Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 2)

Tripoto
29th Apr 2018
Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 2) by Abhijit

It all starts the previous day. Read about it here.

Forgetting my packed lunch on the very first day was far from ideal, it was catastrophic and an omen of things to come. Before getting chewed out by the TL, right on the first day, I ran up 2 flight of stairs and huffed back, sneaking into the cab before he realised.

We were dropped off near Dhak where we were to start the trek.

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 2) 1/2 by Abhijit
The dusty trail that welcomed us at Dhak.

Before long, we found better trails, passing through villages and facing Po's old enemy, STAIRS!

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 2) 2/2 by Abhijit
Why would you look down when there's such a great view above?

Of course, the view kept us distracted, but our legs did complain. And we stopped everywhere, some to sip some water, some to get clicking. Like these wonderful, brightly painted houses.

Wouldn't living here cheer you up everyday?

Photo of Tugasi, Uttarakhand, India by Abhijit

We found tree cover soon enough, and it was a welcome relief. The sun was unrelenting, you know.

Amazing filter I used for this one - the tree

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 2) by Abhijit

We stopped for lunch at a nice clearing and having a heavy (I overate) lunch, we began our final push, to reach the Gulling campsite.

As Gulling lies within the Nanda Devi National Park, we aren't allowed to have fixed campsites. (Read why rotating campsites are better, here)

So, guess who has to pitch tents after a long day? Indubitably, some contribute to the task while some get out of their duty by being cute and pose around.

Say "Hello" to 'Black Dog'. Yeah, too meta, but that's how we rolled.

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 2) by Abhijit

We had a round of introductions and ice-breaking sessions as soon as we were done. And then, there it was, the first of many superb evenings to come.

Straight out of a dream sequence

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 2) by Abhijit

I spoke of omens earlier, right? I had a severe muscle cramp later that night. More on that in another post.

But all was well next morning, thanks to a good night's sleep and some muscle relaxants.

To know what happened next, read on...