Embracing the warm hues of Himalayan Autumn. Trek to Chikka Campsite (Part-3).

Namaste 🙏

Hope you all are doing great!!!

Welcome to the final part of my journey to the Chikka Campsite.

If you’ve not been through the first two parts, please refer to the links below-

@parvkhuller/exploring-the-colours-of-fall-above-sethan-village-trek-to-chikka-campsite-part-1

@parvkhuller/experiencing-himalayan-autumn-trek-to-chikka-campsite-part-2

Somewhere on the trail @2800 m elevation—

It was around 4:00 PM and we were quite close to our destination now. Everyone was a bit tired but having a great time together. My cousins easily got along with my Airbnb guest and we were a great team altogether. Everyone knew what they needed to do once we reach at the campsite.

The fall colours were further enhanced by the setting sun. The already warm hues of autumn leaves were now becoming warmer to the maximum extent they can ever be. It was a dreamy sight.

Warm hues of autumn colours

The air had a slight cooling sensation to it. Just enough to pleasantly feel it. The rays of the sunlight were completely contrasting. The rays were a little warm, just enough to feel the warmth. Nothing was on extreme side and both of these phenomenas canceled out each other’s effects. We were feeling the perfect balance of temperature while walking in the evening sun.

Half of the valley was already out of sun and sun was quickly setting behind the huge mountains that stood in front of us. Partial areas of shades on our way made us realise the actual temperature there which was quite cold. We knew that it was going to be a cold night up there at the campsite.

The sun setting behind the Bhrigu mountain—

We were considering ourselves super lucky to witness such a spectacular sight. There was no one else on the trail except five of us and we were the only once who were getting drenched in the warmth of the autumn sun that was slowly setting behind the magnificent mountains on top of which existed one of the most beautiful high altitude lake ever.

The trail upto this part was quite easy with occasional ups and downs. I would call this trail beginner friendly only if you are not running out of time like we were.

There it was!!! We could see our destination for the day from there. It looked like we were now only about 400-500m away from there.

First view of Chikka Campsite from the trail

We could see a big camp pitched in the campsite. I was wondering if there is anyone there. It looked like as it was an all in one shop for the hikers. I was super curious to see if anyone was still there.

Enjoying last couple minutes of sunshine before sunset—

In spite of us being late, we couldn’t miss to soak ourselves in the last minute of sunshine as after that we knew it would be freezing cold there. I don’t usually take selfies but this time I felt like taking a few.

I’m not even able to open my eyes fully in this one as sun was shining super bright and we were facing towards the sun. It was super fun when one of my cousin joined me and we took a selfie together.

Me with my cousin soaked in the evening sun

It was already sunset and we knew we have a limited amount of time left now. One downside of trekking in this season is the short days. We only had an hour of daylight left now or probably even less and the campsite still was about 20 minutes away.

On our side of the valley, sun was shining only at the peak and rest of the valley was getting darker and colder now.

I turned back to realise how much we’ve hiked! The view was amazing and we couldn’t even see our starting point now. We could even see all the jungles that we crossed along the way while coming up there. I was feeling proud of me as well as my team for keeping such a good pace and reaching here before sunset.

Now we knew that we were gonna make it as our works were divided. Two of us would pitch the camp and other two would go in search of firewood while I start fire and also preparing food for all of us. Everything looked sorted.

Reached Chikka Campsite—

We reached Chikka Campsite at around 4:40 PM. To my surprise there was no one there staying in that big yellow tent. It looked like it was a kitchen and a shop for the trekkers in hiking season and it was closed now.

We also noticed a toilet tent there along with some firewood that was ready to be burned. One of our task got easier now. We needed to find a good place to pitch our tents now.

After moving a little further, we found a good spot for pitching our tents and it looked really pretty. The view of stream and the view of mountains was really magnificent.

We were relieved and excited to camp there. Everyone got busy in their duties and I was trying to start fire. It was getting cold now and we were tired and hungry.

I’m gonna write about our experience of living in Chikka Campsite in next blog.

That’s all for today.

Thanks for passing by!!!

Peace ☮️