Trekker’s Tale : One Month, Four Treks, Endless Memories :

Last Minutes trip to the mountains 

I just wanted to escape for 1 month in the mountains. I contacted several local agencies. Himalaya Shelter responded quickly and offered me exactly what I wanted. Incredible and unexpected, without hesitation, I booked with them for 4 treks. They turned out to be attentive to me, attentive to helping me, to making the organization easier for me and I will realize that throughout this month, they will maintain this kindness, this efficiency and these skills.

Smile even in the rain- Surya Top

So I begin my first trek, Surya Top Trek. Leaving from Derhadun, they organize to pick me up in Rishikesh. An attention that will be the first of a long list. I join 2 young women, friends and Indians who know Himalaya Shelter for having done other treks with them. It is reassuring to know that their previous experiences were positive. An experienced and efficient driver takes us to Barsu, a charming mountain village where we stay comfortably in a homestay. Nithin introduces himself as our guide. We are leaving for 5 days of trekking with our team to accompany us safely. The weather conditions are not favorable to us and yet everyone is smiling and strives to brighten up our days and nights with efficiency and competence. Being a small group is one of the great advantages of Himalaya Shelter.  Despite differences in level, our walks take place in a great conviviality, with a lot of joy and pleasure.  Campfire, tasty and energetic cuisine, high quality sleeping bag, cozy inner layer and thick mattress make us forget rainy and cold weather. Reaching the summit, in the snow, is an emotional moment that we share with great gratitude with our guide. We went back down to Raithal where our things not needed for the trek were transferred to a comfortable homestay. How nice it was to find clean clothes. A new driver, always so serious, took us back to Derhadun. 

Peaceful Memories in nature - Har Ki Dun 

It was a very beautiful trek despite the weather that hid the splendors of the surrounding mountains from us. However, with a team like the one we had, I have wonderful memories of sharing, laughter and warmth in our hearts. After 1 day in Dehradun, a driver comes to pick me up to take me with 2 other Indian trekkers to Sankri. I discover their homestay, a little far from the center for more tranquility, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. What a joy to start this new trek: Har Ki Dun.  After a hearty breakfast as well as dinner the day before, we leave for our starting point: Gangar. Despite very difficult driving conditions, our experienced driver ensures our safety.  We reach our base camp, quietly. My new team is always so considerate and attentive. What a well-being to feel so well supported.  Our trek continues for 2 more nights in the mountains in a camp away from the big noisy groups. I marvel at the landscapes and I thank our young guide, Tanisha, for showing us privileged places with the anticipation of the arrival of the other trekkers for more tranquility. A feeling of always being alone with nature is very appreciable and that is what I came looking for. A very pretty village is worth visiting, very close to the camp, to complete this return to the sources of authenticity. 

Resting time in Sankri - Cozy place 

As my next trek begins 2 days later, I stay in Sankri to enjoy this comfortable and peaceful homestay in this majestic environment. I am pampered like a princess and I feel like I am part of a family with all these beautiful people around me. Despite being the only one to start the Phulara Ridge Trek, cancellations having taken place due to events on the Pakistan border, Bachan maintains the organization. The Juda lake, the valley of rhododendrons are absolutely superb. Unfortunately the weather is not favorable to me on the 2nd stage, rain, fog, wind.  This is why I decide to turn back on the 2nd day rather than continue without any pleasure, without seeing anything and in the difficulty of walking in these conditions. Bachan listens to me and agrees to my decision.  So we return safely to the homestay. Bachan will offer me another trek to compensate for this one while he is not responsible for the weather conditions, nor for my decision. I decide to stay in his haven of peace and enjoy the excursions around, visit the old village, taste their delicious cuisine and rest on their ultra comfortable mattress before my next trek which requires good condition. I am preparing my backpack for the 4th time, reducing it to the bare minimum in order to lighten my steps. Once again, Himalaya Shelter will take care of transferring your unnecessary belongings if you need them. As for me, Bachan arranged for me to make the trip with them rather than leaving from Derhadun. What a wonderful new attention that makes my life easier and allows me to better extend my escape from the urban world. we are joined by 8 other trekkers at our first camp on the banks of the river as well as our 5 mules, all our guides and all the impressive and adequate equipment for this expedition. Bachan and Nithin, 2 experienced guides will be our guardian angels and that is why I feel safe, confident and serene to do this Rupin Pass trek.  The level of the group is disparate, however our guides ensure everyone has fun at their own pace. The mountain always dazzles me with its richness, its diversity and its beauty. However, nature is capricious and sometimes surprises us. The rain, the muddy and slippery paths, the wind make the conditions very difficult for the mules and their masters. Some mishaps happen, however our guides are considerate and assure us, reassure us and take on the unexpected. 

Reaching at the top 

We arrive tired, however the whole team is there to comfort us. We hit the road again the next day rested, determined, and cheerful.  Our next camp, still a little out of the way to preserve our tranquility, is at the foot of the waterfalls and it is absolutely magical. The next day is a difficult day and our guides, far-sighted, ask us to leave at 5 a.m. I will not comment on the participants who are not receptive to advice and who do not take responsibility for their abilities, putting the guides in danger. Arriving at 4700 m above sea level, after passages in the snow with crampons, a steep climb,  always with a lot of attention and thoughtfulness from our guides who know how to assess our abilities, is a very emotional moment where tears of joy roll down my cheeks. The clouds let the sun warm us and allow us to marvel at the 360° view.  what an explosion of happiness to admire this spectacle, what a feeling of smallness in the face of this immensity. The world has true gems in store for us, magnificent treasures to preserve, to protect.

I return to Sankri to store up all these emotions, these sensations, these memories. How can I thank Himalaya Shelter for all their skills, all their attention, all their kindness for allowing us to fully, serenely, and safely enjoy Mother Nature's gifts. My stay in the mountains is over. During the last dinner shared together, it is not tears of joy that roll down the cheeks, but tears of sadness to leave this warm family of Himalaya Shelter.In this world so disturbed, so stressful, so materialistic, meeting such beautiful people is a real gift that gives meaning to your Life.