CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS: 206/207, Shilpin Center, G.D. Ambekar Marg, Dadar(E), Mumbai - 400 031. Tel. 24150211 / 24150221. Registered Under: Bombay Public Trust Act. F/1361 (Bom.) dt. 1966-03-31 & Societies Registration Act. Bom. 11/1966 GBBSD Dt. 1966-01-21 Wednesday Walk-in: 1930 onwards at Café Colony, Hindu Colony, East End of Tilak Bridge, Dadar (E). CIRCULAR NO: 4/ 2015 DATE: 27th JUNE 2015

Dayara Bugyal – Surya Top Report

After a fun-filled 30 hr long train journey, we (a group of 23) assembled at an Ashram in Haridwar on 26th May 2015. Everyone had reached Haridwar using various means of transport (Revati, Karvi, Neil, Mrunmayee, Atharva, Kunal, Anuj, Sneha , Ashwini Jr., Ashok, Sanjeevani and I by train; Himanshu, Rana, Vageesha, Shiven, Anuradha, Sanjana and Ashwini Sr. by road, Ganesh and Neetu by another train; Vikas and Niyomi – the following day also by another train). We left Haridwar early morning at 6.30 am on 27th. What followed was an almost 10 hr long journey through the winding ghats along the river Bhagirathi via Uttarkashi to reach Barsu. Barsu is a small village about 25 km from Uttarkashi. It is 10 km off the Uttarkashi - Gangotri road. We warmed ourselves up with an amazing session of standing kho-kho. Soon it was dinner time. Post dinner, we had the introduction and briefing session.

We all geared up for the first day of walking. The route was a wide pathway built by the locals using stones as pavement blocks. The walk was very enjoyable through the pine forests; climbing along the mountain slope till we reached a small open meadow. We based our camp near a water source. At the top of the meadow were two natural lakes. The bigger one is called Barnala lake. Hence the campsite too is called Barnala. Walking to the lake was a small acclimatization exercise for the evening.

Our next destination was Dayara Bugyal. Compared to the Barsu-Barnala walk, this was a very short and sweet walk. We managed to reach Dayara Bugyal in about 2 and half hrs only. The actual campsite was a little below the actual meadows. This is because, again, the water source was near there and also we had some trees to protect us from direct sunlight and strong winds, if any. On the way to the campsite, we saw a recently dead cow. It was a sight to remember when all the other cows had come to visit the carcass. It was as if they are having a condolence meeting. To add to it, we saw three huge Himalayan Griffins swoop in towards the carcass and sit on top of the pine trees. There was no better way to spend the time than to watch the behavior of these magnificent creatures.

The following day, we climbed back up to the meadows of Dayara. We could see a glorious brown peak peeping from behind a long ridge. That was our goal- the Surya Top. The walk to the base of that mountain was gradual initially. Then we had to descend on to a ridge and continue the traverse till we could see a steep climb ahead. The climb was challenging, yet enjoyable as we zig-zagged along the steep slope. We continued along the ridge and almost reached the col between the ridge and Surya, but the camp site was nowhere to be seen. Everyone’s expressions were worth capturing when we came to know that the camp-site is actually pretty down below…almost 500 ft down hill along a stream. This place is locally called as Syaari Bugyal. The tents were not exactly on a flat surface and so it was a challenge to not roll over the person besides you while sleeping. Here we were met with rains. Hence we had little choice but to spend the whole time playing cards and Mafia (a game). Who can forget Neil’s joke about the man and the old monk? I must confess, even I contributed to the long list of PJs or Parag Jokes as they are fondly called. People smirk at the memory of the joke about three lizards on the wall. Indeed it was one of the best times spent by the entire group.

Now, it was time for the big walk. Out of 23, 6 (HImanshu, Ashok, Sanjeevani, Ashwini Sr Ganesh and Neetu) people decided to not attempt Surya top. This decision was collectively taken considering

performance and time constraints. They decided to start back towards the ridge that we came from and then to get down to a new valley on the other side of the ridge. The 17 of us were to attempt the summit and then join these 6 people at the campsite. Basically, instead of getting back at Barsu, we had planned to go to Agoda. This was on the opposite side of the ridge.

The 17 of us started a little early as we would require more time to attempt summit and then get down on the other side. It was a steep climb all the way till the top. Slowly and steadily, we all managed to make it to the summit except 3 people (Mrunmayee, Sanjana and Anuradha) who decided to halt mid-way. Once at the top, we welcome each new member with snowballs and photographs were taken. We had some snacks and started the descent. The descent took us only 15 minutes for what we had done in 1 hr while climbing up. The 3 people who had stayed down also joined us and we continued on to the ridge.

