Any trek has its caveats, specifically that most of them reach a crescendo in the middle and excitement fizzles out a day after the satisfaction subsides. And then, begins the trek back to civilisation, which is often long, arduous and quite unexcitable at that.
The Pangarchulla summit trek is absolutely unlike that. Even as you descend from Khullara campsite towards Auli, you get some amazingly spectacular views on the way. What begins with forests full of rhododendrons, you get to see the charming Tali lake from close quarters and concludes with the vast, beautiful green pastures of Gorson Bugyal.
At over 2500 metres, it is one of the best meadows around. It almost seems disappointing when you're close to ending this amazing journey. You begin to walk around the edges of the ropeway that takes you all the way to Joshimath - one that boats of the longest cable car in India. On your right, you see the Auli ski resort in its majestic surroundings.
It looks so amazing in summer, imagine how its would in the peak of winters. Or let's just see how it does.
You don't want to go back, do you? That's what we felt too.
But the end was better than we ever imagined - way better. At 150 rupees a pop and a ride that takes barely 5 minutes (how I wish it lasted longer) it takes you on a ride of a lifetime with thrills and excitement in equal measure.
With open ski chairs and your feet dangling about 50 feet up in the air, you make your way down to Auli from Gorson Bugyal at a speed which is non-terrifying but exhilarating at the same time.
What more could you ask for? Just watch this time-lapse video and lose yourself in the beautiful mountains of Uttarakhand!
To read a photostory of the entire trek in its entirety, start here and you can follow the breadcrumbs (links) to an amazing journey.
