Continuing from Shrikins' blog, Preparing for the Sandakphu Trekking Expedition: A Journey of Adventure and Discovery."
We arrived in Manebhanjan at 9:30 am, relishing a hearty breakfast and picking up any last-minute essentials. The trek commenced at 10:30 am, and the excitement on everyone's faces was palpable as we embarked on this long-awaited journey.
After conquering approximately 20 to 25 steep ascents, we began to feel that the trek was more manageable than we had anticipated. Ahead of us lay a paved road, but we opted for the shorter route along the pony road. After walking about a kilometer, the sun bore down on us, and we soon found ourselves perspiring profusely. It became evident that many hikers make the mistake of not shedding their layers. At the very least, a T-shirt or hiking suit is advisable. Over the course of the steep kilometer-long pony road, we veered onto a side path following Roshan Da's instructions, relying on bamboo sticks for support. Mr. Nick skillfully managed the bamboo stick with his Gurkha knife, known as Khukuri, and we pressed on for about 3 kilometers. We reached a small homestay, quenching our thirst with cold drinks and enjoying a smoke break.
Our journey continued, and after a few minutes, we reached a spot with breathtaking views. We couldn't help but feel that we had chosen the perfect trekking destination. Taking a short rest, we wiped away our sweat, took some pictures, and reenergized ourselves before resuming our journey. With four members in our group, we gazed back at our starting point, now appearing increasingly distant with each passing 30-minute interval. After covering 2 kilometers, we found ourselves walking in near silence, our energy dwindling. I couldn't help but think of my brother, Roshan Da, who weighed over 80 kg while I was only 55 kg, a significant weight difference. We persevered, almost reaching the 3-kilometer mark, at which point we decided to indulge in some chocolate for an instant energy boost. Sensing our bodies needed more sustenance, we also nibbled on nuts to recharge before continuing our walk through the enchanting natural beauty. In the silent forest, the four of us moved almost like shadows, uncertain of what lay ahead.
Our first resting place was Chitrey, approximately 3 kilometers from Manebhanjan. As we entered the little dense forest area, the silence enveloped us, and the forest offered a picturesque trek. We encountered various types of plants, some of which are used as medicines in our village. Having some knowledge of these medicinal plants and grasses is a valuable asset for hiking in the hills. On the first day of our journey, our primary destination was Tumbling, but when we reached Meghma around 1 pm, the entire area suddenly cloaked in thick fog, resembling nightfall. Dark clouds hinted at impending thunder and heavy rain, urging us to quicken our pace. Despite our dwindling energy, we pushed forward, determined to reach Tumling. Navigating through the fog was challenging, as it disrupted our sense of direction. This is a critical moment in any trek, requiring heightened concentration. As thunder rumbled in the distance, we were fortunate to stumble upon accommodation. Sharing a room was the best option for staying together, with separate beds in one room. We secured a front-view room, but the thunder and heavy rain obscured our visibility of the surroundings. We enjoyed a hearty meal, each costing 200 INR, and accommodation for 100 INR each, totaling 300 INR for dinner, breakfast, and lodging for the night.
At 6 am, we awoke to witness the beauty of Tanglu, a location close to Tumling. Seeking refuge from the thunder and rain, we marveled at the tranquility and the freshness of the air. Capturing the moment with photos and videos, we embarked on the next leg of our journey, determined to reach Sandakphu. To be continued in the next installment of our adventure.
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