Chandrashila -Himalayan Trek- To Deoriatal

We arrived to the begining of trek from here…

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Our team headed by Ishab started the climb to Deoriatal. The stairs with an arch above it just across our homestay was the starting point. Ishab said it’s a 3km hike and the steps which were welcoming us …had us thinking ..” Oh ಅಷ್ಟೇನಾ ( that’s all ?). 3km is like – nothing ‘ With a lot of enthusiasm and a bit of over-confidence ( ahem ahem 🙄🙄). we started the climb.

About ten minutes into the climb, the steps made way to a trail and we realised this climb was not ‘ ಅಷ್ಟೇನಾ (that’s all??) ‘. As we ascended the views of the sari village appeared smaller and smaller. The faraway mountains began to appear like the big strong neighbour ! , who cannot be ignored.

The trail became steeper and steeper ..the wild flowers here and there added the joyful vibe to the trail.

We stopped our climb briefly at a Shiva temple . A small quaint abode of lord Shiva beckoned us.

We continued our ascent. We still had 3/4th distance to scale ! The trail was like straight out of a story book. Cobbled paths ,mud paths …at times just shrubs and plants going alongside and at times tall towering trees,the forest paths. The wild flowers ,the rocks ,the butterflies ..all these added up to the serene atmosphere.

As we continued,we could often hear mules either ascending or descending. The most hard working in any trekking team I would say !! Mules loaded with our rucksacks ( heavier component of our luggage!) climbed all the way to our campsite. As and when the mules passed by we followed the rules which Ishab ( trek lead)had briefed us about .” Passing mules towards the valley and trekkers towards the mountains “.

We stopped for a juice break at one of the mountain top shops …called a cafe( rightfully so) by the owner . The rhodendron( flower of the mountains) juice was refreshing . After a brief pit stop at the cafe and not so brief photo stops 😅, we arrived at the campsite. The tent we were allotted seemed cosy and nice. Briefing time !!! – No sleeping during the day, walk around . Helps in acclamatising. ..and so after a team lunch we just strolled around. After tea time was our much awaited hike to ‘ Deoriatal ‘ .

Pushpa, started to feel queasy.She threw up a few times and ended up with hammering headache. Everyone in the team were extremely concerned and helpful. Dr.Biji, one of our teammates, quickly gave the needed medicines. Pushpa felt very demotivated and at times she felt like going back home !! Understandable ! Migraine headaches are killing. Uma and I , gave it our best in being emotionally supportive . We arrived together and we shall finish it together …at our own slow pace ! Is what we kept reassuring her.

Now it was time to head out to Deoriatal .The team started walking through short forest trails .Quite a short hike led us to the divine ,mystical lake – Deoriatal ! Along the hike, Rohit made sure we were looking out for quick view of the snowcapped ‘ Chaukambha‘ peak. A peak which is generally covered with clouds and hard to sight. When we caught the glimpses of the Chaukambha …we were in awe though it was a far away view.

At the lake, we spent a relaxing evening …team pictures, played a few games and soaked in the serenity around.

We then headed back to the campsite. And then I started throwing up..felt miserable. My condition was not food infection so the guides guessed it must be mild altitude sickness!

Pushpa ,Uma and I now decided to take the available option of going to the next campsite by transport. Which meant we would be skipping the 16km hike the next day which was through the forests.😐

Well, we felt it is better to get well and save our energy and health for the Summit day .It was disappointing to skip the next day but…. ‘when in the mountains , leave it all to the mountains and go with the flow !’

With the sun rays peeking through the chilly morning clouds, Pushpa and I felt better. Yet,we opted for transport . So, the rest of the team headed out to the trails up and we headed down towards Sari village.

As we reached the pickup point, it started raining heavily . Immediately our thoughts were about the team out there hiking the 16kms ! We prayed that they finish the ordeal safely.

After waiting for a while for our transport we headed out to Chopta..our next campsite.

Lets see what Chopta and the summit day has in store for us ! Come along .. click below

https://sanarun816487322.wordpress.com/2023/10/30/chandrashila-himalayan-trek-chopta/

–SRao. ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಬಾಲೆ