That first Himalayan trek...

So things are never as easy as they seem and there was a small little hiccup - the lights on the car had been left on all night so the battery was dead! With no other cars around and the help the locals we pushed the car to jump start it. After being covered in mud and lots of people pushing it did eventually start! Wahey! So Pavane and Dhruv where heading back to Delhi and we were off on our trek.

After Jump Starting

Dhruv - King of the mountain

The first trek - some exercise instead of sitting in the car driving around everywhere. Cool. Although trekking is not my number 1 outdoor activity but when in the Himalaya's I guess some trekking needs to be done! The rucksacs we were carrying didn't for properly - were heavy and it was hot. However, Suri, Ammu, Ben and myself plus two local guides set off from base camp up the valley to explore what the area had to offer.

Suri - Mountain Man

The trek started through the small village where it seemed the majority of the people who lived there were at the wine shop - apart from all the children who were at the schools. After leaving the small town we headed up the valley into the unknown. We had no maps and Suri and Ben were tasked with taking bearing and writing a route card which we could refer back to at a later date.

Incredible Valley

Approximately two and a half hours later we reached camp 1 - which was an area of clearer ground surrounded by trees and a few rocks scattered about. The area was big enough for our requirements. We weren't carrying any lunch so we took this oppourtunity to eat some busicuts and take on more water. Although the break wasn't long and we were soon trekking again towards the second camps location.

Beautiful Temple up the Mountain

I was starting to get tired, I was really hot and sweaty - which meant I was starting to get a little frustrated as I had no concept on where we were, how far we had come or how far it was to go as we has no maps with us. To add to my frustrations there was mostly Hindi being spoken so I didn't understand what was being said either - this and it was getting really hungry by now! Or should I say hangry?!?

Beautiful Temple

Along the way though we found this mountain shop - a little wooden she'd basically which we were able to have some noodles and some eggs which helped pick me back up. It's amazing how much food makes a difference particularly in the heat and the altitude! Although - I just wanted to be at the camp by then.

Ben - Jammin'

The last hour of the trek seemed like it had taken forever despite feeling frustrated with things the scenery was great and the sense of achievement was so worth it when we finally arrived! All that needed to be done was to pitch the tent, freshen up and get a decent meal inside us! 

Home Sweet Home for the next few days...