We were surprised to see that our other team members (the 6 of them) were not very far ahead. Soon we caught up with them. As we go to the other side of the ridge, we were greeted with more meadows. Just as we thought that this was a very good site for a camp, the guide told us that we had to climb another slope of about 300 ft. Some member were already exhausted but managed to climb up that slope. Small hail started to drizzle as we climbed up. Soon, another surprise was waiting for us. Just as we reached the top of the slope, we reached a very narrow pass. And we had to descend a very steep slope for another 800 ft or so. The rains made it even more difficult for some people. Keeping the spirits alive we reached the campsite. All drenched in rains, we were very delighted to be received with hot tea and snacks.

The next day, we were to get down at Agoda. This involved a steep descent similar to the previous day for a longer duration plus a two hr climb to village Agoda. Also, we had camped much earlier than actually planned. Considering the previous day’s performance and the weather conditions, we decided to climb back up to the meadows and return to Barnala. We were met with hail in the very morning. It started to snow as we climbed the steep slope on to the pass. Across the pass, on the meadows, it was snowing heavily. The wind was hitting us in our face. We had to huddle up and wait in such conditions for everyone to reach there together. The route we took from there was a shortcut and would have saved us an hour. But unfortunately, one team member unknowingly took the longer route. As we got down on the other side towards Dayara Bugyal, we had to wait for the member to return. By then the rains had stopped and it was bright and sunny again. As he joined us, we started our descent towards Barnala. We camped at Barnala. The following day was the last day of the trek. After two hrs of descent, we reached Barsu where a bus was waiting for us. Soon we boarded the bus and started the 10 hr long journey towards Rishikesh. Back to Civilization……

From Rishikesh, 18 of us we went to Shivpuri for rafting. There we were joined by another member (Maneesha) who was a part of the Rupin pass trek group.

-Parag Lagu

Rupin Pass Report

We had just finished the Dayara Bugyal Trek on the previous day. We had spent the night at a rafting camp at Shivpuri. The day was just splendid. We went through several rapids. A few of them were so deep that we could get off the raft in the chilled river water to enjoy the feel of water currents against our cold bodies. This is called as body-surfing. At one point, we even cliff-jumped from about a 20 ft high boulder. Soon we reached Rishikesh where we at lunch at Chotiwala restaurant. Following all goodbyes, the four of us (Vikas, Maneesha, Kunal and I), who were continuing for Rupin pass trek, left for Dehradun while as others left for Haridwar. At Dehradun, we were placed at a hotel near Prince Chowk. Three other members (Mamta, Satyajit and Rhea) were already settled in one of the rooms. The remaining three members (Nandini, Rutesh and Deven) joined us in the morning.

We left by private vehicles for Dhaula. This was an almost 11 hr long journey through winding paths. The rest house at Dhaula was already booked and hence we had to set up camp site at the riverside just before Dhaula.

The next day everyone was very excited to begin the trek. We crossed the river and the path gradually climbed up along the river. There were small patches of steep climbs near village Sewa. But more often, the road was very gradual and wide. The path crosses into Himachal Pradesh from Uttarakhand just before Sewa. Our campsite at Sewa was a small descend away from the village and just alongside the river. Here we were greeted with large flocks of sheep and shepherd dogs. It was interesting to note how the dogs had a neck belt with metal spikes on it. This was to avoid attack on it by any predator.

Day two of the walk was similar: gradual walk along the motorable road. Once we climbed a steep slope just to avoid the longer loop taken by the road. We rested at Jiskun village where we had tea and biscuits. Here I bought a pair of shoes because I feared that my shoes would not remain intact for the remaining trek. We left towards Jakha village which was our next destination. The climb towards Jakha was pretty steep and long. After that effort, we were very happy to find that our stay at Jakha was in a rest house instead of being in tents. The rest house manager/owner provided warm water for bathing as well. The ladies of the trek enjoyed the privilege. The following day, we walked through the jungle along the river. After about 2.5 hrs we came across the campsite by Indiahikes. Instead of stopping there, we decide to move further ahead. We had to get down and cross a snow-bridge to reach our campsite. We were about 1.5 hrs ahead of the previously planned campsite which was the Saruwas Thach.

We were very close to the lower waterfall camp. By walking a little extra, we could have gained one full day. We had planned to skip the lower waterfall camp and directly go to the upper waterfall camp.( Note: The campsite below the waterfall is called as Lower waterfall camp and the one above it is called Upper Waterfall Camp)

But unfortunately, Maneesha and Nandini were having some trouble. Maneesha had her stomach upset and Nandini was getting tired very fast. Our progress that day was very slow. We had taken two hours for a distance that should have taken us 45 minutes. Nandini’s face was swollen and she was definitely not well. Hence we decided to put the camp at Dhanderas Thach (this is little before the regular lower waterfall campsite). Here our campsite was in grass but all around us was white snow.

