Toughest day of the trek. 2:00 AM, wake alarm call. We all were on time, packed bag & ready to start. Around 3:30 AM, after having midnight snacks, we made headway up the peak. We were 16 member group along with other trekkers. Such amazing trekkers pushing each other to reach peak. After almost 2 KM of walk, we were at the first stop, the tea point before the summit. My nose was badly hurt due to higher altitude, cold and wind. Applied some sunscreen and it was time to proceed, with knowing the next route will be more tougher than earlier.
As we proceed ascending the sky changed the colours. This time was walking 2nd last in the group, out of 16 members. Was not in hurry at-all, as our guides already instructed about the sun rise time, which usually happen between 7:00 AM - 7:15 AM. And was having faith in me, that I will be reaching the top on time.
The closer I got through the harder it was to climb up the steep mountain, due to which was not able to maintain my same pace. It was exactly at 06:50 AM, touch the peak. Was seeing the summit, which was in-front of me. First seated on a rock, took one long deep breath. Yes, I did it. Yes, I can achieve everything. Now the time, to take the unbelievable 360 degree view from top, at an altitude of 3812m or 12500ft from sea level. I started capturing videos, and pictures. But was disappointed as, I forgot to switch off my mobile, and remove the DSLR battery. Due to which, the mobile and DSLR batteries drained out. Without wasting a single second, I first capture the beautiful view video, before sun rise. Clicked one more picture of Lord shiva's throat.
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| My group at Kedarkantha Summit ( Pic Credit: @pratik ) |
It was marvellous and heavenly view from top. I salute to the creator of nature. Many other peaks were visible, from the summit. Most important thing was, Reliance JIO was having network, and trekkers started calling their near & dear one's to witnessing the breathtaking view from top, LIVE. Slowly many trekkers joined us on the top, after the struggle. But everyone were happy and forgot the pain they were suffering from, as they mesmerised by the view. At exactly 7:05 AM, sun rises and trekkers started celebrating the success, the achievement. All these feeling, experience became memories, to cherish for a life time.
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| Way back to Kedarkantha Base camp from Summit ( Pic Credit: @pratik ) |
We remained at top around 30 minutes. With the memories of my first successful snow trek, I descended down. I felt the descend was bit difficult than ascend, but for others they like the descend part the most. Got scared with all the big slides and falls. My track pant was rain proof due to which, it was too slippery while sliding from top. All together new experience to remember forever. With in one hour we reached Kedarkantha base camp. We had our food, and relaxed in the tent for sometime, and packed the bag packs, for our next stop, "Haregaon".
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| Pic Credit: @Vamshi |
Around 1:30 PM started for Haregaon. Advisable to wear crampons & leg gaiters, because of slippery & snow track. Exactly after almost one hour, reached "Haregaon" campsite, where our tents were ready and allocated. Time to refreshening, and take rest, as it was a long tiredy day, which was started at 2:00 AM, late night. All sudden witnessed hailstorm as well, late afternoon before sun set. Around 7:30 PM had our dinner and retired for the day after a great day. The night was amazing, cause for the first time, in the entire trekking journey, got good sleep.
Nicely articulated your journey. Feel like experiencing the tracking while going theough the article. Congrats on your success.
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