegetation, makes it a half-day trek from Bangalore. Organized by KMA (Karnataka Mountaineering Association) as a preparatory and ice-breaker trek. Posed with such a trek in the beginning of summer, we started early in the morning with packed breakfast (and usual accessories). A short briefing was given when we reached the base, at the break of dawn. The trek is around 1.5 hours one way. After reaching the top and praying at the small temple of Kabbalamma, we found shaded space for breakfast. Our descent started as the Sun was getting warmed up. Needless to say, the descent was hasty, scampering for rest under limited areas of shade. Finally relieved by well deserved tender coconut water near the base.

Shaded area near Kabbaladurga top for breakfast

Savandurga - [April 16]

Another half-day trek from Bangalore, another preparatory trek organized by KMA. Twin hillocks of Biligudda and Karigudda are collectively known as Savandurga. Also believed to be the largest monolith in Asia. A trek to Savandurga usually refers to Biligudda. Karigudda is less preferred, and tougher. Typical of treks to rugged terrain, we started early morning with packed breakfast (and usual accessories). Ascent began at dawn after the usual (by now) briefing. I felt the trek to be tougher than Kabbaladurga, and it took around 2 hours to reach the top. Though barren, there was cool breeze to relieve us from the blazing Sun. After breakfast and photo sessions, we started descending. We were not so lucky as the Sun really started scorching. Somehow we scurried to the base, braving the heat. Rewarded ourselves with tender coconut water.

Close to the top of Savandurga

These two treks helped break-in my hiking boots. By now it might have become apparent that I had no prior experience, or particular interest in trekking/hiking. Moving on to why preparatory treks were required.

Sour Tal trek- [May 21-31]

Manali - a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, is also a well known hub for trekking expeditions and adventure activities. KMA's yearly trek program was fixed at one such destination: Sour Tal (Tal = lake) for the year 2017. Nearly 120 people aspiring for a Himalayan trek were split into 3 batches - we were in batch 3. The trek is rated as easy-moderate, so some of us first timers had signed up. The tour was managed by KMA from Delhi to Delhi - inclusive of food and accommodation.

One of the highlights while approaching Manali was when I witnessed snow capped peaks for the first time in my life. Our base camp was setup in Prini. Upon arrival we were introduced to our trek guides, and the strict regimen to be followed through the trek program. A wake-up call at 5:30 AM, followed by tea/coffee at 6:00 AM came as a shock to me as I am not a morning person by any stretch of imagination. A half-day hike to Arjun Caves (beyond Shuru village) was done for acclimatization.

Strict schedule:

• 5:30 AM – wake up call
• 6:00 AM – Tea/Coffee
• 6:15 AM – PT (Physical Training)
• 7:00 AM – Breakfast (followed by (re)packing rucksack and backpack)
• 8:00 AM – Trek starts
• 1:00 PM – Trek ends, Lunch
• 4:00 PM – Tea/Coffee
• 6:00 PM – Soup
• 7:00 PM – Dinner (no artificial lights after sundown)

[May 23] View of Manali valley while on acclimatization trek

May 24-29 were trek days, May 27 being the summit day. The trail was well marked, and campsites setup at strategic points. We had to trek 4-5 hours everyday, reaching the next campsite by lunch time. Its worth mentioning that a nice cool welcome drink (not the alcoholic kind) waited for us upon arrival at campsite. Rest of the day would be spent resting or involving in some adventure activity. Summit day was an exception. Hike started 2 hours earlier than the usual start time at 6:00 AM. We reached the summit by a nice and pleasant 9:00 AM. The lake was frozen, and the slopes were icy. I chose not to descend till the lake. Time flew as multiple rounds of celebration ensued. Without realizing we had spent more than an hour.

[May 25] Approaching Dudu Dhog campsite

[May 26] Spectacular views from Laanga Thach

Campsites:

• [May 24] Klount (2230 m)
• [May 25] Dudu Dhog (2750 m)
• [May 26] Laanga Thach (3320 m)
• [May 27] summit (3700 m) & Mahili Thach (3200 m)
• [May 28] Malah (2190)
• [May 29] back to Prini base camp (1950 m)
  

[May 27] View of Sour Tal from the summit

The descent started on a jovial note, glissading on hardened snow, joking, singing. All the way to the next campsite - set right on the edge of treeline. Today we had hiked for 8 hours. Post lunch everyone just relaxed as mood was light. Here I spent the night alone in a 2 men tent, though not as nervously as expected. In a couple of eventful days we descended to the base camp (Prini), bringing the expedition to an end. Returning back to the base camp also brought the relief of creature comforts - not the least of which was electricity!

[May 27] Campsite at Mahili Thach

There were unforgettable moments every day and at every campsite, and many firsts for me.

Trek guides:

• Ganga Ram
• Om Kaistha
• Samir Thakur
• Sonu Thakur

Trek leaders:

• Sudhakar
• Shilpa

Unforgettable Himachal - a tagline liberally displayed by HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) on their buses and in their hotels. My first visit to this land of mountains was indeed a memorable one!