When I was younger I always wanted to be a altar girl, to serve the priest, to observe the mass more closely and may be to sip some wine. Sadly I never got that opportunity.
Being too old i don’t think I will ever get a chance to be a altar girl but I got a chance to click a pic with those rascals and I grabbed it.
If you have a will ,you will always make a way
Trek was easy with slopes and steep ascend, without rain and leeches. Trail was dry and met many strangers who were returning. Cold packed lunch wasn’t that great but we didn’t had any option.
By the time we reached Sachen it started to drizzle. Thanks to TTH staff they pitched our tent in no time.
Our Mess was bit far away hence we didn’t bother to go back to our tents when we went for our soup. Thanks to the rain, acclimatization was cancelled. Our HR partners showcased their talents by entertaining us. With great difficulty we washed our lunch box in that cold water. Well maintained Indian toilet was very comforting in place surrounded by mules
Far away from civilization there was peace, atleast for a while we didn’t have to worry about the life’s cats race, traffic, work. My tent mate, the Pink lipstick lady was very down to earth and a non-snoring lady, i thanked all my stars for that
Goechala being a defficult trek i was not prepared physically, no running, no walking only eating and more eating, my stomach was like Lord Ganesha’s tummy.” I can do it” i was prepared only mentally
Like always, my dad was assuming i was working from blore, between those 4 walls. It’s not that I didn’t want to inform him it’s just that he can’t imagine me trekking in unknown state. So I have to lay low. ” No , network, don’t call, i will drop a message whenever I can” my mom and sister were asked to follow this guideline no matter what and repeat with sentiments” don’t call her she must be busy” whenever he tried to call me. I was hoping that my dad won’t come to know about my adventure while I am away and my secret will be safe
Been familiar with Bagdogra I felt it like my second home. It was my second visit in last 6months. Same familiar AirBnb, same auto guy, same boring flyover and dust
May 7: I attended the mass early morning buttering god to watch over me and protect me. One can never be safe when it’s mountain we are climbing, 200 things can go wrong.
Finally when I met my trekmates i was” it’s going to be terrible” i found their smile dry like dry grass, ready to get sucked anytime.” Oh boy” was all I could say. But then to compliment lady in pink top with pink lipstick, lady with Bob hair, guy with shy nature and tall guy with “i am so happy” smile lighten the atmosphere.
I was lucky i must say to travel with those 2 ladies and that shy guy. Pink lady was in her early 50s and her trekking experience was amazing, she was passionate, full of energy and ” i don’t give rats ass” atitude. Bob hair lady was our HR partner, very smart, also a trekker and traveler, intelligent too. Shy guy was working in bank and we didn’t give him any chance to speak🤩
Thani was changing gear left, right speeding his car while we spoke this, that and there was a time we were dead silent dozing on and off.
I had missed 2 seasons due to covid and didn’t want to miss this one so i had packed my bags without second thought. It was crazy difficult I knew it, heard a lot, read a lot so wanted to check my caliber.
While Thani zuped his wagonr with full speed on those curves i thought will reach heaven before reaching the mountain. With his upscaled driving skills he dropped us to Yuksom without a scratch on our body. He and we both deserve a medal for that journey.
Trek briefing, document submission, last minute shopping, last bath with packed energy we slept that night in that cozy room on comfortable bed.
To Be Continued…
Been couple of weeks since I am back from the most challenging trek but still can’t get my head around. I miss the trail, the crazy weather, the tents, kitchens boys rap songs followed by their laughter, the cozy candle light soup followed by dinner. Most of all I miss my trek mates, weirdly amazing strangers from different corner of the country.
If you ever visit Mawlynnong, try to stay in the village to have a good experience. Just a day visit doesn’t make any difference. With crowded, annoying tourist blocking your path all you want to do is run.
People are very humble and hospitable as per my friend who enjoyed her stay.
I would recommend double decker living root bridge over this, It’s crowded and overrated
As per our cab driver, the day we visited living root bridge, over 2 lakh tourist visited the place.
SnL World !!! 