If there is a Heaven on Earth, it is in Kashmir. I realised the proverb the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
When I was young, my dream was to be a wanderlust and travelling to Himalayas. Like many Bengalis I was influenced by the epic travelogue written by Parimal Dey and Umaprasad, the legendary of Bengal.
But now I am 60 plus and around six months back, when our family friend Mr Basu offered for participation in the Himalayan Trek of Kashmir Great Lakes, I did not take it seriously, at least initially.
Age creates physical disabilities. We became slow, our muscle and limbs do not function as it should be. My fear was I should not be a burden to them.
But he continuously encouraged me. One day he intimated that only one seat was left for the batch of 24th to 31st July, 2021 organised by the Tour Agency. and I had to decide without further delay. Having already crossed sixty I had hardly few years to possess required physical abilities for trekking
It was eight days trek covering a distance of around 63 Kms starting from Sonemarg and terminating at Narang at Kashmir. That included one day rest in between. Following seven lakes of Kashmir would be visited namely,
All the above lakes were located at the height of 11500 Ft to 12000 Ft. During our trek we would cover three mountain passes, highest point at 13750 ft.
From Bangalore we had to reach Srinagar. TTH would charge Rs. 14180/- for the trek. This included tent Guide, food and other incidental charges. They also arranged transportation from Srinagar to Sonemarg and returning from Narang to Srinagar of the tour with additional payment of Rs. 1700. One could also opt for offloading their backpack thru Horses with an extra payment of Rs. 2100/. They also offered me 10%!d(MISSING)iscount as a Sr. Citizen.
50%!p(MISSING)ayment to book my seat, my hesitation still remained. The Tour Organiser Brochure mentioned in detail the requirements for preparation. I was worried when I read that the participant should have the ability 5 Kilometer distance within 30 minutes. I started jogging and intermittent running around 4 to 5 Kms daily, but never reached to that standard.
I did not have a Himalayan trekking experience in last thirty years. In their brochure they attached a list of various items essential for the trek. Thus I had to procure many items locally from Decathlon Stores in Bangalore, including the Rucksack, Headlight, a polling stick . Many of those items later became critical in my journey.
Around one month back prior to the journey date, when I finally checked for the flight tickets, airfares for direct flight from Bangalore to Srinagar and back skyrocketed. Fare with a break journey via Delhi cheaper and I opted for that.
For the balance payment I was advised to wait for some time of the first trekking team of the season during first week of July, 21. Fortunately news of their safe arrival back to Srinagar
As per organiser norms, the incumbent trekker had to submit a Medical Fitness Certificate which I thought would be a cakewalk. But the real twist was waiting here. The first doctor whom I met looked at me as if I had been an idiot. His first reaction was Dont go to Kashmir, you will be shot by terrorist! When I said I already crossed sixty, no regret even I die, he advised me to visit a Pulmonologist first (name he suggested) and take his clearance. Next doctor was in our neighbourhood, he advised to have series of investigation thru his clinic and then came back.
I was disappointed. I was expressing my plight to our friend, he said No Problem and assured me help for collecting a Fitness Certificate. But I was in two minds to take his help and try my luck for the last time. I visited Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore. Fortunately, Dr. Girish was a young physician, checked the essentials, asked about my trip and encouraged me to go for the same. I was delighted to receive the Fitness Certificate.
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