| |
Diary of a trekker.
‘Put me on that trek!’ spoke the enthused
voice over the office telephone. Seeking,
like many before him, a break from
the usual; discovering, like each and
every single one of them, existence in its
purest, most delicate form. As organizers
of such life-changing experiences, we at
Adventure Activity Promoter (AAP) knew
what a trip to the bewitchingly beautiful
Chanderkhani Range could achieve.
In the pages that follow, lies the true tale
of a trekker who joined us on a journey
to the mesmeric Chanderkhani Range.
An experience, 13,000 feet up nature’s lap,
where everything changes and has
the power to change everything. |
| |
| Day to Day Programme |
| |
DAY 01
Time: 09:27pm
Location: At a Dhaba somewhere next to Murthal to catch some dinner.
|
 |
 |
Left Delhi at 03:00pm (sharp). Been on the road since then. Bus is comfortable but the guys are making such a big noise! Singing, shouting, it’s crazy! About 56 of us in total. Everybody’s excited to go climbing mountains. They’re all quiet now because they’re having dinner. Hope they let me sleep at night! |
|
| |
DAY 02
Time: 04:16pm
Location: Base Camp, Chaki (5,000 feet) |
|
As was expected, I didn’t sleep a wink with all the singing and shouting! But it was good fun. Someone took out a guitar. Played all the old songs and new ones too. Sang myself hoarse. Reached the camp site about an hour ago. Was given a tent by one of the camp officials. It’s really cool and big. Three of us are sharing. One of the camp leaders gave all of us an orientation lecture on Do’s and Don’ts in the mountains. |
 |
He knows so much! How to walk in high altitudes and how to come down the
mountain safely; what to eat; there’s also a particular way to drink! There was
a lot of gyaan on camping also. I sure am glad that he’s there to look after us!
Lunch was wow! Never thought you could get such superb food in the middle of nowhere. Thought I’d take a nap afterwards but there were some adventure games planned. The Flying Fox was awesome! My friends aren’t going to believe this! Then we all were taken for a nice, long mountain walk to get used to the Himalayan terrain. Am outside my tent now. The sun is setting and it looks
gorgeous. Maybe I’ll dream of a mountain adventure tonight! |
|
| |
DAY 03
Time: 06:48pm
Location: Camp Rumsu (6,000 feet) |
|
 |
Woke at 5:30am and saw the sun rise for the first time in my life. Never seen anything so breathtaking. Had a nice cup of bed tea, did some warm-up exercises with the rest of the group and hogged a huge breakfast. At 10 am we started the 6 km trek to Camp Rumsu, our first stop in the mountains. Passed a few villages on the way. Some of the kids were really cute with bright, pink cheeks! Reached at 02:30pm in the afternoon. Hot lunch was waiting for us which we dived into! Caught a quick nap and then it was time for some more adventure activities like Commando Crawl. Felt like a soldier in the army! It was quite tiring. It’s getting dark now. Can hear crickets chirping all around. Am off to sit around the camp fire with a few new friends I made during the trek. |
|
| |
DAY 04
Time: 05:23pm
Location: Camp Gon Karari (8,000 feet) |
|
Had some bed tea when I got up. Such a fresh feeling. Maybe I should ask Ma to make me some when I get back home! After breakfast, trekked 5 km to Camp Gon Karari. Feet are aching! But I saw so much nature! The birds, trees, the plants, everything looks so alive. Thank goodness the camp guys had a cool drink ready for us when we reached. Lunch was served a short while later and we all ate more than the usual quota. Flopped down on the grass in the warm sunshine and was snoring in seconds! Woke up with the noise of people laughing and clapping. More adventure sports. This time it was Australian Trolley. Ran and stood in line to wait for my turn! Was a bit scary at first but I enjoyed it so much, went back for another round. Everybody’s collecting firewood now. They’re going to teach us how to start a fire! Can’t wait! Got to go and collect my share of twigs and stuff. |
 |
|
| |
DAY 05
Time: 07:00pm
Location: Camp Chans Fall (10,000 feet)
|
|
 |
Writing this by the light of a torch and a lantern! Was so busy all day didn’t have time for my diary. Day started as usual with bed tea and breakfast. (This food is so delicious, I think I’ll kidnap one of the cooks!) Trekked uphill for 6 km. Broke of a sturdy branch to act as a walking stick. Was chatting with someone and then the Himalayas came into view. I can’t tell you what an amazing sight that is. It just takes your breath away and you can’t utter a word. I was speechless. All of us were. The camp guide pointed out some peaks: Hanuman Tibba, Manali, Ladakhi. Can’t remember all the names. Feeling
