Kaalapokhari to Sandakphu was the most challenging spell of our entire trek. The three kilometers of steep road with the inclination changing between 30 degrees to 70 degrees, lack of oxygen, cold windy weather, carrying the ruck sack while the body was not ready to carry on, was tough. But at the same time we enjoyed fresh snow, dramatic landscapes….
The accommodation at Kaalipokhari did not have that 5 start facility of attached washroom like the one in Tumpling, but the food was fantastic. The family was really hospitable and there was this special performance by the youngest member of the family probably a 10 year old girl, singing beautiful Hindi songs and that was an unadulterated entertainment with natural talent, no rehearsal, just a spot performance, while keeping up with the harsh weather and tough living conditions. The spirit of that girl was appreciable.
Good schools, vicinity to shopping center, better hospital, all this did not really matter to them, and the thought just kept ringing into my mind that all the hard work, pricy education, great career and lot of wealth, does not replace the peace of mind and serenity that these people here experience every day. Their daily plight for life keeps them strong and the hard work to earn bread…
There was final briefing on facilities, discipline, emergency, route, weather and precautions, post dinner. There was this strange excitement in our minds. Tomorrow we depart for our five days journey in the mountains. Mountains, where not many people go, to see some of the untouched beauty, to..
There was this different excitement about embarking on yet another YHI trek and the curiosity about the route, the challenges, whether we would see snow or not. The declaration of availability of Pakka Houses and no tents made me feel good. Although tents have their own charm..