Quote:
Originally Posted by sachinj12 Oh,I have missed it somehow. Doing a re-read of the entire thread.And it still feels new ![Smile](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png) . I have mostly starred all your threads. Haven't found time to go through. The thread previous to this, the Himalaya trek, that too was a one of the kind, as always. Like I said on one of the thread's of yours, you are probably the only other BHPian apart from Kapasi who can post one whole page without a pic and still keep the reader glued to the seats. |
Hi Sachin,
Thank you for all the kind words, it feels great to be compared to him!!!
CONTD..... DAY7 : SIRKHA TO GALA
Sirkha: 2200 mtrs
Gala: 2322 mtrs (height as per my gps)
Distance: 14 kms
Time taken: 7.5 hrs on foot
It was again an early morning start from Sirkha. We were out on the journey by 0530 hrs. Infact when you are asleep latest by 2200 hrs the previous night, getting up at 0430 hrs the next day is not that difficult, plus the excitement of being in a new terrain and exploring the bounties of the nature and fresh air acts like a tonic and helps you being an early riser.
So after having a glass of bournvita we were on our way. Walking was simpler today as our feet were getting used to uneven mountainous tracks and the body was getting used to lugging along extra 6-7kgs on the back. The whole journey today, if you notice on the altitude map, was mostly up and down and then a steep ascent across a mountain and then a steep descent and then back to a smaller ascent till Gala.
Early morning mist was magical and we were so busy watching streams and waterfalls enroute that we did not even realise that we were almost at the top of the mountain. The yatris surprisingly were full of energy, so singing dancing and having fun we reached to our breakfast point. A temporary dhaba served us hot Poori and Aloo almost at a height of 9,500 ft.
We had not yet reached the highest point so the climb just after a heavy breakfast was quite a big ordeal, but laboriously we managed to reach the other side. Now after a steep ascent a steep descent was waiting for us.
Infact after you are ascending for a while and your muscles get used to that motion (well at my age atleast), and suddenly you are asked to do a descend your muscles specially (knee joints) start revolting. So for me descend was proving to be more of a pain than the ascend.
Somehow we reached the bottom of the mountain but there another challange was waiting for us. The approach to a bridge across a rain water stream had been swept away due to the excessive water because of the rains. So now we had to cross this stream on foot. Helping each other we managed and believe me it was not that bad an experience after all. Getting your feet wet in chilling water can be fun.
Now Gala wasnt that far as the trek now was mostly on level grounds. After a walk of about and hour and a half we finally reached to our destination. At the KMVN guest house we were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and then lunch was served.
We had got our luggage here after 2 days and that to we could have it only for 3 hours or so. So it was time to open pack and waterproof our luggage in the afternoon.
After the daily dose of Bhajans and devotional songs in the evening and dinner it was time to sleep. By now mostly the yatris know whom they are compatible with most so rooms or dormitories are occupied in such a manner that everyone is comfortable with each other.
Another day over!!!
PICS FROM DAY7
Route from Sirkha to Gala
Altitude detail of the route
Pony and porters waiting for their yatris before the start at Sirkha
Different shades of green with over cast conditions
the walk was thru thick forest
It was up and down all thru out
when we start the group is always together
we passed some amazing scenery and beautiful streams
(Tanveer aka tsk if you reading this, I have actually tried emulating your feats during this trek, I think this is the closest I've come to you with this pic, so just appreciate it for my sake
![Big Grin](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
)
Yatris enjoying themselves
Then came the steep ascend
Well needed break at the breakfast point.
Still some climb before we reach the top
Notice the stream? We have to reach there
Gala is on the other mountain
Still a stream to cross to reach the other mountain. But the bridge is broken
Take your shoes off time and cross the stream
Luckily the next bridge was not washed off
Gala at a distance
A massive landslide, believe me this was so damn slippery. This is when your foot wear is tested
Finally reached Gala, we were the first ones to reach
Gala KMVN camp
View from Gala KMVN in the evening!!
Next Post: Day8, From Gala to Budhi, 21 kms of pure bliss, fun, excitement and adventure