GOECHALA: Soul Therapy

I am a restless medical student.After giving my first yr exams I decided to travel somewhere, but I didn't get a chance to do so.

I was feeling this emptiness inside me, a hunger to fill my soul with adventure and thrill.

Now around Diwali I got 20 days off .. all my friends had plans to travel somewhere but I didn't. I was surfing on bookmyshow when u saw goechala trek. I booked it through INDIA HIKES and I was on my way to Sikkim on 21.10.16

Reach the bagdogra airport by an early flight. I am the first one to reach . After waiting for 3 long hrs others arrive and we share a cab to the base camp. The drive to the base camp is an 8 hrs long ride. And I am sharing this cab with 5 other people.I have the window seat. Person next to me us really nice.. good person.. he gave me stuff to eat (chocolate and gum). We all are talking and laughing, enjoying the ride when suddenly the person sitting on the other window seat pukes. He didn't speak much before also, kind of an introvert person and out of nowhere, he throws up in the car.
Driver stops the car , he cleans up..
The guys name is arvind, 32yr old male from the hot city of Chennai.. it was his first trek. He didn't seem fit for the trek. He is fat and ugly(I was judging) and I don't think he should be here. I hate him,he is just creating a mess. But I don't care much about it.
Anyways,
We start the drive again , I doze off for 3 hrs ..
It's noon now.. we stop for lunch at this little place. But the food was amazing. But I couldn't figure out there chicken , it's not zesty and I don't like it that much. But rest was good. One more thing.. the views were amazing during the drive.. we reach the base camp at 20:30 , tired as hell. At 21:00 we get dinner. Everyone's talking to each other.
Now I am surrounded by 19 total strangers with whom I'll be spending next 10 days trekking through forest....

Date : 22.10.2016

Woke up at the base camp in yuksom at 8 am .. got ready , had breakfast and started the trek at 9:00... today it was a 5km trek. A small trek . I was thrilled,excited and happy since this was my first trek ever. We entered dense forest of  kanchenzodanga national park and crossed three waterfalls and experienced awesome views on the way and I got to know a lot about my fellow trekkers... they were really good people. Reached the campsite called SACHEN by 14:00. Had packed lunch and by 16:00 India hikes served us snacks. Bhel was in snacks. Now we all talked to each other and got to know each other. Everyone was cool. IH set up the tents. I was stuck with saurabh. Meh!! But he was a really awesome guy after all.. The views were amazing from the camp site . Now it's dark. Time for dinner.. Everybody had dinner, had a good talk and a good laugh. Went to sleep at 20:30.

23.10.2016

Woke up early in the morning at 6:30, had breakfast and started the trek around 8:00.

All the trekkers now going through dense forest and doing steep climbs , crossing one peak after the other, crossed a beautiful waterfall, saw a landslide prone area, did a 7hr trek , 6km

Reached bakhim where we refueled ourselves with omelette and packed lunch. Now a little further more to reach tshoka, the next camping site.
It was beautiful, the views were amazing, got snacks at 16:00, there were noodles (chowmin) today, ate a lot, laughed and talked to fellow trekkers who now became really good friends. Smoked weed in the evening .
Had dinner at 20:00 and saw the night sky full of stars.. it was just wonderful. Slept at around 21:00.

TSHOKA: 2745m

24.10.2016

Woke up early at 5:30. As I opened the zip of my tent what I saw was unreal. I knew I would see amazing views in the morning but I didn't know that it would be this amazing.

As I came out of my tent facing the trail we have covered(four hills away from base camp), I was amazed by the beauty of nature , I felt complete. I came out and turned back and there it was ,the almighty KANCHENJUNGA MOUNTAIN ,the third highest peak of the world was right there.
As I saw it I knew I had made a right decision.

Everyone had breakfast, packed their lunches and we were all set to begin the 3rd day of our trek. Next stop DZONGRI.

Today was gonna be a long and tiring 10 hr trek, 8km , but the trail was beautiful.

