I have wished to trek in the Himalayas since I bought the book, “Trekking in the Himalayas by Stand Arlington, issued by Lonely Planet" on 8th Nov 1980 from Gangaram Book store at MG Road Bangalore. Owing to my Scouting Background, Participation in the Himalayan Car Rally, My Bhutan Assignment, and trekking in Kulu -Manali Rohtang Pass,Bandipore, Ooty, Dandeli, and North Kanara have held this dream intense as this Trekking is Competition Within and in not a race against time. Trekking in the Himalayas in Indian Regions may not be different than this, but reaching the base of Annapurna, the tenth-highest mountain in the world, is a dream come true. During my previous visit to Nepal in 2017, I had taken a Mountain flight around Everest, and this reaffirmed my determination to do this ABC trek became compulsive before what life could offer me next. One never knows. My preparation started a few months ago by adding more steps to my morning walks, exercising a healthy diet, and practicing climbing up and down staircase flights. Though this is not enough, one would require determination, mindset, and desire never to give up. I spoke to my friends in Nepal and got to know a very experienced and supportive Trekking company. Nepal Adventure Pilgrimage, Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. The Key word advised by now my good friend Mr. Anil Dhakal, Managing Director of the company, said that I have to do it "Bistari Bistari' ( Slowly, Slowly ). There is no rush, and there is no competition. When I announced that I was doing this, many eyebrows were raised, and galore of advice on low oxygen levels, age factors,etc.
I had done my preparation and homework very well. Ascot’s motto is "Be Prepared." Rally Navigators Motto is "Press on regardless." My wife, close friends, were very supportive. My Children gifted me with all gadgets, equipment, and essentials needed for this Trek. I was ready. Mr. Anil received me with a warm welcome at Kathmandu, and it was the day of briefing and good rest. I met with old friends and I was all set to proceed to Pokhara on my expedition. I was accompanied by Mahesh Adhikari, my Mountain Guide, and Porter Bikash, both looked after me with utmost love, care, and sincerity till the end of my journey. We drove the next day to the start point of the Trek Nayapul. The Trek embarked upon from that point is an unforgettable memory that shall remain in my heart forever. Then, we headed to Ghandruk, a mountain Gurung village, and halted for the night.I was heading on a trek to the heart of Annapurna, weaving through the high peaks of the Annapurna sanctuary with tunningly beautiful views. A heap of trekkers from all over the globe were moving up and down. However, this was not my first hardcore peak trekking in this terrain. Yes, it is thrilling,Breathtaking, and demanding. Looking at the mountains higher than the clouds and experiencing the journey without the luxuries of life, one would be pushed to the limit and sealing lifelong friends on the way.As we kept walking to the following villages though climbing up and getting down to the valleys through suspension bridges crossing the rivers and heading toward the towns of Kimrong and Chhomrong. Life is gratifying and all the strains get released with the grandest mountain scenery; including a rewarding experience of stopping at a tea houses on the way and resting for a while.
It will be hard to think there could be a better way to spend a few days of your life doing this. Mountain weather could get treacherous by afternoons with showers and,during the day, sweating warm. With sunshine, there is also a possibility of snow melting and the fall of rocks on pathways and blockages. The hamlets on the way were Lower and Upper Sinuwa, Himalaya, Deorali, and Macchapuchhre Base camp to finally reach Annapurna Base camp. There is a physical challenge in these crumpled topographic paths, with sometimes nasty climbing of footsteps nearly like a ladder. It is evolving experience, a new one every day. When you reach the.ABC, the panoramic view of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South,Himachuli, MacchaPucchre( Fish Tail) evolving feeling of Garden of gods, a place of soul harvesting, fertility and abundance of Peace of Mind and a sense of achievement.As we were given news of Bad weather and an Indian mountaineer Anurag Maloo went missing on his descent from CampIII to CampII at Annapurna, we felt very sorry and prayed,for his early return. He has been rescued and is currently in ICU,and we all pray for his early recovery.
We found our quick way back to the ground station and returned to Pokhara.Pokhra has a beautiful lake with mountainous background and Buddhist Stupa on the hilltop. We visited the Mountain Museum, where all the mountaineering history is displayed.Many pieces of equipment of great mountaineers who have reached the summits, including those of Tensing and Hillary,and photographs of the summit are shown.As per Notes in the Museum study of the researchers, The myth of the Snowman or Yeti was cleared by detailed explanation with the conclusion, "It is supposed that the Yeti is the Himalayan brown bear ( Ursus arctos isabellinius) or brown bear (pruniosus or Lagomyyarius). So it is si probably a Tibetian brown bear.Returning to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, I relaxed and met around old friends and the family with whom I had stayed during my assignment as a volunteer with an NGO at Panchakanya was like meeting old friends with lots of affection was rewarding.With a joyful heart, I said goodbye to these Mountains and my friends without knowing if I will ever visit again but with a gratifying state of mind that I have done it and You too can do it.Keep walking, Johnny !!Press on regardless