Yes, I had failed to complete my first trek. Those who know me would probably look at me in disbelief. Every time I complete a trek, I quietly recollect that day of failure. After all, it was the failure of completing an easy trek made me more determined. A failed trek taught me a lot of things about the mountains and trekking in general.
As a child, I was always fond of mountains. I found the idea of climbing mountains fascinating. Whenever we went on a family vacation to some hill stations, I would urge my father to climb the nearest hill or visit the temple on the hilltop. The love for the mountains remained even after I grew up and most of my travels were mostly to hill stations. Naturally, I thought that trekking would be quite easy. I walked a lot and considered myself reasonably fit. So I had the impression that Maenam Peak Trek would be a piece of cake for me. I was so wrong!
My first failure on the mountains
My first attempt to trekking was in 2012 when I attempted a very easy trek in Sikkim. It was the Maenam Hill Trek, a one-day trek from Ravangla in Sikkim to the Maenam Hill Top. The trek is an easy one, suited for a beginner. It did not have any tricky trails. Also, Sikkim being close to Kolkata, Maenam Trek seemed to be the best option for my first trek.
So with much enthusiasm, I started from Kolkata and reached New Jalpaiguri Station. The train was late and I reached NJP in the afternoon. I wanted to reach Ravangla that day itself and so headed towards SNT Bus stand. The last bus to Ravangla was available and I took it. The journey was a long and arduous one. The roads in Sikkim were not the best ones. After a bumpy ride, I reached Ravangla late at night.
Ravangla, a small town, was already asleep. I somehow managed to get myself a proper hotel near the market area. I crashed on the bed after getting a room. I was so tired!
The next day, I woke up and told the owner that I wished to do the Maenam Hill Trek. He, however, advised me not to venture out that day. I had a rough journey the day before and he suggested that I should take rest. It was also a bit late for starting the trek. Well, for obvious reasons I did not pay any heed to him. I simply thought that I am quite fit and there would be no problem. On the retrospect, I should have listened to him.
Lesson learnt: Always take rest before starting the trek.
Anyways, I reached the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary Gate full of enthusiasm waiting to complete my first trek to the Maenam Peak. The trekking trail is through the forested trails of the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. From the peak, a commanding view of the surroundings and the Kanchenjunga Peak is observed. Near the gate, a guide approached me. In my alacrity to do the trek, I did not talk to him properly and agreed to accompany him to the Maenam Peak. That was my second mistake.
I started the trek with the guide with full energy. I started following the well-marked trail through the forests. Seeing my enthusiasm, the guide asked me whether I would like to take the short cuts. In my overconfidence, I agreed with him. I thought that by taking the short cuts, I would reach the Maenam Peak in a shorter time.
The guide showed me trails that were steep and not well marked. Initially, I climbed the steep trails with some huffing and puffing. But after some time, I could understand that trekking was not easy. Walking 5 kilometres on the plains is nothing compared to climbing even 2 km on the mountains. Very soon, my legs felt like lead and I was panting like a horse. I stopped now and then and sat down for rest.
Normally, it takes about 4 hours to reach Maenam Peak. After about 2 hours of trekking, I was totally tired and drained. I felt that I would not be able to move a single step uphill. And I was not even halfway to the peak. Also, it was already past noon. Remember, I started late.
To add to my woes, I was feeling hungry. I did not carry any food with me. Tiredness, hunger bogged me down. Finally, I understood that trekking is not easy. A certain level of preparations is required to trek, even if it is an easy one. During that moment, I was dejected. I felt worthless. But somehow I decide to return without completing the trek.
The failed trek to Maenam Peak taught me a few valuable lessons.
Mountains are not to be taken for granted.
You cannot take the mountains for granted. A certain level of fitness and preparation is required to complete a trek.
You need to have proper rest before starting a trek.
This was the major mistake on my part during this trek. I had a rough journey the day before and yet adamant to do the trek the next morning. Proper rest is needed before starting a trek.
In treks, short cuts should be avoided.
For people like us from the plains, we are not much accustomed to the mountain trails. Short cuts should best be avoided as they are more tiring. I had learnt the lesson the hard way and now I always stick to the rule of “no short-cuts”.
Adequate Food and water should be carried.
Another important lesson that I learnt during this trek is that food and water should be carried. An empty stomach often becomes a liability on the trek. And water is essential on treks.
Finally, the failure made me determined.
I was sad after the failed trek. I thought about my failure for days after. Even though I did not share my story of failure with others, I decided to make myself fit. I started to walk in the morning and later started jogging. I wanted to complete a trek.
Finally, the next year, I decided to go for the Roopkund Trek. It was my first Himalayan trek, but there was no anxiety on my part. I completed the trek without any difficulty. The next year, I went for Chadar Frozen River Trek. And my tryst with trekking started. In the next few years, I completed as many as 5 other Himalayan treks other than the one I mentioned.
After I complete a trek, I remember my failed attempt to climb the easy Maenam Peak. And it keeps me grounded. I know that in the mountains, I can fail anytime if I am not prepared enough.
Strangely, for some reason, I have not tried to climb the Maenam Peak again after that. I had visited Ravangla twice on different occasions but stayed away from Maenam. I hope to climb that mountain someday.
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