Trek Exp from Gangotri to Nandanvan & back

mayurm

Hi everyone,

this is my first post at indiamike, though have been visiting the site for the past 2-3 months when i was planning my trek. It feels great to see all trek enthusiasts gathered at one place and share their experiences.

I had been to nandanvan just a few days ago with some friends. Though we'd planned to do Kalindikhal in 12 days (which was a BIG mistake) , had to settle for Nandanvan coz of bad weather conditions and probs of altitude sickness with some groupmates. Thats a long story. Am in the midst of writing the story. Will post it once done. Will also upload the pics once compiled.

Well, to sum up the trek - overall the trek was a GREAT Experience. REally chilly winds throughout. The trek from Gaumukh to Nandanvan is an experience of a rare kind. Boulders, Morraines, Rock and no clear cut laid path. The route keeps changing everyday. So, not recommended to trek without a guide. Also, the climb is very steep.

Though we're a bit disappointed for not being able to do Kalindi, the trek has offerred a lot to learn, so that we don't repeat the same mistakes again. One simple learning - ACCLIMATISATION IS THE KEY.DON"T RUSH ON WITH HIGH ALTITUDE TREKS. RESPECT THE MOUNTAINS. On a positive note, feel satisfied having done Nandanvan as a first time trekker with no health probs at all. Am looking forward to do Kalindi sometime in life, not very sure when, but def in the next 3-4 yrs - Thats the target ! Though have Goecha-La, Markha Valley, Everest ABC also in the pipeline.

So folks, will keep u posted on the write up and the pics.

Till then.

Cheers

- Mayur

uttam

Mayurum,
Congrats for ur first successful trek. Man, u should not feel dissapointed, kalindikhal will wait for u. Mountains are permanently self-enlarging experience. Just think about the positives u got out of this attempt.
U seem to be a trekker who trek with heart, soul n barin. So it will be worth reading ur experiences.

AvidTrekker

Good for you that you decided to call it a day well in time... many foolhardy people think it brave and risk their lives by ignoring weather and altitude sickness warnings.

Kalindi Khal is at the very upper end of tough treks. [in terms of altitude AND technical patches] Any tougher and you would be mountaineering, NOT trekking.

Take heart and rejoice that you accomplished whatever you could.

All the high altitude treks of 17000 feet altitude plus [save and except some in Ladakh] are best attempted between 15th July and 15th September [timings extendable by 15 days on either side depending on route selection].

What you did was certainly creditable... and for a first timer, really good. Don't lose heart. Keep it up !!

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mayurm

Thanks Avid Trekker & Uttam.

Will take some days to post my exp. Will post the pics earlier.

Anyways, have any of you all been to Kalindi or any other trek on the same route ? Lemme know.


Cheers !

- Mayur

jyotipg

Congrats Mayur.

It was good decision mot to head to Kalindi as a newbie.

I am heading to Kalindi Pass on 24th August. Will keep you posted on the exp.

Cheers,
JP

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tasuray

Hi Mayurm,
God saved you.As Avidtrekker mentioned, Kalindi Khal is not a trekking route. It is almost expedition and requires lot of technical know how.It is one of the toughest trek.It is in any case not for a first time trekker and suitable time is 3rd week of August to end of September.But what you have achieved is off course admireable. This learning will lead you to further treks in future.With best wishes.

uttam

Mayurm, it's a pity that i have been to Gaumukh area for field-survey but not as a trekker who has this sole aim to be with Nature. I,ve been planning for Kalindikhal since last one year but haven't got the call from KK.

VSK Sharma

Hi,
Mayurm learned it the hard way though I think he himself did not fell sick due to altitude. Good he learnt during the first time itself. I hope people read his account and start trekking with milder treks rather than KK, Auden's col and Dhumdhar etc. I also hope people take the advice of Avid and others in right sprit.
No point lying in the tent while on trails of unmatched scenic beauty.

mayurm

Hey guys,

first of all sincere apologies for not replying to any of ur posts and just being outta touch with the forum. Thanks to everyone who got back to my post.

It's been more than a year. In fact have just visited the forum after a long time and am really impressed by the spirit and passion of everyone here. Cheers! to the passion for the mountains!

Actually, I am a novice at trekking. Just have a few treks in the Sahyadris and the Nandanvan trek to my credit. here is the link to the photos for the Nandanvan trek and some rafting in Rishikesh: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayurm/ (sorry, couldn't write the experience.....

What brings me back to the site is some sort of a calling.......A calling for the mountains......Probably triggerred by a keanness for adventure never been put to test so far or the kick of summitting a peak or the sense of accomplishment after completing a trek or a realisation of a passion..........don't really know, but what I now clearly know is that the mountains are calling and now is the time in life to give in to the call!!! In fact I read Into Thin Air by John Krauker a few months ago and the book held me completely spellbound. Have just bought a book titled : Touching The Void, another supposedly mountaineering classic. I seem to get more and more obsessed with trekking and mountaineering day by day...and now want to make it a part of my life. It will be quite some months till I plan out a decent enough break for myself and venture into the mountains....have a lot of things to be sorted out first, which are priority now, but eventually priorities would change.........And nevertheless can use this time to get back into physical shape and build endurance......

The above were just some thoughts which I thought of sharing in the best available platform and with people who share a similar passion and have been there and done that !

Will keep you posted once I zero in on my plans!!! and will definitely be an active member now - wherever I can contribute, though don't think so can contribute much 'coz of my lack of trekking experience.................... ..

Cheers!

Mayur.