For how it starts, you can go here.
0500 hrs - I woke up with no pain. That's good.
Came out of the tent to a cold mountainside. Completely regretted it, for a moment. And then appreciated the spectacular view as my body tried to warm itself quickly (unsuccessfully, I might add).
But I was ready for the time when the sun came up, for the warmth and the pictures.
We had a short day today, and all under the forest cover. Whoopie!
We walked less, fun, we had more. Since today was a shorter day, comparatively, we didn't press on urgently, but enjoyed each moment.
We stepped around some, under some.
To identify different kinds of trees is a gift. Our TL named many, oak, birch, maple, maybe. I could differentiate only between alive and dead. But, even the dead had ant-hills inside them. Nature doesn't let anything go waste, does it?
Much to learn you have, my young Padawan.
And on times such as a trek, you must learn to slow down and smell the flowers. Well, not this poisonous rhododendron bunch.
The Khullara campsite was hidden just behind this bunch. And as expected, the tents were waiting to be pitched. So, we did. Not this guy though.
While some were posing for photographs, some of us found a clearing large enough to play the country's favourite game.
Tired after a long day and rounds of cricket, we were aghast to find out that we would be attempting the summit next morning itself, as the next campsite was frozen over and inaccessible.
We called it an early night as the summit attempt would begin at an unearthly 2 a.m the next morning.
The exciting summit day is here.