First we had to climb this huge peak , 2 and half hr of steep incline and literally steep (70-75degrees steep)..
Then at the top was PHEDANG, which was kind of a stop for resting and refueling ourselves. From there it got really cold.
This steep climb was really challenging, first it was a rocky climb, then wooden path was there , that was pretty good, then came these huge rocks which we had to climb.

Now after phedang, it was a peice of cake.
The worst was over for the day.
Now though the trail was still 6 hr long but it was more or less plains. But there came a steep climb after that also.

But the trail was so so beautiful, I was awstuck, it was almost unreal.
Now after an exhausting though beautiful 10HR trek we reach DZONGRI.
There I was welcomed by a dog. He was the cutest dog, he is a good boy.I gave him biscuits, and my friend clicked a really inappropriate pic of me and the dog.
Now Dzongri in its own was amazing, it was surrounded by hills and it was kind of hidden in between them. It was beautiful.

Now we rested for a while and then to my surprise, when all hope was gone I came to know that here at this camp site boiled eggs were indeed available. I ATE BOILED EGGS AFTA SO LOONG. I NEEDED PROTEIN DUDE. I was happy.. I got wai wai and eggs, life was good again..

Now we went up this hill just to see the views and it was amazing ..
Now at 1600hrs it's lunch time. It was pakoda time.. all the trekkers in one tent laughing and joking.. we played damsharaj game and laughed so much, I loved it.
I should mention here that I was the youngest in the group, everyone else were 23 or older.. I was the only 19yr old and that was my Nick name, the 19yr old.
Anyways we all talked about life and goals and what not. It was really good, we debated and exchanged views an all kinds of talks.
Soon it was 20:00hrs and dinner was served. Everyone ate dinner and went to sleep.

DZONGRI:4200m

25.10.2016

Woke up at 4:00 hrs and had to climb to the dzongri top early in morning to see the perfect surise. The trail was narrow and beautiful. It was a 2HR climb  and was worth it. From the top you could see lamune, the last camping site and the mighty kanchenjunga peak was visible.
We came down to the camp site at dzongri at 8:00hrs , freshen up , had breakfast and started our trek for thansen.

Today was a 8hr trek and the views were the best today.
First we had to climb this peak with a steep incline which was pretty tough but I did it.
Now came the beautiful meadows. They were green, orange and red colored with the beautiful sunshine above the views were amazing.
Now after around 2 and half hrs of meadows came small waterfalls. Green little trees and bushes and water going through all of them. Water was all around and we were jumping on rocks to cross it, occasionally stumping my foot in water and slipping and balancing myself back. I cannot explain how beautiful it was in words. I don't have the pics of that time yet.
Then came a decline trail, not too steep , more or less plains with fog all around.
It was magical.
Then came narrow paths with water going through it, it was slippery. On my right side was steep mountain with water sliding through it, on my left was steep downward decline with brownish red shrubs.

