Ravishing Roopkund

Roopkund - Mother trek of IndiaHikes and first official one of my life. Hell of a trek. Endless meadows, steep climbs, chilly weather, Extreme high altitude, etc, etc ,etc. You name it and this trek has it. Some people of our group said this trek should not be recommended for beginners but I disagree. If you love luxury, this trek is not for you. You need to have that rawness in you. A porter during the trek said "Mumbai ka fashion aur pahado ka mausam, bahut jaldi badalta h". And our group experienced the very truth in this saying.  

Mental divide over taking Diamox, Steep trek from Neelganga to Didina, Buranj Juice, Long day trek to reach Bedni, Horses and Mules grazing at Ali Bugyal, Cricket at 13700 feet, 13 year old trek leader, Cleaning utensils @ sub-zero temperature, Emptying bowels "Neele gagan ke tale", Cleaning teeth just with salt, Inability to take "karwat" inside sleeping bag, Sleeping at 9 for whole week, Fighting with sleeping bags to get them packed, Carrying the rucksack for the whole trek, The view of Trishul from Bedni, Watching people searching for Keedajadi (costlier than gold), Taking shortcuts, Watching campsite at Patar Nachauni from Kalu Vinayak, Rocky campsite @ Bhagwabasa, Setting feet harder in ice using crampons, Disappointment on not reaching Junargali, Eating ice and hoping it will make me less thirsty............the more i think about the trek, more moments like these flash in front on my eyes. 

No picture can match even half the beauty of Roopkund. And while returning our cab driver said actual trekking starts from Roopkund. (To Mt. Trishul). Hoping to climb Stok – Kangri once in my life. Keep trekking. 

 

Travel Tips:

·         Pack your bag wisely if you are going to carry it for the whole trek and avoid taking too many clothes.

·         Consider taking Diamox course if you are going to such high altitude for the first time. It won’t cause any harm.

·         Keep first-aid kit and raincoat handy.

·         Start early in the morning. Weather in moutains is unpredictable and it may rain on any sunny day.

·         Wearing in layers warmer than wearing one single heavy woolen.

·         Follow no give, no take policy with nature while on trek. Neither trash the place nor bring any souvenir which may lessen the significance of that place.