Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 1)

Tripoto
29th Apr 2018

This is the first of my 6 part photo-story of my escapades on the Pangarchulla Peak Trek. Follow my journey from the plains of Haridwar to the heart of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, a thrilling summit climb and an exceedingly satisfying end on our way back to Auli.

It all begins here...

Location: Haridwar

0500 hrs: Yawn. Woke up half antsy, half excited. Two hours to go for the trek to begin.

0730 hrs: Already late to the party (Read - cab pick up). Some people take so long to get ready

We set off towards Joshimath and an enthralling trek that awaited us.

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 1) 1/1 by Abhijit
Isn't it just spectacular?

As our journey starts, so does his

Photo of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India by Abhijit

The road from Haridwar to Joshimath takes us through a winding road of memories, as do the rivers.

Did we find it or it us?

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 1) by Abhijit

Before long, we stood before the magnificent Devprayag, the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alakhananda.

Isn't it just spectacular?

Photo of Devprayag, Uttarakhand, India by Abhijit

Of course, it was peak summer and the sun hit us hard. But, we found moments like these that were truly refreshing. Not only was it soothing to look at, even the water we splashed on our faces was unusually cool. Go figure.

One refreshing pit-stop

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 1) by Abhijit

Obviously, we sought a respite from the constant barrage of the heat with the sun bearing down on us. And almost magically, as we touched Chamoli, the gods in the marble halls, answered our prayers.

It was a sudden change, I tell you. But. Totally. Worth. It.

Photo of Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India by Abhijit

With the climate way, way better, time seemed to move along quickly. And before I knew it, we were pretty high up in the mountains with the roads stretched across the mountain-place like a web.

The web of roads on the mountain

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 1) by Abhijit

Looking back, I can only think of these lines I heard on my trip up the mountain. Hear this in Mohit Chauhan's earthy rasp and it'll take you right back up to the mountains.

Mai ni meriye,

Shimle di raahe, Chamba kitni door,

Oye Shimle ni vasna, kasauli ni vasna,

Chambe jaana zaroor, Chambe jaana zaroor

Oh, the real trek begins here.