Hey everyone,
Happy New Year! Here's the first blog of the year, and it's a continuation of our Shrikhand Mahadev trek series.
Quick recap: Days one and two threw rain and challenges our way, but we successfully reached Thachru,and Bhim Dwar, our destinations. Glaciers and water crossings tested us, but the stunning views made it all worthwhile.
If you missed the previous adventures, you can catch up here.
Now, let's dive into
Day three.
Late at night, we planned an early start at 3:00 a.m. Armed with alarms and raincoats, we hit the trail by 3:30. By 4:30 a.m., we reached Parvati Bagh, our last campsite. However, rain and dark clouds raised concerns, and the lifeguards there advised against proceeding due to potential dangers like avalanche.
We waited for some light, and by 5:30 a.m., we decided to move forward. The view from Parvati Bagh was breathtaking, with a glacier climb awaiting us. The height of glacier was more than 30 feet, and the morning dew made it slippery. Before starting the climb, we stumbled upon a lifeless body, a grim reminder of the risks this trek holds. The lifeguards shared that around more than five people lose their lives every year on this trek. Shaken but with unwavering devotion, we began our ascent, facing dizziness and stonefall scares along the way.
As the altitude rose, oxygen levels dropped, causing dizziness. Stone falls heightened our anxiety, but by Shiva's grace, no one was harmed.
As we climbed, the snowfall had covered previous footprints, leaving us lost and anxious. Miraculously, two individuals appeared, seemingly sent by the divine. They guided us to the top, and with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev,' we lit dhup and agarbatti to offer our prayers.
After spending some soulful moments, we decided to descend as snowfall intensified. The trek had its share of challenges and fears, but the spiritual connection with Mahadev kept us going.
Our descent proved more challenging. Fresh hikers muddled the trail, making it perilous. After reaching Bhim Dwar, rain thwarted our plan to go further, leading to an unexpected stay.
Little did we know, the night held a tempest. At 2:00 a.m., violent winds wreaked havoc, demolishing tents. At 3:00 a.m., we decided to brave the glaciers again, but we were met with shocking news – Officials informed us that over 15 people went missing due to glacier breaks. Conflicting reports circulated, some suggesting fatalities and the trek was banned for the entire year.
Landslides , water level increase and chaos ensued as people rushed to return home.
This journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, testing our limits and reminding us of nature's unpredictable power. As we bid farewell to Shrikhand Mahadev, the memories, the challenges, and the unexpected twists will forever be etched in our hearts.
Thank you for joining me on this trek through words.
Until our next adventure......