With wonderful memories we bid adieu to Ropa, Sainj Valley and departed for our next destination 'Shangarh'. We had pre-booked a Bolero from the Rest House to drop us at Shangarh. Shangarh is only 8 kms from FRH, Ropa. We all got excited as the weather was sunny and refreshing. The road to Shangarh was also Kaccha but saw a sign board stating road is being developed from the fund of 'Pradhan Mantri Sarak Yojona' scheme. The road condition is quite good and we were enjoying the drive and then there came a stretch where the road is completely frozen and thick layer of ice has formed on it. The wheels were slipping and our driver became nervous and advised us to go hiking on foot as Shangarh is around 3 kms from that point. We also didn't want to take any risks with our heavy backpacks we started hiking. The hiking was treacherous as we were not used of walking with the amount of load that were on our back. Within 10 mins or more we also started to feel the inclination of road and pressure on our knees. Out of no where a Local Maxi pickup Van came to our rescue and also obliged us by dropping us near FRH, Shangarh. We have to hike around 2 kms or more to reach the Forest rest house. As there were no option of hiring a coolie, we started walking. The roads were completely covered in Snow and the scenic view was so splendid we never felt tired though we made some pit stops in between. We kept on following the trail made by the villagers. Within 45 mins we reached a spot and could see the FRH, Shangarh board just above us. The stairs to reach the Rest house were completely covered in snow and quite slippery, it was a challenging task but we managed somehow. The manager of the FRH, Shangarh is an elderly person who told us due to offseason and snow, cook cum helper was not available. He advised us to go to a nearby homestay for better amenities but RiturajDa were determined to stay here only as this Rest house is isolated, has a wonderful panoramic view of the Ranges and the great Shangarh meadow. The manager gave us the keys of kitchen so we can cook our own meals, everything sorted. We needed to buy groceries, as we were the youngest of our lot i.e. Me, Anamika & Surajit headed toward the local market located below Shangarh meadow which was almost a 4 kms descend from the rest house. We filled our bags with onions, Rice, Dal, Maggi, eggs , masalas etc., and again started our hike back to the FRH. As RiturajDa and RajuDa both happen to be an excellent cook and within 1 hour they made amazing Khichdi which was a treat for all of us. All of us were supposed to be exhausted but the beauty of nature probably boosted our energy level. As we wanted to go for day hiking the following day, a local helped us to find a guide named Biju, who told us there was a 3-4 hours hike through snow to a small bugyal(No name) up the mountain from where a panoramic view of the valley can be enjoyed. We didn't bargain as he asked for Rs.800/- for his service and asked him to come around 9:30 in the morning. As next day's program were sorted with our evening tea in hand we sat on the balcony to watch the mesmerising sun set behind the mountain range.
Last night was so chilly that we had to wear 4 layers of clothing with blanket on to stop ourselves from shivering (No room heater). Our guide Mr. Biju arrived on time and we headed towards our unknown destination. The starting point of the hike was very tricky, first we had to cross a small stream and after that we literally climbed 5 feet to reach the starting point without help from our guide was not possible. The hiking route was through a dense oak & pine forest. The climb gradually starts increasing every 500-600 meters of hiking and after 3-4 kms of hike the snow was at least 10-16 inch deep (Snow-gaiters are essential along with waterproof/snow boots). The powdery snow and uneven surface of forest floor were very tricky, Biju lead us zigzagging through the snow and in between Oak and pine trees. Biju told us, in some places the snow was 4-5 feet deep so he suggested that we walk on his trail. Biju is a light built man but as I'm heavy built i.e. 84 kgs so in few places my legs got trapped under 3-4 feet of snow and Biju came to rescue. After 2 hours of hiking we found a piece of log where we halted for 10-15 mins had coffee, cheese and chocolates and again started our onward journey. After another 2 kms of walking the trail opens out and the view of surrounding snow covered mountain ranges were mesmerising. We saw a very cute small wooden bridge over a semi frozen stream. After crossing the bridge the route was steep and the snow was at least 3-4 feet deep and at some places may be more. Biju told us we have to hike another 2 kms in this condition to reach our destination at top. It was already 2 p.m. and we had to get down before sun sets so we decided of not going further. We chilled near the bridge spent an hour or so and after started our journey back to the Forest Rest House following the same trail. It was an amazing and fun filled adventure of snow hiking, which will be cherished forever.
P.S. While coming down we saw pug marks of an animal crossing over our trail. Biju checked from different angle and told us it was a Jackal only. After we reached our rest house, we asked him again then he simply smiled and said he didn't want us to panic while descending as the pug marks belonged to a mid sized young leopard.
Today was our last day at Shangarh so we decided to stroll around nearby villages and pay homage to Shangchul Mahadev temple on the meadow. After finishing our breakfast we followed the Village path that went through the houses and cowsheds. This lane was very narrow and super slippery due to formation of icy layers above the road. The road's slope was falling sharply downward and super slippery too. We wanted to go back and follow our usual route but was not possible. We slipped and fell on the ground many times and finally could see our usual road ahead. It was a big relief. The great meadow of Shangarh was visible and we took a shortcut to reach the upper level of the ground. We were stunned by the view. A meadow surrounded by pine & oak trees and overlooking by snowy mountains, it was really a mesmerising sight. Photography was prohibited along with many other restrictions are in place as the meadow is very sacred to the locals. So we followed their code and didn't use my camera. The Shangchul Mahadev Temple looks ancient. We prayed and from there diagonally crossed the meadow to reach the Tower Temple located just opposite end of the meadow. It was a long walk and in the middle of the meadow we jumped cross a tiny water stream also. This Tower Temple was closed so we saw it from the outside, the curvature on the wooden structure were marvellous and very shiny. In this area there are one or two homestays and people rent part of their houses to travellers as well.
P.S. We met a cute doggy 'Brownie' who followed us back to the Forest Rest House.
