The year 1999 symbolizes the breakeven point in the 4 of us lives, who made it to the Saar Pass trek in the Great Himalayas. I and Sagar were 18. The silver hairline over our body was apparent while the dark hairs were growing thick and fast. The moustaches were sprouting and the pimples were beginning to scar our cheeks. We both had appeared for the standard XII examination and were eagerly awaiting results. Kailash was the eldest amongst us. He had just been 25 and had already been a respectable person in our eyes. With KT, as Kailash is famously known, the toughest of the tough appears easy. The queries unfold itself with his sheer presence. He carries a golden touch with a unique flair of his own. Aditya was our fourth combatant. This guy had 25 inch biceps and a 50 inch wide chest. The complexion was fair and the body was muscular.
It was 9th of June in the year 1999, that we boarded the Paschim express from Borivili railway station to reach Delhi. We were well informed about the ‘Thugs of Delhi’ and were cautious about there presence right from our first footsteps in the Capital city. I and Sagar were shielded by Aadit as KT found us the way to reach the Youth Hostel at Chanakyapuri. On our route we passed aside the historic Red fort that stands tall and proud into the heart of this wonderful Capital city. The India gate and the parliament house were passed further. In an hour we settled into the dormitory of the Youth Hostel. Aadit found a Sardar family and began chanting in his then vicarious English. Later the manager yelled at us for eating Bhaji-pav in his crystal clear dinning room. We barely were affected by his comments. Aadit took numerous baths in the oven hot weather of Delhi.
By the fall of evening, the Thugs at Delhi Bus Aada got better of us. We were compelled to buy tickets at higher rates. Aadit was helpless in this encounter. Our destination was Kasol, a tiny village in the interiors of Himachal Pradesh. Almost 20 hours of non stop travel landed us at Kasol, where our base camp was located. River ‘Beas’, a tributary of holy Ganga, flew right in front of our tent. After couple of days of acclimatization we were ready for our trek. Our group was the last of that years’ camp and consisted of diverge crowd. Two young Gujrathi’s from Surat made good company of ours. A group of young college students from Pune ignited spice with a non-verbal competition against us. A Delhiate was centre of attraction. An elderly Yelkawaar family from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, cast the enthusiasm one feels in these sensational mountains. But the person who came very very close to us was one Mr Chopde who accompanied his beautiful wife. The accent of Mr Chopde was typical Nagpurian and although rough, sounded sweet to us. Our wavelength with the family matched within no time. Soon Sagar and Kailash demonstrated there unbelievably flexibility and caught the attention of the entire group. Aadit self imposed himself to the managerial post by claiming the post of environmental leader. I decided to run a gear lesser to protect by fragile back. Sagar literally walked atop a 50 foot rock which stood perpendicular to the ground level. Aadit shivered and the rest trembled. By now 4 of us carried the reputation of being the best amongst the entire lot. We were the fastest between villages and also eat the most. They tagged us as ‘Bombay Boys’.
Initial 3 days of trek barely provided a challenge to either of us. The narrow path which passed between the huge spine trees along the banks of river Beas, endow us with the awe-inspiring scenic beauties which fulfilled our souls. The Himalayas welcomed us with wide-stretched arms. There were few casualties around. The Yelkawaar had a bad stomach upset. The ladies were seen labouring with swollen ankles. A mid-aged gentlemen’s team was struggling for air. The young guns from Pune were fraught to complete the huge distances. And the oxygen depleted as we moved to 8,000 foot above sea level.
During the fourth day of our trek, we were destined towards ‘Bada Thach’. The route passed through few steep hills and the rains had made the path slippery. Even the splendorous surroundings couldn’t keep fatigue from spreading in us. Our bodies showed the first sign of disintegration in this chilled climate. Barely 100 meters from the camping ground, we found an unusual plane underneath a huge mountain range. The rains had surpassed and the sky was wide open. Me and Sagar immediately threw ourselves over the lush green grass and began to admire the natural beauty lying down. KT and Aadit too rested. Those 15 minutes of soothing sleep underneath an open sky at about 8500 feet above, besides the most gorgeous green surrounding calmed the inner senses. The speed of ours provided the leverage to enjoy such a pleasing nap while the agony of other increased every passing minute. On reaching the Bada Thach camp, we were informed about the recent attacks of the wild Bears on to the livestock. We might have narrowly escaped one. The entire night was sleepless as everyone was on high alert with sticks to counter the possible attack.
Day five was a steep climb towards Nagaru, the tip of Saar Pass. This place is the most amazing and the most beautiful place one can ever climb. I and Sagar were first as usual to reach. We could barely manage a foot or two in the wild storm. Entering one of the vacant tents, we had to grip around the base of the pole to stay grounded. The ice rain began post storm. The hard impact made by the hits of ice cubes above the tent sent tremors in our stomach. An hour later the atmosphere mysteriously changed. Everything was at a stand still. The cloud cover had disappeared and the sun rays provided the magnificent glow to the surroundings. The Nagaru peak was surrounded by famous mountains of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The first glance over the icy mountain tops aroused goose bumps all over. A plain white cloud rising above from the nearby valley and amassing with the above skyline was breathtaking. The entire valley was blushing with yellow flowers that were spread over the lush green grass. The night was eventful as well. At around 2:00 am, we came out of our sleeping bags to see the meteors that were visible to naked eyes as they are in the science centre. The hardships of a relentless day were forgotten and the hearts were full with the amazing beauty of mother Earth.