sleepy now. Here comes a big yawn! |
|
| |
DAY 06
Time: 02:18pm
Location: Chanderkhani Range (13,000 feet) |
|
Something was different about today. The air smelled different. The birds were louder. Even the bed tea was stronger! Guess it was all just a preparation for the real surprise, Chanderkhani Range! What a sight! What an experience to see nature in all its glory! At 13,000 feet, the breathtaking Chanderkhani Range is a serene landscape, shaped in part by the fresh, green highland meadow and the rest by the towering mountainous arcs that guard it. |
 |
We had to trek only 5 km from the previous camp to get here. After the first 2 or 3 km, we came upon this large area of highland grass. All of us plonked down on the soft grass to give our feet a rest. Thank god I brought these comfy shoes. The actual campsite was another couple of hours away. Anyway, now that we’re here, sitting in front of this majestic mountain, enjoying the gorgeous view of those awe-inspiring, snow-capped peaks near the Solang Nala! I don’t want to go anywhere! Oh look, they’re calling us for lunch! Sure smells good. And the sight of this mountain is going to make the food taste even better I’m sure! |
|
| |
DAY 07
Time: 05:27pm
Location: Camp Pulag (0,000 feet) |
|
 |
We’re coming to the close of our journey and I feel like I’m a veteran trekker! Maybe I’ll attempt Everest next year! For now, I had to content myself with a 6 km trek to Pulag. The entire trek was downhill, quite a different experience from when we were going uphill for the first few days. What’s amazing is the scenery - it keeps changing! Mother Nature has made sure that nobody gets bored when visiting her! We reached the camp site just in time for lunch after which it was time for more games and fun. Managed to sneak away from everyone. They’re still enjoying the Plank Crossing. I just want some peace and quiet before dinner! |
|
| |
DAY 08
Time: 04:52pm
Location: Base Camp
|
|
Today we trekked down further to base camp. We passed the lovely villages with the cute children we had seen a few days earlier. Some of them recognised us and waved. I just kept looking at the Himalayas all through the trek. Felt a bit sad leaving this wonderful world behind. Don’t know when I’ll be able to come here again! Here’s a little secret- I buried a small metal pencil box under a tree next to the camp site. If you find it, there’s a special surprise hidden inside! And you’ll know what I found during my trek in this heavenly kingdom! Sorry, I can’t tell you more! |
 |
|
| |
DAY 09
Time: 02:33pm
Location: Manali |
|
 |
Am in Manali now, at a little café 9, sipping some nice coffee. We came here after breakfast at the camp site. Almost cried while saying bye to all the camp staff. Felt like I was leaving my family behind. Anyway, took a lot of photos with them and promised to send them copies once I get home. Hope I don’t lose their addresses. The rest of the group is doing a little shopping. Some have gone to buy sweets and stuff. I’ve got what I wanted- a nice woollen scarf for Ma. And a collection of old maps for Papa. Can hardly believe the trip is over. Dinner will be at some place on the way back to Delhi. I don’t think it will be as good as the camp khaana! |
|
| |
DAY 10
Time: 04:26am
Location: Inter State Bus Terminus, New Delhi
|
|
Just arrived safely. Said bye to all the new friends I made on the trek. Took all their phone numbers. We all made a promise to return some time. Am already missing those mountains, the trees, the birds, the clean, crisp air. Wonder if someone will find my buried treasure. |
 |
|
| |
| Trek Schedule |
 |
|
| |
| Trek to Chanderkhani Range: Day-wise schedule |
| |
DAY 01
Departure from Delhi around 1500hrs.
Over night journey to Manali. Dinner en route. |
|
DAY 02
Reach Base Camp at Naggar. Allocation of tents. Orientation Lecture.
Lunch. Adventure activities. Evening orientation walk. Night stay in tents.
|
|
DAY 03
Trek 6 kms. to Camp Rumsu (6,000 ft).
|
|
DAY 04
Trek 5 kms to Camp Gon Karari (8,000 ft).
|
|
DAY 05
Trek 6 kms. to Camp Chans fall (10,000 ft).
|
|
DAY 06
Trek 5 kms to Chanderkhani Range (13,000 ft).
|
|
DAY 07
Trek 6 kms to Camp Pulag.
|
| |
DAY 08
Trek down to Base Camp.
|
| |
DAY 09
Depart for Manali after breakfast. Free time in Manali.