Now came a steep downward decline to a big waterfall. The decline was a 2hr trek through dense forest. It was just as if I was in another world, I saw things that I cannot believe myself. The dark green shrubs and curled up trees and bails and huge rocks and occasional small waterfalls through the way.
The decline was tough but somehow I managed to do it. From here the next camp site wasn't far.
At the valley of this peak was a cottage and this place was called kokchurang. We sat here for a while, refueled ourselves and started the trek again.
Now we crossed two waterfalls and then we had to climb up this another peak for like another 1 and half hr.
The waterfall was beautiful and besides it was a range of huge and by huge I mean freaking huge rocks covered with green algae or some type of grass(not sure) and more over the whole scenery was covered with light fog. And so the scene was magical. It was imaginary.
I sat there at the edge overlooking this scene, tired as hell but feeling the view. I was eating my lunch at that time. I kind of felt alone at that moment and also realised that we humans are so puny in front of nature. I was deep thinking. Then came harshali, she sat alongside me and we both were eating pulav rice(lunch) and enjoying the view.
I don't know weather it was the view or it was real but I felt kind of attached to her and attracted. I didn't say anything(must be infatuation). We are good friends.(Shouldn't be confessing things like these here 😝😝)
Then came the trek leader and others, I continued the trek up the hill and soon others caught up to me. And we continued the trek together. Now as we reached the peak the trail was huge rocks, had to cross them, then we trekked alongside a waterfalls and then reached THANGSING . It was covered with clouds and was freaking cold . Couldn't see anything in front. It was thrilling though!
We stayed till night in the cottage at this camp site talking about stuff of all kinds and debating about different subjects. At 1600hrs it was snack time .. got pakodas for snacks. They were delicious.
At this time I was tired and sick of mountains , I was having a little bit of home sickness and had blisters all over my sole of feet. I was even missing facebook and snapchat 😂😂😝.
And now the weather was getting worse. Our trek leader announced that if the weather stays this way the next day also, we would have to forfeit the trek and return back. It was 0℃ and windy and at night it was -4℃.
Everyone had dinner at 20:00hrs and went to sleep .

THANGSING :3,932m

27.10.2016 (SUMMIT DAY)

Today we woke up at 2:00hrs since it was going to be a long trek today.
I woke up, freshen up and had breakfast and was ready to roll. I looked up to the sky and I realised that it was literally a five billion star hotel I was  staying at.
The night sky was lit with unlimited stars and I was trying to find constellations and I did find some.
Now at 3:30am we started the trek in -6℃ with torches in our hand or on head, trekking in a line and crossing the frozen waterfalls and frozen muddy waters. Most tricky were the rocks with frozen ice on them.
In one hour we reached the samiti lake. We didn't have time to stop, we had to reach VP1 before sunrise to witness the awesome sunrise of Mt kanchenjunga.
We continued our trek and suddenly my stomach felt funny and then I realized I had to take a dumb.😐😐 it was really awkward. I couldn't continue this way. So I told my friend about it. Now on the way to Vp1 which was a steep incline of 1 hr I took a dumb. Thank god I had toilet paper with me in my backpack. My friends said that I polluted the holy lake 😂😝
Go figure!
Now I am empty and ready to rock.
After a trek of 1hr45min we reach vp1 at 6:00hrs, the view of Mt kanchenjunga with the sun shining and rising was just unimaginable. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Anyways we couldn't stay for long on view point 1 since it was another 2 and half hr trek to VP2 from here.
Now I should mention here that the trail from VP1 to VP2 is the most beautiful and challenging thing I have ever experienced in my life. I'll explain it in detail.
The path to VP2 was a combination of different type of trails.

We continued our trek from VP1.
The path was really narrow. It was like one wrong step and you fall to death.
It was a rocky and narrow path on a steep incline.
⊙Now came this 85degrees decline from vp1.
It was rocky and steep, it was really tough to get down from it. But somehow I did it.

⊙Now we are in a valley and we have to climb up again. In front  of me were these huge 7ft tall range of rocks on which we have to climb and jump from one rock to other to cross it. It was beautiful and adventurous.

⊙ Now to my surprise in a valley between two mountains came a desert. It was covered with white sand. I was trekking with my friend dj.I thought it would be nice to make a vid of this dessert. As I started filming it suddenly strong winds came it was like a sand storm at 16000ft. It was so freaking thrilling. I felt like one of the discovery channel guys. This valley was between Mt kanchenjunga and Mt Pandim(2nd highest peak of India). As we crossed this desert in the valley we saw a stream of river which was frozen. Afterall it was -4℃. This frozen stream looked so beautiful. See it yourself in the pics.

⊙ Now came these meadows, the beautiful green,yellow and orange meadows. They were beautiful but long. Most of them were plains.

⊙ Now we go around a mountain peak which was the final climb to reach VP2. That means this very mountain was the GOECHALA PASS.
I was exhausted and literally about to faint. But I kept going. Now I caught up with others, rested for a while, and ate some of my lunch which had a boiled potato which was frozen now but I ate it.

