Sarpass Expedition - Execution

This was my long pending blog about my Sarpass, Himalayan Expedition - Execution part. The planning part had blogged , realy lonnnnnnnnnnnnngg back. Apologies for the delay.

So, after a lot of cancellations and additions, 5 people were ready to leave. Me, Sod, Pr, Sha, Pre . Time flies, now not many in contact. Some in different continent. Below is the travel itinerary till base camp arrival.

Day 1 - Day 3 =  Bangalore - Delhi by train

We left Bangalore on 27 May, 2011 by Samprak Kanti Express at 11.10 PM. Su had brought from home readymade dry avlakki. We had just to mix water and wait for 15 min. for it to become edible. We had and spoke about our future plans before calling it a day. Next day, when we got up, we had reached Secundrabad and the train had one of the stoppage there. We bought Banana and newspaper and prepared Sandwich. We had decided not to eat outside food, until we finish our trek. Then the train passed through many states, different terrain and its a different experience all together travelling  in train. The train just stops at 5 places in its entire schedule. We just killed time by ranting about things and slept when we were bored. The dinner was same as previous day and finally slept. We reached Delhi close to 9 AM if I am not wrong. We took  a taxi to reach Krishna Dham, Vasanthkung which we had booked early. We got freshen and had brunch at the mutt. We then left to take bus to Kullu.

Krishna Bhavana/Mutt Contact:

Deviprasad = 09871498217

Sudheendra = 09968154731

Landline  = 01155936632

Day 4 - Day 5 = Delhi - Kasol by bus

We left Delhi at 2 PM in a Volvo Bus to Kullu. The bus was filled with newly weds and we were seated in the front. The roads in Delhi are so wide and we were appreciating the infrastructure. The route to Kullu is through Grand Trunk Road which is one of the Asis's oldest and longest major roads. It connects Eastern and Western regions. The express highway is very well maintained. Somewhere in nowhere at some dhabha was the pit stop and we had self prepared dinner. We then called the day off. Early we where in Himachal Pradesh and we had a garam Tea in the early morning  beside some great Himalayan landscape. We reached Bhuntar, 11 km short of Kullu, close to 10 AM and we took another bus to reach Kasol which is the base camp of YHAI. The bus travel offers beautiful Parvati valley of Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh. Before reaching Base camp, we proceeded towards Manikaran which has hot water spring and also a famous worship place for Sikhs. We took bath in hot water spring and visited temple.  They provided free food and we left towards base camp. We reached Base camp and completed all formalities like providing Medical Certificate, booking documents, ID card. We were provided Tent 5.

Grand Trunk Road

Gurudwara - Manikaran

Outside view of the Gurudwara - Manikaran

YHAI  Base Camp Reception - Kasol

   Tent accommodation at  Base Camp

    

Tents for Field Director

About Sarpass

Sarpass is in the beautiful Parvati valley of Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh. Sarpass  is one of the most popular trails of the Shivalik range of the mighty Himalayas. Parvati valley abounds in natural beauty with snow clad mountains, perennial rivulets, streams and waterfalls, picturesque meadows in the midst of dense forests of Devdar and Fir trees.

Sarpass  Trail offers an opportunity to enjoy the exquisite beauty of the Parvati valley with Kasol, Tila Lotni, Biskeri and Manikaran as its beauty spots. Kasol is famous for its cool and pleasant climate and tall pine trees. Tila Lotni can literally be called the little ICE LAND, where one can experience the challenges of nature in full fury, during spine chilling cold nights. The splendid views of snowy peaks offer an endless feast to the eyes. Biskeri fascinates the trekkers with its sweet grasses, wild flowers and a variety of birds. Hot water springs of Manikaran, are bliss. A natural hot water bath at these springs relieves you of all the tiredness and rejuvenates the body, mind and soul with a new energy.

 Parvathi River amidst Shivalik Range

Day 6 : Acclimatization and Orientation

On the previous day we interacted with other fellow trekkers and got to know their experience. We had other 6 guys from Nagpur in our tent. It was super fun to be with all. We got to share many experiences and each had something interesting to say every night. We were ready by 6 AM and they took us for morning exercise for 1 hour which was very rigorous. We walked back to base camp and had breakfast.

Early Morning = Tea

Breakfast = Idli, Sambar, Chutney, Oats Milk

Its tradition to send off the group who is leaving on trek. We clap and wish them best wishes. We did for the previous batch and we left for short trek carrying two blankets(wollen) in bag. This was to acclimatize to the climate and prepare us for the big trek. We reached base camp after 3 hours of trek and had lunch.

Send off

Acclimatization Trek

 Fun moments during trek

Lunch = Roti, Mixed Vegetable gravy,Rice, Rajma, Raw vegetables

We rested for a while and all of us went to a nearby bridge and crossed Parvati River to reach other side of the bank. We just took a stroll and returned . Dinner was server and eco- camp fire was lit.

