Himalayan Trek – Back to Civilization

We hit back Manali around 10:30 pm on 22nd night after the grueling 6-day trek. On the way back, we got what we missed earlier – beautiful scenery up to Rohthang Pass and a 3-hour traffic jam:), which apparently is a common feature. We also realised the tourist trap that Rohtang is. Teeming with tourists [...]

Himalayan Trek – Day 5 – Finally, "high" at 16500!

It was 5:00 am in the morning. I was just awakening from a disturbed sleep haunted by the sounds of the gushing Topkoyongma river. I could sense Sham also stirring beside me. Little did I realise that she was wide awake….for quite some time now…
Sham: “Venky….(pause)”
Venky: ” Hmm………(pause)”
Sham:”…… I don’t want to cross the river……..”
I [...]

Himalayan Trek – Day 4 – 20 meters of numbness!

As a short break from Venky’s narration, I’m Pranitha here taking over the narration for Day 4 – Topkogongma to Topkoyongma. Perhaps as a celebration to my being alive – but wait, I’m not giving anything away that quick.

So, all night we heard the stream gushing and well, to be [...]

Himalayan Trek – Day 3 – Chandertal to Topkogongma – An ardous journey

Day 3 started on a chilly note. All of us got up by 7am, finished our routine duties and breakfast and were ready to move out by 8 pm.
Today’s trekking terrain was to be different. We were not going to go through set roads. It was going to be uphill-downhill all the way, something that [...]

Himalayan Trek – Day 2 – Chillax at Chandertal

The day did not start off really well for me and Sham. Nor did the previous night. Sham sufferred a serious stomach upset during the night. She did not sleep most of the night! The next day, the first thing she did was to throw up:( !!!!A great start to our 5th marriage anniversary:)
Thankfully, this [...]