Har-ki-Dhun Trek | How it Started

Way back in time, when I had just managed to swim, I had this sudden urge to learn back-floating [Source for this urge: A scene in one of the Kannada movie].

I wasn’t successful in back-floating in spite of dedicated effort. None of the wiki articles nor the videos helped me to learn the art of back-floating, unless a friend of mine said “Relax, Let go, and Float”!

Well, that was the defining moment, and I think I had got the hang of it! And there I was lying on my back, ears submerged and chin up. I felt as though someone had hit the mute button. The star-studded sky was so mesmerizing that I did not even realize I was floating towards the middle of the pool.  

That was my first Silence, Solitude and Stillness moment!

With days passing by, my quest for experiencing the Silence, Solitude and Stillness moment kept on growing. I have no idea on how many hours I have spent looking at the horizon, the straying clouds, the twinkling stars, the roaring waves, the rustling leaves, the rain drops, the ticking clock, and so on... I must mention that I haven’t even spared the LED light right above my cubicle. :)

Added to this, I unknowingly ended up seeing this pic in the Pinterest site, which made me take some random decision.

Yes, I strongly felt, the mighty Himalayas may offer me some of the best Silence, Solitude and Stillness moments. In addition, I can put a tick mark against the following wishes in my wish list:

• Trekking. I make sure I experience something new every year just to explore the unknown side of ME.
• Experience the sub-zero temperature
• Slide on the snow
• Stay away from the civilization, technology, and comfort-zone

Above all I wanted to check my inner-strength, and know how adaptable I am in such unpredictable mountain environment!

And thereby began the planning phase…

Har-ki-Dhun Trek | The Planning Phase

The moment you book your tickets, the excitement begins. But hold on, there is another important phase before you book your tickets. It is called the convincing phase! :) 

I believe, when it comes to traveling, if I can convince my mother I can convince any other person on this earth. I had to exhibit my art-of-convincing skill, as the very thought of me being out-of-network for eight long days, annoyed her to the core. Well, how-I-convinced-my-mother can itself be a separate blog topic as it has substantiate content! ;)

The day she gave a nod, I felt I had already conquered the Himalayas! :)

From then on, Suman and I could never stop talking about Har-ki-Dhun. Suman, is my fellow-traveler, who is a travel enthusiast and an adventure-loving person. :)

They say the best way to understand a woman is to go shopping with her. This helped in our case too! In the process of shopping, I think, we got a fair idea on each other's personality type, thought process, priorities, problem-solving skills and what not! ;) Isn’t it Suman? :)

Our day typically would begin with exchanging information on Har-ki-Dhun temperature and how we should equip ourselves to bear the sub-zero temperature. And the rest of the day was spent reading lot of articles, exchanging valuable information, online shopping, and planning for the Decathlon visits. 

Over these two months of planning, even though I had lot of apprehension about the trekking, what I enjoyed the most was the retail therapy. I realized, they don’t call it Retail Therapy for nothing. There is some joy in waiting for the parcel, trying out the product, and the immense sense of satisfaction that you get when your decision to buy that product is just perfect!

With the two months of preparation coming to an end, I was all set to trek the mighty Himalayas, bidding adieu to my family members.

Har-ki-Dhun Trek | The Trekking Phase

DAY 01-Dehradun (640mts) to Sankri (1850mts)

The day started off, by detaching myself from the comfortable foam mattress. Least did I knew that these comforts will not matter to me over the next few days, in comparison to what the Himalayas proffers.

Around 6:30 AM, Suman and I, were at the Dehradun railway station, meeting the fellow trekkers. We all started our journey towards Sankri, our base camp, which is around 250kms drive from Dehradun. 

The Dehradun to Mussoorie is an awesome stretch, and the Black Beauty crossed my mind each time the driver drove through the curves. By the time we crossed the topsy-turvy roads of Kempty falls-Purola-Moori-and-Netwar, our energy level dropped and so did the mobile network’s strength! And there we were in the no-network-zone while the entire world was panicky about the Nepal earthquake! :D

We reached the base camp around 3:00 PM. We were welcomed with a glass of Nimbu Paani. More than the welcome drink, what refreshed me the most was the glimpse of snow-clad mountains from the camp site. Within an hour or so, we had already experienced three seasons. The fleece jacket and the rain-wear were already out, and each of us were almost looking like stuffed toys. :D

The rest of the day was spent exploring Sankri and interacting with the fellow trekkers, the trek-leaders, and the localites.

