Living my dream - A trekking experience in the Himalayas - Buran Ghati Trek - Part #2

The more I travel, the more I want it.

It didn't matter anymore who my company is, I just loved being in the mountains.

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Let's go. Let's go guys!!! I was jumping with excitement

It was still cold due to rains from the previous day.

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This is the second part of my, 'Trekking experience in the Himalayas -Buran Ghati Trek' In my last blog, I reached Dayara with my other team members and had to stay a day more due to heavy rain. So you can understand why I am so excited to leave. You can check out my first post here. Part #1

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Campsite at Dayara

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Dayara to Litham- from 3,376 m to 3,577 m

Everyone woke up at 5.30 in the morning and was ready by 7. Excited to leave after two days spending at this campsite.

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The journey from Dayara took us through dense pine forests, streams and hills.

Time for group Selfie

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Meet my new friend

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One can see the snow peaked mountains after passing through the forest and crossing the overflowing stream. The heavy rainfall caused the streams to swell so much that everyone formed a human train by holding hands to pass. It took me back to my kindergarten days.. ;)

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We all walked at our own speed, in groups or pair, I preferred walking alone. Nothing like nature to help you connect with yourself. It always feels good to hear the sounds of the river flowing close by, call of the birds, I tried many times to locate the birds, have a glimpse and maybe click a picture or two, but the trail was steep and risky and it was important to focus on the path and keep one foot after the other.
But still I was able to capture a himalyan Vulture.

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I personally did not find the hike exhausting, but the group was continuously taking breaks and it is important to stay close when in a group. But once we cleared the mountain fold it was a clear view of Litham campsite and we were able to go at our own pace.

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The path to the base camp is with multiple ups and downs and stream crossings, but the trail becomes gradual again as it nears the end.

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Look what I found.. No idea what this is...

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4 hours of hiking and we were already at our camp.

That's it for today????.. I have just started to feel the climb...

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Anyways...
After having tea and some dry fruits we planned to do a hike to Chandranahan lake.
Altitude: 11,737 ft (3,577 m) to 13,900 ft (4,237 m) and coming back
Since it was a steep ascent and 7-8 hours of hiking, so most of the trek members decided to stay back and enjoy the view and relax.

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With a small daypack, I and a few others left for the lake. It was a quick gain in the altitude with an uphill trail. Now it feels like a climb. I was breathing heavily and could feel the pressure. There was no place to take a break, in between the boulders and shepherds trail, one had to keep moving.

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It was a continuous ascent for 2 hours to a ridge top and we reached the waterfall, marked by stones left by travelers. I too left one. :)

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This was a much-needed break, and I think I spent an hour here, just looking at the huge mountains, waterfall and the fog covering the place. This is way better than my dream.

It looked like an easy flat walk from here to the Lake, which was another 1-1.5 hours.

You have to go barefoot! our trek leader informed
You kidding me

But for religious beliefs, we had to go without our shoes!!

ON THIS PATH???? No way

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But I did it! :)

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God! This is more difficult than the ascent we just did!!!
With big boulders and rocks everywhere, it wasn't an easy path to walk on. It wasn't tiring but my feet were hurting badly.

I don't want to go any further. Saying every 10 mins and still kept walking. Well, I want to see the lake.

How would the lake look up close? I can't turn back now!! Can I?

Afterall it was the origin of the Pabbar river we have been seeing on our way. The lake not just lies in the perfect setting but is also mysterious according to the locals who would tell you all the legends connected to it.
Was it worth it...Oh yes, every single effort made, every time my feets cried and cursed me, it was all worth it. I would do it all over again. It's a small lake nestled in between the snow-peaked mountains and snow everywhere around it. so beautiful, pristine, clear blue and so damn cold...Yes, I walked on it, trying to be a little adventurous, we had our share of fun...!

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We were now super hungry after a long hike and all other activities. We missed our lunch, but I was carrying some cookies, so survived.

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And we left, back to our campsite It was a steep descent but it didn't take much time for us to reach back, and we were rewarded with tea and noodles. There is nothing better than tea and Maggie on mountains. LOVE
We spent some time by the stream singing and relaxing our muscles in the cold water.
I was beyond happy for how the whole day went.

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Litham looked absolutely gorgeous with golden light from behind the mighty mountains.

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Litham to Dhunda- from 4,237 m to 4,074 m

It's a well-marked shepherds’ trail. 2 hours walking on the trail took us to the ridge of the Dhunda mountain from where it was a steep ascent climb for another 2-3 hours.

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Every time I looked up there was something new to look at.
After a tiring day, we reached Dhunda camp and was surprised to see the first glimpse of Buran Ghati. Oh, It was magnificent. It gives a 360-degree view of the mountain range and the pass.

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We met few shepherds and women who came all this way to collect fodder. Really? This far? But we all were happy to see them, and seeing us all tired and sweaty, they offered some snacks, and we happily ate it all. We later posed and danced with them,. What a beautiful day, and such beautiful souls.

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“Wherever we travel to, the wonderful people we meet become our family.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita

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I would be posting soon for the next and last part of my journey- Part #3

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I hope you enjoyed reading my post and I am grateful for every Upvote, Resteem, and Comment. Until next time! 😍

Content by @itravelarts
Photos by Karthik, Aaron and itravelarts.

Love. Swati ❤️

iTravelArts