Varanasi School

It wasn't long until the school arrived and they were sorted out into groups - I had my own group which I guess I was a bit nervous about at first but it's the same as working with any other group - isn't it? Na? Trying to understand a fairly large group that interchanged between Hindi and English as they pleased was a challenge. However with spending a fairly long time with the group it became easier as time went on.

After the initial camp tour, introductions, snacks and ice breakers the groups were split and we headed off to get to know our groups better on an acclimatising walk. I was by myself with my group and although feeling a little nervous and excited at the same time their curiosity and questions made me relax and I was soon enjoying myself. 

The next day a range of navagation and roped activites were planned for the group which went successfully and it seemed like running a normal group - apart from when they spoke in Hindi to me and I have them blank looks back. This followed by giggles and repeated in English! That evening preparation for the trek was on the plan and after breifings about kit, mountain manners and so on we were getting mentally prepared for what was to follow. 

First trek continued...

Amruta

So we awoke to do, well you've guessed it - some more trekking! We were currently situated in the valley next to the river, which was pretty cold. Not suprising anyway because it was glacial water. We were pretty high up the moutain at this point but we were aiming to go higher. Thankfully we only were carrying essentials with us - camera's, suncream, water and a few other bits. This meant I was probably going to enjoy myself a little more than the previous day.

Mountain Man - Suri

The walk up to the top was pretty steep and I guess it was the altitude was effecting me. My heart was beating fast and shortness of breath (unfit much?!) it was quite an interesting feeling to be honest! It made it more of a challenge not just for myself but the others as well - ok maye not the local guide and our mountain man - Suri. This would be quite challenging for a group due to the steepness of the trek however it is possible - if I managed it then I'm sure a group could manage! 

Ben

It was worth it though - even if it was challenging! The view was amazing! There was a heart shaped lake at the top and a temple. 

Me

After a meeting with one of the local farmers and some food with a local family which we were given some bread and lassi - a yoghurt drink, we headed back down the mountain. A dip in the fresh river water I felt cleaner and cooler and we made plans for the next day. 

Making Roti

Attempt at milking a cow

I learnt how to make some roti - Indian bread and also got the chance to milk a cow - which was an experience. We paid the guide 600 rupees to go down to the shop where we stopped on the way up to buy us a chicken. When he came back with the chicken it was still alive - I quickly befriended him and named him ginger. Something I probably shouldn't have done as he soon was to be slaughtered, plucked, cooked and eaten. I didn't witness the killing - it's not my thing. There was some debate about being prepared to kill an animal if you are going to eat it however I'm not going to discuss that further at the moment. It was probably the freshest chicken I've ever eaten and the only chicken I've held before it's died to provide me food. I didn't enjoy the meal as much as I would have if I hadn't known the animal before hand. After the meal it was time for some rest. A point to note here the stars were amazing there was millions out and with no light pollution it was incredible to be where we were. 

Ginger :(

Ginger Curry...

The next day we trekked to the top of the other side of the valley. The trekking was getting easier - apart from breathing and we climbed higher and higher up to the top. The view at really top again was stunning. There was a bigger temple at the top with a statue of shiva inside and a shelter which could sleep quite a few people if wanted - although we were going to return to our base camp. It would have been like we were sleeping at the top of the world! If we had stayed there would have been the option to trek up to the ridge. There was a bigger lake at the top here which looked stunning. 

Taking a rest

Temple at the very top of the mountain

Shiva Statue

The next days trek we headed further up the valley. It was an easier trek as we weren't heading up the sides of the mountain. Although it provided more complications than the previous days. Amruta was suffering from some chest pains and I had a headache and got a nose bleed which didn't want to stop. We put it down the the altitude. So the boys headed to the top and us girls although we reached most the way there decided to call it a day and head back to camp 

Wow...

There was some discussions between myself and Ben and as always we had differences in opinions which isn't anything new! It was quite interesting really and I guess we shall see how things develop between us but both of us realise that we are not necessarily going to agree on a lot of things which I think will make it easier that we know this and I think we will be able to challenge each other's viewpoints reasonably. After one more sleep it was time to head back to the base camp.

Enjoying the View

Heading back down the valley was exciting as we had achieved what we had needed to be done. We could run programs here and we had several options for treks for various challenge levels which gave us options. It was the start of a new journey and challenge for us. Traveling back to shivpuri. 

Party on the Bus

Before heading back though we spent some time near McLeod ganj. We stayed with suri's cousin and his friend who are training to be artists. They are both really talented. 

Hand Painted - Incredible!

We also had chance to visit a Tibetan monestry which was stunning! Suri is full of knowledge of lots of things which he was eager to tell us and we were eager to listen. 

Tibetan Monestry

We also got the chance to go and do some shopping in mcleodganj which was full of lots of shops selling lots of different things. There was a few Tibetan shops which sold these amazing embroidered T shirts for next to nothing! We also visited the buddist monestry which was really big. We also had the oppourtunity to visit one of the monks who have us a prayer necklace and a buddist name. My name means moon. Amruta's meant lotus and Bens meant intelligent. We also sampled some Tibetan food which was delicious and a change from rice, roti and curry! 

Inside the Tibetan Monestry

And then it was time for the long bus journey back to shivpuri. 

Tibetan Monestry

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...