Monday, December 10, 2007

Kumar Paravatha Trek - A trek to eternity

Better get prepared before you start reading this one. Well , It was indeed a trip to eternity. The nature descended down on us like never before. I was at the right place away from jungle - "Bengaloruu".

How did it all happen ??
People were floating mails on various trekking spots and how to conquer each one of them. Then sprang subbu's mail "Interested for KP trek on Dec 1st & 2nd …J
I want to make to the top this year J anyone game for it :-) " ... I really didn't know it was going to be a big game but just the thought made me interested into going for the trek. And then all the planning was done and everyone was sure we would make it to the peak. We floated almost approx 100 mails to get the things done. Bus tickets , Food , Water , medical stuff etc etc..

The Game Begins:
For every game to be won , we need to do pre match analysis and all the funky stuff to get it going. And here ,we too didnt miss this one. Infact lots of research was put in on how to get there? number of kilometers to cover in a hour? 7 lotta of others stuffs to. But The execution has to be near to perfect to get that done.

Bus journey from bangalore:
A usual friday evening in bangalore, lots of vehcile on the road , traffic that has crossed its limits. Myself and Manan took a richsaw towards Jaya nagar to get the tent and the sleeping bags and we were off to kempe gouda bus stand. Whatever that followed was just inevitable , so please read on.

We started our Trek with expectations - just reaching the Peak





Joined for some quick Team Photo
(… Little did anyone imagine that there will a split in the “Team” – Sharks & Rockers, during the journey )




As is the Indian Cricket Team culture, we huddled together for a quick “Planning” ..




.. And some final Adjustments in the packing ..
We started our trek with bright faces ..





Sitting down on every visible rocks in the name of Photo Shoot …. (Everyone obliging, putting the blame squarely on Subbu)





And Relaxing……… oops read it as Photo-shoot on some benches too.





We got our first view of the Peak & mountains…
Getting many of team members into a high.




Noticing the board “Don't tease animals”….almost everyone in the team was left wondering if there would be boards mentioning, “please don't tease shark/rockers team members”… Pun intended :-)

Though the peak was visible & many were excited…., it really dawned on us that we were delayed in reaching spot by few hours and our energy fast fading out. With the reality drowning upon us, we decided to end our journey toward the peak considering everyones’ endurance level. Team members deciding against splitting up the team & instead spend time together.

Though we failed in the “test of Endurance”, we passed with flying colors in the “test of Team spirit”.





We ended up setting up tents near the mantap, and please find our spirits when you visit the place.




Finally our humble dwelling was ready to be occupied ….
Little did anyone imagine that this will save Good night sleep for many, and for few other brave souls, some more adventure, which went well past midnight.





(Psst….. For few other Discovery channel fans, they felt as if they were below the base camp & the snowstorm hitting their tents at some 400 mph).
Sunset happened so quickly that many were so stuck with its beauty and busy capturing the moment in their mind & soul, that they forget that camera’s was meant for that purpose….. to capture it & look at it and enjoy all those missed moments, when instead you could have enjoyed it at that time.





Night time bought out the real heroes …. (their wives must be really lucky), who braved the fire & chill to provide others the food…





Even at that stage, the most surprise pick of our trekking party, Harsha was left pondering of the missed opportunities. Most importantly he seemed to have realized late his potential. Seeing him in the camp, it should not be a surprise to the team if he starts trekking as his hobby.

Sorry buddy for spoiling the show :)

.. and as usual Manan to his self is not too much bothered with it, he his busy enjoying his culinary skill.

Dawn showcased to us mortal people, how heaven looks like ..





And the reality of how many others has reached it ….





With heavy heart & Empty stomach, we started descend to reach the base & bring alive our taste buds…

(…. Thank Subbu/Mahesh/Harish, for not taking a snap of us eating those breadcrumbs !!!, or else many would be left searching their dictionary for a better explanation than gentlemen)
As is our style, we posed for few more pics to showcase & impress our friends back home – with the background & also sweat in our brows.
Battru is God send to us mortal souls, who venture into such tough trekking place to test their endurance… Below photo showcases what I mean...





Reaching base.. & more Photos




Though we did not reach the peak…… everyone’s thought was filled with these pictures…..




We departed with heavy heart & a smile on our faces,
… With the Joy of enjoying every moment of trek,
… With the maturity level of knowing our physical & mental limits,
(psst…… With the more maturity level of knowing that Subbu should not be given incharge of handling Bus tickets :)
… With the knowledge that it's the Journey & not just destination, which can give you happiness.. So enjoy every moment of you life

.. And With definitely the same thought “ VISIT AGAIN”.





Signing Off with the group photo….







Standing (left- right) Subbu, Arun, Srihari, Dheena , Harsha , Mahesh
Sitting (left - right) Abhinethra , Sumil , Manan , Gopal



~ Regards Subbu/Srihari.

4 comments:

Params said...

Very impressive.. I must say u guys made it a complete trek esp coz of the night stay/cooking out there!
I am adding KP to my hitlist :)

Vijesh said...

One serious difference I felt yours & mine was planning. We had few people in our team who are touching KP for the 4th time. This even helped some one who is doing the trek for the first time ever in his life. One more key is less luggage. :)

Yeah KP should be a def destinations for all serious treakkers.

Vijesh said...

Sri you seem to be busy with work that you posted this travelouge so late :-P

Srihari said...

@params, I guess this is one of the toughtest trek and the best one for trekkers. Also for all those with the lenses with in the hands , it would be a paradise with the nature. But make sure u try out some smaller treks before trying out KP.

@vijesh, I know thw worst part of the trek was carrying the whole stuff , tents, sleeping bags, but finally it pasi off as we had a enjoyable night with the nature.

And on your second comment , its a good joke . I had compiled it long back but just didnt find time to click the submit button :-)...