Next couple of days was downward trek towards Kasol. The historical town of Manikaran falls on the same route. One can find the hot water spring, a foot beside the bumbling cold Beas. The warmth of water not only provided the heat for cooking and bathing, but it also has a rich source of minerals coming right from the extracts. Half an hour further down, we reached Kasol marking the successful conclusion of our trek. Other than a scratch here and there we 4 were fit and fine. Few crippled campers surprisingly were back on there toes and were dancing hard during the camp fire.
Next day the early morning bus took us to Manali, the favourite city of Himachal Pradesh. We halted at Kullu to buy the woolen clothes. Mr and Mrs Chopde accompanied us to Manali. The city of Manali is a happening place at all times. The Tibetian market is grand and wonderful. The temple of Lord Buddha is vast and fantastic. Sleek roads that pass through the residential areas between the hills are magnificent. And the people are humble and beautiful. A day later we went to Rohatang Pass which connects Siachen with India. These mountains are wrapped with a thick layer of white snow at all times. The temperature hardly gets in positive. Yaks are seen aplenty and the pass is paradise to the lovers of adventurous sports. We had an experience of a lifetime cuddling ourselves underneath the silk-soft snow.
A long overnight journey brought us back to the Youth Hostels of Delhi. The contrast in temperatures between the two cities at last took its toll over our bodies. The first aid box was pulled out for the first time and the antibiotics kept us floating ahead. Next day early morning we caught Delhi tourism bus to reach Agra. Our first halt was at the Red fort of Agra, which is a monstrous yet beautiful edifice. From one corridor of the fort, we glanced over river Yamuna to see the Taj Mahal which was alluring in the baking sun. An hour later we were at the door steps of Taj. The structure is much adorable seeing with ones eyes then in snaps or films. The magnificence of Taj is more to experience than to express. We were stunned admiring the delicate carvings over it. That was an experience to savour for entire life. On our way back to Delhi we offered prayers at the Krishna Temple of Mathura. The sweets were awesome and the Lassi enlighten our tired bodies.
June 30th 1999 we came back home. Since then, 10 years is a very long time. All four of us have changed addresses. Sagar and I have become grownup adults. KT and Aadit have extended their relationships. Each of us has chosen varying professions. Yet the moments cherished all along the tour are still afresh in the memory stock. We often bank upon them during the lull periods. The mesmerizing Himalayas have left a lasting impact in each of our life.
It was 9th of June in the year 1999, that we boarded the Paschim express from Borivili railway station to reach Delhi. We were well informed about the ‘Thugs of Delhi’ and were cautious about there presence right from our first footsteps in the Capital city. I and Sagar were shielded by Aadit as KT found us the way to reach the Youth Hostel at Chanakyapuri. On our route we passed aside the historic Red fort that stands tall and proud into the heart of this wonderful Capital city. The India gate and the parliament house were passed further. In an hour we settled into the dormitory of the Youth Hostel. Aadit found a Sardar family and began chanting in his then vicarious English. Later the manager yelled at us for eating Bhaji-pav in his crystal clear dinning room. We barely were affected by his comments. Aadit took numerous baths in the oven hot weather of Delhi.
By the fall of evening, the Thugs at Delhi Bus Aada got better of us. We were compelled to buy tickets at higher rates. Aadit was helpless in this encounter. Our destination was Kasol, a tiny village in the interiors of Himachal Pradesh. Almost 20 hours of non stop travel landed us at Kasol, where our base camp was located. River ‘Beas’, a tributary of holy Ganga, flew right in front of our tent. After couple of days of acclimatization we were ready for our trek. Our group was the last of that years’ camp and consisted of diverge crowd. Two young Gujrathi’s from Surat made good company of ours. A group of young college students from Pune ignited spice with a non-verbal competition against us. A Delhiate was centre of attraction. An elderly Yelkawaar family from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, cast the enthusiasm one feels in these sensational mountains. But the person who came very very close to us was one Mr Chopde who accompanied his beautiful wife. The accent of Mr Chopde was typical Nagpurian and although rough, sounded sweet to us. Our wavelength with the family matched within no time. Soon Sagar and Kailash demonstrated there unbelievably flexibility and caught the attention of the entire group. Aadit self imposed himself to the managerial post by claiming the post of environmental leader. I decided to run a gear lesser to protect by fragile back. Sagar literally walked atop a 50 foot rock which stood perpendicular to the ground level. Aadit shivered and the rest trembled. By now 4 of us carried the reputation of being the best amongst the entire lot. We were the fastest between villages and also eat the most. They tagged us as ‘Bombay Boys’.