Outdoor activities in the evening

Evening = Tea, Biscuit

Dinner = Roti, Palak gravy,Vegetable Biriyani, Dal,Sabakki Kheer, Papad

Late Night = Bournvita

All say " fire fire, camp fire, fire fire, camp fire" while the switch is  turned on to lit the camp fire. Some interested folks perform and the group which returns after the completing the trek, share their experience. We disperse and go inside tent.

Eco-Camp fire

                       

Day 7 : Rock climbing and Rappeling

After the morning exercise and breakfast, we left for ROCK CLIMBING activity. The first climb was by guide and then each of us did. It was very exciting to do. By the time each of us could finish, it was noon and we left for the basecamp. We had breakfast and spent time in the base camp. Evening activity was rappeling, but since it started raining, it was called off and spent time playing badminton, cricket. BTW, in the noon after breakfast, our group of 30 people was called for meeting and each of us had to share our trek experience .  Based on the experience, team leader and deputy team leader was elected to take care of the team while in trek.

Early Morning = Tea

Breakfast =Upma,Sauce, Boiled egg,Semiya Kheer

Rock climbing

Lunch =Roti,Mixed Vegetable gravy,Rice,Green gram Sambar,Raw Vegetable

In the evening, our was weighed so as to not exceed 8kg.

 Rucksack inspection

As usual eco camp fire and dinner at night.

Evening = Tea, Fried Groundnuts

Dinner =Roti,Potato Brinjal gravy,Rice, Dal,Rava Ksheer

Late night = Bournvita

Day 8 :Trek start . Trek to Youth Hostel Grahan (Ht 7,700 ft,9 kms)

It was our first day of actual trek and our next camp was Grahan. We left after breakfast and was provided packed lunch. Initial route was on  road and then we entered forest. The climb was little steep in the beginning and it eased out after a while.

Early morning = Tea

Breakfast = Bread, Jam, Butter,Boiled egg,Oats Milk

 Landscape enroute to Grahan

Group picture

Lunch = Alu Parota, Bendi Palya, Biscuits, Chocolate, Pickle -> Packed

I used to maintain consistent speed and would be in the front always. My job was to reach next camp early and select the best tent for us. Short of 10 minutes to the camp, it started raining. I did not want to take out the rain coat and so ran and selected tent.

Evening = Tea, Biscuit, Soup

Dinner = Roti, Knor Knor gravy, Rice, Green Gram Sambar, Rice, Kheer

Late night = Bournvita

The camp leader welcomed us and explained about the place and facilities available, High tea, followed by early dinner. The first part of the trek completed.

Day 9 : Trek to Youth Hostel Padri (Ht 9,300 ft,9 kms)

The day began with an early breakfast, packed lunch and adios to the camp leader. Today was a light day as height to capture was less and so the group moved slowly. Soon after having lunch, we reached the camp.

Early morning = Tea

Breakfast = Messi Roti, Alu gravy,Rava Ksheer

Nagaru(Top most camp) visible from Padri

Dog enjoying his meal(dead deer)

Lunch = Poori, Alu palya, Pickle -> Packed

Padri camp

The Padri camp is located amidst mountains and we saw bones of cows lying around camp. The villagers said, leopards do come at night here.

Mountains in the backdrop of the Padri Camp

In the evening high tea was provided , followed by dinner. End of second part of the trek.

Evening = Tea, Fried groundnuts,Soup

Dinner = Roti, Brinjal gravy,Rice,Green gram Sambar

Day 10 : Trek to Youth Hostel Ratapani (11,200ft,10 kms)

Early morning sight of the snow capped mountains was very eyeful and the sun kissed mountain tips looked stunning. We had breakfast and we were advised by the camp leader , that today's trek involves ascending down 2000 ft and then ascending up till 11200 ft. This is one of the toughest trail and one of the previous group reached camp, late night 11 PM due to adverse climatic conditions. We  prayed for soothing weather and left the camp.

Early morning = Tea

Breakfast = Poha. Sooju Kheer, Sauce

 Descending

  Using tree logs to cross river

  Ice cold water

We waited till all reached the point where we would start ascending up. Then we started the steep slope which was slippery and also curled.

 Staring of ascend

Snow capped mountains accompanying us

Kasol village as seen from top.

We had packed lunch en -route and some of us left for the camp. We did not want to stuck behind due to rain. Finally close to 4 PM we reached the camp.

Lunch = Rice bath, pickle -> Packed

Welcome  signage

We welcomed others who reached. The camp leader was very friendly and he provided us the best food in all the camps. High tea, followed by dinner .All were quite exhausted and called the day off early.

Evening = Tea, Potata Bonda

Dinner = Roti,Alu gobi gravy. Rice, Dal,Sabakki Kheer,

Late night = Bournvita

Day 11 :Trek to Youth Hostel Nagaru (12,500ft, 8 kms)

This part of the trek involved trekking to highest camp point in the Sarpass Trek. It was very steep in the beginning and it continued till we reached the camp.

