DAY11: GUNJI TO NABHIDHANG
Gunji: 3166 mtrs
Nabhidhang: 4324 mtrs
Distance: 18 kms
Time taken: 8 hrs
Today onward WE were under the command of ITBP. WE move when they tell US to move and WE stop when they tell us to stop. WE were all supposed to go in a group and reach Our destination together, not like previous days when the last person is reaching 7 hours after the first person has reached the camp.
Today’s journey was divided in two parts.
Gunji to Kalapani (9 kms)
Kalapani to Nabhidhang (9 kms)
Approximate elevation of Gunji to Nabhidhang
Gunji to Kalapani
Gunji To Kalapani Route on Google Map
WE started from Gunji at Our regular time of 0500 hrs. Few yatrieshave heavy breathing due to the altitude gain the terrain was pretty simple to walk on. Infact it was plain motor able road so the ascent was not harsh. WE were walking along river Kali throughout this stretch and the sights were amazing. Also WE got enough breaks here as invariably WE were the first ones to reach at a stop and then WE were made to wait till the rest of the group collected. Walking as a group served quite a few purposes for the ITBP. One being that there were a few river crossings here and all the ITBP personnel could help the group in crossing them. Also since this region is considered “disputed”, the ITBP personnel could provide adequate security if the group was close and not far and away from each other. Also medical assistance is easier if a Yatri requires so, as there was some ITBP medical staff also walking with us.
With plenty of breaks and walking at a steady pace WE were soon at Kalapani. This is supposed to be the origin of Holy River Kali. ITBP has made a beautifull temple here. Also at Kalapani they had organized tea and refreshments for us. From here one can see the “Vyas Gufa”, according to mythology this is the cave where Sage Vyasa meditated. The cave is on a sheer 90 degrees cliff of a mountain, but ITBP somehow has managed to post a flag in the cave. Also from Kalapani one can see the “Nag Parbat” (weather permitting). The mountains peak resembles the fangs of a Cobra, hence the name.
Also this is the first and the only time when WE cross River Kali and go on the other side. Apparently this part of land has been taken from Nepal on lease by the Govt. At Kalapani we go through Indian emigration and while yatries have breakfast Our passports are stamped and returned back to us.
Kalapani To Nabhidhang
Kalapani to Nabhidhang route on Google Map
After a two hour rest here for breakfast and emigration WE were back on the track towards Nabhidhang. The route got a bit more tough here or maybe it was just that yatries were above 13000 feet hence yatries were feeling it, nevertheless they carried on. Me and My Mother decided to go in the front and coaxed the ITBP head to let US walk fast as WE were told that the best sighting of “Om Parbat” from Nabhidhang would be by before noon, so to get a good view WE had to cover about 9 kms in 1.5 hrs.
WE were not allowed to be too far from the group still WE managed to reach Nabhidhang only by 1100. “Om Parvat” was fully visible. Actually on this particular mountain the snow falls in such a way that it forms the symbol of “OM” hence the name. Sighting of OM is very difficult as this mountain is mostly covered with clouds. Also the mountain next to Om Parvat is called the Nabhi Of Goddess Parvati (Navel of Parvati) hence this region is called Nabhidhang.Soon clouds hoer around Om Parvat
The group had collected pretty quickly as they were not far behind. Hot lunch was served and everybody was back outdoors waiting for the clouds to lift up from Om Parvat. Well the clouds did not lift up properly but still they got a pretty good sighting. Later as the sun was setting it was getting colder and colder, the wind picked up and that added to the chill. Nobody slept in the afternoon as today they would be sleeping as early as possible for tomorrow’s early morning start for Lipulekh
The ITBP is constructing a temple there so yatries. Just ahead lay a helicopter that crashed a few years back. Inspecting the helicopter reminded US again the might of nature and the fury in can roll on us.
By the time WE returned WE got the message that tomorrow’s WE have to start for Lipulekh at 0230 hrs. Here the guides (Tibetan Side) and the ITBP keep in touch thru VHF sets as the crossing of the border for both the batches i.e the one going and the one returning has to coincide with each other.
That meant that WE had to sleep early. WE had dinner, organized our warm clothes for the next day, checked our torches and were off to sleep.
We will be in Tibet tomorrow
Pics from day11
Starting from Gunji
Straight lile as we were supposed to be walking as a group
Road construction going on
ITBP helping us at River crossings
Walking along River Kali
To reach Kalapani we had to go on the other side of River kali
The stream that Ultimately forms the Kali river
ITBP temple and the rest area where they served us hot tea and snacks
The cliff that has Vyas Gufa
Closer view of Vyas Gufa
Nag Parbat almost under clouds
Kalapani emigration and breakfast area
After Kalapani the journey continues thru amazing scenery
Another break for the group to collect
Reaching Nabhidhang
What lays ahead tomorrow!!
The mountain that is called "Nabhi Of Goddess Parvati"
Om Parbat
Remains of the crashed helicopter
Even at 14000 ft cricket finds its place
A satellite telephone booth. Its a bit expensive but yet essential to keep in touch.