DAY 02-Sankri (1850mts) to Taluka (1900mts)

The day began by sipping a cup of black tea. Trust me, in that weather, I am sure even the hot water will taste the best! 

Right from dwelling in the 6X6 tent to getting adapted to the Himalayan weather, everything single chore seemed to be new. It took approximately two hours for us to get ready, dismantle the tent and start our journey to Taluka which is about 11kms from Sankri.

Trekking as such is one of the most beautiful forms of travelling. And if you are photo enthusiast and walking in the Himalayan trail, the number of pictures you click will be almost equivalent to the number of footsteps. At some point of my first-day trek, it occurred to me that it is equally important to capture those frames in my mind along with capturing those in the camera.  I later had to shift my focus on enjoying the journey and observing the marvel of nature.

Taluka Village

After quite a number of ascends and descends we finally reached Taluka. Sipping a cup of hot chai energized us to further continue our journey to the campsite which was a few kms ahead of Taluka.

The moment we saw our camp location, right next to the Supin river, we had almost forgot the strenuous journey.

Camp Site

Some Solitude moment

After sumptuous lunch and some solitude moments, we spent some time on collecting the twigs for the campfire. By the end of the day, the fellow trekkers were no more strangers. 

DAY 03-Taluka (1900mts) to Pauni Gharat (~2500 mts)

For someone who downloads all nature-related apps, and locks herself in a dark room to listen to the sound of nature, Day 03 was a treat! To listen to the roaring Supin river for the whole night [without the fear of battery being drained out :)], to wake up listening to the chirping of birds, and to sip a cup of hot black tea amidst the chilling wind; was altogether a splendid experience which I shall cherish for the lifetime!

The wildflowers, the burbling streams, the bridges, and a sneak peek to the PahaaDi culture kept us on toes for the next five hours. By the end of the 7kms journey, we reached our next camp, Puani Gharat.

Why is it called puani gharat? Check this video.

The Penstock

The Flour Mill

Another wonderful day came to an end, after:

• 
  
• Having some hilarious conversation with Suman
• Listening to the some classic Kannada songs 
• Listening to the trekking tales of the trek-leader

DAY 04: Puani Gharat (~2550mts) to Kalkati Dhar (2950mts)

Puani Gharat Camp

The camp was located on an elevated land, right next to the supin river. It was surrounded by rocky mountains and paddy field. We all woke up to a sweet surprise; the tip of these rocky mountains were coated with a layer of snow. Looks like nature had worked hard to change the backdrop, overnight. :)

Kalkati Dhar Camp

After gathering all our belongings, around 8 AM, we began our ascend towards the next camp location, Kalkati Dhar. En route we passed through Osla, supposedly the last village in this stretch. There was no bound for joy when we got to hear about the availability of the Satellite phones. It must have been a solace for our near ones to hear from us! It was probably after this phone call, the trek-pace was increased!

After the hailstorm

The journey towards Kalkati Dhar wasn't an easy one. We had to pass through a narrow and steep trail. Adding to it, the rain and hail storm worsened the situation making the trail more slippery.

By the time we reached the camp location, we were damn tired. Nevertheless, the camp location instantly changed the mood of tired-trekkers. Each side of the camp was surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It was surely a visual treat  and gave us a sense that we are surrounded with screen savers!                                             
  

DAY 05: Kalkati Dhar (2950mts) | Har-ki-Dhun (3566mts)| Kalkati Dhar (2950mts)

It was the Summit Day. We started the trek around 6 AM, as we had to reach Har-ki-Dhun and return to Kalkati Dhar camp before the weather worsens. It was altogether a journey of 14 kms.

It was brutally cold when we set out of the camp.My palms were almost frozen and I had trouble holding the trek pole. The gradient gradually increased and further reduced the pace. For the next three to four hours we all slogged slowly, pausing only to gasp, sip water, and click some photos. The intense variety of flora in these trials enthralled us and kept us motivated.

As we continued to walk up the trail, the muddy and rocky trail was now transformed into snow-trail. It was fun to see how each one of us were slipping on the snow. By around 12 pm we finally reached the HAR-KI-DHUN.

