Dainkund Snow Trekking – In freezing Temperature 

I went to Dalhousie in December (Third week) right after snowfall the week before .

I have a group me and my two ever green friends (or life you could say) and we decided long ago to visit Dalhousie in December specially to witness snowfall .

This was our first trip where we didn’t plan our itinerary but I am quite satisfied that it turned out a great decision .

Considering road blocks due to snowfall we thought better not to plan anything and be the flow Snow -trekking to DAINKUND PEAK was one of the output of no planning .

Due to snow fall there was road block for khajjiar (one of the famous tourist attraction) so we were just chilling at the ZOSTEL DALHOUSIE doing nothing on third day .

There were others in the ZOSTEL planning to go for trekking but were not sure . A group of five adults from Bombay had planned to go for trekking from “Lakkad Mandi” .

We three randomly asked to join them without even asking the trekking spot . (I was like haan thik hai snow-trekking hi to hai not a big deal)

Next day we had a group of 13 ready for trekking (I was still unaware of the name of the trek)

We started our journey at around 10.00 in the morning from ZOSTEL DALHOUSIE .

Usually shared jeeps take you till Lakkad Mandi from where actual trekking starts but due to snow on the way we did more of walk .

I don’t prefer up-hill inclined walks because I get tired but my friends are very fond of new experiences and YES this trekking was the decision which was worth opting for .

Trekking to DAINKUND PEAK is one day trek .It took us around 6-7 hours for this trekking

I would like to give you important points that should be kept in mind

1. Snow-Boots are a necessity . You can take it on rent

2. Always hire a local guide . This will keep you safe and directed

3. Wear at least three layers if you are in peak winters

Shifting from my formal advice to my personal experience this experience was beyond my imagination .

I am not a trekking person as I don’t have grip in my feet and I can’t walk properly in snow but I was happy I was not aware of the difficulty levels which made me overcome fear and reach to the pinnacle .

All adjectives in the dictionary won’t be enough to define the beauty of that place . Stunning-Serene-Pure this three words defines my feelings being in that place .

Everyone would have a different phase of emotions while being in that moment & at that peak mine was an amalgamation of excitement, fear, contentment and solitude .

Trek started with a slow walk adjusting in those new big snow-boots chatting with the local guide which was so soothing . Recollecting those moments I realized , I was getting addictive to those views. I was more silent than usually I am as I was lost in the nature’s art which I was witnessing through my eyes. But as I saw the inclined up-hill trek path I was terrified and soon my enjoyment turned into tensed mood . I took help from the local guide and my friend till the peak as I was unsure of my own grip in that pure white snow .

At a point of time I gave up as I was out of breath but not moving forward was like waiting alone at the middle of the trek in that snow which was not acceptable .

Snow-trekking seems to be so easy in videos and movies . But it is not . Being a trekker you can witness those amazing views from those peaks only if you put that efforts and complete the trek.

After being out of breath , crying , my boots full of snow , socks all wet , jeans ¾ th wet and sweater wet from back I finally managed to reach the pinnacle . (YES I made it. :) )

At the peak when everyone was taking memorable pictures for Instagram uploads I was still fighting with my mind and lost in that view .

Yes I was happy which cannot be expressed as my body was still in maintenance mode to subside the out of breath situation .

This trek showed me a quality that I can do anything in an adverse situation . I was the only one not taking any photos because I didn’t feel the necessity to do so as I have captured that in my eyes and saved it in my memory .

Most interesting part of the trek was the RETURN. It is more difficult to return then to climb as you are against the gravity . So if you can’t walk down just have a snow- slide.

Snow-slides are very helpful but take care while you slide as you don’t know how to stop and control over your speed as you can’t hold on to snow to stop your sliding process .

Most beautiful part of this journey was that sunset . I have seen a lot of sunset in North, South and west India .

Seeing those orange-red shades between the snow mountains and tall pine-trees is a bliss . Sun-rays falling on the snow and melting it makes you realize that every tougher situation gets better after a time

Eating Maggie after reaching to the peak is a mandate ritual . Enjoy it !!

Putting philosophy aside do take this trek if you are planning a winter trip to Dalhousie .

Take-away from this trek was

1. Snow-boots is like WEAPONS in a war so choose it right and of your size

2. Local guide is a SENAPATI. Gives you direction and reminds you to walk fast and click less photos

3. Tougher situation in this trek may include falling many times like me due to slippery surface which is actually FIGHT

4. Be ready for the after war SCARES . This includes injuries due to fall , numbness in legs due to snow and a bit of stretched body pain

I am attaching some photos which can give a bit imagination . Always remember what a human eye can see can never be captured . So click photos but don’t forgot to live that experience

P.C : @travelbuginsideme "Arti Odedara" humare group ki photographer .