End of Day 11
Gunji: 3166 mtrs
Nabhidhang: 4324 mtrs
Distance: 18 kms
Time taken: 8 hrs
Today onward WE were under the command of ITBP. WE move when they tell US to move and WE stop when they tell us to stop. WE were all supposed to go in a group and reach Our destination together, not like previous days when the last person is reaching 7 hours after the first person has reached the camp.
Today’s journey was divided in two parts.
Gunji to Kalapani (9 kms)
Kalapani to Nabhidhang (9 kms)
Approximate elevation of Gunji to Nabhidhang
Gunji to Kalapani
Gunji To Kalapani Route on Google Map
WE started from Gunji at Our regular time of 0500 hrs. Few yatrieshave heavy breathing due to the altitude gain the terrain was pretty simple to walk on. Infact it was plain motor able road so the ascent was not harsh. WE were walking along river Kali throughout this stretch and the sights were amazing. Also WE got enough breaks here as invariably WE were the first ones to reach at a stop and then WE were made to wait till the rest of the group collected. Walking as a group served quite a few purposes for the ITBP. One being that there were a few river crossings here and all the ITBP personnel could help the group in crossing them. Also since this region is considered “disputed”, the ITBP personnel could provide adequate security if the group was close and not far and away from each other. Also medical assistance is easier if a Yatri requires so, as there was some ITBP medical staff also walking with us.
With plenty of breaks and walking at a steady pace WE were soon at Kalapani. This is supposed to be the origin of Holy River Kali. ITBP has made a beautifull temple here. Also at Kalapani they had organized tea and refreshments for us. From here one can see the “Vyas Gufa”, according to mythology this is the cave where Sage Vyasa meditated. The cave is on a sheer 90 degrees cliff of a mountain, but ITBP somehow has managed to post a flag in the cave. Also from Kalapani one can see the “Nag Parbat” (weather permitting). The mountains peak resembles the fangs of a Cobra, hence the name.
Also this is the first and the only time when WE cross River Kali and go on the other side. Apparently this part of land has been taken from Nepal on lease by the Govt. At Kalapani we go through Indian emigration and while yatries have breakfast Our passports are stamped and returned back to us.
Kalapani To Nabhidhang
Kalapani to Nabhidhang route on Google Map
After a two hour rest here for breakfast and emigration WE were back on the track towards Nabhidhang. The route got a bit more tough here or maybe it was just that yatries were above 13000 feet hence yatries were feeling it, nevertheless they carried on. Me and My Mother decided to go in the front and coaxed the ITBP head to let US walk fast as WE were told that the best sighting of “Om Parbat” from Nabhidhang would be by before noon, so to get a good view WE had to cover about 9 kms in 1.5 hrs.
WE were not allowed to be too far from the group still WE managed to reach Nabhidhang only by 1100. “Om Parvat” was fully visible. Actually on this particular mountain the snow falls in such a way that it forms the symbol of “OM” hence the name. Sighting of OM is very difficult as this mountain is mostly covered with clouds. Also the mountain next to Om Parvat is called the Nabhi Of Goddess Parvati (Navel of Parvati) hence this region is called Nabhidhang.Soon clouds hoer around Om Parvat
The group had collected pretty quickly as they were not far behind. Hot lunch was served and everybody was back outdoors waiting for the clouds to lift up from Om Parvat. Well the clouds did not lift up properly but still they got a pretty good sighting. Later as the sun was setting it was getting colder and colder, the wind picked up and that added to the chill. Nobody slept in the afternoon as today they would be sleeping as early as possible for tomorrow’s early morning start for Lipulekh
The ITBP is constructing a temple there so yatries. Just ahead lay a helicopter that crashed a few years back. Inspecting the helicopter reminded US again the might of nature and the fury in can roll on us.
By the time WE returned WE got the message that tomorrow’s WE have to start for Lipulekh at 0230 hrs. Here the guides (Tibetan Side) and the ITBP keep in touch thru VHF sets as the crossing of the border for both the batches i.e the one going and the one returning has to coincide with each other.
That meant that WE had to sleep early. WE had dinner, organized our warm clothes for the next day, checked our torches and were off to sleep.
We will be in Tibet tomorrow
Pics from day11
Starting from Gunji
Straight lile as we were supposed to be walking as a group
Road construction going on
ITBP helping us at River crossings
Walking along River Kali
To reach Kalapani we had to go on the other side of River kali
The stream that Ultimately forms the Kali river
ITBP temple and the rest area where they served us hot tea and snacks
The cliff that has Vyas Gufa
Closer view of Vyas Gufa
Nag Parbat almost under clouds
Kalapani emigration and breakfast area
After Kalapani the journey continues thru amazing scenery
Another break for the group to collect
Reaching Nabhidhang
What lays ahead tomorrow!!
The mountain that is called "Nabhi Of Goddess Parvati"
Om Parbat
Remains of the crashed helicopter
Even at 14000 ft cricket finds its place
A satellite telephone booth. Its a bit expensive but yet essential to keep in touch.
End of Day 11
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