Har-ki-dhun is a cradle shaped valley in the Garhwal Himalayan ranges towering Swargarohini and Bandarpunch peaks.



 After gobbling the packed lunch and playing/sliding on snow, I sat there to stare the snow-clad mountains only to feel how it would be to stand on the vertex. The very thought of it gave me goosebumps more than the chill wind!.


With a grim satisfaction, we returned to the camp. As the darkness enveloped the camp we all fell into a slumber...


DAY 06: Kalkati Dhar (2950mts) to Puani Gharat (~2550mts) 

The trail was quite familiar. One strange aspect about the mountains is it often puts you in a challenging situation and alters your thinking by 180 degrees.  I never thought the descent could be equally tiresome and risky. 

Once again thanks to the satellite telephone at Osla for connecting us to our dear ones. It reminded me of my college days of how I would call home to share my exam result. It was definitely a Déjà vu moment, but just that results were replaced by the summit-experience.

After reaching Pauni Gharat, I ended up spending the majority of my time sitting on the bank of supin river. It turned out to be my favorite-spot in the trek.

And yes this was our last day in the tent.

DAY 07: Puani Gharat (~2550mts) to Sankri (1850mts)

By now, we were no more amateur when it comes to dismantling the tents. We packed all our belongings and were set for the final descend. after a slow-pace trek to Taluka, we began our journey to the base camp- Sankri via a jeep ride.

We all settled on the jeep top. It wasn't a comfortable drive, but, none of us complained as it was a mixture of fear, fun, and excitement. Each time the jeep took over a treacherous curve the heart skipped a beat! 

The day came to an end after collecting the certificates and celebrating the success.

DAY 08: Sankri (1850mts) to Dehradhun (640mts)

The gust of wind from the upper mountains was perhaps the Himalayan way of saying goodbye. With a sense of accomplishment and hard-feeling we bid adieu to Sankri, and in course of time we were back to the city.

Back in the city, the ordinary pleasures of life - like connecting with the closed ones, being able to control the surrounding temperature, getting rid of thermals, gloves, and socks, gulping curd rice and pickle - did generate immense joy.

Like all good things coming to an end, the Himalayan trek ended too. I must say, the Himalayas have monopolized my thoughts and the trek imagery continues to permeate my dreams...

Har-ki-Dhun Trek | The Post-Trekking Phase

It is true that I am bitten by a Himalayan-bug. I sensed that there is something about the Himalayas which I am unable to explain effectively. Either the emotions are binding the words or perhaps my vocabulary is not sufficient enough to describe how much I adore the Himalayas!

It won't be an exaggeration if I say that I suffered from Acute City Sickness, until a week after the trekking. [There isn't any term as Acute City Sickness as such. It is something which I cooked up in par with Acute Mountain Sickness. :P]. 

Back in the city, all I did was nothing but to talk about my trekking experiences or be in a state of reminiscence. 

The fact is, I owe a lot to the Himalayas. In addition to loads of Silence Solitude and Stillness moments, it helped me to clear my internal conflicts, it helped me conquer my irrational fears, it shed a light on my physical and intellectual strength. 

Most importantly, I learned how to convince myself and strike a balance between being over-confident and lack-of-confidence. 

Overall, I think the Himalayas strengthened me physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

All I can say is, I am in a state of Euphoria...

Har-ki-Dhun Trek | Thanks Giving

The entire trip would be incomplete if I do not express my gratitude to:

• Nature for cooperating throughout the trek. Had there been a snowfall, heavy rain, or landslides we would not have reached the summit!
• My parents for allowing me to explore the world; My entire family for withstanding my obsession. My special thanks to my cute niece for showing keenness on trekking, and helping me in packing and organizing things. I hope she'll be a fellow trekker one day. 
• Suman, for collecting and sharing information, for bearing my silence during the trek, and capturing some wonderful pics of mine.
• Nitin-the trek leader, philosopher and a wanderer-for providing us loads of information throughout the trek and being supportive. I truly hope that I make an attempt to adapt his attitude towards life. Life would be much simple and tension-free.
• Trek The Himalayas (TTH) group for organizing the trek prudently. I can't think of any flaw. 
• The fellow-trekkers. It was wonderful interacting with you all :)
• Friends and colleagues. I am overwhelmed by the care-and-concern messages that you all have showered during my absence in the online world.
• The porters and mules for carrying the hefty luggage. 