Post lunch, since we had reached early, I decided to try and repair my shows that had started opening up. Maneesha and Nandini were resting and the others decided to go for a small practice walk in the snow. We brought Nandini out of the tent. Nandini looked better in the afternoon after taking in fresh air. We spent the evening singing songs and telling jokes. But in the evening, her face

again looked pale and swollen. It was clear that she was showing symptoms of altitude sickness. Meanwhile, Maneesha’s condition had improved. All others were fit and fine.

The following morning, it was finally decided that Nandini should got back down. We arranged for a porter to accompany her. And we left for the waterfall. The waterfall looked majestic. And it was as if challenging us to conquer it. The climb was steep. Slowly and steadily we reached above the waterfall. Surprisingly, we had done it in only 2.5 hrs against expected time of 4 hrs. But with such height gain, rest was indeed necessary. We were mentally prepared for tents being put up in snow. But as lucky as we were, we found small grassy islands amidst the vast snowy slopes. So our tents were on grass and surrounded by snow within a few feet on all sides. The wind here was incredible. The night was very cold and sleep was difficult. But we knew, this was the only camp in such conditions. The next day we would be back to tree-line.

We woke up early and were ready for the move by 6 am. But the snow was very hard. Looking at the snow conditions, Vikas and our guide Laxman gave the green signal to move by 7.15 am. We knew we had a long day ahead. It was difficult walking on hard snow. The first slope itself tested our stamina and confidence. The high altitude was also taking its toll. As we climbed up, we could see the never ending slopes. Rupin pass was still nowhere to be seen. After almost 3 hrs of walking, we saw the first glimpse of what our goal looked like. We could only see a white steep wall. As we approached it, hundreds of sheep came from the valley besides us and made our walk even more difficult. Their feet made the snow even looser and the entire path way was marked by their body wastes. We still pushed harder. The slope was steeper than the previous one. And it went on to become steeper. Every step was tiring us more. Two of the porters who had reached ahead came back down with ice axes. They made steps for those having difficulty walking in snow. And then there it was. One step above and the next step was not above but below. The pass was like a thin wall, steep slopes on both sides.

We had made it. We rested and took photos. The view on both sides was breathtaking. It had taken us 4.5 hrs to reach there. Now it was time to get down. Getting down in soft snow has an easier option: Glissading. Within minutes we had covered several feet. The same slope would have taken us hrs to climb. The walk continued down through snow covered slopes. After 2 hrs we reached the end of snowline. We walked another hr or so to reach the campsite. This campsite is known as Ronti Gad campsite.

Alas, this was the last day of the walk. We decided to not hurry but walk slowly enjoying the scenic beauty and the warm weather. Soon we could see Sangle village. We had to cross the river Baspa and climb all the way up to the market area of Sangla to reach road head. Our hotel was just off the main village. That night we enjoyed a lavish meal.

Now was the time for road travel again. Mamta, Satyajit and Rhea had other plans. The 10 hrs of journey had it all; from landslides to traffic jams. Finally we reached Shimla by about 7.30 pm. The next day, it was only a small 3hr journey to Chandigarh. From here we left for Mumbai via flight.

-Parag Lagu

Hike/R.C. Itinerary

Place : Mrugagad

Date : Sun 5 July 2015

Leader : Parag Lagu (98330 97768)

Pre hike meeting : 1 July 2015 at Café Colony, Dadar (E) at 8 pm

Assembly : To be decided at pre hike meeting

Place : Poddar Collage (Slide Show & film)

(Auden's Col trek , Dayara Bugyal trek and Rupin pass trek)

Date : Fri 17 July 2015

Contact : Vikas Kavle (98213 64910)

Place : Tikona

Date : Sun 19 July 2015

Leader : Abhijit Athavale (98903 76194)

Pre hike meeting : 15 July 2015 at Café Colony, Dadar (E) at 8 pm

Place : Mahuli Date : Sun 26 July 2015

Leader : Deven Gokhale (9619470471)

Pre hike meeting : 22 July 2015 at Café Colony, Dadar (E) at 8 pm Assembly : To be decided at pre hike meeting Place : Duke’s Nose Date : Sun 2 Aug 2015

Leader : Parag Lagu (98330 97768)

Pre hike meeting : 29 July 2015 at Café Colony, Dadar (E) at 8 pm Assembly : To be decided at pre hike meeting Place : Chanderi

Date : Sun 23 Aug 2015

Leader : Vikas Kavle (98213 64910)

Dept. Leader : Abhijit Ranadive (92233 78472)

Pre hike meeting : 19 Aug 2015 at Café Colony, Dadar (E) at 8 pm Assembly : To be decided at pre hike meeting

For all outings a packed lunch, a set of clothing packed in plastic & water bottle are a must. Please speak to the trek leader for registration, payment details and any other queries. For stay hikes, prior registration is a must. Last minute requests may not be entertained. Circular now available on the GIRIVIHAR’s website at www.girivihar.org

Happy Hiking! Happy Climbing．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．．

!．

Yours sincerely,

Vijay Beladkar

General Secretary