For part 2, click here: Part 2
Day 6: Trek from Behali campsite to Waching, Distance – 7 km (approx) (9300 ft) (3 hrs)
River Malana meandering through the valleys
Photo Gratitude: Nisant Manepalli
It was an easy trek. The most marvelous experience about this trek was the glacier walk.
Glacier Walk
Photo Gratitude: Nisant Manepalli
We had lunch. There was also a canteen, where trekkers delved themselves on MAGGI (by that time, it was already banned). One maggi plate sold for Rs 60. It started drizzling.
Women working in the field
We started and trekking for a while, we reached our Waching camp. In evening, we had a picturesque sight of emerging moon above the mountains.
During night, I was sleeping in one of the opening corners of tent. To my horror, I felt someone stepping on my foot; I thought it to be a co-trekker. However, after a few seconds, I heard a growling. I inserted myself deeper into sleeping bag and covered my face completely. In morning, we discussed about the howling and growling sound and presumed it to be a dog, as none of us had seen it.
Day 7: Trek from Waching to Nagroni, Distance – 5 km (approx) (10,000 ft) (5 hrs)
In Waching, for breakfast, we were served delicious chola bhatura.
We were informed by our guide that it was a difficult trek but it turned out to be an easy trek. Reached a small tent, actually, Maggi Point, trekkers drooled over Maggi (containing Mica and Lead!!!). From here, we started trekking, thinking and discussing that it will take a long time to reach Nagroni Camp. However, we were amazed to see our tents. At first sight, we thought them to be tents of other trekking groups, but our Camp Leader was standing and welcoming us for our achievement. As soon as we entered the tents, it started raining cats and dogs. The view from our tents was awesome. We took out our cameras to take some picturesque views of the trees and mountains.
After it stopped raining, we were called up for roll call and briefings for the next day. Our tents were five to six feet above the ground and there were uneven mud steps which had become extremely slippery after rains. Most of the trekker were out of their tents and had assembled at a place from where all the tents and the trekkers coming out of the tents were visible. Trekkers came out, slipped and rose on their own.
Nagroni Camp Site
We were informed about present and next day schedule. We were also informed that that day’s dinner was going to be the best one. We were instructed to sleep early as the next day we had to wake up at 0200 hours in morning. We were also informed about the possible breathlessness symptoms which we could have when we reached higher altitudes. We were informed that there is an absence of trees 10000 feet above the sea level. Therefore, there would be lack of oxygen, the air will be thin. We were also told that the next day, we will ascend 1500 feet and descend 1000 feet in a single day. The Camp Leader asked us about our fitness and we assured him that we are fit and fine. The Camp Leader informed us that we were the most fortunate ones, as there was going to be a celebration at the Chanderkhani. It is believed that during full moon night, special herbs which are panacea, surge above the earth and are visible to only a few lucky people. He also told us that the sleeping bags were issued here; they are large in size, so first wrap yourself in the blanket and then slip into the sleeping bags. The idea was really helpful to me and kept me warm during the cold night. Then our camp leader introduced us to Trek Guide, this guide was different from all the guides, a very tough and a strict one. He gave the guidelines of dos’ and don’ts. He asked us to be punctual and behave in the best manner with everyone and the Mother Nature. The Dinner at Nagroni Camp Site was a delight: we were served with hot gulab jamuns….yummiieeee.
For part 4, click here: Part 4
For part 1, click here: Part 1
For part 2, click here: Part 2
For part 5, click here: Part 5
Ruchi Travelogues 