Rediscovering Peace: Himanshu’s Kedarkantha Trek with Thrillophilia
You never know how a certain event can completely alter the course of your life. For me, it was the Kedarkantha Trek- the most amazing and memorable trip of my life.
I was at a low and felt like taking a break from everything around me. It had been a long time since I had gone somewhere. I needed a break, peace and some time off from the daily hustle and bustle of life.
Seeing me in despair, my friends and family tried their best to cheer me up. Akash, one of my friends, suggested, “You know, you should go to a hill station, disconnect with everyone for a few days and simply relax there. You will definitely feel better!”
Another friend suggested that I should go on a trek, knowing that I used to be a trekker earlier when life was a little less complex. I did like the idea and felt as if it was the one thing that can be done.
But I knew that trekking alone was not a very easy task. It requires a lot of determination, confidence, physical and mental strength, all the qualities that I was lacking at that moment. I told them that it was not my cup of tea to go on a trek alone.
After a brief moment of pause, Shubham said, “Fine, let us all go!”
Everyone agreed, not sure because they really wanted to go or because they wanted to be there for me. Without any further thought, I agreed as well.
That’s how random and sudden our plan to Kedarkantha Trek was. I had agreed without knowing how difficult it would be or how long the trek would take. But I knew this in my heart that a trek in the mountains was all the solution I needed.
The Journey - Forward
Before the journey, we met our trek leader as well as the fellow trekkers. Seeing everyone else around me happy and full of enthusiasm, surely gave me the much required boost of energy. We did a few warm-up exercises and got to know each other a little before starting the trek.
Our first trek was from Sankri to Juda ka Talab, covering around 4 kms. On the way, we passed through some suspension bridges and several local villages. During the halts, we all used to gather together and play a game till our strengths were back.
Finally, we reached the Juda ka Talab lake, from where our campsite was only a 100 metres away.
To be honest, this first part of the trek was not very easy for me, even though it was only 4 kms. I realised I had been out of practice and moreover, it was my first trek in the snow. I was scared that I would not be able to complete it.
Even though this trek was supposed to be my peaceful escape, it turned into a challenging task for me at that moment.
With a dubious heart, I got ready for the second day of the trek which was from Juda ka Talab to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. It was another 4 kms of trek, through even higher altitude and more difficult terrains. However, my friends were a great support for me throughout the journey. With their stupid jokes and weird acts, everything became easier.
The trek seemed difficult but every time I looked up, the breathtaking views around me calmed my heart. There was snow everywhere. We were completely surrounded by giant snow-peaked mountains, towering trees, huge boulders and a clear blue sky above us.
Somehow, I reached the base amp. I still remember vividly how our camps were set amidst the snowy mountains with a bonfire in the middle. All of us had gathered around the bonfire to beat the freezing temperatures. We had our dinner, played Antakshiri and then headed towards our camps.
Day 4th was our last ascend from the base camp to the Kedarkantha summit. The trek started at 2 AM in the morning as we had to reach the summit as well as continue with our descent on the same day. The frosty wind at 2 in the morning made it even more difficult for us trekkers to begin. But with our trek leader’s encouragement and enthusiasm, all of us proceeded.
The World from a Height of 12,500 ft
With shivery legs, multiple bruises all over the body and gasping for air, I made it to Kedarkantha. I was too drained to realise where I was and I immediately sat down to breathe. Suddenly, my friends shouted together, “Himanshu, look up!”
And I looked up.
Suddenly, everything around me became silent. I stood up, looked around and realised that I did it. After all the difficulties and hardships, I completed the trek. For that moment, it felt like the biggest achievement of my life. I had a big, wide smile on my face and even a little bit of tears of joy and pride. Seeing this, my friends came running and hugged me tightly.
Standing on top of that mountain, made me realise how small all the worldly concerns are. The world is huge but instead of exploring it, we remain stuck in our jobs. After a long time, I felt so light and free that I did not want to leave from there and go back to our city lives. Unfortunately, it was time for our descent.
For the last time, I looked around and tried to soak in all the mesmerising scenery around me.
A Feeling of Accomplishment
After returning from the trek, everyone said, “You have become a new person altogether!”
It was true, I definitely felt like a new person.
This trek was not just a casual trip that I planned with my friends. It was my break that helped me through everything. It also made me realise, no matter how difficult things might seem in the process, you should never give up because the end is surely rewarding.
I could not thank my friends enough for all of this. Without them, this trek would not have been possible. They encouraged me, motivated me to keep moving forward and held me whenever needed.
With friends like them, I am ready to face any challenge in my life.
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