Hello All!
Let me start off by saying, the trek truly was incredible! This is what happened………..
The first day we left in the early afternoon to meet up with our guide Anil and his team of 5 or so men. With our backpacks full of supplies and lots of water, we made our way up to Triund (2,975 meters. about 9,818 feet), a beautiful place, with a few mountain side shops(a quaint shack with one or so men living inside selling hats, snacks and tea). It was a moderately long day, about three or so hours of hiking with all our packs, but we made it up to camp, and with the luxury of our guides, had our tents pitched for us, and every meal ready and waiting for us! But even with the luxury, sleep was bit of struggle for all! Hahaha, lots f shivers, coughs, and three in the morning conversations. The next morning, we sadly had to leave Kira and Hayley behind because they were both sick. Hayley had a cold, and Kira had what we think was altitude sickness. So the two sadly had to head back down with one of our leaders, Jessica to make their way to the hospital for medicine(They are both happy and healthy now!). The rest of us made our way about an hour and a half up, o our next stop, right below Lahesh cave. After setting up camp, we had a nice afternoon of talking and exchanging stories with Anil, card games, and a bit of exploring around camp. The third day, we were told was going to be the most difficult, but man, I don’t think any of us were prepared! After an early breakfast, we made our way up to Indrahar Pass at around 6:30am. The start was pretty good, but as we got higher and higher, we could really feel the change in altitude. After ten steps, we were out of breath, needing to stop and take a sip of water. With the surprise of snacks from our guides along the way, I think the whole group can agree with me when I say, I knew that a juice box and candy bar could taste so good! It was a long, long way up, about 4 hours. But when we made it to the pass(4,350 meters/about 14,350 feet), the view was well worth it! Behind us, looking over McLeod Ganj, we were above the clouds, in another world, and in front of us, more Himalayan mountains, snow peaks, and the majestic blue sky. We all feasted on the top, apples and nutella, Mars bars, and cookies, food surely boosted everyone’s mood! The way down was a little rough, we were all exhausted. We all nearly jumped into our tents for a nap when we made it back to camp. Hahahah, it felt so good to lay down! After dinner and a good nights rest, 11 hours to be exact, we woke up, packed up and made our way down to Triund, and then McLeod Ganj. We were all so excited to shower, and sleep on a flat bad! Along the way, we stopped at the waterfall, we nearly jumped in with all our clothes on! WATER! OH, it felt soooo refreshing! What an amazing four days! You could really tell you weren’t in the States anymore, you were in the freakin’ Himalayan mountains!
We are now safe and sound in the lovely town of Bir! We are staying at the Deer Park Institute-a teaching Monestary. Last night Hayley and Nate stepped up and started their silence early, for the rest of us, two says in silence begins tomorrow! There will surely be many stories to come!
Hope everyone is well!
Stephanie, and the whole Carpe Diem India family.