Initial 3 days of trek barely provided a challenge to either of us. The narrow path which passed between the huge spine trees along the banks of river Beas, endow us with the awe-inspiring scenic beauties which fulfilled our souls. The Himalayas welcomed us with wide-stretched arms. There were few casualties around. The Yelkawaar had a bad stomach upset. The ladies were seen labouring with swollen ankles. A mid-aged gentlemen’s team was struggling for air. The young guns from Pune were fraught to complete the huge distances. And the oxygen depleted as we moved to 8,000 foot above sea level.
During the fourth day of our trek, we were destined towards ‘Bada Thach’. The route passed through few steep hills and the rains had made the path slippery. Even the splendorous surroundings couldn’t keep fatigue from spreading in us. Our bodies showed the first sign of disintegration in this chilled climate. Barely 100 meters from the camping ground, we found an unusual plane underneath a huge mountain range. The rains had surpassed and the sky was wide open. Me and Sagar immediately threw ourselves over the lush green grass and began to admire the natural beauty lying down. KT and Aadit too rested. Those 15 minutes of soothing sleep underneath an open sky at about 8500 feet above, besides the most gorgeous green surrounding calmed the inner senses. The speed of ours provided the leverage to enjoy such a pleasing nap while the agony of other increased every passing minute. On reaching the Bada Thach camp, we were informed about the recent attacks of the wild Bears on to the livestock. We might have narrowly escaped one. The entire night was sleepless as everyone was on high alert with sticks to counter the possible attack.
Day five was a steep climb towards Nagaru, the tip of Saar Pass. This place is the most amazing and the most beautiful place one can ever climb. I and Sagar were first as usual to reach. We could barely manage a foot or two in the wild storm. Entering one of the vacant tents, we had to grip around the base of the pole to stay grounded. The ice rain began post storm. The hard impact made by the hits of ice cubes above the tent sent tremors in our stomach. An hour later the atmosphere mysteriously changed. Everything was at a stand still. The cloud cover had disappeared and the sun rays provided the magnificent glow to the surroundings. The Nagaru peak was surrounded by famous mountains of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The first glance over the icy mountain tops aroused goose bumps all over. A plain white cloud rising above from the nearby valley and amassing with the above skyline was breathtaking. The entire valley was blushing with yellow flowers that were spread over the lush green grass. The night was eventful as well. At around 2:00 am, we came out of our sleeping bags to see the meteors that were visible to naked eyes as they are in the science centre. The hardships of a relentless day were forgotten and the hearts were full with the amazing beauty of mother Earth.
Next couple of days was downward trek towards Kasol. The historical town of Manikaran falls on the same route. One can find the hot water spring, a foot beside the bumbling cold Beas. The warmth of water not only provided the heat for cooking and bathing, but it also has a rich source of minerals coming right from the extracts. Half an hour further down, we reached Kasol marking the successful conclusion of our trek. Other than a scratch here and there we 4 were fit and fine. Few crippled campers surprisingly were back on there toes and were dancing hard during the camp fire.
Next day the early morning bus took us to Manali, the favourite city of Himachal Pradesh. We halted at Kullu to buy the woolen clothes. Mr and Mrs Chopde accompanied us to Manali. The city of Manali is a happening place at all times. The Tibetian market is grand and wonderful. The temple of Lord Buddha is vast and fantastic. Sleek roads that pass through the residential areas between the hills are magnificent. And the people are humble and beautiful. A day later we went to Rohatang Pass which connects Siachen with India. These mountains are wrapped with a thick layer of white snow at all times. The temperature hardly gets in positive. Yaks are seen aplenty and the pass is paradise to the lovers of adventurous sports. We had an experience of a lifetime cuddling ourselves underneath the silk-soft snow.
A long overnight journey brought us back to the Youth Hostels of Delhi. The contrast in temperatures between the two cities at last took its toll over our bodies. The first aid box was pulled out for the first time and the antibiotics kept us floating ahead. Next day early morning we caught Delhi tourism bus to reach Agra. Our first halt was at the Red fort of Agra, which is a monstrous yet beautiful edifice. From one corridor of the fort, we glanced over river Yamuna to see the Taj Mahal which was alluring in the baking sun. An hour later we were at the door steps of Taj. The structure is much adorable seeing with ones eyes then in snaps or films. The magnificence of Taj is more to experience than to express. We were stunned admiring the delicate carvings over it. That was an experience to savour for entire life. On our way back to Delhi we offered prayers at the Krishna Temple of Mathura. The sweets were awesome and the Lassi enlighten our tired bodies.
June 30th 1999 we came back home. Since then, 10 years is a very long time. All four of us have changed addresses. Sagar and I have become grownup adults. KT and Aadit have extended their relationships. Each of us has chosen varying professions. Yet the moments cherished all along the tour are still afresh in the memory stock. We often bank upon them during the lull periods. The mesmerizing Himalayas have left a lasting impact in each of our life.
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