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

The Blue Mountains

It was vacation time again, and we the cousins were all brooding over the places to visit.

From Hampi to Bijapura, from YaaNa to Dandeli, from Yercaud to Waynad we took a virtual tour [:D] and were not able to materialize on any one place mainly because the interest, the energy level, and the vacation time varied from individual to individual!!!

Least did I know that this discussion would conspire in achieving my long-time aspiration to drive through the hill station, until one among my cousins mentioned OOTY while the other mooted the topic of driving to Ooty!!!

Within a flash of a second we all had unanimously agreed upon this destination. And how could I ever say NO to a place where I could drive past the hairpin curves, capture some wonderful picturesque, and spend some time in nature!!!!

It was probably after this discussion, I could empathize Paul Coehlo's quote "When you really want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it!!!" ;) :D

The black beauty was all set to walk on the ramp of the blue hills, and I was mentally preparing myself for a happy and safe drive!

The D-day arrived and I was all fascinated about the 36 hair pin curves!!!  We passed through the Bandipur forest area and reached Masinagudi, the foot hill of the Nilgiris. 

While we were enjoying the climate, the lush greenery, the chirping of birds, and the classic songs being played in the background, there came the first hair pin curve. With all the hooting and cheering, the black beauty took off its first curve! :)

Driving through each hair pin curve was enthralling and enticing.   At the end of the 36th curve, my mind was mulling over the next ghat-section that I must drive! :p ;)

I must say, this was one of the most memorable drive!!! By the time we entered the ooty-city,  I was on cloud nine and elated! ;)

After fulfilling my desire to drive in altitude, it would definitely be a wrong attitude if I do not express my gratitude to: [;)]

1. Amma, who reluctantly granted me the permission to drive to the hill station![...and spent sleepless nights until we returned!!!]
2. My brother-in-law for convincing my mother!
3. All my clan who accompanied me; and for having immense faith in me and my driving skills! 

PS: After coming back from Ooty, the black beauty is no more apprehensive about the traffic jam on the city flyovers!!! ;) :D

Vacation Time!!!

Keep guessing the place...!!!

Commuter...

A Friday morning... The very thought of arrival of yet an other weekend motivated me to get up gleefully!! As usual, I promised myself to compensate the left out sleep with an extended sleep tomorrow!!! :D Somehow this glee didn't last longer as I recalled of how the previous night I had decided to commute in BMTC!!! 

Per my mother, traveling in BMTC is one of the rarest decision I ever make, and she was very keen on listening to the reasons that I was about to cite!! :P The scooty brake had worn-out and the black beauty had turned grey!! [I now understand the difficulty of maintaining a black car :) And I am sure my sister is grinning after reading this statement of mine!! :D ;)]  

Above all, I just wanted to explore and experience public mode of transportation!!

The enthusiastic me decided to walk down the main bus-stop! [Its down-hill from my home :P] As I reached the bus-stop, I did see the Volvo passing by... But how can one expect a Lazy Libran to make an attempt to catch a running bus??? ;)  I was damn sure that the hefty traffic would seize the bus mobility! ;) I walked down a bit further, and the driver was generous enough to open the doors for me! :D

The posh AC volvo as usual didn't delight me. In addition to its jerks and jolts, the closed environment increased the suffocation, and made me nauseous!:( I was lucky enough to get a seat in rush hour...As I settled down, I began to compare the other means of commutation... :)

Company's Transport: 
Type: Suited for the people who belong to "Early to bed, early to rise" category ;)
Advantages: Stress free, On time to office [Even if not, it is acceptable at times], Sleep during the travel-time ;)
Disadvantages: Need to be on time, cannot customize the route as per your need

Public Transport:
Type: Suited for hard-workers who doesn't mind walking, running, standing, sweating!
Advantages: Low cost, Environmental friendly, kinda stress free!
Disadvantages: Travel time is more [The travel time is directly proportional to the size of the vehicle! ;)]

Four-wheeler:

Type: For people who have lots and lots of patience, and rich enough to bear the fuel expense!
Advantages: High comfort level
Disadvantages: Highly expensive 