⊙ Now came the final climb. The most tough also, it was so risky and difficult. I was walking on a straight path which was on a 75° incline. I had to walk really carefully, I slipped in between but somehow maintained balance and managed not to die. I couldn't see the top yet. All saw was a non ending narrow path which I didn't know was right or not.

⊙ I started asking myself wether I can make it or not. Then I started chanting Hanuman Chalisa. Whenever I am in a tense situation I chant Hanuman Chalisa to get through it. And it worked this time also. I don't know how but my veins were once again rushing with adrenaline. The power came back in my arms and legs and I picked up the pace..

Soon I could see the top. I was so happy I have reached it. It was like I could see myself happy at this time. I could laugh and dance. I was once again filled with energy at VP2. The Mt kanchenjunga was right in front of me and as I saw down, there it was, the GOECHALA lake it's awesomeness was over 9000.

⊙ stayed at the top for couple of hrs and then headed back to Lamuney. Going through that same beautiful trail was amazing. Reached VP1 in another 3 hrs and then on my way to Samiti lake I saw the sun was just above my head. The time was around 11:30 am and the temperature was a cozy 10℃. Now I felt really tired I lied down on lush and green grass and before I know it I slept on that incline. The warm sun rays were so comfortable and it was like they were hugging me. I woke up after half an hour and this was the best nap I ever had.

Now reached lamuney at 2:30 and then our trek leader says we are going to kokchurang where there was a cottage in which we were supposed to spend the night.
I was tired as hell and he said we have to trek for another 3 hrs?
We'll I didn't have a choice. Had lunch, a lot of lunch and still I wasn't ready to roll.
I was in pain, I had total of 8 blisters in my feet. I was hardly able to walk and now I also had rash between my thighs.

This was the only time during the trek where I gave up and offloaded my bag. I was carrying a rucksack of 12kgs during the whole trek cause I didn't want any help and make it on my own.

But now I hit my limit. I offloaded to trek for another 3 hrs.
At 5 we reached kokchurang. Everyone made fun of me for taking a dump on vp1 and then  we entered the cottage and lit the candles.

Had snacks at 1600 and then smoked some weed (very little) and then had dinner.
There were 3 rooms in this cottage. I was in the one with 9 people sharing, the biggest one. But today's night was awesome. Our trek leader Aakash told us all the ghost stories he has experienced in the mountains and has heard of. I was a little scared and again everyone made fun of me being scared. But I don't believe in ghosts, whatever.. no offense to ghost readers!! Then at 22:00hrs everyone slept.

28.10.2016

Today I woke up around 7:30 hrs. It was really nice sleeping for more than 8hrs after an exhausting day like the previous day.

Freshened up, had breakfast and around 9 we all started the trek.
Today was supposed to be  a 6 hr trek or longer , we had to reach Tsokha today so it was a pretty long trek. We had to go through lush green forest again and it was really tiring.
Most of it was plains and decline but some of it was incline.

After 6 hrs I reached Tsokha and I was so exhausted that I just removed my shoes and lied on the ground. My feet were aching cause of the blisters.
Now I see that some of the people have reached before me. They looked sad, like something has gone wrong in the plan.
I thought it might be some setback in the camping plans or something like that cause I didn't see any tents set up.
Then I ask a guy and he told me that Arvind DIED.
Arvind was the guy our trek leader sent back from Thansing because he had mountain sickness.
My first reaction was 'So Death was there', since the day I booked the trek I was thinking what if I die on the trek or worse somehow I loose my legs or any other body part and I become a handicap. I was scared everyday. I thought about it every morning and every night. I was constantly afraid. I just didn't know that something like this would happen to someone else in the group.

I didn't know how to react. I thought I was immune to that word. I was feeling angry instead of sad.
Being a medical student I was pretty practical about it. I was like okay someone died. It's not my fault or anyone else's . It's his fault only.