Early morning = Tea

Breakfast = Poorni, Channa

Trekkers negotiating steep terrain

Pan aroma of Shivalik range

                                     
Lunch = Roti, Alu gravy -> Packed

Padri camp seen from Nagaru

We stepped on ice for the first time at Nagaru and it was very windy. We get Mobile signal here and called our family members to inform our well being. The camp leader here was very strict , which was required as the stakes were high here. We had dinner very early and slept. We were advised by the camp leader that at night due to high winds, tents might blow away, so we should hold on to the poles. At night, it started snowing and we got up at 12 AM to hold on to the poles. We had to leave for Sarpass lake crossing at 2 AM .

 Setting foot first time on ice.

Evening = Tea, Fried groundnuts, Soup

Dinner = Roti, Bhendi,Rice,Green gram Sambar, Jammon

Late night = Bournvita

Day 12 :Cross Sarpass, Trek to Youth Hostel Beskari (11,000ft,14 kms,)

We need to be on the Sarpass lake before sunrise as ice will melt in the day time and it will be very slippery to climb  . We got up at 2 AM, had breakfast. No, I am not joking, We did have breakfast at 2 AM, got packed lunch and started climbing. Sherpa was there to guide us. We reached the top at 5 AM and we were relieved and excited.

2 AM = Tea

3 AM = Upma, Kheer

Trek starting at 3 AM

 Trek on Snow

Sherpa leading us.

Finally on the top

We had some photo shoots and started crossing the frozen lake. It was an awesome experience to walk on snow. Everywhere snow!! In front, back, sides. We had to negotiate slowly and follow the path, if not will roll down. We finally assembled at one place and had a group photo.

Early morning sun rays on Mountain

Crossing Sarpass

Some of the trekkers in the distant

Group photo

Snow everywhere

We then reached a point of sliding. When in full snow, can slide 2-3kms down and saves a lot of walking distance. When we went, snow was not so much and sliding covered 1- 1.5 kms. They instructed how to slide and the other camp leader, was waiting down to monitor.

Last part of the ascent

Sliding on snow

Goodbye to Sarpass

Lunch = Chikki, Sweet Shankar Poli, Parle G Biscuit -> Packed

There was a makeshift eatery shop which had hot Maggi, beverages. Some of them changed clothes here as they got wet while sliding. We had hot maggi and waited for all to reach.

Some of the trekker taking rest after slide

We reached camp and as expected due to sudden altitude we all had severe headache. The camp leader hospitality was more than expected and served soup to our tents itself, enquiring our well being.  We had dinner and called the day off.

Evening = Tea, French fries,Sauce, Soup

Dinner = Roti, Raddish gravy,Rice,Green gram Sambar,Custard

Day 13:Trek to Youth Hostel Bhandak Thatch (8,000ft,12 kms)

From now on, its all descend and some of the team members were in a hurry to reach Kasol base camp and  leave. We did not want to miss any place and so we went in our pace. The place Bhandak Thatch is called Switzerland of India. We enjoyed the trail to the camp as it was inside forest and bloomed plants. In the last available battery in the cameras , we captured each possible frame.

Early morning = Tea

Breakfast = Poori,Alu Radish gravy,Shavge Kheer

Beskari camp with the camp leader

 Descend

Rapelling

Glacier

Lunch = Poori, Alu gravy

We reached the camp and rested for a while. Some of them continued to reach base camp.

We played cricked here but rain was playing hide and seek with us.

 Pine trees in front of the Bhandak Thatch camp

Cricket playing

We had nice dinner and played dumb charades in the tent and some gyaan sessions by each of us. It was nice to hear things from others which was interesting.

Evening = Tea, Biscuit

Dinner = Roti, Alu gravy,Rice, Sambar, Kheer

Late night = Bournvita

Day 14 :Trek to Barshani road (6,600ft,10 kms), transfer by bus to Base camp Kasol.

Today was the last part of the trek and we had to reach the Barshani road where we board bus to reach base camp. We reached well before 12 PM  and saw human civilization after a week long. There was a dam project on going near Barshani and we could see heavy load trucks. All reached the bus stop and we took the bus to reach Kasol. The bus stops at Manikaran first . So, folks who had not visited the shrine and hot water spring, got down here. We continued till base camp and we were welcomed royally by the people there. Such an achievement.

Early morning = Tea

Breakfast = Veg Chowmey, Kheer

Final sight of the Shivaliks

Lunch = Rice,Dal,Alu gobi gravy,Raw vegetable

Our original plan was to leave the next day to Delhi. But since we had nothing to do, we requested the Nagpur guys to arrange us seats in the bus they had booked. We luckily got seats and we cancelled seats we had booked. We got our completion certificate and bid adieu to the camp leader, field director and boarded bus to reach Kullu.

We boarded Volvo bus from Kullu to Delhi. Check out Delhi Travelogue.

P.S : To visit the plan blog, please click PREV

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