Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3)

Tripoto
29th Apr 2018
Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) by Abhijit

For how it starts, you can go here.

0500 hrs - I woke up with no pain. That's good.

Came out of the tent to a cold mountainside. Completely regretted it, for a moment. And then appreciated the spectacular view as my body tried to warm itself quickly (unsuccessfully, I might add).

But I was ready for the time when the sun came up, for the warmth and the pictures.

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) 1/5 by Abhijit
It was worth it, right?

We had a short day today, and all under the forest cover. Whoopie!

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) 2/5 by Abhijit
Starting off the day happier than ever

We walked less, fun, we had more. Since today was a shorter day, comparatively, we didn't press on urgently, but enjoyed each moment.

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) 3/5 by Abhijit
Is there a more calming view than a forest willing to shade you from the heat?

We stepped around some, under some.

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) 4/5 by Abhijit
Under or above? Or if you're a superhero - through.

To identify different kinds of trees is a gift. Our TL named many, oak, birch, maple, maybe. I could differentiate only between alive and dead. But, even the dead had ant-hills inside them. Nature doesn't let anything go waste, does it?

Much to learn you have, my young Padawan.

And on times such as a trek, you must learn to slow down and smell the flowers. Well, not this poisonous rhododendron bunch.

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) 5/5 by Abhijit
The beautiful but deadly, rhododendron ponticum

The Khullara campsite was hidden just behind this bunch. And as expected, the tents were waiting to be pitched. So, we did. Not this guy though.

Perks of not having opposable thumbs.

Photo of Khullara Campsite, Tugasi, Uttarakhand, India by Abhijit

While some were posing for photographs, some of us found a clearing large enough to play the country's favourite game.

You've got to be there to know how much fun it is playing cricket at 11,000 ft

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) by Abhijit

Tired after a long day and rounds of cricket, we were aghast to find out that we would be attempting the summit next morning itself, as the next campsite was frozen over and inaccessible.

The last light of the day I saw before I was done for the day

Photo of Pangarchulla trek: A photo story (Part 3) by Abhijit

We called it an early night as the summit attempt would begin at an unearthly 2 a.m the next morning.

The exciting summit day is here.