But then after a few minutes I felt this emptiness inside me like something was missing. I felt sad thinking about Arvind. He was just 32 yrs old. After few hours everyone else reached. And now they all knew.
Arvind's cousin brother was also in the group, he made it to VP1. As he reached Tsokha and came to know about his brother's demise he was sad and I could see that he was about to break down but he didn't.

Tsokha was the only campsite where one could get signal in mobile phone.
So Rajesh (Arvind's cousin) called home and told about his death.
At this time our trek leader Kamal broke down. He was crying. During the whole trek Kamal was the strongest person I knew in the group.
I understood that this type of tragedy was the first time he has experienced.
I gave him water and he stopped crying.
Now Rajesh was about to break down I could tell from his face. Everyone hugged him and he didn't cry.
Arvind's body was taken to Yuksom for post-mortem. So Rajesh with our trek leader and 3 other trekkers from our group went to Yuksom right away.it was another 6 hr trek to yuksom from tsokha.
It was now eve. Everyone was tired and sad.
It was enough. I said to my friends that we should not destroy the fun of our trip because of this. We should not think about it.

But we all knew it wasn't possible.
But we tried our best to have fun and not think about it.
The reason for Arvind's death was high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO).
When he was sent back from Thansing, his next campsite was Phedang. It was a 6hr trek from thansing. He completed that trek in 14hrs.
So that day he trekked for 14hrs. His condition was worsening, as he slept at night he didn't wake up in the morning, the Sherpa with him tried to wake him up but he was already dead.
Now the worried and afraid Sherpa ran to Tshoka to get help and to contact the base camp at Yuksom. He wasn't fit for this type of trek and he lied on his questioner about his history of trekking.
But IH should also have carried an oxygen cylinder for such cases. I am not putting a blame on anyone just stating the obvious and truth.
Now it was 20:00 and dinner time.
Since today was the last camping day India Hikes had a ritual that there should always be a cake with HAPPY TREKKING written on it on the last camping day. And they did maintain it even after this major setback.
The dinner today was delicious and at this hight without any Owen they made a cake. A cake which symbolised the hard work of these mountain people and IH. But there was no HAPPY TREKKING written on it because it was a sad day for all of us.

R.I.P. ARAVINDHAN.

Now at night the sky was clear and lit with stars. I was now staying at a 5billion star hotel.
We had a crazy night photo session in which I posed as if I was performing a Kamehameha wave. It was awesome. We talked a lot and had a nice time and went to sleep at 22:00 hrs.

29.10.2016

It's the last trek day. Everyone is happy cause now this difficult and exhausting trek is going to be over in 6hrs.
We all were very excited to get back to civilization and getting our normal lives back but little did I knew that I'd miss this trek and the fellow trekkers more than I missed my friends when high school ended.
We had Breakfast and started the trek by 8:00hrs.
Today it was exhausting and difficult. Cause we had to go down. I realised going back down seemed easy but it was tough as hell.
My feet were paining and now my blisters also burst. Along the way I realised something that I am in pain but I am not tired at all. I am a marathon runner. Coming back to low altitude with high oxygen levels I felt this energy running through me and I was trekking easily but then again after 3 hrs I was exhausted. I took a break and started again. After 6 tuff hrs, were about to reach base camp but our trek leader Aakash asked us to wait for others because we started as a group and we must finish as a group. So we waited and we started again when everybody came.

I am really competitive by nature , I had to finish first and so was my friend Dheeraj. And before we know we are racing to get to base camp. He suggested that we should finish together. I agreed and we finished the trek together.
We reached base camp by 2:00hrs.
This was now the first time in 8 days that I'll be bathing. It was no doubt the best bath if my life. Now everybody got freshen up and now the party was about to start. We started partying at 16:00 and finished at 24:00 ..
Harshali paid up and bought me a bottle of 100piper's.
And so we partied till we dropped.
That day I ate beef and pork also for the first time in my life. It was delicious. Though pork wasn't so good.