KedarKanth Trek : Part 2 : The First Step is Always the Hardest

And we got going.
Pic courtesy : Shameek

After an introductory first day and a long drive to Sankri, we started our trek the next morning sharp at 9o clock.  We helped ourselves to a rich breakfast spread of cornflakes, poha, boiled eggs, tea, coffee, bournvita and fruits. We were introduced to the use of trekking poles and had our morning warm up. Warm up was a routine before the start every day. My most favorite warm up was the one shown to us by Prahlad Bhaiyya, called ‘Jicuzza’. Check it out here - 

The start of the climb was steep and rocky. I was out of breath almost instantly. Man! What happened to all those fitness trainings! I dragged myself up to the first rest stop and had a sip of water. Making it to the summit was no longer in my mind. I shoved away the negative thoughts. Come on super SJ. Keep it together!

View of the valley at the beginning of the trail.
Pic courtesy : Shameek 

I emptied my mind and decided to enjoy the moment. I diverted my focus to the pretty rhododendrons alongside. The next steps gradually became easier. I could slowly find a rhythm to this entire dance – one step ahead, breathe in, breathe out, soak in the nature and move on to the next step.

Wolfy dog was our constant companion.
Pic courtesy : Aditya

Lo behold, the next rest stop arrived. We stopped by a stream, sipped more water, filled our water bottles and continued marching forward. On our way, we picked up litters and filled our eco bags. This was in line with the ‘Green Trail’ pursuit by Indiahikes where they volunteer to keep the mountains clean. (https://indiahikes.com/why-green-trails/) It was fun when two of us would pick up the same piece of plastic and had to decide who gets to keep that piece of garbage. Litters never saw this possessive nature in us before.

Pic courtesy : Chandan

In no time, we got to a Dhaba stop and could see the snow trails in the distance. With the first sight of snow, there was a sudden surge of excitement. Camera shutters went crazy. I sat by and enjoyed my hot cup of ‘kadha’ and the scenery before me. The next couple of hours saw us walking on slippery white snow. We slipped, stepped into the wrong bits, had our feet dig deep inside the snow, got our shoes and socks wet. But we kept laughing and marched on. Vijeet and Guddu Bhaiyya’s jokes and stories kept us going.

Campsite at Juda ka Talaab.
Pic courtesy : Shameek

We arrived at our first campsite – Juda ka Talaab. It was picture perfect. White snowy rolling hilly fields, little yellow tents, the frozen talaab (lake) surrounded by pine trees and the view of the snow-covered peaks in the distance – this is what dreams are made of! 

The frozen lake at Juda ka Talaab.
Pic courtesy : Shameek

We were welcomed with a tangy drink at the campsite. We were hungry and huddled inside the dinner tent for a quick lunch. Hats off to the Indiahikes Kitchen team. They did an amazing job throughout the trek. The food was simple, tasty and different every day.  We had Alu Paratha, Poori Chhole, Rajma Chawal, Samosas, Jalebi, Gulab Jamun and so many other dishes through out the trek.

Yummy meals being served by IH team.
Pic courtesy : Aditya

After satisfying our hunger, the next curiosity was finding the toilets. With good intentions to keep away bad smell, the toilets were always a bit far from the sleeping tents. We formed ‘pee buddies’ and trekked down the slope for answering nature’s call. I remember I had to go to the toilet early one morning and everyone seemed to have gone into a deep slumber. I gathered courage and came out of my tent alone, cursing my biological system. But when I stepped out, it felt magical.

Sleeping tents at night.
Pic courtesy : Shameek

The early dawn had a soft blue light on the snow and the gentle breeze never felt so fresh. I could see the moon slice glowing bright in the sky. It was almost a dream walk to the toilet tent.

Pic courtesy : Shameek

Equally magical was the star studded sky in the night. The pitch darkness made the starts look bigger and brighter. There were so many and so close as if you could almost touch them. I spotted Orion and Betelgeuse and probably Jupiter too. I regretted not having Sky Map on me. There were hundreds of constellations to be seen. Starry starry nights….

Star studded sky at Juda ka Talaab.
Pic courtesy : Shiladitya

The trek from Juda ka Talaab to Taal Khetra or the KK (Kedarkantha) base camp was a short 2 hours climb but it was tricky. In few places, there was no proper trail as such and we had to use the toes to make our way forward. We were wearing microspikes under our shoes to get a firmer grip on the icy snow. This definitely made it easier to cling on to the slopes with the help of these spikes. Trekking poles, microspikes – Ooh I’m a proper trekker now. Wait till I wear the gaiters next. – Laughed me and my tent mate, Pallu.

Gearing up for the morning trek.
Pic courtesy : Shameek

After a while, the trail opened up to this amazing snowy valley lined up with spruce trees in the distance. Started the snow fights. We threw snow balls and kicked them at every other person in front. Prahlad Bhaiyya and Guddu Bhaiyya then took out a mat and climbed up a slope. They then came sliding down the slope lying on the mat, bit like a combination of Aladdin and Batman. This got us into a frenzy. Everyone started going up the slope and did their own funny slides, often collapsing half way down. Me, Pallu and Prahlad Bhaiyya did the first trio slide. Prahlad sat in front with us behind him, all legs locked above his, careful that the legs didn't touch the snow and then we whooshed down. It was so much fun!

Pic courtesy : Shameek

After a lot of snow fights, camera clicks, hot cuppas, we continued again amidst snowy trails and spruce trees aided by encouraging shouts from our trek guides. ‘Shabaash Jawano..chalte raho…’  (Bravo soldiers..Keep marching on!)

Soon, we arrived at Taal  Khetra or the Kedarkantha basecamp where we were to camp for the night before we start for the summit on the following morning.