MUSINGS FROM THE MOUNTAINS

Having tasted the success of scaling Kala Pathar (18, 520 Ft, Everest Base Camp, Nepal) during our family trek to EBC, I decided to push our limits further, against the wishes of my better half. Through endless searches online, countless queries and thorough scrutiny of reviews, we identified Black Peak as our destination and Team 7K Expedition as our partner for the expedition — the latter proving to be a much better decision than the former, as you will soon find out. I was successful in coaxing not only Raji but also Anjali to accompany me on the trek through a mix of gentle proposals, healthy nudges and emotional blackmails of course!

Preparatory Phase. Famously known in the trekking community as a luxury trek, continental food along the EBC Route had added multiple layers to our dimensions. Hence the first task was to become fit enough to be able to walk the 14 kms/day trail that Kalanaag had promised. Soon began a muscle-building regime inclusive of running, cycling & of course weight training helped me to get in shape on time.

The next task in hand was to pack essentials as recommended by the 7K Expedition Team. Decathlon came in clutch, and luckily, Our Back packs and Day packs cleared the limits imposed not only by the 7K Expedition Team, but also by the Airlines too. With all travel plans in place, we were ready to get..set….go…

Phase I: Sankri to Base Camp. Our journey from Dehradun to Sankri witnessed a group of strangers coming together to share their journeys so far, hilly green environs forming the background for the old Hindi songs being played and occasional photography in the villages. Our team leader Ganga Rana & the rest of the team welcomed us with optimism.

The initial days of the expedition was filled with fun & laughter, camaraderie and the expectations were running high. The weather teased us with showers and regular dozes of hot cuppa soothed the nerves. First glimpses of snow were seen in Ruinsara Tal, which rapidly transformed to heavy snowfall, slowing down our trek to Kyarkoti, the Base Camp.

Phase II: Base Camp to Camp I. Notwithstanding the weather constraints, Team 7K Expedition was meticulous in equipping us with training and gears, a must for expeditions. The weather however, had its own plans. The Base camp, a spectacular sight in emerald green, turned into white fields at regular intervals. Snow, as seen in Yeh Haseen Vadiyaan (Roja, 1992) soon began to seem appealing only on-screen. In real life, the Black Peak was playing hide & seek amidst the snow accumulating outside our tents. The rolling stones (Literally) added music to the snow fall and our personal rations seemed to be dwindling at a fast pace. We dusted up the tents every twenty minutes to prevent sagging and in turn leaks.

On the third day of being stuck in snow, an advance party went ahead for road clearance, their stuttered progress through snow sending shivers down the spines for the rest in the Base Camp. Fresh hope in our minds was induced by the Team Lead, who held a ritual for the timely appeasement of the weather gods and with able assistance from the 7K Expedition Team, all of us made our way to Camp I successfully.

Phase III: Camp I to Camp III. Weather conditions deteriorated by the minute and the Koflach boots sunk deeper into the snow, which was now at ankle-level. While majority of the Team decided to return the safety of the Base Camp, three musketeers decided to venture out with the professional guidance of the 7K Expedition Team. Chachaji, a seasoned mountaineer (having climbed the Black Peak 17 times) led the breakaway group. Interesting anecdotes from the 7K Expedition Team kept our hopes high & we ploughed onto Camp II.

While the climb from Camp II to Camp III started off on a brisk note with sunshine all-around, persistent snowfall dampened our spirits. Nevertheless, on reaching Camp III, a ray of hope emerged late evening with the setting sun forming a stunning background for the Black Peak. Preparations for the summit trek began at 12 AM. The snow had melted and become soft in the night making our further expedition risky. Nevertheless, we hoisted our National Flag at 2:30 AM under the moonlit sky, at the highest point the team was able to make its way to, and our return journey commenced at 6 AM.

The return leg proved to be more tedious due to slippery slopes and the impending descent. The crew offloaded our packs at intervals, to aid with the journey back, and it was their handholding and encouragement that brought us back to the Base Camp amidst the thunderous applause by the rest of the Team. Three days and 40 kms later, we were back!

Full credits to Team 7K Expedition for attention to details, due care, and hospitality. Undeterred by the hostile weather conditions (snowfall in summers), avalanches & landslides, the 7K Expedition Team led us from the front, and safeguarded us from the rear. Qualified & experienced guides showed us the right path and the supporting team ensured our well being through timely meals/refreshments (eating hot gulab jamuns while getting drenched in the snow is truly an experience) and timely morale boosters.

While this journey has come to an end, the quest continues….