Two-wheeler:

Type: Lazy, Impatient mortals
Advantages: Comparatively low cost, can sneak in between the vehicles irrespective of traffic!
Disadvantages: Risky during monsoon

Cycling:
Type: Environmentalist!
Advantages: Low cost, Low maintenance, Burns calorie at free of cost ;)
Disadvantages: No cycle lanes, not suitable for Indian weather, Need lot of motivation! :D 

Bottom Line...
As I got down from the bus and began to walk through the tech park [wondering why the company I join will be the last building in a tech park!!!] all that was in my mind was
"One should first witness and experience the various options that life offers because its only then you would be able to select the one that suits your interests!!!"

Pyramid Valley

Meeting old friends is always exciting and eliciting. After a huge round of where and when discussions, we finally decided to visit "The Pyramid Valley". Thanks to Google for letting us know about the existence of pyramid in Namma BengaLooru!!! (Life without Google is really difficult, isn't it??? :P)


I must say we all met on time with just a delay of half-an-hour :P. As we drove ahead our thoughts swept through the good old college days, making the drive more pleasurable.


The pyramid valley is located around 30 km from Banashankari. The roads are great only after you cross the inner ring road-kanakapura junction and Thalaghattapura area. Look out for the sign boards just to ensure that you are on track. Once you take a left turn from NH-209 the road narrows, and test one's driving skill :P The situation worsens when a bullock cart/tractor approaches from the opposite side!!! :D

The pyramid valley is open from 6.00am to 10.00pm. The entry is free of cost. To my surprise, parking the black beauty did not seem to be a herculean task this time!! ;) Its not that I have mastered the art of parking, but, it's just that the parking space is abundant!!!:D


As you spot the pyramid amongst the lush greenery, you may not be awed, but still you will be curious enough to know whats within the pyramid.


You enter the pyramid, after a brief explanation about the meditation technique by one of the valley's volunteer. As you step inside, all of a sudden you feel someone has hit the mute button, and there you stand inside an unfathomed, sober, and super cool pyramid!!!


The base area of the pyramid is about 160ft x160ft and right at the center you see a spiral staircase which leads to the kings chamber. The kings chamber is said to be the most energetic spot of the pyramid and stands at a height of 34ft from the base area. The kings chamber is so silent that even your heartbeat seems to be annoying !!!:P


Photography is strictly prohibited and children below six years are not allowed inside the pyramid.


Upon exit, all that was in my mind was "The quieter you become, the more you can hear!" - one of the Zen principles!!

On an hindsight, "If you adore silence you ought to visit Pyramid Valley!!!"

Train of thoughts!

Traveling in train is not new to me and Shruthi. We have had some exciting, on the fly, short-trips!;) Contrary, this time, it was a perfectly-planned trip to the land of unknowns! So, its operation "Terra incognita"!!!!!

We stood in the platform with a hope that we get into the the right compartment. As we started indulging in our very own giggly talk, the train arrived and we started looking out for the ladies compartment. Boarding the train was not a cake-walk. It was one of the funniest moment. Somehow, amid the mad rush, I was successful in stepping the steps but couldn't get into the compartment!#:-S. Later, I realized that the luggage was caught in the crowd with its handle in my hand. I could neither get in nor could step out! At this slippery situation only one thing crossed my mind and thatz TOM and JERRY!!!;))

The compartment was jam-packed and it comprised women of all age groups! There were gang of college girls, middle aged women running behind their kids, and a group of elderly ladies representing some ashram!

Though we could see each other face, it was impossible for us to converse. It was really difficult to kill time and I was missing shruthi's one-liners!:-j And while in roaming, it would definitely not make sense to call/msg just for the sake of chit-chatting. So, we switched on the blue-tooth and started exchanging our thoughts through notepad. Isn't it a smart, cost-effective idea!*-:) We were physical separated but technologically connected!

As time passed by, the compartment was left with very few people.It was already 5:30pm and how can we break our own rule?? Yes, every time we travel in train we make sure that we sit at the entrance with our legs rested on the step. In a gush of wind, listening to your fave song, watching the sunset in god's own country while munching banana chips... aah what an amazing moment!!(*)
  

We must be really thankful to the children who were the prefect translators, and helped us to reach our final destination!

This trip was indeed special!