Depart for Delhi in the evening. Overnight journey. Dinner en route.
|
| |
DAY 10
Early morning arrival at Delhi.
|
| |
Items you must carry
2 cotton shirts, 2 Trousers, 2 Full-sleeve sweaters, Wind cheater, 2 pairs of Woollen/Cotton socks, Woollen scarf/ muffler, Gloves, Sports shoes, Slippers, Hand towel, Small pocket-knife, Water bottle, Mug, Plate & Spoon, Light/dark sunglasses (non blue), Torch with extra batteries, Thread, Sewing needle, Buttons, Safety pins, Polythene bags (large and small), Monkey cap, Nylon cord (for packing), Lunch box (compulsory),Single bed sheet, Rain coat/ umbrella/ Rain sheet, First-aid kit (consisting of Band-aid, headache pills, Avomine, Boroline, Olesan,
|
| |
Camp Facilities, Boarding & Lodging
At AAP, we spare no effort to ensure that all campers are comfortable and well taken care of. All aspects of boarding and lodging have been planned to perfection. In order to cater to all tastes, we serve a variety of vegetarian dishes which are hygienically prepared in well-maintained kitchens. The menu is also selected on the basis of its nutritional value and suitability to the climate.
As far as lodging is concerned, each one of our tents is made from imported materials which are tested to withstand weather extremities. Participants can expect to share a tent with a maximum of 3 others. Most importantly, we provide sleeping bags for all campers. Adequate arrangements have also been made to provide lavatories and bathing areas. |
| |
Safety Measures & Medical Facilities
AAP goes to great lengths to ensure that your students are well taken care of and that their safety is never compromised. Each one of our Camp Leaders is highly trained and experienced in this field and sticks only to routes that are safe and well-explored. While every effort has been taken to keep participants safe, AAP cannot be held responsible for any accidents, illnesses or other unforeseen events.
As far as medical arrangements are concerned, AAP ensures the presence of adequate medical aid and personnel at every camp. Nevertheless, we advise that those on special medication, or those with known drug allergies, should carry their prescribed medication with them. Moreover we recommend that people suffering from asthma, blood pressure, heart problems or high altitude related ailments should not participate. |
| |
Camp Discipline & Environmental Concerns
Smoking, use of drugs and consumption of alcohol in any form is strictly prohibited. Those who flout camp rules will be asked to leave and return home at their own risk and cost. That apart, disciplinary/ legal action will also be taken against them. Furthermore, every participant is expected to ensure that the trekking trail is kept clean. All waste items (wrappers, plastic articles etc) should be carried to the next camp where they can be disposed of properly. |
| |
Terms & Conditions:
In case of cancellations, a fee will be deducted as per the following conditions. No refund will be entertained without a written request. For a notice of less than 30 days, half the fee will be refunded. Notices submitted less than 10 days before commencement of the camp will not be eligible for any refund. Refunds will also not be made to participants who are unable to start/ complete the trek due to any reason. AAP reserves the right to reject any application without assigning any reason. |
| |
| The Men Behind AAP |
| |
 |
Chanderkant Arya began his mountaineering career in 1989 and was a member of the Indo-Russian expedition to Nanda Devi East in 1991. He holds a Diploma in Travel & Tourism Management (IITM), is the recipient of numerous Excellence Awards in Rock Climbing & Para Gliding Courses, and completed his Basic Course from WHMI with an ‘A’ grade. He was a sumitter of Mt Jogin I (21,100 ft), Mt Jogin III and Mt Friendship. He trains over 2,000 people ever year in trekking, rock climbing and other adventure games. |
|
| |
Gurvinder Singh Grewal completed his Basic from WHMI and his Advanced from NIM, with ‘A’ grades in both courses. He set out on a career in mountain climbing and trekking in 1988. Within two years, he was awarded the Best Mountaineer. He was a member of the Indo-Russian expedition to Nanda Devi East in 1991, where he scaled a height of 23,100 ft. Apart from this, he is a veteran of several other peaks, some of which are Mt Safi (20,560 ft), Mt Koteshwar (approx 19,850 ft), Mt Jogin I (approx 21,100), Mt Jogin II (approx 20,250 ft) and Mt Friendship (approx 17,575 ft). However what gives him the most pride is the fact that he has trained more than 50,000 people in rock climbing and various other adventure games. |
 |
|
| |
| |
HAT- 2008 (Trek to Chanderkhani Range)
Things to Remember
Dates: End of April to first week of June, 2008 (Groups leave daily for base camp.)
Outstation participation should make their rail reservation at least 90 days in advance to avoid any disappointment at a later stage.
Age of Participants Everyone from 4 to 60 years of age, with a love for trekking can participate. Families are also most welcomes
Group Size: Each group should consist of 70 participants
Please refer to application form for further details
Contact Person
Adventure Activity Promoter, A-37 Vijay Nagar, Delhi 110009.
Ph: 91-11-24370927, 91-11-2712 8114. Cell: +91-98111 11930, +91-99996 66660. E-mail: info@aapindia.net. Website: www.aapindia.net |
| |
|
| |
| |
