the Story Begins

Coming back to the story now, I guess our trip was jinxed right from the time go. Why do I say that? It was a clear day, no rains in Delhi, and it seemed we should have no problem in reaching Nizamuddin Railway Stn. We started late to escape the traffic window, just to get stuck in worst traffic at the most unlikeliest time. A wrong turn cost us an exit from Outer Ring road; call it a blessing in disguise. It was totally empty and we made it to station in the nick of time. 4:00AM, we arrived at Haridwar station and took a Taxi to Uttarkashi. Why Uttarkashi instead of Gangotri? That is another story!!
Lets call it another reason for the journey being jinxed!! Well before we started our journey, we were monitoring the climate in hills, especially in Gangotri. It always said Thunderstorm with heavy showers or Moderate Showers etc etc etc.. I called up few contacts and they give me even more terrible news. There was a landslide at Bhatwari and the route was closed. But even then we went ahead with a positivity, thinking that the route might just open. Unlike the Kedarkanta Peak trek, guess the lady luck wasn’t shining on me this time round.

After passing by some minor landslides we finally reached Uttarkashi at around 11.30am. Our trek organizer Mr. Pitamber from Highland Trek wasn’t very encouraging, to let us take the trek to Kedartal. Apparently it was the not the best time to trek to Kedartal, because of the heavy rains, rock fall and landslide prone areas all the way through the trek. But still we insisted!! Another problem being, reaching Gangotri. We had to reach Bhatwari; where landslide had happened and walk 4-5km across to other side and take another jeep to Gangotri there. Hassle hassle.. While shopping for our ration we had a small team talk and decided, is it worth taking all this risk. Even if we make it to Kedartal after so much of hassle and hard work, what if it rained on the D-day???? Or what if its very cloudy??? What about the views that we would have otherwise got?? The famous; Reflection of Thalaysagar Peak in the crystal clear water of lake!! Then came the moment of truth. Surly after that small talk everyone was thinking, if it was worth it. Then came the final nail in the coffin; third reason why I say the trip was JINXED!!! We decided to go back to Mr. Pitamber to explore our options. It became more and more clear that my young-hood dream of trekking to Kedartal would have to wait little bit longer.
On returning, we were offered Dodital-Dharwa Top and Sahastratal Tal, later taking 6 days. Shubhodip was very excited about Dodital-Dharwa top trek. Well someday even I had to do it. So not trying to confuse ourselves with a heavy heart we all decided to do Dodital-Dharwa top trek. Pitamber arranged us the Guide. His name was Jay Kumar something … we called him Jai Bhai.. he was a local from Agoda village, which is on the way to Dodital. Very experienced and very kind man, had done the Khalindi Khal Expedition (one of the most difficult trek in rld) 4 times, Kedar Dome several times and a expert trekker to Rudra Gaira Peak and Satopanth are few feathers in his hat.
While chatting to Pitamber we learned that there was a trek route from which one could cross across the Dharwa to and get down to Hanuman Chatti via Seema. It sounded pretty damn interesting. And all of us were game for it. But that required camping and carrying ration and fuel. So along with our Guide we took 3 porters to carry our tents and ration. All set we took the jeep to Snagamchatti from Uttarkashi; cost us Rs. 300/-

click on the link below for pictures

PICTURES of the Travel