Roopkund - My second sojourn in Himalaya (Part 2)

Part 1: Preparation and Journey
Part 2: Lohajung to Didna Village (You are currently reading this.)
Part 3: Didna to Bedni Bugiyal
Part 4: Bedni Bugiyal to Pathar Nachani
Part 5: Pathar Nachani to Baghwabasa
Part 6: Baghwabasa-Roopkund-Bedni Bugiyal-Wan

We arose before the crack of dawn, had a much needed bath considering next six days would be in the wild without any luxury of hot water and bath would be the last thing on our minds.

Venturing into the unknown territory of Himalaya made me little nervous. I was going to experience the moments which would be cherished for my lifetime and would be probably remembered on my deathbed.

Mahindra Bolero was arranged for us to take us to Loha Jung village, our starting point for the trek.We gained some more altitude as we drove through the scenic routes of Himalaya. Breathtaking sights welcomed us as we reached the base village of Loha Jung. 

We were escorted to a big lodging house as soon as we reached the base village. In the backyard of this lodging, we were served the breakfast of Aloo Paratha. Tea followed the breakfast and after putting our extra luggage at one of the rooms in this lodging, we had a small introduction round and in the crisp morning, we started our hike towards Didna village - our first camp en route to Roopkund.

Introduction in progress for other trekking group:

Our group of Himalayan Climbers:

Initially there was a gradual descent which reminded me of similar starting trail of my last Himalayan trek Har-Ki-Dun. White rocks flanking the trail on the left side accompanied us for a while. Apparently road construction has just started on this trail.

Crossing the stream along the way

Few forest officials had come up to this point and were complaining about the particular trekking organisation who had not entered the trekkers’ information and had not paid the fees as well. On further investigation, to my dismay I came to know leader of our group Neeraj Joshi - founder of Himalayan Climber had not completed the required formalities. These forest officials were really mad about Neeraj Joshi. Neeraj was nowhere to be seen and they could not do anything but to curse him. As we hadn't heard Neeraj's side of story, we did not judge him immediately but definitely he did not seem popular within the forest officials. 

After talking with these officials who assured that they would not trouble trekkers from his group, we marched ahead. Now, the trail was within the forest with large trees on both sides of the trail. 

I was hiking alongside of Amol Chandurkar. Few of the members from our group had already gone far ahead while few of the ones were still behind us.

We waited at a large stream, got rejuvenated with the icy cold water of the stream, and crossed the small bridge to start our climb on a really steep mountain.

Climbing on this steep mountain was really exhausting and it did not seem to be ending. We came across many trekkers from other groups taking extended rest during the ascent. We did not want to cool our bodies and kept on pushing with very short breaks.

We were elated to see a small village tucked in the laps of mighty Himalaya. After seeing few of our group members, I thought that this was our lunch spot before resuming hike again but during discussion I realized that this is our first camp. I was surprised to reach to the camp site so early. Surprised I put down my backpack, secured a bed in the dormitory and perched on the chair to relax and to observe the hustle and bustle outside of the camp site.

Group members from Trek the Himalayas were staying adjacent to our dormitory. Soon hot lunch was served to us.

A small kid was having a lot of fun outside running in the large front yard of the house. We all pleaded her to remain stationary for a while but she was indulging on her own world and was acting very mischievously. After showing her few photographs of hers, she giggled and remained with us to allow us to click few of her adorable pictures. All the fatigue of the day evaporated instantly after spending some quality time with this cute little princess.

After lunch as we were relaxing in the guest house, sunny weather gave way to cloudy weather and soon it started raining. Gradually intensity of the rain increased. Signs were ominous and we did not feel good about this thunderous rain as it was just first day of our trek and we had to spend another five days in the wilderness of Himalaya. As rain was definitely not in our control, instead of worrying too much, we just sat back and enjoyed the sights of our first rains duriing the trek.

After pelting the whole region for about an hour, rain finally receded. Just few minutes before we had thought that we would be confined in our dormitory for the remaining day, rain seemed to take pity on us and weather miraculously got clear much to our ecstasy.

Evening was bright and sunny and we took a relaxed stroll across the cobbled pathways in the village. Small beautiful houses scattered on the slanting slopes with the beautiful backdrops of layers of towering Himalayan Mountains made us wonder in awe. I was not carrying the camera and just soaking in in this spectacular vista. As the great nature's display was unleashing in front of us, I started missing my camera and rushed back to the house. Unfortunately, sunshine had vanished as I came out. As other group members had gone ahead, I slowly walked on the trail spending few moments of solitude, perched on one of the rocks on a small fencing and just kept on watching the wondrous nature. Some really indescribable moments that would remain with me for a long, long time!

As the evening wore on, whole region gradually got enveloped with the darkness. We chatted as hot soup was served to us. It was early dinner for us and after a while, we retired inside our rooms. There was nothing much to do and after chatting for a while, we fell asleep in anticipation of the next exciting day.

Part 1: Preparation and Journey
Part 2: Lohajung to Didna Village (You are currently reading this.)Part 3: Didna to Bedni Bugiyal
Part 4: Bedni Bugiyal to Pathar Nachani
Part 5: Pathar Nachani to Baghwabasa Part 6: Baghwabasa-Roopkund-Bedni Bugiyal-Wan